The Cure “Faith” released 40 years ago today, April 14th, 1981. Faith is The Cure’s third LP; it’s gloomy and gorgeous, hopelessly dark, and perfectly gothic post-punk. One publication rates it as the best goth album ever released. Faith went to #14 in the UK, propelled by its sole single released, just about a month before the album: “Primary” (#43 UK) and it is one of my favorite early Cure songs. Its chugging melody and rhythm provided by dual bass and pedals, no guitar, no keys and the line “The very first time I saw your face, I thought of a song and quickly changed the tune. The very first time I touched your skin, I thought of a story and rushed to reach the end too soon” is just the best. But most of the album is significantly more downbeat in most beautifully depressing way possible with spacious atmospheric soundscapes practically dripping off the vinyl: “The Holy Hour,” “The Funeral Party” and “All Cats Are Grey” (that track, and “The Drowning Man” quite literally goth inspired by the Gormenghast books by Mervyn Peake that take place in a decaying Gothic castle) are perfect examples. Our copy is a double-LP reissue import that includes the non-LP single “Charlotte Sometimes” released in October 1981 (#44 UK) as well as some demos and outtakes (i.e. “Going Home Time” and “Forever”).