When you’re young, you sometimes think “My parents record collection is AWFUL.”  I was one of the lucky ones. My mum and stepdad have amazing music taste. My mum loves Bob Dylan and my stepdad loves The Cure. Both of which have played (and still do) a massive part in my life. These two artists got me into so many different artists of all genres.

I remember sitting the living room going through a load of CDs and tapes, most of which belonged to my stepdad. I was in awe of what I found. I must say, he’s seen some of the best bands ever live and has some amazing stories to go with it. He’s seen The Clash, Bob Marley, Siouxsie and The Cure. Kind of shits on my first concert I went to being the Backstreet Boys doesn’t it. Although, they did fly through the crowd. I doubt Robert Smith would do that.

I have a borderline obsession with The Cure. It’s hard to put it into words sometimes, but they’re just such an important band to me. However, there is one song of theirs that changed my life. I was going through the CDs and my stwpdad handed me an album by The Cure and told me to play A Forest. I did. I played that song over and over. I then proceeded to listen to the rest of the album. Seventeen Seconds instantly became my favourite album by the band. I’ve heard most of their records, but Seventeen Seconds is by far my favourite. Closely followed by Wild Mood Swings.

What I love about A Forest is how wonderfully haunting it is.Simon’s bass playing on this song just blows me away. Robert’s voice as ever just amazes you and his guitar playing, bloody hell. The lyrics, oh god the lyrics. Chasing a girl into a forest then realising she isn’t there. Pretty sure most of us can relate to that. Not chasing someone into a forest, that’s quite odd and creepy (and frowned upon I think.) but what it stands for. It’s easy to relate to.

I could post you the original 3 minute version of the song, but you need the 8 minute live version. It’s a song that just needs to last longer than it does. It is so perfect, and you can easily see how this band and this song has influenced so many. And you know what? I still think it does. Proving that The Cure will always be one of the most influential bands of all time. If I had to list the songs that changed my life, there is no doubt in my mind that A Forest would be in there.