The Walk by the Cure feature by John M. Ellison IV

To cap off, the theme of bands that used drum machines week, I’ve decided to finish it with “The Walk” by The Cure. Actually, this some has even more significance now because I just found out that they used an Oberheim DMX drum machine on this song. Why is it significant? Simple, it’s because I used the same drum machine on some of my tracks back in my teens…well, that’s before the machine went kaput. Well, obviously it would conk out; I mean my dad got it back in the 80’s I was using it in the ‘00s. Ah well, luckily they’re drum samples that you can use now and sequence in FL Studio.

Anyway, enough nostalgia, “The Walk” is the name of a 1983 single by The Cure that appeared on “Japanese Whispers”, a compilation of singles by the Cure. The song peaked at #12 and making this the Cure’s first entry into the UK Top 20. Anyway, enough of the chart info…who cares?

I really enjoyed “The Walk” because of the really cool synthesizer and drum machine combo that’s reminiscent of New Order’s Blue Monday…which also used an Oberheim DMX drum machine. Wow, this was a really popular drum machine. Interesting enough, instead of the entire band on here they’re only two members of the Cure playing on this song, those members being Lol Tolhurst and Robert Smith.

Lol Tolhurst’s use of the Oberheim DMX really make the usual melancholy sound of the Cure really funky and something you would toss on at 80’s night at a club or just something to listen to in general. Robert’s trademark warbling emotional vocals and his chorus effect laden guitar playing combined with the electro keyboard sound has this 80’s classic still sounding current.

All and all I hope you enjoyed the theme of “Rock Bands that Used Drum Machines” this week as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing this info with you. Peace.