DM Review

Welcome to my new blog. I've decided to make this a music themed blog, but I still haven't settled on a specific direction to go with. I've been feeling uninspired lately, so for now I'm going to be lazy and just dig up an old Xanga post from half a year ago (I hope you don't mind): My review of the latest Depeche Mode album (released 10/2005), Playing the Angel.

Playing the Angel Review

1. A Pain that I'm Used To:
I like this song a lot. It has "second single" written all over it. It's really catchy and danceable, and I just can't stop singing along with the chorus. The only problem I have with it, as I mentioned previously, is the really, really annoying intro. Whenever the song comes on I cringe and get a strange urge to go seek shelter under a desk. But, you know, other than that it's a great song...!

2. John the Revelator:
I wasn't too keen on this track when I first heard it, but as I suspected, it slowly grew on me. It's interesting, because it's based on a traditional, but it's a little too gospel-y for me to feel comfortable sharing it with a non-DM fan, which is slightly off-putting. A bit too weird, I guess. But I like it because, well, it rocks. I think this is the first album since... Black Celebration that DM has done 2 upbeat songs back-to-back to lead off an album. (Oh wait, I forgot about SoFaD, but WiMS isn't that upbeat.)

3. Suffer Well (D):
And then we come to Track 3. I still think Dave's attempts have fallen short. I've been forcing myself to listen to the entire album, to give Dave a chance, but I still hate this song. The melody is simplistic and annoying, and he just doesn't pull it off the way Martin can. I think it might have something to do with the fact that this song isn't in a minor key. (oh, the horror!!)

4. The Sinner in Me:
This song isn't that great either. Pretty boring, actually. The chorus of this song kinda reminds me of Walking in My Shoes, but that's not enough to save this sinner. (I'll try to refrain from punning from now on, I promise (which is a good thing considering the title of the next track)).

5. Precious:
This is the best song on the album by a landslide. When I heard the rough version, I said that it reminded me of The Love Thieves. Since then, I've changed my mind, and now I think it's more reminiscent of Useless, in terms of the music and the tempo. I don't know, it makes me think of the Ultra/OWILM era. People have said it sounds like something from Violator, and I guess I can see that as well. It fits with the whole vulnerability theme... but that's another story. Also, I'm somewhat disappointed that the strongest track is the leading single. I mean, logically speaking, a single should be one of your better songs, but that doesn't mean it has to be the only good song. Look at Black Celebration (the album and the song!).

6. Macro(vision):
Ah, finally we get to the first "Martin" song. Compared to other Martin songs, I'm not too keen on this one. In terms of DM songs in general, I would say that I am biased toward it just because Martin sings it. I do have to admit that his vocals are excellent on this one though. And here's an interesting tidbit: for the first time in DM history, Dave is doing backing vocals for Martin (in a studio recording)! That in itself is very cool.

7. I Want it All (D):
Perhaps I was too harsh on this track the first time around... Hearing it in Dolby 5.1 does wonders for the song, but then that chorus is still so goddamn atrocious!!! Dave, what were you thinking writing something like that?!?!? Between three people, that was the best you could come up with? It just completely ruins an otherwise mediocre song. The verses are forgettable, but not offensive, and the ending isn't bad, but that chorus!! Ugh, I'm so disgusted with this song that I have to stop now and move on to the next one.

8. Nothing's Impossible (D):
The last Dave song... this one is not as bad because it's kinda dark sounding and monotonous, but it doesn't go anywhere. There's no movement or tension or anything. Instead of being cool, it's blah. What it really is, is a wannabe Behind the Wheel. Seriously, it is.

9. Introspectre:
Why, it's the little obligatory minimalistic instrumental! What's wrong little fella? It sounds like you've got something to say, but you never come out with it. Not for 40 measures. 1:41 minutes. You just keep repeating those same 5 notes over and over and over again. Say something, goddamni--*ahem* I mean, it's okay little guy, why don't you go run off and play with Junior Painkiller? Sigh, they just don't make 'em like they used to...

10. Damaged People:
When I was listening to the MP3, I thought it was just another Comatose, which didn't impress me much. But then! I listened to the CD/DVD and I was completely floored. Apparently the main melody line of the chorus wasn't audible from the little speaker in the back of my computer (under my desk) at work. And what a beautiful melody it is. It's very showtune-ish, which I don't like necessarily for a pop song, but it works beautifully here. I love when Martin uses both the higher and lower registers of his voice. It's very warm and lyrical.

11. Lillian:
Ok, by request, I will attempt an interrogation style review a la Go. :P I apologize in advance if it comes out really cheesy.
Interrogator: State your name.
Lillian: Li-Lillian...
I: So, Lillian, you do realize that, in the past 24 years, you are the only Depeche Mode song to be named after a person?
L: What about Judas...?
I: That doesn't count! Tell me now, who are you really??
L: *whimpers* I am lowly track #11... Merely fluff! I have a catchy melody and a fun beat. All I wanted was to be the third single, that is all... I know nothing! *cries*
I: Very well then. You are lucky you are so "catchy." You may go now.

12. The Darkest Star:
Darkest Star, Darkest Star... To me, this is like a perversion of "My Funny Valentine," nice and dark. In a good way, though. If you listen to the lyrics, you'll see what I mean. Very interesting song; seems like a departure from their usual stuff. More slow and plodding, I suppose...? Factoid: the album name is taken from the lyrics to this song.

Overall, I would say that this was a decent album. It doesn't compare to DM in their heyday, but it's good in its own right. Kind of falls apart in the middle, but it has a strong opening and ending. And Precious. The question is, is 5 songs enough to make an album...?