Robert Smith (no Morrissey content)
> The big diffence
> between Moz and Robbo, is that Moz has developed into a mature
> man and artist after the trauma of splitting up with a very
> successful group. When I see Robert Smith, I just see some saddo
> who just hasn't grown up full stop.
I disagree entirely, and I feel that, again, that was coming from a person who's stopped following the Cure and is holding opinions based upon old presumptions; many of which are probably either misinformed or incorrect today. If you think Robert Smith hasn't grown up, I feel that you need to listen to the lyrics on songs like "Out Of This World," or "Where the Birds Always Sing," to name a couple. Listen to the sentiment behind a song like "The Big Hand." Try reading a recent interview of his. If you don't want to spend money, stop at your nearest Tower Records and pick up a free copy of Pulse--the one with Robert's pretty face on the cover. Read that interview, then try telling me that that man hasn't grown up. He's unpretentious and fully aware of his place in life now as a man, rather than a pop-star/icon. He seems to now approach life as a man who writes songs, rather than as "Robert Smith of the Cure." I don't even feel that he believes in the mythical being singing on stage anymore--which was why he took on that creature character persona in the first place. Just in case you don't know, he's said that he's always liked the idea of looking up on stage and seeing a character; something to believe in and be entertained by, much like the men in KISS. It just so happened that Robert Smith's character became an icon, an image to which the band itself became bound.
> No self respecting 40 year
> old would attempt to look the way they did when they were 18.
I'm sort of continuing my last thought here. He's in a sense, locked into wearing the costume--the Cure uniform as it were--now. Robert Smith knows fully well that without the make-up and hair, it wouldn't be the Cure. So you can't really blame the man for putting on the lipstick, because it's become part of the job of performing as the leader (and symbol) of the Cure. I'd very surprised if, for his solo album, he's seen even resembling the Cure creature.
Also, if you're insinuating that he's trying to cling to adolescence, you definitely should try reading an interview or two. His age, his place in life as a 40 year old man, his coming to terms with the pointlessness of life... all these things are why "Bloodflowers" even exists; and it's why I've come to respect him a bit more lately.
> He's spoilt brat who needs a kick in the rear end as far as I'm
> concerned.
That's actually what I like about him. He's lived a fairy tale life. He's never had a proper job, he married his high school love, no kids, world-wide fame, fortune, icon-status... I like the fact that, because of this incredible life, he has a unique perspective on life and existence--which is very absurd (Camus' "absurd," not Webster's dictionary's "absurd").
> As for charisma, there is no such thing as different types of
> charisma, you either charismatic or you're not,
Well, either you perceive a person as charismatic or not, but two people can exude different charms. Morrissey, to me, carries a sophisticated and classical, self-taught-genius type charm. He seems a proper Englishman, yet he's a liberal artist. I feel that Robert Smith is more of a rougher, uncultivated genius type; he just reeks of promise and potential, while Morrissey makes you feel like he's flying high and strong at all times. Morrissey makes you feel like he knows it all, yet doesn't show it. Robert Smith makes you feel like he might know it all, he might not, but he isn't bothered either way about it because nothing matters very much--THAT he knows. [Laughs] I find, in Robert Smith, that boyish, rudimentary intellect coupled with time-worn experience and wisdom extremely charming.
> if that's your
> line of argument than everyone is charismatic.
Actually, anyone CAN be charismatic, but they are only if you feel they are. It's quite simple for me really.
> The charisma I'm
> talking about is where people feel they have been 'healed' by
> listening to The Smiths and Morrissey, if you go to the site 'To
> Die By Your Side' you'll see some very touching stories there
> from people of all age groups and different nationalities.
Oh, I believe that the lives the Cure's music has saved has greatly helped curb the Heavenly population, if I may sound like an optimist for a moment. I feel that the music from bands like the Smiths and the Cure endure because they touch upon something, almost intangible, deep within people. It's no wonder why people feel "healed" by it. There's a reason why so many kids fell so deeply in love with the Cure and its image. I do believe that it was much more than simply fan adoration; their musics--at least during certain times--became necessary.
> The
> Cure in my book are no more charismatic than REM or New Kids On
> The Block.
Well, to each his or her own. [Shrugs] I understand that everyone will have differing opinions, but I just wish statements and criticisms would be made while informed. Then again, I'm guilty of the very same thing, so... oh well. I like the Cure.