Cure for Pain is the second studio album by the American rock trio Morphine. Issued in 1993 on the independent label Rykodisc, the record strengthened the band's reputation for a spare, moody sound that blended elements of blues, jazz and alternative rock. The album features Mark Sandman's baritone vocals and unusual low-register instrumentation that became the group's signature.

Background and lineup

Morphine recorded as a three-piece whose unusual setup—two-string slide bass, baritone saxophone and drums—gave them what critics later called "low rock." The core performers and collaborators on the album created compact songs built around atmosphere, narrative lyrics and restrained dynamics. The record followed the band's debut and helped expand their audience in the United States and Europe.

Musical style and themes

The tracks on Cure for Pain emphasize sultry, intimate arrangements rather than loud guitar textures. Songs mix smoky sax lines with propulsive, minimal percussion and Sandman's deep, conversational singing. Lyrical themes range from small-town portraits and troubled characters to melancholic reflections, often delivered with wry, noir-like imagery.

Notable tracks and media use

  • "Sheila" — one of the album's better-known songs, notable for its memorable hook.
  • "In Spite of Me" — a quieter, melodic ballad that helped broaden the band's exposure.
  • Other fan favorites include several mid-tempo, sax-led pieces that highlight the trio's chemistry.

Both "Sheila" and "In Spite of Me" were licensed for the film Spanking the Monkey and appear on related soundtrack material, which introduced Morphine's music to an independent-film audience.

Reception and legacy

At the time of release the album drew positive reviews for its originality and mood. Over the years it has been cited as a breakthrough recording for the band, helping to establish their cult following and influence on musicians interested in sparse, genre-crossing arrangements. The record remains a reference point when discussing alternative approaches to rock instrumentation.

For more on the album's track listing, recording details and subsequent reissues, see entries and resources about the band and the release at related pages about lineup and sessions and the label Rykodisc.