Music of the Week
April 22nd, 2009 - Written by stevek
Parachutes: Losing Sleep (Available Everywhere May 19th, 2009)
This album is alright, though certainly not my musical cup of tea. It’s a little too Goo-Goo Dolls Light Rock for me, though I have to admit that the slightly overproduced songs are appropriately soulful and contemplative.
When they diverge dangerously close to Maroon 5 territory with Techno-Piano Rock songs, they lose points with me. Maroon 5 and other bands of that nature make the “douchiest of douche music”, in my not-so humble opinion; but I digress.
Despite the weaknesses, ‘Losing Sleep’s’‘s merits are greater in number and quality. This album should propel them to a national and hopefully North American popular consciousness. Maybe if they get big enough we’ll get to hear them do something less heavily produced and geared towards marketability.
Parachutes: Losing Sleep
Mercury Records
Steve’s Rating: 7/10
Depeche Mode: Sounds of the Universe
The last couple of years have been, without a doubt, very shitty in terms of new albums from old bands. We’ve had train wrecks by The Who, The Smashing Pumpkins, Guns N Roses, Blind Melon and a dozen others. There have been very few gems from veteran acts.
I am happy to say that Depeche Mode is one of those gems.
‘Sounds of the Universe’ is classic and top-of-their-game Depeche Mode. The music maintains their signature sound while delivering songs with lyrics and musical content as fresh as today’s bagels.
Depeche Mode have been averaging one album every four years for the past sixteen years. While their popularity has waned with the hairlines of the band members and their fans, their music has remained a strong presence, influencing the sound of many of today’s hottest musical talents, as well as garnering new fans when their music is played, or performed live.
Depeche Mode have the kind of staying power that has seen even legends fall. This album perpetuates that, and proves that yes, some good things did come out of the 1980s.
Depeche Mode: Sounds of the Universe
Capitol
Steve’s Rating: 10/10
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