$$$$$- worth every penny
$$$$- a solid investment
$$$ - if you can spare the change
$$ - only if you can burn money
$ - keep that pocketbook shut
Artist:
"Depeche Mode"
Title:
"ULTRA"
Label:
Reprise Records
Release Date:
4/15/97
Available:
Any Major Music Store
Rating:
$$$$
After several years absence, some legal and drug problems for Dave
Gahan, plus the loss of Alan Whider from the group, "Depeche Mode" has returned
to the sound that made it (and it made) popular - synthesized techno-pop
without the guitar. However, Martin Gore (such an appropriate name) continues
his dark and troubling lyric writing with the opening cut, "The Barrel of the
Gun," that is sure to draw some attention with it's thinly veiled look at
suicidal impulses.
There's been no loss of the ability to generate a
marvelously energetic and unique sound from the synthesizer though, especially on
cuts like "The Love Thieves" and "Uselink," the latter being one of two
instrumentals (except for a short unlisted twelfth cut) on the album. The
only fault I found, is that "Depeche Mode" seems to have caught the monotone blues that have
infused the music of such groups as "U2" in their most recent albums, even though most of Gore's lyrics are hardly upbeat anyway. "The Love Thieves" seems a
likely pick, along with the final cut "Insight," for radio play or video, since
they most resemble the sound that people have come to associate with "Depeche
Mode."
The "Jazz Thieves" is the other instrumental, and is ear-catching with
it's unusual use of the "Depeche Mode" single finger play to produce a little
respite from the moody lyrical ballads surrounding it. This album returns to the sound and feel of the "Black Celebration" album, and has a similar flavor, but enhanced, as the Boys from Basilton have
become more proficient and Gore's lyrics more incisive. David Gahn expresses
them well, especially in "Sisters of Night," when he sings: "Sister of night/In your saddest dress/As you walk through the light/You're desperate to impress/So you slide to the floor/Feeling insecure,"
while he assures her she is not alone in her insecurity, and he is a kindred soul
if she would just choose him. Like most of the lyrics, they express teen
angst well and you can't help but identify with them.
The last two cuts "Bottom Line" and "Insight" are highly spiritual in
nature. They speak on two levels about faith and love, and leave you with a
good feeling as the album draws to a close. There is a small bonus cut not
listed on the album cover which follows "Insight." You might consider
re-programming this cut to precede the last two songs, or deleting it altogether, since
it adds little to the album and detracts from the impact of the last two
tracks. Overall, this a trumphant return of a very accomplished group, and
fans will welcome it with open arms. If you're not already a fan, you should definitely check it out!
Artist:
"Dave Koz"
Title:
"Off The Beaten Path"
Label:
Capitol
Release Date:
1996
Available:
Any Major Music Store
Rating:
$$$$
There is nothing I like better than good sax play, and Dave Koz
has given me an album full of just that. The very first track, "Don't Look
Back," is a top twenty A/C charter. "Let Me Count the Ways" is a #1 smooth
Jazz hit, and his latest single release, "Wake Up Call," is already
receiving a lot of airplay on the local smooth jazz station. Not only does
Dave play an excellent sax, but his choice of accompaniment, such as the
mandolin, acoustic and steel guitar, piano and violins, all lend to
ear-pleasing music.
One of the things I like best about Dave's technique, is his
ability to lend that little quaver to his sound, which gives the listener the
feel of listening to a "voice" not just another instrument. An excellent
example of this is the cut "Awakening," a soft, soul touching piece that speaks
to you like a tender lover on a moonlit night. Dave also has a great sense of humor, and one of his most
enjoyable pieces may be the light-hearted romp "Flat Feet," where he shows his
range with the sax and really lets it wail.
"Under the Spell Of The Moon" is the kind of jazz/dance tune
that should be a band favorite, with a very toe-tappin' beat. The final track,
"Remembrance," reminds us that the saxophone is one of the best instruments
for evoking feelings in the listener - with the ability to sound plaintive and
beguiling all at once.
This album is #14 on the jazz charts, and with help from artists
like Leo Kottke, and vocals from Stevie Nicks, everything on this album is
first rate. The enhanced portion of this CD is a humorous tour through
Dave's life, with pictures and a video of his parents, a journal recording
the making of the album, and a couple of videos. It also lets you play all the songs from the album by
pressing the buttons on a virtual old fashioned jukebox, like the ones that used to be found
on the tables in diners with linoleum floors and vinyl covered
booths. So drop in a quarter and enjoy the music.
Artist:
"EDISON"
Title:
"Picture Postcard"
Label:
Reprise Records
Available:
Any Major Music Store
Rating:
$$$
This debut album from Edison (Shawn Shultz and Ryan Tyler with
Chris McConnell and T.J. Lipple) rates $$$ only because, as with most initial
efforts, these artists still have to find what they do best. The album has
some really rocking music and nice pop tunes that I found fresh and
energetic. Their instrumental play is above average and shows a wide range of
ability, but the vocals are weak. The lead singer, at times,
substitutes shouting for singing, and when he does the music suffers. When
Ryan Tyler is relaxed, as he is on the more pop flavored tunes, his voice shows a
nice range and delivery until he tries to force the words. The opening cut is
an example of this. The solid guitar and keyboard work is lost behind the
vocals. Then in the very next cut, "Release is Nothing," the nice bass intro
(Chris McConnell), and lead guitar rifs, are supported and complimented by vocals showing the ability is there.
The best overall track on the album is "Song for You," with thoughtful
lyrics and excellent presentation. The best instrumental play shows up on "The Player," "It's Only A Theory" and "Fork." All three hard driving tunes emphasize good guitar work (Schultz and Tyler), and
pounding beats from the drums (T.J. Lipple) and bass guitar.
These boys from Altoona, PA have put together some first-rate work
for a debut album, with well crafted songs backed by quality play. For the
most part they show that they understand the balance between vocals and music,
so that they compliment each other rather than compete for attention. One
constant style fault is their abrupt conclusion to several of the songs, like
"Halo," which catch you by surprise, and almost make you think that someone
pulled the plug - perhaps more desirable than songs that never seem to
end, but a bit too abrupt for my taste.
Touring is bound to show them where their strengths lie, and what the
fans find most appealing in their work. I suspect that their more thoughtful
songs, like the last cut "Sometimes," will be well received. All in all an
excellent first effort and worth the expense.
