Don't Understand Robert's Mixed Feelings
B. Metzger | Owasso, OK USA | 08/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"about this album. With the exception of Foxy Lady, it's mint. It's always been one of my favorite Cure albums. The title track, along with Another Day really make the album for me. I like the rich imagery of both of them. Robert's the unrivalled master of writing rich, evocative, mood-setting tunes. There isn't anything else I could say about this album that hasn't already been said. This era(77-83) has long been my favorite and TIB is a great representation of it. Long Live The Cure-the best band ever."
The Cure Classics that Made Us Fall in Love with the Band
Diane Mcgough | Lake Oswego, OR | 03/31/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Singer Robert Smith's music has been overshadowed by his big goth image, pale complexion, teased hair, red lipstick and all black clothing. People seem to focus on that and not what a great songwriter he is. Hopefully Rhino Record's ambitious campaign of deluxe reissues will start to change that. beginning with "Three Imaginary Boys" (which was only available as an import for many years). It features some of the best Cure classics like "Boy's Don't Cry", "Killing An Arab" and "Jumping Someone Else's Train" which I remember rockin' out to in the '80's and loved singing along with as well.
The original album was recorded in a mere five nights with some of the nights the band snuck into the studio after hours and borrowed another bands' equipment. "Three Imaginary Boys" is the original release with the added demo versions and live tracks of the hits that made us fall in love with the band in the first place."
A mixed bag
Jeff Topham | Louisville, KY USA | 09/07/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I want to like this series of reissues a whole lot more than I do. The sound quality is great, and the lean, angular sounds of this album are given a new punch and sparkle through the remastering.
My first hesitation is that Rhino has released the album in its original UK version. Not many folks might agree with me, but I find the US version (which I grew up with) far superior, largely due to the replacement of the UK version's weakest tracks with superb singles like "Boys Don't Cry" and "Jumping Someone Else's Train." These tracks are included on the bonus disc, but Rhino has--frustratingly--left off those singles' superb B-sides, "10:15 Saturday Night" and "Plastic Passion," both of which appeared on the US version. Given that Rhino has included an entire second disc, there's really no reason not to include these tracks. A missed opportunity.
The Cure's B-sides and rarities have already been compiled on a box set, so the bonus discs in this series consist largely of demos and live recordings. With the exception of the singles mentioned above, the bonus disc here is interesting mainly as an historical curiosity. This is something most folks will listen to once and never again.
My final hesitation comes with the $25 price tag--which seems awfully high to pay for a remastered album and a second disc consisting almost entirely of home demos. Other labels have released similarly expanded versions and managed to keep the price under $20.
Rhino is also releasing the Cure's catalog in remastered, single disc format, so folks who are deterred by the high price should just wait around a bit."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1