[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
The Cure — Fascination Street
Album: Disintegration
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3212









Released: 1989
Length: 5:09
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Oh, it's opening time down on Fascination Street
So let's cut the conversation and get out for a bit
Because I feel it all fading and paling and I'm begging
To drag you down with me, to kick the last nail in

Yeah, I like you in that, like I like you to scream
But if you open your mouth, then I can't be responsible
For quite what goes in or to care what comes out
So just pull on your hair, just pull on your pout

And let's move to the beat like we know that it's over
If you slip going under, slip over my shoulder
So just pull on your face, just pull on your feet
And let's hit opening time down on Fascination Street

So pull on your hair, pull on your pout
Cut the conversation, just open your mouth
Pull on your face, pull on your feet
And let's hit opening time down on Fascination Street

Down on Fascination Street
Down on Fascination Street
Down on Fascination Street
On Fascination Street
Comments (241)add comment
Having just seen The Cure on their latest tour I find that one cannot deny their longevity and the fact that there were people in the crowd of all age groups enjoying their music.  Never in my life would I ever had imagined that this band I heard clear back in the early '80's for the first time would still be a part of my life 40 years later.  Is that what a fan is?
 user4176 wrote:

7 for the music +1 for the times it comes from :-)



Love the Cure, but they don't get a +1 for a cool band name. Definitely a +1 for the times they come from though!
 nomnol wrote:
I may be echoing previous sentiments but the more I listen to the Cure, the more I realize what a fan I am.    

Same here, never knew of them until I tuned it to RP.
The bass and percussion lay down such an incredible foundation for this track, its like an oozing oppressive atmosphere.

Makes me feel like i'm walking on the damp concrete around Chernobyl...
ah, so great!
the louder you turn it up, the better it gets - just do it!
and then listen to it again as live version on "entreat". i know in the comments the bass line is mentioned but as a drummer i have to say: this and the other songs have such a straight drum line, just variations at every end of a sequence that are just brilliant.
One of my all time favourite albums from start to finish! Brings back memories!
The brilliant Porl Thompson all over this
I may be echoing previous sentiments but the more I listen to the Cure, the more I realize what a fan I am.    
The Cure sure were fans of that squealy, bird-like effect.
 justin4kick wrote:
Down on Vaccination Street

 
Luckily, here's The Cure!

Down on Vaccination Street

Coolest. Bass. Ever.
Perfectly fits the mood I'm in today.
love love love this song.
One of my all time favourites and brilliant track to be played on keyboards.

And that killer bass line... Oooh.
 Redpoint wrote:
Never been a big Cure fan. But this is a stellar track. Love the driving bass.
 

Oh, You have to listen "Cure Live in Orange" I think, is there every track is more cool then studio recording one!
Porl Thompson's guitar work makes this 
Good follow up to Plant a bit ago!
 user4176 wrote:
7 for the music +1 for the times it comes from :-)

 
That is a very good way of rating - I have been trying to come up with a rating system myself and justifying it to others who may not relate to 'the time'.  Well done user4176.

This is a 7+1 from me too! 
summer nights - hot humid air - mix tape on - nuff said..........
7 for the music +1 for the times it comes from :-)
i can be a brooding emo at times love it 9
Never been a big Cure fan. But this is a stellar track. Love the driving bass.
Yass 10 from me for this great AGAIN
 Sakkerju wrote:
The Cure....AGAIN

 
yeah ain't it cool, Bill knows how to spin those records
I got it at 8
 thewiseking wrote:
ah, the guitar and the bass, perfectly mixed with the monotonous vocals. perfection. 

 
Monotonous? {#Ask} Surely not.
 bttcld66 wrote:
A M A Z I N G !!!
Bill, next time play the MixUp version, please!!

 
I thing that this version not so bad) But Mixed Up vesion a little bit stronger!)
ah, the guitar and the bass, perfectly mixed with the monotonous vocals. perfection. 
 bttcld66 wrote:
A M A Z I N G !!!
Bill, next time play the MixUp version, please!!

 
Yes, the MixUp version is cool. I remember buying this cd and the sticker on the packaging stated "mixed to play loud or something to that effect" {#Cool}
A M A Z I N G !!!
Bill, next time play the MixUp version, please!!
 trevc wrote:
Whine, whine, yuck.

 
 ashmj000 wrote:

Who, Robert or you?


{#Wink}
This has to be one of my favourite songs off one of my favourite albums of all time. What an emotional trip.
 nicP wrote:
Disintegration one of my favorites album of ever.
Fascination street is hypnotic beautiful ..

 
Agreed {#Yes}
Disintegration one of my favorites album of ever.
Fascination street is hypnotic beautiful ..
Grew up in the eighties and couldn't stand that band, just like Depeche Moan. Today I realise The Cure were actually the prolegomena of techno. That's why they got SO successful.
 trevc wrote:
Whine, whine, yuck.

 
Who, Robert or you?
Whine, whine, yuck.
there it is - my daily blast of The Cure - thanks RP!
I can't image the feeling when an artist sits back and listens to the end result of their efforts for the first time.  Pass the cigars, boys....  10.
So good until he starts to sing.
Me likey like!
{#Dance} 
 FrnaZ wrote:
I find the bass line too repetitive (as it is very present in the mix).

 
I can see why some folks may find it repetitive, especially with its being mixed so high, but in most pop, rock, funk,or soul music, bass lines - being a major part of the rhythm section - are required to be repetitive, especially in a song with this sort of groove.  Incidentally, this song does not use a "robo-drummer" as alleged below; at most it's a loop of live drums played by their drummer.
What's not to like here?.....A great track
 FrnaZ wrote:
I find the bass line too repetitive (as it is very present in the mix).
 
I was noticing how up-front the bass is. Mixed almost like a lead instrument.
Agreed. It's hard to tell sometimes if the top banner's playlist is current. When I saw Fascination Street I was really hoping it was not. Ended up muting it. 

kingart wrote:
I don't want to hear this very often. Like, once every five years. It's just not that fascinating. Repeated listenings would make my skull throb. Robodrumming and full of angst. 

 


Classic. And yes the sound is VERY dense and dark.
A loved one. Then and still..
I don't want to hear this very often. Like, once every five years. It's just not that fascinating. Repeated listenings would make my skull throb. Robodrumming and full of angst. 
 Sakkerju wrote:
The Cure....AGAIN
 
Lighten up, it's their extended version.  
Wow, nice segue from: Police - Invisible Sun
very nice song!
The Cure....AGAIN
 Imkirok wrote:

Came here to say the same thing.  Headphones on, volume up!


 
{#High-five}
 helgigermany wrote:

I would never tell so many things about my private life. Otherwise we could never be able to relate her ideas, when she did not tell us all this things. I miss very much her inspired comments!
 

Yes, I know what you mean...  I hope you are having a very nice time right this minute...

love this song...
 
 Lazarus wrote:


Well said...  we miss you, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
 
I would never tell so many things about my private life. Otherwise we could never be able to relate her ideas, when she did not tell us all this things. I miss very much her inspired comments!
My favorite song to use for Guitar Hero warm-up.
 Cynaera wrote:

You continue to make me laugh in delight.  It's Friday, near noon as I type this, and my day has already landed in hell in a very uncomfortable hand-basket. Bro and I were supposed to take four of our cats to the vet for booster shots, but it was like herding drunks - we'd get one in the carrier and when we corralled the second one, the first one would escape. At one point, we almost had three in the carrier, but then one squirmed out and the others followed. We finally called the vet and apologized. We're re-scheduled for tomorrow, but I suspect it'll be more of the same. So - I'm nursing a vodka and tonic with a slice of lemon, and listening to this song with a silly grin on my face (well, that's the only kind of grin I have.)  Here's to three-day weekends, a Zen job, and furry four-footers that may someday make lovely boot-linings. {#Roflol}
 

Well said...  we miss you, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
I've been never heard this song and The Cure. 
My very favorite Cure song! 
 JIan wrote:
Definitely one of my favorite Cure songs.   {#Clap}
 
Came here to say the same thing.  Headphones on, volume up!

I find the bass line too repetitive (as it is very present in the mix).
8->9
Lovin' this BASS-RIDE; Tame Impala's 'Elephant,' Joe Strummer's 'Get Down Moses,' The Police's 'Invisible Sun,' and now a trip down this seething, urgent 'Fascination Street'...thanks RP for tapping well into THE FOUNDING GROUNDING GROOVE this sunny morn, as I sit back, watch the electrified leaves flutter down to Earth, and try to relish these last gasps of exquisite Indian Summer before some Real Cold rolls back in...
 JIan wrote:
Definitely one of my favorite Cure songs.   {#Clap}
 
Agree!{#Dancingbanana}
Definitely one of my favorite Cure songs.   {#Clap}
Freakin' SURREAL, man!  Sometimes this thing just whaps you upside the head; love it!
thank you, reminded me just how good the Cure are.... (were?)..... no, make that ARE :-)
{#Daisy}
Epic.
this song, and most cure songs, really - but especially this one, always makes me think of BCNH from early days of RP.

wherever you are, BCNH, i hope you're well
 Misterfixit wrote:
If you listen to this track backwards you will cut yourself.
 
It's all about protecting somebody......and to have bandages on hand, anyway

makes me wanna spin round tha room
smiling, laughing, just swimming in nostalgia...
lets move to the beat...
{#Sunny} 
I love RP because I — as a 99%er — love 99% of the music.  For me, The Cure is part of the 1 %.{#No}
If you listen to this track backwards you will cut yourself.
Killer song from one exceptionally killer album.  Today's playlist is not disappointing so far... :)
This song is wonderfully menacing.
 Cynaera wrote:

You continue to make me laugh in delight.  It's Friday, near noon as I type this, and my day has already landed in hell in a very uncomfortable hand-basket. Bro and I were supposed to take four of our cats to the vet for booster shots, but it was like herding drunks - we'd get one in the carrier and when we corralled the second one, the first one would escape. At one point, we almost had three in the carrier, but then one squirmed out and the others followed. We finally called the vet and apologized. We're re-scheduled for tomorrow, but I suspect it'll be more of the same. So - I'm nursing a vodka and tonic with a slice of lemon, and listening to this song with a silly grin on my face (well, that's the only kind of grin I have.)  Here's to three-day weekends, a Zen job, and furry four-footers that may someday make lovely boot-linings. {#Roflol}
 

You interrupted their carefully orchestrated plan to seize control of the world. From their baskets. In their sleep. You will pay for your rudeness, human. 

PS: what is the frequency, Kenneth? 

 hippiechick wrote:
I still remember the first time I heard this song, my first Cure song, and how it gave me the chills.
  

It's one of their best. Love the koto or the instrument that sounds like a koto. How do you figure out that a trippy goth song just has to have a fucking koto?

The bass and drums are working well together
 fredriley wrote:
There are times when I curse Radio Paradise, especially on Friday evenings. I should be leaving work and heading down the boozer, but RP keeps playing such ripper songs that I can't bear to take the phones off. For the last hour I don't think that there's been a single sub-6 song, and that's an hour's less drinking time and an hour's more work I've done. Come on, RP, have some mercy - play a sucko-barfo so's I can escape the office!
 
You continue to make me laugh in delight.  It's Friday, near noon as I type this, and my day has already landed in hell in a very uncomfortable hand-basket. Bro and I were supposed to take four of our cats to the vet for booster shots, but it was like herding drunks - we'd get one in the carrier and when we corralled the second one, the first one would escape. At one point, we almost had three in the carrier, but then one squirmed out and the others followed. We finally called the vet and apologized. We're re-scheduled for tomorrow, but I suspect it'll be more of the same. So - I'm nursing a vodka and tonic with a slice of lemon, and listening to this song with a silly grin on my face (well, that's the only kind of grin I have.)  Here's to three-day weekends, a Zen job, and furry four-footers that may someday make lovely boot-linings. {#Roflol}
 justsomeone wrote:
Great song from a truly great album. I'll give it 8  

A few songs from the album are better imo, though.
"The Same Deep Water as You" (apparently never played on RP) stands out.

 

Spot on assessment!{#Cheers}
Timeless stuff...
funny how tastes change over time - I clicked the song title to give a 7 and found that I actually had rated it as a 3.
 Glencoe_JC wrote:
some tracks unlock time worm holes in your lifeline
this is one of them for me
just...takes me to an 'era'

haunting hooks
{#Clap}
 
Right there with you...the summer of 89 was just after I graduated from high school and this album and song particularly was in the background for a lot of what went on that year....good times.

I still remember the first time I heard this song, my first Cure song, and how it gave me the chills.
Nice!
I think what I love about this is the drums - that double-beat in the bar... But then, there's that wailing guitar, and the vocals, and the urgency and passion and.... Oh, darn it - bumping it from 9 to 10.  It should go on longer and fade out, though...
what a great song - one of the best. and this after sour times! Almost too much! Thanx!!!
 jhorton wrote:
Looking back now, I think these guys wrote more great songs than anyone in the eighties. Songs that really stand the test of time.
 

 horstman wrote:

Close tie with Depeche Mode

 
I'd probably include Terry Hall, The Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, and The Replacements as well, but I guess that's just me.


There are times when I curse Radio Paradise, especially on Friday evenings. I should be leaving work and heading down the boozer, but RP keeps playing such ripper songs that I can't bear to take the phones off. For the last hour I don't think that there's been a single sub-6 song, and that's an hour's less drinking time and an hour's more work I've done. Come on, RP, have some mercy - play a sucko-barfo so's I can escape the office!
Nice!
 countyman wrote:

Great background music for a party.

and can someone explain why my audio is four songs behind the playlist?helgigermany wrote:

Sometimes i have that too, bur dont know why!

 
DON'T EVER MUTE a song!  Just lower the volume.  I found that when I muted travesties like say, something by Barenaked Ladies, I'd forget about it and then unmute 20 minutes later only to have to listen to the rest of the song I didn't want to hear in the first place because the audio program, or the station only pauses.  But then later, when I'm listening to some really neat old chestnut that hardly ever gets played, like Itchykoo Park, suddenly, the station skips over it to the next song.  Your problem could be something else entirely, but I just thought I'd warn everyone.

Great set, by the way.  Too bad I have to go to a meeting!

Good song but I prefer their earlier stuff
one of the best of the cure! like so much.. so much 
Is it my imagination or is Bill playing a lot of the Cure at the moment? No complaints. Just an observation.
Great song from a truly great album. I'll give it 8  

A few songs from the album are better imo, though.
"The Same Deep Water as You" (apparently never played on RP) stands out.

some tracks unlock time worm holes in your lifeline
this is one of them for me
just...takes me to an 'era'

haunting hooks
{#Clap}
 countyman wrote:
Great background music for a party.

and can someone explain why my audio is four songs behind the playlist?
 
Sometimes i have that too, bur dont know why!

Great background music for a party.

and can someone explain why my audio is four songs behind the playlist?


This is SO "Crow."  I love it. Not a huge fan of The Cure, but this song is rather awesome. Once I get a device, I'ma load it.
 WayUpNorth wrote:
separated at birth
 

{#Roflol}I have always thought their getup and stuff is quite silly and adolescent, but they did have some great tunes and this is one is amongst the best!{#Clap}
The best of what it is !!! ?? ....
I hear this track much too often on RP....
separated at birth
 to_the_eleven wrote:
I'll give there first couple of minutes a 7.5.  Guitar and bass.   Then that clown starts whining about his pout and it drops to a 3.
 
Agreed.

Been listening to this CD for the last few days in my car. I absolutely love this song. One of The Cure's best.
Simply. Awesome.


This is very nice, indeed!

 le_colonel wrote:

Even as a *huge* fan of the Cure, I have to agree that Robert Smith's insisting upon retaining the same look he sported 20 years ago (hair, make-up, clothes) detracts from the band's music and probably doesn't help attract new listeners.

By the way, "A Forest" was on their second album, Seventeen Seconds. Their debut LP was called Three Imaginary Boys/Boys Don't Cry.

 
I saw the Cure in about 1988 or 87 and Robert had cut his hair very short. A LOT of people cried about it for some reason.

Great segue from "Invisible Sun"
a 10 no question!
 Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
Always have ambivalent feelings about The Cure. I'm not very familiar with their music, but their first album,  the one with "a forest" etc, is a very good one.
Surprisingly, after all these years they try to still look the same as back in the '80's, which makes the performance in my opinion rather a caricature!
 
Even as a *huge* fan of the Cure, I have to agree that Robert Smith's insisting upon retaining the same look he sported 20 years ago (hair, make-up, clothes) detracts from the band's music and probably doesn't help attract new listeners.

By the way, "A Forest" was on their second album, Seventeen Seconds. Their debut LP was called Three Imaginary Boys/Boys Don't Cry.

I'll give there first couple of minutes a 7.5.  Guitar and bass.   Then that clown starts whining about his pout and it drops to a 3.
Rockin choice...Unexpected as usual.
Always have ambivalent feelings about The Cure. I'm not very familiar with their music, but their first album,  the one with "a forest" etc, is a very good one.
Surprisingly, after all these years they try to still look the same as back in the '80's, which makes the performance in my opinion rather a caricature!
 horstman wrote:
Close tie with Depeche Mode
 
For sure here - normally I don't hear the connection {#Ask}
{#Bananajam}
 stewliscious wrote:
Thanks.  I see you are an architect - the Cure was in heavy rotation in studio when i was in architecture school mid-late 80's.  I didn't appreciate them as much then.
 
Great music for late nights in the studio.  Glad you've come around!

OH SNAP!! I haven't heard this for a very long time. Takes me way back. Thanks PR! Awesome song, a solid 10. {#Dancingbanana_2}
 jhorton wrote:
Looking back now, I think these guys wrote more great songs than anyone in the eighties. Songs that really stand the test of time.
 
Close tie with Depeche Mode

Looking back now, I think these guys wrote more great songs than anyone in the eighties. Songs that really stand the test of time.