Dave Gahan

Dave Gahan released his second solo effort, Hourglass, this past October. After Paper Monsters, my expectations for Hourglass were admittedly low. So when I listened to it for the first time, I went in with an open mind. Thanks to that, I can walk away and say “It’s a pretty good album.” I even like some of the slower, less industrial-sounding tracks. Very reflective, moody.

Overall, my favorites would be “Kingdom” (the first single), “Deeper and Deeper”, “Endless”, and “A Little Lie”. While similarities to Playing the Angel (Depeche Mode‘s last album) lie within (dark, electronic) — Dave Gahan is the legendary voice of Depeche after all — this album shows his maturity and progress as a solo artist.

While not excellent — it doesn’t flow as much as I’d like — it’s heaps better than Paper Monsters! I’m sure it will continue to grow on me with more listening.

“Kingdom”

“Saw Something”

“Dirty Sticky Floors” (JunkieXL vocal remix)

just because I go APESHIT over any JunkieXL remix

Depeche Mode

I remember the first time I heard Depeche Mode in the early to mid-80s. I thought it was the most brilliant sound I had ever heard! My love of their music continues to this day. Their last studio album “Playing the Angel” was phenomenal, in my humble opinion. It reminded me why I love them so. I hope they stick together and continue to make great music.

In the meantime, Dave Gahan will be releasing a new solo album, Hourglass, which drops on October 23. I don’t have high hopes for it, but who knows maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

“Black Celebration” (live)

“Blasphemous Rumours” (live)

“Everything Counts”