2000 Great Songs #1281: Catch
The Cure have both some of the most infectious upbeat pop hits of the 80s, as well as countless somber, haunting tracks for stormy days. Yet I've always been an absolute sucker for "Catch," which falls somewhere in the middle, an understated little pop ballad that seems almost tossed off by the band but nonetheless hooked me for life from first listen. 1987's Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me certainly had more noticeable radio-ready standouts--" Just Like Heaven " and "Hot Hot Hot"--but the gentle "Catch" is more quietly insinuating, with a pretty hum-along melody and some poignant lyrics. The refrain "I used to sometimes try to catch her, but never even caught her name" sounds like it was designed to be the chorus of the greatest country song ever. As much a mixtape essential back in the day as their bigger hits, and still something that ends up on a lot of my perfect-for-any-audience playlists. Live on TV: Live 2016: Cover by Ann...
