Album Info
Record Store Day 2024 Australian Vinyl Release
This vinyl record will be available to buy online from 9am on Monday 22nd April. It will be first come first serve and there is a maximum purchase limit of one record per release (you can buy as many records as you want but not multiples of the same record) and there are no holds.
2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of The Cure’s 5th studio album, ‘The Top’. First Time on Picture Disc
| Artist: | The Cure |
| Album: | The Top (Picture Disc LP) |
| Released: | April 20, 2024 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Shake Dog Shake | |
| A2 | Birdmad Girl | |
| A3 | Wailing Wall | |
| A4 | Give Me It | |
| A5 | Dressing Up | |
| B1 | The Caterpillar | |
| B2 | Piggy In The Mirror | |
| B3 | The Empty World | |
| B4 | Bananafishbones | |
| B5 | The Top |
PLEASE NOTE: Information provided on this page about this specific Record Store Day release including tracklists and any images may be incomplete or inaccurate as not all information is available about the final release at this stage. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available closer to Record Store Day about the specific vinyl releases.
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
PLEASE NOTE: The following album review is general information about the original record release and may not be releveant to this specfic vinyl release for Record Store Day 2024.
"The Top" by The Cure is an album that stands out for its eclectic and experimental nature within the band's discography. Released in 1984, this fifth studio album by the British post-punk band The Cure showcases a period of intense creativity and exploration for the group, particularly for its lead singer and principal songwriter, Robert Smith.
The album opens with "Shake Dog Shake," a raw and energetic track that sets a darker tone with its gritty guitar work and Smith's brooding vocals. This opening track signals a departure from the band's earlier, more straightforward post-punk sound, introducing a more complex and layered approach to their music.
One of the defining characteristics of "The Top" is its diversity in sound and style. Across the album, The Cure explores a variety of musical landscapes, from the psychedelic swirl of "The Caterpillar," which became one of the album's singles, to the somber and introspective "Dressing Up." This range showcases Smith's versatility as a songwriter and the band's ability to traverse different emotional and sonic territories.
The title track, "The Top," is a particularly compelling example of the album's experimental edge. Featuring a mix of Middle Eastern-inspired melodies and a hypnotic rhythm, the song stands as a testament to The Cure's willingness to push beyond the boundaries of post-punk and gothic rock.
Lyrically, "The Top" delves into themes of disillusionment, inner turmoil, and the search for identity. Smith's lyrics are introspective and often surreal, reflecting the personal struggles and existential questions that permeate the album. His ability to convey complex emotions through vivid imagery and metaphor adds depth to the music, making the album a rich and engaging listening experience.
The production of "The Top" contributes significantly to its unique sound. The album's lush and sometimes disorienting soundscapes are the result of adventurous production techniques and the use of a wide range of instruments, from synthesizers and flutes to saxophones and strings. This layered production enhances the album's dreamlike quality, drawing listeners into The Cure's distinctive world.
Despite its experimental nature, "The Top" contains moments of pop sensibility, as evidenced by tracks like "The Caterpillar." These moments of accessibility provide a counterbalance to the album's more avant-garde elements, demonstrating The Cure's ability to blend the experimental with the melodic.
In conclusion, "The Top" by The Cure is an album that reflects a band in a state of transition and exploration. Its diversity in sound and style, combined with Smith's introspective and often surreal lyrics, make it a standout work in The Cure's discography. While it may not have achieved the commercial success of some of the band's later albums, "The Top" remains a fascinating listen for fans and newcomers alike, offering a glimpse into the creative process of one of post-punk's most enduring bands.