CD: BBL65CD
RELEASED: 2000
LABEL: Beggars

01. Nirvana
02. The Big Neon Glitter
03. Love
04. Brother Wolf, Sister Moon
05. Rain
06. The Phoenix
07. The Hollow Man
08. Revolution
09. She Sells Sanctuary
10. Black Angel

Digitaly remastered reissue with extensive sleevenotes and rare artwork. For a second album, the Cult's "Love" is a remarkable achievement. While its predecessor, "Dreamtime" (1984), had been a blurred snapshot of the group accelerating away from their early Gothic sensibilities, Love brought them into focus as exciting, fully-formed rock band. This time, the thunderous drums and quasi-mystical imagery were absent, superseded by a tougher, more traditional rock approach. At last, it seemed, The Cult were ready to assimilate the '60s psychedelic blues rock that had always been a quiet influence on their misanthropic post-punk sound. Although some of the album had been written earlier, the Love era really began in April 1985, with the recording of The Cult's fourth single, 'She Sells Sanctuary'. By then, the group, centring around Ian Astbury (vocals), Billy Duffy (guitar) and Jamie Stewart (bass), had already come under fire for acknowledging the impact of vintage rock on their music. But despite brickbats from some critics, 'She Sells Sanctuary' soared to No. 15 in the national chart in May, gifting the band with their first bona fide hit. The success of 'She Sells Sanctuary' gave the band more confidence about their excursions into psychedelic rock. Considering the musical schizophrenia that would plague each subsequent Cult release, Love just may be the band's purest moment.