As part of Rhino Record’s The Cure re-issues in two-disc deluxe edition CDs, the label has also released singer Robert Smith’s side project The Glove’s only album ‘Blue Sunshine.’ While the album (now available in the Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) is not as good as Smith’s work with The Cure, fans of the singer may still want to check it out.
The re-release of ‘Blue Sunshine’ is an extra treat from Rhino Records – who are also releasing the three albums The Cure recorded between 1984 and 1987. The releases all feature a remastered finish, and a second disc filled with previously unreleased music and rarities.
The albums, which include ‘The Top,’ ‘The Head on the Door,’ and ‘Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,’ also come with a very nice insert booklet that has the album’s lyrics and photos of the band. For ‘Blue Sunshine’ the booklet contains pictures of Smith with The Glove’s other members and the story of how the album and side project came to be.
The Glove featured Robert Smith and longtime-friend Siouxsie & The Banshees’ bass player Steve Severin, and was formed in 1983. They took their name from a character in the film “Yellow Submarine.”
‘Blue Sunshine’ is a good album, and it is easy to see Smith’s influence on the CD – although he didn’t write all of the songs and doesn’t lend his vocals until the fourth track “Mr. Alphabet Says.” Jeanette Landray sang most of the album’s lead vocals, with the exception of two Smith leads.
It is filled with the moody style of music that fans of The Cure will enjoy, but also lacks some of the group’s signature sound – which isn’t a bad thing since this isn’t a Cure album. At times, ‘Blue Sunshine’ drifts into a electronic pop sound that echoes more of early Depeche Mode – which makes sense considering Smith described ‘Blue Sunshine’ as “a diverse excursion into experimental pop”
Cure fans will be especially excited by the reissue’s bonus disc - which features Smith’s original vocal versions of the album’s demo tracks. Since the main reason I wanted to listen to the album was because of Robert Smith, I personally liked the second disc better than the first, and I think it was smart of Rhino Records to include it in the deluxe edition.
‘Blue Sunshine’ is a good album, but it is not one that I would highly recommend. Cure fans may be a little disappointed in the album’s electronic pop direction, and lack of Smith’s presence on the first disc. It is worth taking a listen, but remember this CD is not an album from The Cure.
‘Blue Sunshine’ Two-Disc Deluxe Edition is now available at Amazon . Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.
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