Cure for Pain

Rock · 1993 · 13 tracks

Cure for Pain

September 14, 1993 · Rykodisc (2)

Imagine a dimly lit, smoke-filled club at 2 AM, the air thick with unspoken stories and the scent of whiskey. 'Cure for Pain' is the soundtrack to that scene, a masterclass in minimalist mood-setting.

Morphine's unique instrumentation, featuring a two-string slide bass and a baritone saxophone as lead instruments, carves out a sound that's simultaneously raw, sophisticated, and deeply melancholic.

Mark Sandman's distinctive, low-register vocals narrate tales of love, loss, and urban ennui with a captivating intimacy.

This isn't just an album you listen to; it's an atmosphere you inhabit, a cool, dark embrace for moments of quiet contemplation. Own it for its singular sound, its evocative storytelling, and its timeless ability to conjure a mood unlike any other.

Tracklist · 13 Tracks

01

Dawna

0:44

02

Buena

3:20

03

I’m Free Now

3:25

04

All Wrong

3:41

05

Candy

3:15

06

A Head With Wings

3:40

07

In Spite of Me

2:35

08

Thursday

3:26

09

Cure for Pain

3:14

10

Mary Won’t You Call My Name?

2:29

11

Let’s Take a Trip Together

3:00

12

Sheila

2:48

13

Miles Davis’ Funeral

1:41

Moments Worth Listening For

The hypnotic, repetitive bass riff that opens 'Cure for Pain', immediately establishing the album's signature sonic landscape.

The interplay between Sandman's deep, almost whispered vocals and Dana Colley's wailing saxophone solos, particularly on tracks like 'Sheila'.

The unexpected rhythmic shifts and subtle cymbal work from Billy Conway, providing a jazz-inflected backbone without ever becoming overtly busy.

The way a seemingly simple bass line can carry both melody and rhythm, creating a sense of spaciousness and tension simultaneously.

Reviews

Also reviewed byAllMusic

Where This Album Departs

How does Cure for Pain sound next to the rest of Morphine's catalogue?

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →