The Cure: Bestival Live 2011
The Cure
Sunday Best Recordings
The Cure has enjoyed mainstream success with a niche sound that, after the brightest lights of fame faded, has maintains a dedicated core following. These pockets of unwavering support will no doubt snatch up each and every boxed set, best of and live album put out by the unkempt Goth King Robert Smith. But with four live albums and no less than 10 compilations preceding it, Bestival Live 2011 seems unnecessary. The recording is faithful to the band’s trademark tones, but in other areas, it falls short. The purpose of a live album is to give the listener a glimpse into the concert experience; but this only occasionally reminds you that it’s not being taped in some small, poorly lit basement. The crowd overtakes the music at times, and Smith also sounds out of breath through much it, as if it’s difficult for him to get through the same songs he’s been playing for 30+ years. Certainly, this recording will be snatched up by die-hard fans . . . but what’s not certain is whether it’s worth their time. (Kevin Longrie)
