Sounds of the Universe

DEPECHE MODE - SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE

In 1987, I purchased my first album – Depeche Mode’s “Music for the Masses.” I listened to it non-stop, until the tape was warped from my constant rewinding (side two was much shorter than side one, meaning you had to rewind to get back to the beginning of side one after the album was over).

Twenty-two years later, I am still a fan. “Sounds of the Universe,” Depeche Mode’s twelfth studio album, is one of their finest, combining elements of their later sound (“Ultra” era) with the classic synth heavy sound of early DM (“Some Great Reward” era).

Check out my favorite track, "Fragile Tension," here:


Get your own "Sounds of the Universe" here.

Fantasies

METRIC – FANTASIES

Metric’s fourth album, “Fantasies,” is their finest to date. Each song is its own little individual gem, but the whole thing fits together perfectly too. This is a great pop album - “Fantasies” is glossy and slick – and poised to become the perfect soundtrack to my summer.

Check out one of my favorite tracks, "Sick Muse," here:


Get your own "Fantasies" here.

The Human Lea- er, Juan MacLean

THE JUAN MACLEAN – THE FUTURE WILL COME

John MacLean got his start as the guitarist for Six Finger Satellite. He later met James Murphy (founder of the DFA label) and released a solo album (“Less Than Human”) as The Juan MacLean. The follow-up, “The Future Will Come,” deftly combines the cool electro-disco sound that DFA is famous for, and male/female vocals (from MacLean and “mystery woman” Nancy Whang) that are reminiscent of Human League.

Check out the track "The Simple Life" here:


Get your own copy of "The Future Will Come" here.

Happy Easter!

It's Blitz!

YEAH YEAH YEAHS – IT’S BLITZ!

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs just got a whole lot more interesting (to me, anyway). This time around, Nick Zinner added his vintage Arp to the mix. That added element gives the Yeah Yeah Yeahs a more new wave, disco electro sound - exacly what I’ve always thought Karen O’s voice was perfectly suited for.

Check out my favorite track, "Zero," here:


Get your own copy of "It's Blitz" here.

Bromst

DAN DEACON – BROMST
Unlike the completely electronic "Spiderman Of The Rings," Dan Deacon’s latest release, "Bromst," is a mixture of acoustic and mechanical instruments, samples, and electronics. The intricate and complex parts are woven together into a rich, dense, noise pop that has become Deacon's signature sound.

Check out the track "Snookered" here:


Get your own copy of "Bromst" here.