An 80s pop milestone which still stands the test of time
00 Diablo | Oakland, CA | 08/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Bubble Gum Goth"? I like that term. But I probably differ from a previous reviewer in that I think it describes a sound that should be celebrated, admired, and strived for - not dismissed as teenybopper pop. However, I agree in retrospect that much of the Cure's mid-80s output now sounds tiresome and a bit dated.
So "Disintegration" not only marked a solid return to form for the band, but a career-defining piece of musical genius which effortlessly melded many of their previous styles into a cohesive whole. It still sounds great today, including the classic "Love Song" and under-rated "Fascination Street" - name another tune which so effectively combines such a hugely massive wall of layered intertwined guitar parts into a pop song that got significant radio and MTV interplay at the time, but seems almost forgotten today.
And yes, the album really helped take their live shows to a totally higher level. That 5 piece lineup was operating like a well-oiled machine in concert between '89 and '92 and could do no wrong as a live band at that time. Their live shows are not even close today. Bring back Boris! (and the Fender guitars while they're at it)"