It's no secret that my favorite musical act of all time is Depeche Mode. Dave Gahan's silky smooth, haunting baritone. Martin Gore's brilliant songwriting and musical prowess. Andy Fletcher's....well, no one really knows what Fletch does, but we love him anyway. :) They have been a fixture in the synth pop/alternative scene for nearly 30 years, beginning with the release of "Speak and Spell" in 1981. Their music is emotional, sensual, breathtaking, awe-inspiring, haunting, and just plain wonderful.
As the great actor Gary Oldman once said, "there are 3 reasons for getting up in the morning - drinks, a good script, and Depeche Mode."
The year 2009 brings us a new Depeche Mode album, the 12th studio album of their career. The album, "Sounds of the Universe," was produced by Ben Hillier, who produced DM's 2005 album "Playing the Angel" and who has also worked with Blur, Doves, and Elbow. The band focused on the use of primitive, outdated audio equipment for this album, attempting to bring a more retro-electro sound to the recording. On the band's website, Dave Gahan even remarked that "a new piece of equipment kept showing up to the studio in big boxes almost every day."
I was able to secure an advance copy of "Sounds of the Universe," which is due to be released in the US on April 21. Here's my track-by-track take on the new album (I won't bother with a silly 1-5 rating for each track, because I'm too biased. Hey, at least I admit it!):
1. "In Chains" - The album starts out on a rather bizarre note, with a dissonant collection of bleeps, bloops, and 80s synths. As you begin to wonder if the boys have somehow lost the plot (this drones on for about a full minute), the song actually kicks in with Gahan's familiar haunting voice, in fine form from the get-go. A slow n' sexy beat gradually kicks in and before you know it, you are nodding your head as the beat becomes more infectious by the second. This track would not have been out of place on 1997's "Ultra."
2. "Hole to Feed" - One of 3 tracks on this album written by Gahan, the first thing that jumps out at you is the minimalist, bluesy vibe. Also, it is apparent that the lyrics concern Gahan's addictive nature. The minimalism of the track is also emphasized by the use of the old, retro, analog equipment, as well as a prominent rock guitar. The lilting beat threatens to get stuck in your head for days.
3. "Wrong" - Quite simply, one of the classic DM tracks of all time. This will be a fan favorite, a concert favorite, and will be on the radio for years to come. One of those "appeal to the masses" type of tracks that stand the test of time. An obvious choice for first single, the boys got this one slam-dunk, spot-on perfect. At just over 3 minutes, I only selfishly wish the track could have gone on a little longer. And the video is all kinds of cool too:
4. "Fragile Tension" - Very good synth on this track that gives way to almost surf/rock out guitar on the chorus. An odd juxtaposition, but works well for whatever reason. I think Gore went a little loco in the head on his guitar work, but again, it works. :) He must have been channeling his inner Ted Nugent when he wrote this. I can definitely see multiple remixes of this track forthcoming.
5. "Little Soul" - I adore this track. Dave and Martin's voices intertwine beautifully and the ethereal surf guitar accompaniment is a gorgeous touch. Also present at the end of the track is a nice little Gore bluesy guitar solo. The lyrics are stunning as well: "My little soul will leave a footprint/I'm channeling the universe/It's focusing itself inside of me..."
6. "In Sympathy" - Very nice beat on this track - another one I can only assume will be heavily remixed. Awesome early 90s techno touches as well - brings to mind Orbital and Aphex Twin. I have read other reviews accusing the band of overpowering the synths with guitar on this track, but I don't see it all. The guitar isn't even brought in until late in the song, and it adds nicely to the building crescendo. One of my favorites.
7. "Peace" - Another straight duet on the chorus between Dave and Martin, which is always nice. Also, I believe Dave hits the highest note he's ever belted out in the history of DM on this track. Wowzers! Very uplifting and positive track, with lyrics suggesting a new sober lifestyle. "Peace will come to me/Just wait and see/Peace will come to me/It's an inevitability..." Break out the lighters when they play this one in concert.
8. "Come Back" - The second Dave Gahan-penned track on the album, and a wondrous offering. A drudging, plodding, absolutely crunching bass line with matching dark synths is paired perfectly with classic Gahan lyrical fare - is he singing about a lover or drugs? Impossible to know for sure, but this is definitely one to put on repeat for long, passionate candle-lit evenings with your favorite significant other.
9. "Spacewalker" - An odd little instrumental track, something that DM doesn't do a lot of. This one clocks in at under 2 minutes and is over almost before it starts. Kind of acts as an intermission to the last third of the album.
10. "Perfect" - This one harkens back to 80s pop, with images of Tears for Fears springing to mind when the chorus kicks in. That's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you think of TFF. ;) I happen to love them, so I'm perfectly OK drawing the comparison. Overall however, I would say this track doesn't really grab my attention like most of the others on the album. It just kind of wanders along and passes through your consciousness without really leaving an impression. Maybe that'll change on subsequent listens.
11. "Miles Away" - My attention has been grabbed again. This is more like it. A driving, bluesy beat with Gahan's aggressive baritone in full and unforgettable force. I love when he uses his voice like this. It's like he's singing through gritted teeth and putting every last ounce of his emotion into the track. This is the 3rd Gahan-penned track on "Sounds of the Universe". A definite album highlight.
12. "Jezebel" - Ahhhh, the standard Martin Gore solo track. A very good offering from Gore here. Awesome synths. I'm still not real sure what his obsession with women's clothing is all about, however. But I've been wondering about that since the mid 1980s, so it's no big deal. :)
13. "Corrupt" - What an album closer. One of the best tracks on the album, with hilariously lecherous lyrics: "I could corrupt you, it would be easy/Watching you suffer, girl it would please me..." This track could not be more classic DM if it tried. In fact, I almost wonder if this wasn't some long-lost outtake from the Violator recording sessions. A+++++.
24.3.09
Funky Fresh Track of the Day 03.24.09 (Completely Epic Version)
Does It Offend You, Yeah? - "We Are Rockstars"
23.3.09
Comatose and Lovin' It
Anyone need a cure for insomnia?
This is a safe alternative to the standard barbiturates and alcohol.
Start off with a dose of Cocteau Twins. In case you haven't heard, they are a new wave/pop act from Scotland founded in 1979. Extremely ethereal, they have an almost other-worldly sound that conjures up images of white plushy carpets, grand spiral staircases, and flickering fireplaces. At least that what it does for me, as I dozed off in the middle of one of their tracks and these visions appeared. (Sidenote: I have had these images in my dreams about 4 or 5 times in the past month. If anyone is an expert in the field of dream analysis, give me the scoop.) Check out the tracks "Lorelei," "Pandora," and "Blue Bell Knoll."
Moving on to the next drug, pop in the track "In Parallel" by Seattle shoegaze extraordinaires Sleepy Eyes of Death. You will be transported to a mid-summer night, warm and damp, as a quick thunderstorm just came through, and lightning still flickers in the distance. The tingly storm smell lingers in the air and tickles your nostrils. Crickets hum in the background, and the stillness of your surroundings puts you on edge...you are waiting for something to happen. Anticipation swells inside of you and the first note of the track kicks in. The electro-tinged note courses through your body and you wonder if this isn't how those faux TV evangelist "healings" are supposed to feel.
Complete the descent into complete unconsciousness with a selection from another Scottish electronic act - Boards of Canada. While Sleepy Eyes of Death transports you to warm summer nights, BOC takes you to a warm and sunny summer day. The kind of day where you hear kids laughing in the distance, interpersed with creaking playground equipment, and the slow and steady thump of a bouncing basketball on a community basketball court. You are in a field that stretches as far as the eye can see, complete with gentle rolling hills and dotted with wispy dandelions. You stroll leisurely through the soft grass, gazing lazily up at the puffy clouds, waiting to see if any magically morph into recognizable figures. The track "Roygbiv" plays as you bask in the warm sun and wish that you could be a kid again for a couple of hours.
If you're still awake, pop an Ambien and maybe a Xanax. As for me, I'm close to comatose and ready for bed.
This is a safe alternative to the standard barbiturates and alcohol.
Start off with a dose of Cocteau Twins. In case you haven't heard, they are a new wave/pop act from Scotland founded in 1979. Extremely ethereal, they have an almost other-worldly sound that conjures up images of white plushy carpets, grand spiral staircases, and flickering fireplaces. At least that what it does for me, as I dozed off in the middle of one of their tracks and these visions appeared. (Sidenote: I have had these images in my dreams about 4 or 5 times in the past month. If anyone is an expert in the field of dream analysis, give me the scoop.) Check out the tracks "Lorelei," "Pandora," and "Blue Bell Knoll."
Moving on to the next drug, pop in the track "In Parallel" by Seattle shoegaze extraordinaires Sleepy Eyes of Death. You will be transported to a mid-summer night, warm and damp, as a quick thunderstorm just came through, and lightning still flickers in the distance. The tingly storm smell lingers in the air and tickles your nostrils. Crickets hum in the background, and the stillness of your surroundings puts you on edge...you are waiting for something to happen. Anticipation swells inside of you and the first note of the track kicks in. The electro-tinged note courses through your body and you wonder if this isn't how those faux TV evangelist "healings" are supposed to feel.
Complete the descent into complete unconsciousness with a selection from another Scottish electronic act - Boards of Canada. While Sleepy Eyes of Death transports you to warm summer nights, BOC takes you to a warm and sunny summer day. The kind of day where you hear kids laughing in the distance, interpersed with creaking playground equipment, and the slow and steady thump of a bouncing basketball on a community basketball court. You are in a field that stretches as far as the eye can see, complete with gentle rolling hills and dotted with wispy dandelions. You stroll leisurely through the soft grass, gazing lazily up at the puffy clouds, waiting to see if any magically morph into recognizable figures. The track "Roygbiv" plays as you bask in the warm sun and wish that you could be a kid again for a couple of hours.
If you're still awake, pop an Ambien and maybe a Xanax. As for me, I'm close to comatose and ready for bed.
Anthony Bourdain critiques other chefs' shows
Have I ever got a link for you.
In case you don't know, I am an unabashed fan of Mr. Anthony Bourdain, and watch his show "No Reservations" religiously. He is funny, intelligent, talented, and could drink me under the table in about 15 minutes.
He is also stunningly unafraid to speak his mind, and that's exactly what he does in this article - he reviews/critiques/bashes/verbally assaults other chefs and the food shows in which they have appeared. A couple of highlights are his reaming of Rocco DiSpirito (well-deserved, in my humble opinion):
"I think Rocco's particular crime was that he was always such a talented cook. This is a guy who made really good food. A lot of us would have cut off a pinky to have that kind of natural talent and ability. We see him now as having wasted that talent. I think he's penalized for being so talented. But Rocco doesn't want to be a chef. He wants to be an entertainer. I was rooting for the guy on "Dancing With the Stars." Compared to Kim Kardashian, he's a fairly impressive guy. When he's not shilling something on "Top Chef," he's actually a thoughtful judge and offers constructive criticism. But I don't see him as a chef anymore, so I don't feel like beating up on him."
and his hilarious review of "Iron Chef America:"
"I have a soft spot in my heart for this show. But the judges, man. Have they had Richard Grieco on yet as a judge? I think they had Criss Angel on, for chrissakes. Who are these douchebags they put on there? Jeffrey Steingarten at least knows what he's talking about. The show gets really good chefs to go on there, and to have them judged by the likes of Mo Rocca makes me want to vomit in my mouth. I like Michael Symon, and I'm friends with all the Iron Chefs. I like all of those guys."
http://tv.msn.com/culinary-picks-and-pans/?GT1=28130
In case you don't know, I am an unabashed fan of Mr. Anthony Bourdain, and watch his show "No Reservations" religiously. He is funny, intelligent, talented, and could drink me under the table in about 15 minutes.
He is also stunningly unafraid to speak his mind, and that's exactly what he does in this article - he reviews/critiques/bashes/verbally assaults other chefs and the food shows in which they have appeared. A couple of highlights are his reaming of Rocco DiSpirito (well-deserved, in my humble opinion):
"I think Rocco's particular crime was that he was always such a talented cook. This is a guy who made really good food. A lot of us would have cut off a pinky to have that kind of natural talent and ability. We see him now as having wasted that talent. I think he's penalized for being so talented. But Rocco doesn't want to be a chef. He wants to be an entertainer. I was rooting for the guy on "Dancing With the Stars." Compared to Kim Kardashian, he's a fairly impressive guy. When he's not shilling something on "Top Chef," he's actually a thoughtful judge and offers constructive criticism. But I don't see him as a chef anymore, so I don't feel like beating up on him."
and his hilarious review of "Iron Chef America:"
"I have a soft spot in my heart for this show. But the judges, man. Have they had Richard Grieco on yet as a judge? I think they had Criss Angel on, for chrissakes. Who are these douchebags they put on there? Jeffrey Steingarten at least knows what he's talking about. The show gets really good chefs to go on there, and to have them judged by the likes of Mo Rocca makes me want to vomit in my mouth. I like Michael Symon, and I'm friends with all the Iron Chefs. I like all of those guys."
http://tv.msn.com/culinary-picks-and-pans/?GT1=28130
22.3.09
Upcoming Concerts/DJ Performances of Note
3.27.09 - Illogic w/Bottom Brick, Skully's
4.10.09 - Sharam, BoMA
4.17.09 - Diplo, Skully's
4.23.09 - Neko Case, Newport Music Hall
4.27.09 - The Black Keys, Skully's
4.29.09 - All-American Rejects/Shiny Toy Guns, LC Pavilion
5.1.09 - Zachery Allen Starkey, Skully's
5.2.09 - Franz Ferdinand, Newport Music Hall
5.5.09 - The Killers, LC Pavilion
5.6.09 - Del the Funky Homosapien w/Mike Relm, Skully's
5.9.09 - Hercules & Love Affair, BoMA
5.9.09 - Kid Cudi, Skully's
5.16.09 - 5.17.09 - Rock on the Range, Crew Stadium
6.12.09 - Mr. Lif w/Bottom Brick, Skully's
4.10.09 - Sharam, BoMA
4.17.09 - Diplo, Skully's
4.23.09 - Neko Case, Newport Music Hall
4.27.09 - The Black Keys, Skully's
4.29.09 - All-American Rejects/Shiny Toy Guns, LC Pavilion
5.1.09 - Zachery Allen Starkey, Skully's
5.2.09 - Franz Ferdinand, Newport Music Hall
5.5.09 - The Killers, LC Pavilion
5.6.09 - Del the Funky Homosapien w/Mike Relm, Skully's
5.9.09 - Hercules & Love Affair, BoMA
5.9.09 - Kid Cudi, Skully's
5.16.09 - 5.17.09 - Rock on the Range, Crew Stadium
6.12.09 - Mr. Lif w/Bottom Brick, Skully's
A Night at the Hole-In-One....Part I
Let me tell you about this place, he said.
It's hidden in the back of the China Bell restaurant, next to a boarded-up motel that used to be the scene of multiple shootings, stabbings, prostitution busts, and other lurid activities. I think bikers used to run the joint, maybe even a branch of the Hell's Angels.
He said this in a tone that seemed to suggest you'd have no interest in such a thing and that this was out of your league and that you wouldn't be caught dead in a bar in which known felons once slammed down shots of Wild Turkey, 151, and other thoroughly unpalatable and hair-straightening libations.
Sounds wonderful, you say flatly after gulping down the last of your second gin and tonic. He looks surprised, you confidently ask for the check. You are not overly excited about heading to this bar but you'll be damned if the past demons that may or may not still haunt the place will intimidate you.
So you and he pile into his 4-door economy import and drive the short distance to the Hole-In-One Tavern, which is indeed stashed in the back of a China Bell restaurant and indeed slightly on the unseemly side. You find that there's always something mysterious and secretive about establishments in which you enter from the rear. You continue to cogitate on this subject as the car is parked, and your immediate surroundings come into focus:
Straight ahead - what appears to be the lobby of the boarded-up motel. You make out what appears to be a condemned/no trepassing/keep out notice posted by the health department. However, it's much too dark to know for sure, as, in keeping with the general theme of deferred maintenance in the immediate area, the parking lot lights appear to have burned out.
Car interior right - Dark. Probably an extension of the parking lot, but it's impossible to know for certain. The gates of Hell could lurk in that darkness, and no one would be the wiser.
Behind - Fast food chain drive-thru. You hear an annoying, high-pitched voice ordering trans fats and grease.
Car interior left - Here sits the entrance to the Hole-In-One Tavern. Unassuming glass door, behind which lies a drab hallway, resplendent in the very best carpeting that 1973 had to offer.
Ready? He asks.
You both exit the car and as you get closer to the motel lobby, you see that it is indeed a condemed notice and you think of all the scurrying creatures that likely inhabit the structure now. This instantaneously makes your skin crawl and you rub your arms as if to knock off any fleas, roaches, or other vermin that may have somehow worked their way on to your person in the 10-foot walk from the car to the bar entrance.
He looks at you with a bit of a knowing smile, certain that you have been unable to avoid being overcome with abject fear at the thought of actually imbibing an adult beverage in this environment, as he takes you for more of a fancy, metrosexual character. He has a valid point, as you drink high-end gin and normally drink at bars in the heart of the city, but a drink is a drink. You will order one in this establishment with your head held high, just as you would at a trendy tapas bar that charges $15 for a lavender-infused martini.
You ignore his glance and stride briskly toward the door, realizing that when you arrive, you must take an abrupt right turn through another set of mahogany doors. The actual bar is tucked away in here. The ghosts of drunken bastards leer uncomfortably at you, but you vow to press on.
He opens the door for you and gives a slight wave, indicating you are to enter first. With a deep breath and an ever-so-subtle stutter-step, you enter the Hole-In-One.
It's hidden in the back of the China Bell restaurant, next to a boarded-up motel that used to be the scene of multiple shootings, stabbings, prostitution busts, and other lurid activities. I think bikers used to run the joint, maybe even a branch of the Hell's Angels.
He said this in a tone that seemed to suggest you'd have no interest in such a thing and that this was out of your league and that you wouldn't be caught dead in a bar in which known felons once slammed down shots of Wild Turkey, 151, and other thoroughly unpalatable and hair-straightening libations.
Sounds wonderful, you say flatly after gulping down the last of your second gin and tonic. He looks surprised, you confidently ask for the check. You are not overly excited about heading to this bar but you'll be damned if the past demons that may or may not still haunt the place will intimidate you.
So you and he pile into his 4-door economy import and drive the short distance to the Hole-In-One Tavern, which is indeed stashed in the back of a China Bell restaurant and indeed slightly on the unseemly side. You find that there's always something mysterious and secretive about establishments in which you enter from the rear. You continue to cogitate on this subject as the car is parked, and your immediate surroundings come into focus:
Straight ahead - what appears to be the lobby of the boarded-up motel. You make out what appears to be a condemned/no trepassing/keep out notice posted by the health department. However, it's much too dark to know for sure, as, in keeping with the general theme of deferred maintenance in the immediate area, the parking lot lights appear to have burned out.
Car interior right - Dark. Probably an extension of the parking lot, but it's impossible to know for certain. The gates of Hell could lurk in that darkness, and no one would be the wiser.
Behind - Fast food chain drive-thru. You hear an annoying, high-pitched voice ordering trans fats and grease.
Car interior left - Here sits the entrance to the Hole-In-One Tavern. Unassuming glass door, behind which lies a drab hallway, resplendent in the very best carpeting that 1973 had to offer.
Ready? He asks.
You both exit the car and as you get closer to the motel lobby, you see that it is indeed a condemed notice and you think of all the scurrying creatures that likely inhabit the structure now. This instantaneously makes your skin crawl and you rub your arms as if to knock off any fleas, roaches, or other vermin that may have somehow worked their way on to your person in the 10-foot walk from the car to the bar entrance.
He looks at you with a bit of a knowing smile, certain that you have been unable to avoid being overcome with abject fear at the thought of actually imbibing an adult beverage in this environment, as he takes you for more of a fancy, metrosexual character. He has a valid point, as you drink high-end gin and normally drink at bars in the heart of the city, but a drink is a drink. You will order one in this establishment with your head held high, just as you would at a trendy tapas bar that charges $15 for a lavender-infused martini.
You ignore his glance and stride briskly toward the door, realizing that when you arrive, you must take an abrupt right turn through another set of mahogany doors. The actual bar is tucked away in here. The ghosts of drunken bastards leer uncomfortably at you, but you vow to press on.
He opens the door for you and gives a slight wave, indicating you are to enter first. With a deep breath and an ever-so-subtle stutter-step, you enter the Hole-In-One.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
