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Dec 15, 2011 Web Exclusive By Laura Studarus

Bestival Live 2011 (recorded live at England’s Bestival festival in September—hence the clever title) is an overwhelming 32 tracks of classic Cure. It’s easy to see why the band has managed to maintain their cool over the years. The goofy, goth face paint may look dated, but frontman Robert has not only managed to maintain his voice better than the majority of his contemporaries (see: Ian McCulloch and Simon Le Bon), but actually remembers the words to trademark tunes—many which are now over 30 years old.

The album should serve as both a challenge to younger bands to up their live game and a particularly dynamic treat for fans. Mopetastic standout albums such as Disintegration may have established the band as the godfathers of gloom, but the West Sussex quartet know how to have fun while performing, delivering effervescent album-ready renditions. The standout exception to their workhouse brilliance is “Love Cats,” which features the addition of questionable, but light-hearted vocal scatting.

Feel-good bonus: all profits go to benefit Isle of Wight Youth Trust, a group that offers counseling, advice, information and support services to young people on The Isle of Wight, where Bestival takes place (www.thecure.com)

Author rating: 7/10