Bestival Live 2011
140 min · 32 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant live recording that encapsulates The Cure's atmospheric sound, blending gothic rock with infectious melodies in a festival setting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Plainsong Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Lovesong — This track exemplifies The Cure's signature blend of romantic melancholy and catchy hooks, resonating deeply with fans both old and new during live performances.
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Just Like Heaven — A defining moment in the setlist, this song highlights the band's knack for creating anthemic choruses that transform the audience into a collective celebration.
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Disintegration — The emotional depth and expansive soundscape of this song showcase The Cure's more introspective side, making it a powerful centerpiece in their live repertoire.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This live album showcases The Cure's extensive catalog with energetic performances, though it lacks a tightly cohesive narrative.
What we noticed
- The album features a setlist that spans the band's entire career, with tracks from their early hits to more recent material.
- The performance includes extended instrumental sections and crowd interactions, creating a lively festival atmosphere.
- Several songs are played in medleys, transitioning smoothly from one to another without significant breaks.
- The recording captures the nuances of live performance, including variations in tempo and dynamics compared to studio versions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic live performance energy
- an array of anthemic moments
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- nostalgic sing-along favorites
- captivating evening crowd atmosphere
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick standalone tracks
- seeking minimalist soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Captures The Cure's live energy, appealing to dedicated fans of their extensive catalog.
- Themes
- nostalgic anthems· gothic romanticism· celebratory decay
- Career context
- Bestival Live 2011 arrived during a period of resurgence for The Cure, following their 2008 release 4:13 Dream. This live album captures the band at a time when they were reconnecting with their audience through festival performances after several years of relative quiet in terms of new material.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Siouxsie and the Banshees· Joy Division· The Sisters of Mercy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A Night Like This
The song shifts from a reflective tone to an urgent plea as the narrator expresses a longing for connection amidst chaos.
This contrast between introspection and urgency illustrates the emotional complexity that defines much of The Cure's work, drawing listeners into a deeper engagement.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Plainsong Start here 5:10
- 2 Open 6:53
- 3 Fascination Street 4:58
- 4 A Night Like This 4:10
- 5 The End of the World 3:40
- 6 Lovesong 3:35
- 7 Just Like Heaven 3:47
- 8 The Only One 4:14
- 9 The Walk 3:31
- 10 Push 4:37
- 11 Friday I'm in Love 3:34
- 12 Inbetween Days 2:58
- 13 Play for Today 4:06
- 14 A Forest 6:35
- 15 Primary 4:20
- 16 Shake Dog Shake 4:44
Disc 2
- 1 The Hungry Ghost 4:48
- 2 One Hundred Years 6:50
- 3 End 6:11
- 4 Disintegration 8:31
- 5 Lullaby 4:43
- 6 The Lovecats 3:50
- 7 The Caterpillar 3:56
- 8 Close to Me 3:37
- 9 Hot Hot Hot!!! 3:34
- 10 Let's Go to Bed 3:36
- 11 Why Can't I Be You? 3:27
- 12 Boys Don't Cry 3:05
- 13 Jumping Someone Else's Train 3:11
- 14 Grinding Halt 3:11
- 15 10:15 Saturday Night 3:41
- 16 Killing Another 3:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
High Violet
The National
Shares a similar emotional introspection and anthemic sound with layered instrumentation.
Closer
Joy Division
Echoes the gothic romanticism and atmospheric depth found in The Cure's live performances.
Violator
Depeche Mode
Combines dark lyrical themes with rich, celebratory synth textures that resonate with The Cure's sound.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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