The Top (Deluxe Edition) by The Cure - DeepRiffs

ALBUM

Volume 1

Volume 2

Recorded in the midst of Robert Smith's tenuous tenure with Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Top is arguably the most hedonistic record the Cure ever produced. Essentially Smith and Lol Tolhurst working with studio musicians (this being the period when the Cure's lineup was never assured), it's an album obviously recorded under stress, drink, and drugs. More wildly experimental musically than anything before it, it laid the foundations for the Cure's pattern of unpigeonholable albums that were to erase their reputation built by Pornography and eventually culminating in Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. That said, it's still very much a Cure record. Heavy on the percussion and quaint keyboard effects that were so big in the '80s, the melodies ("The Caterpillar," "Shake Dog Shake") are unmistakably Robert Smith. The big change this time around is his ability to fuse the paranoia and neuroses of former work (Pornography) with his newfound use of pop melody and outside influences (i.e., world travels, sounds, instruments) to moderate success ("Wailing Wall," "Piggy in the Mirror"). A more psychedelic descent than Pornography, The Top is a transition, never really feeling like a full-length release, but it does meld all former phases of Rob and company, which would fully gel on The Head on the Door. At best an imperfect record, The Top is a necessary step in the evolution of the band.
© Chris True /TiVo

Volume 1

1. Shake Dog Shake

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Producer: David M. Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

2. The Birdmad Girl

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Chris Parry
Robert Smith
David Allen; Production
Keyboard: Robert Smith
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

3. Wailing Wall

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

4. Give Me It

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

5. Dressing Up

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

6. The Caterpillar

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Chris Parry
Robert Smith
David Allen; Production
Keyboard: Robert Smith
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

7. Piggy In The Mirror

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Chris Parry
Robert Smith
David Allen; Production
Keyboard: Robert Smith
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

8. The Empty World

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

9. Bananafishbones

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

10. The Top

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

Volume 2

1. You Stayed ...

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

2. Ariel

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

3. A Hand Inside My Mouth

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Keyboard: Robert Smith
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Performer: Laurence Tolhurst
Andy Anderson
Robert Smith
Porl Thompson; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

4. Sadacic (M05)

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

5. Shake Dog Shake

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: David Allen
Howard Gray; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen
Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Robert Smith
Chris Parry
David Allen; Production

6. Piggy In The Mirror

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: David Allen
Gary Moore
Howard Gray; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Chris Parry
Robert Smith
David Allen; Production

7. Birdmad Girl

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: David Allen
Gary Moore
Howard Gray; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Chris Parry
Robert Smith
David Allen; Production

8. Give Me It

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: David Allen
Howard Gray; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen
Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Robert Smith
Chris Parry
David Allen; Production

9. Throw Your Foot

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: David Allen
Howard Gray; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen
Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Robert Smith
Chris Parry
David Allen; Production

10. Happy The Man

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: David Allen
Howard Gray; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen
Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Robert Smith
Chris Parry
David Allen; Production

11. The Caterpillar

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Keyboard: Robert Smith; Performer
Performer: Andy Anderson
Robert Smith; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Engineer: Howard Gray
David Allen; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: David Allen
Gary Moore
Howard Gray; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Producer: Chris Parry
Robert Smith
David Allen; Production

12. Dressing Up

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Engineer: David Allen
Howard Gray; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen
Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

13. Wailing Wall

Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Bass Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Drum Machine: Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith; Performer
Engineer: David Allen
Howard Gray; Production
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Performer
Percussion: Andy Anderson; Performer
Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Producer: David Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Studio Personnel: Howard Gray
David Allen
Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

14. The Empty World

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Phil Thornalley; Performer
Bass Guitar: Phil Thornalley; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith; Performer
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Porl Thompson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Phil Thornalley
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

15. Bananafishbones

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Phil Thornalley; Performer
Bass Guitar: Phil Thornalley; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith; Performer
Keyboard: Laurence Tolhurst
Porl Thompson; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Phil Thornalley
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

16. The Top

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Composer: Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Producer: David M. Allen
Chris Parry
Robert Smith; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

17. Forever (version)

Primary Artist: The Cure; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Phil Thornalley; Performer
Bass Guitar: Phil Thornalley; Performer
Drums: Andy Anderson; Performer
Guitar: Robert Smith
Porl Thompson; Performer
Keyboard: Porl Thompson
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Performer: Porl Thompson
Robert Smith
Andy Anderson
Phil Thornalley
Laurence Tolhurst; Performer
Saxophone: Porl Thompson; Performer
Vocals: Robert Smith; Performer
Composer: Simon Gallup
Laurence Tolhurst
Robert Smith; Composer
Lyricist: Robert Smith; Composer
Author: Robert Smith; Production
Mastering Engineer: Gary Moore; Production
Studio Personnel: Gary Moore; Production
Composer Lyricist: Robert Smith; Other

Technical Specifications

Volume

2 volumes in total

Tracks

27 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

1 hour, 45 minutes and 15 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 1200x1200 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

25/27 tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

15/27 tracks have synced lyrics

Genres

Pop/Rock, Alternative & Indie, Alternative, Adult Alternative, Goth Rock, Goth, New Wave, Post-Punk

Label

UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Music Distribution Service

UMG Global

Country

United Kingdom

Language

English (United States)

Popularity

Release Date

Apr 29, 1984

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

602527928265