Take the Cure. Please. No one else seems to want them anymore.

The dark pop band that helped set the tone for modern rock
in the '80s has fallen way out of style. A crowd of only 5,000
watched the 2 1/2 -hour show Tuesday night that was no
match for the Cure's previous concert at Target Center.

So what ails the Cure? Most likely old age, and an inability to
adapt. Nearing their 20th year, the Cure took four years to
release their latest, "Wild Mood Swings."

Though it contains some of leader Robert Smith's most
personal lyric writing, it's ploddingly paced, with uninspired
backing to match. Despite superficial attempts at musical
diversity, those contrivances can't mask the fact that Smith's
dull detachment, once a stylistic signature, now seems like a
stumbling block. 

In the meantime, British and U.S. pop shows a renewed
melodic and rhythmic energy that leaves the Cure looking
lost. Where the Cure once seemed passionately absorbed,
they now just seem bored. 

The new set of backing players lacks musical courage, and
the difference is quite noticeable from the Cure's roaring show
on the "Wish" tour. On Tuesday, the band's acoustic ballads
broke the monotony somewhat, but if Smith and the Cure
really want to ride their mood swings, they've got to create a
more organic and honest musical delivery.