I’m not sure if there’s a band that I can claim as my favorite of all time, because the reality is I have a different favorite every day. This process of choosing one favorite over all others seems futile. But, for me, The Cure, is about as close as it gets. For me, their music is irreplaceable. There are things that I feel when I put on a Cure record that I can’t experience with anything else. For the month of June, I hope to share some of this as a I cover a different Cure song each day – counting down from #30 to #1. And, in this case, I have no qualms stating my #1. #30DaysofTheCure
U.S. original release: Pornography (1982) - Track 6
Ranking: 8
I’m a late bloomer to The Cure’s fourth studio album, considered by many to be among their finest recordings, maybe only bested by Disintegration. The album is incredibly confident, distinct and, most importantly, influential. Pornography is considered to be a significant milestone in the development of gothic rock. While it may not be one of the band’s more accessible outputs, it seems to get better with time. Casual fans might like One Hundred Years and The Hanging Garden best, but “A Strange Day” is my favorite standalone track from the record – and clocks in at my #8 spot.
While I stand by my words that the entire Pornography album has aged extremely well, “A Strange Day” takes things to another level. Not just a blueprint for goth rock, the track is a foreshadowing of post-punk revival. It recalls sounds that began resurfacing in the early 2000s from bands like Editors and Interpol. The instrumental refrain at the 3:30 mark is especially reminiscent of Interpol’s debut album, Turn On The Bright Lights. “A Strange Day” is a dark, monumental display of Smith, Gallup and Tolhurst in complete lock step – from the cold, calculating snare hits and grating guitar riff to the haunting keyboard chords and trickling sound effects.
“Held for one moment I remember a song. An impression of sound. Then everything is gone forever.”