Album of the Day

From the fog-shrouded photo of Bolton Priory on its cover, The Cure's third album oozes with gloomy atmosphere. Still years away from the pop-flavored hits that would make the band world famous, FAITH shows frontman Robert Smith, bassist Simon Gallup, and drummer Lol Tolhurst squarely – and very effectively - in goth mode. Titles like “The Funeral Party,” “The Drowning Man” and “All Cats Are Grey” reflect a mood of despair that dominates the Elektra collection, which was released 40 years ago today. The spectral majesty of FAITH continues to cast a spell over listeners - even those who don't paint their fingernails black.