Join The Dots: B-Sides And Rarities, 1978-2001
by The Cure
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    90
    It, admittedly, may be a bit too much for someone who isn't quite a big devotee of the band, but it's a veritable godsend for those who've been waiting for this for years.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Only Disc 1 is essential, but even the lesser material leaves lipstick traces. [5 Mar 2004, p.68]
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  3. No Ripcord
    80
    Still, three CDs of good-to-great music is a pretty acceptable ratio, and while this is not meant for the casual Cure fan, it’s an essential purchase for the hardcore ones.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    80
    Although clearly of more interest to rabid Cure nuts, Join the Dots is enough to bring joy (or, indeed, heartbreak) into anyone's life.
  6. Billboard
    80
    Beyond unnecessary remixes, there are joyous discoveries to be had here.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Any complaint with this set begins and ends with the list price of $54.98. Beyond that, no Cure freak can do without it.
  8. Dot Music
    70
    As a celebration of the b-side, this is such a charming set, despite its inconsistency.
  9. Pitchfork
    68
    It's here, about halfway through this four-disc set, that most people will turn off Join the Dots.
  10. Mojo
    60
    Despite a blip of vital signs, this 4-CD sprawl does The Cure's reputation no real favours. [Feb 2004, p.106]
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  11. Uncut
    60
    This run would undoubtedly be shown to greater effect on a more succinct collection. [Feb 2004, p.86]
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  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Brilliant band then, not so brilliant boxset.
  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    None of these low points will dampen the thrill that this box set will provide for even the most casual Cure fans. [19 Feb 2004, p.72]
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  14. The Guardian
    60
    If you're aware of their history, there'll be plenty here to set your synapses tingling. If not, it won't take long before you're bemoaning the band's whininess and saminess.
  15. Blender
    60
    Aside from their outsider appeal, Join the Dots proves that the Cure's other trump card was Smith's misery-drenched knack for gleaming pop melodies. [Mar 2004, p.138]
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  16. Q Magazine
    40
    The B-side was never meant to bear this much relentless inspection. [Feb 2004, p.113]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. DavidB
    Aug 20, 2005
    10
    A beautiful collection.
  2. CarlS
    Jun 26, 2004
    10
    if you like the cure you need this, absolutely brilliant and mana for this longtime fan. Special mention to the booklet, which is informative if you like the cure you need this, absolutely brilliant and mana for this longtime fan. Special mention to the booklet, which is informative and excellent. (New order, take note, THIS is what fans want from a boxset). Best boxset since Heart and Soul by Joy Division.… Full Review »
  3. ZOmennZ
    Mar 22, 2004
    10
    Two words "Fuking brilliant"
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