However, the cassette version of this album is a definate recomendation! It contains most of the songs avaliable on the cd and a "B-side" collection of unreleased songs from "Boys Don't Cry" all the way up to "The Head on the Door." There are some very interesting songs on the b-side that express how multi-dimensional the band can be. And some of the Cure's rejected songs sound better than a lot of bands released material!

Either way, being a long time fan of Robert Smith and The Cure, you could hardly go wrong with either medium, though the cassette will definately put you through so many moods you will need a psychiatrist when you are done listening!


Missing so much   December 22, 2005
 7 out of 9 found this review helpful

The original tape (yes I said tape as in cassette - released in 1986) had all of these songs merely as Side A. Side B had 12 bonus b-side tracks which can be found on Join the Dots, released 19 years later. Until then, the analog version of Staring at the Sea was the only place to find such tracks as New Day, I'm Cold, Throw Your Foot and and Mr. Pink Eyes other than tracking down the original 45s and 12" records. This CD is The Cure in it's prime, but for an old fan feels like only buying half an album - and only the half I already have at that. If you want the B side of the tape, go buy Join the Dots instead.


Cure's unique sound   May 12, 2000
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

The Cure have a true distinctive sound. This compilation is a must for anyone knew to the Cure, but it's also great for anyone looking for the perfect Cd to throw on at a party. All the hits are here up until 1986, and they include such gems as 'Let's go to Bed', 'Love Cats' and 'In Between Days'.

The Cure made an important contribution to music in the early 80's and their continued existence proves that they have true staying power.

My favourite Cure song of all time is 'Friday I'm in Love', such a feel good song. You'll find that on the next compilation 'Galore' which is the hits from 1987 onwards.

'Standing on the Beach' is pure art, and should be in any collection.


This album is classic with the perfect sad, yet unique sound   December 6, 1998
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

The CD is a brilliant example of everlasting musical brilliance. The somewhat melancholic sound of the cure on this jewel is unique. I think the band itself never ever came close again to this. A forest is my personal favorite: excellent sound, excellent text, perfect sung. 10 numbers on this cd are **Perfect**. The rest needs a little listening to learn to enjoy.. but all is almighty good. A MUST HAVE for every true music fan.


Expansive Effort   June 17, 2003
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

I'm not a huge fan of The Cure. I just picked this cd up on a whim after reading a couple of reviews about them. I could safely say that this collection of singles was an excellent buy, offering some remarkable songs that will get stuck in your head for weeks. For me, the middle of the cd gets a little dull- songs 6 through 12 don't do much for me. The first and last tracks however, are well worth the cost of this cd alone. Boys Don't Cry and Jumping Someone Else's Train are great songs in the beginning, and the cd closes strongly with some excellent tracks like Love Cats, In Between Days and Caterpillar. I implore any proselytes of The Cure to give this a go. For me, it served as a wonderful introduction to a very important, seminal band from the 70s and 80s. For the most part, Robert Smith's vocals are awesome, and the music is great as well. You Won't be disappointed.