This month, we review CDs from Dave Gahan, Martin L. Gore, Radioactive Man, Nueva Musica, and The White Stripes.
Artist: Dave Gahan
Title: Paper Monsters
Label: Reprise
Rating: 3 1/2
Artist: Martin L. Gore
Title: Counterfeit2
Label: Reprise
Rating: 3
Both front men for Depeche Mode have released solo albums at roughly the same time. And while the themes are relatively similar -- somber, almost morose midtempo electronic melancholia -- the approaches are surprisingly different. Gore, the songwriter of the band, has chosen to do an album of covers. His versions, such as Led Zeppelin's "In My Time of Dying" and The Velvet Underground's "Candy Says," are unique but somehow falter. The sounds employed are challenging but -- and this is surprising for someone known for his melodies -- these takes are almost devoid of tune. Gahan's effort is much more tuneful, recalling DM in its "Personal Jesus" phase. Bluesy guitars and harmonica sit comfortably with lamenting synths and low-slung beats. Surprising, and occasionally quite good. --Douglas Adams
Artist: Radioactive Man
Title: Fabric 08
Label: Fabric
Rating: 4 1/2
Few artists command the kind of respect that Radioactive Man (aka Keith Tenniswood) does. Straddling the line between techno, electro and breaks, Radioactive Man consistently delivers challenging, bassbin-blowing dance music that defies categorization. Fabric 08, his contribution to the UK club's mix CD series, is, not surprisingly, extremely varied in style. You've got the wicked breaks of Koma and Bones' "Power Cut" (Rewired Remix), the Euro electro of Imatran Voima's ""In/Out," and the hyper 2-step of his own "'ave That," as remixed by Tim Wright. Don't worry if none of this sounds familiar, as half the fun is guessing what he's going to play next. It's a booty-quakingly good time. --Douglas Adams
Artist: Nueva Musica
Title: The Latin Project
Label: Electric Monkey
Rating: 4 1/2
Latin jazz flavor, get-on-your-feet dance production, and tremendous vocalists and instrumentalists are the proper ingredients for a CD concoction that is the musical equivalent of some potent caipirinha. This is not a straight-up dance disc; you'll find some wonderful melodies and well-crafted songs that fuse together different styles of Latin music set to great beats. Produced by Jez Colin and Matt Cooper, The Latin Project also incorporates the talents of Robbie Nevil, Flamenco guitarist Marc Antione, Katia Moraes, Junno Homrich, Terence Trent D'Arby and Violetta Villacorta. Nueva Musica will more than inspire you to dance -- you can just as easily play it for close listening. You'll gain a deep appreciation for the musicianship and songwriting artistry right from the first track. --the idler
Artist: The White Stripes
Title: Elephant
Rating: 4
With so much press coverage over the last year, it's been difficult to determine if the White Stripes are all hype or the real deal. All doubt is put to rest with this strong new collection of compelling tunes. The songs on Elephant range from '60s-era bluesy rockers to country-tinged acoustic guitar jams, with just enough of an edgy feel to make the songs quite welcome in any David Lynch soundtrack. Jack White is highly effective with his demon-possessed blues guitar licks, as well as on quieter acoustic songs that bring to mind Beck's latest album. The lyrics are alternately touching and bewildering, while the music has the sass of the Rolling Stones' best work. The entire album has a bit of a sloppy and unpolished feel that works. If Jack White and band mate Meg White are not the saviors of independent rock, then they are at least worthy of serious attention. --Steve Geise