Photo: Andy Vella
In these fraught times, with the planet on fire and the ice caps in retreat, The Cure have long been lauded as more than just a band; they’re a voice in the wilderness for those who feel the cold edge of existential dread. As we continue to wait for their highly anticipated fourteenth studio album, Songs of a Lost World—the long-awaited follow-up to 2008’s 4:13 Dream—fans now have the opportunity to hear two tracks from the upcoming album as performed during The Cure’s 2023 world tour. More than a simple preview, these live renditions come packaged with purpose. In a fresh gesture toward a more sustainable future, they’ve teamed up with Naked Record Club and climate charity EarthPercent for a very special release.
Enter Novembre—Live in France 2022, a double A-side 12” single pressed on eco-friendly vinyl—a result of a collaboration that aims to strike a louder, deeper chord. The release, limited to 5,000 individually numbered copies, is more than just another collector’s item; it’s a call to arms. Featuring live renditions of “And Nothing is Forever” and “I Can Never Say Goodbye,” recorded during their 2022 performances in France, the record is set to drop on October 1st, 2024.
What sets this release apart is its ecological intent. All net profits from the sales will be donated to EarthPercent, a forward-thinking charity that channels funds to the front lines of the climate and biodiversity crisis. Founded by industry heavyweights, EarthPercent’s ethos is to help artists become patrons of the planet’s future. For The Cure, this release is more than just another notch on their musical belt; it’s a way of turning their creativity into currency for change.
The process behind the vinyl is as striking as its purpose. Naked Record Club’s innovative approach involves an injection-moulding machine that slashes electricity usage by 80-90% compared to traditional vinyl pressing methods. It’s a shift away from the toxic, energy-intensive norms of the industry, one that was reportedly brought to the attention of The Cure’s Robert Smith by the band’s ever-passionate fanbase—a further testament to the symbiotic relationship between the band and their audience.
The eco-friendly vinyl is slick and transparent black and available for pre-order from August 30th at 2 pm BST. For the more devout among us, 100 ultra-limited copies, personally signed by Smith himself, will also be available for €250. All proceeds will support EarthPercent’s mission. It’s a chance to possess a slice of history while planting a stake in the future.
There are times when the intersection of music, activism, and genuine craftsmanship align perfectly. Novembre—Live in France 2022 represents that rare moment—a release that doesn’t just sound good but does good. In an era where the temperature is rising—both politically and literally—The Cure’s gesture is a timely reminder that the power of art can be used to make the world a better place.
Order “Novembre—Live in France 2022″ here
Meanwhile, fans can also delve into The Cure’s recent 30th-anniversary vinyl reissue of their live album Paris, featuring two newly unearthed tracks, or explore the freshly reissued Japanese Whispers on clear vinyl. Acoustic Hits has also been released on streaming for the first time.
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