THE CURE – Wild Mood Swings

Event: RSD DROPS 2021 – July 17
Release Date: 7/17/2021
Format: 2 x LP Picture Disc
Label: Elektra
Quantity: 8,000

Review

This is special 25th anniversary release is a true fan delight. Although not the most popular of The Cure’s albums, this is certainly an very good one. If anything, the design and color scheme alone is worth a second look. I was able to get one of those limited release units by standing in line at Southtown vinyl in San Antonio Texas.

Picture vinyl tends to appeal to many people who are not necessarily audiophiles. It can be a real gimmick. They are beautiful to look at in many cases, especially if they are designed well but they can cause sound quality issues. As a big Cure fan and child of the 80s, I took that chance to see how they did on this release. The results were a quiet plate with smooth and even tones on the sound.

I love what they did with the picture story windows. The cover itself is a high-quality cardboard and is not easily bent. With the picture story window you get a great look at the beautiful vinyl inside. This double LP release gives them the ability to show off the second album on the back, where the same concept is there with the picture story window. The liner notes include all the lyrics to the songs and more great content in terms of design.

I can’t emphasize enough how the bright colors and saturation of this album will knock your socks off. It is so visually appealing not only in the package but also on the turntable. Watching that clown spin is something else.

My only concern about this release are the long-term viability of the picture vinyl. If it causes sound quality issues later by breaking down that certainly would be a downer. That said I will enjoy it while I can. It also had some flaking around the center that may be a problem down the road. It was very slight but it may be something that gets agitated and becomes worse over time.

Overall this is a beautiful album and sounds great. I am not concerned about sound quality on this album at all. I am excited to have a limited edition print and will be hanging onto it. For those that buy these types of albums to resell at high prices Man I am sad for you.