Rocktrospectiva: The Fairly Compilation "Boys Don't Cry" Turns 45

Released on 5 February 1980, "Boys Don't Cry" was the Cure's first compilation album, which was mainly composed of several tracks from the band's May 1979 debut album "Three Imaginary Boys" combined with material from the band's 1978-1979 era, many of those tracks had yet to see a released in the United States back then, the album spawned three singles "Boys Don't Cry", "Killing An Arab", & "Jumping On Someone Else's Train".  

 

Bill Smith was the mastermind behind the concepts for both covers, while Chris Parry assumed the role of producer for both projects. Additionally, Tim Pope played a crucial role in directing the music videos for "Killing An Arab" and "Jumping Someone Else’s Train," which were later featured in the 1986 video compilation. These behind-the-scenes efforts contributed significantly to the albums' artistic vision. 

About the track we could say many of the tracks here were replaces of the former's weaker tracks such as the cover of "Foxy Lady", "Meathook", and "It's Not You" with stronger tracks like "Boys Don't Cry", "Jumping Someone Else's Train", and "Killing An Arab". 

 

Obviously, the purpose of this release was to increase the band's exposure outside of the U.K. It captures the first phase of the band well, showcasing the angular new wave that had garnered them acclaim in England. But the main difference between this and their debut full-length is that unlike in "Three Imaginary Boys" the first three singles "Killing an Arab," "Boys Don't Cry," and "Jumping Someone Else's Train" are included. 

 

So a good starting point for getting up to speed on this era of the band, it works best when paired up with Three Imaginary Boys in order to catch the whole picture here. Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey and Lol Tolhurst were making some interesting music back then, so this is a classic release because it was a glimpse of what is to come. This is an improved version of the UK debut; most of the tracks are the same, but the new additions "Plastic Passion", "Killing an Arab" and "Jumping Someone Else's Train" are better than the tracks they replaced, and the real killer here was "Boys Don't Cry" one of their best ever tunes but most of the leftover material from their début that appears here is still a bit weak. 

 

The compilation was well received by critics proving the band can go further, they sounded dry post-punk but treated with a properly mnemonic pop overlay", and was more reserved in his praise.

 

Boys Don't Cry Track List:  

1. Boys Don't Cry

2. Plastic Passion

3. 10:15 Saturday Night

4. Accuracy

5. Object

6. Jumping Someone Else's Train

7. Subway Song

8. Killing An Arab

9. Fire In Cairo

10. Another Day

11. Grinding Halt

12. World War

13. Three Imaginary Boys