DAVE GAHAN - Paper Monsters
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Free Music Notes for Paper Monsters
Free Music Review: A great surprise, give him a try!
Hit: 5 Stars
I only recently learned Dave Gahan came out with a solo album, and I bought it without hearing any of it beforehand. I never do this, and for once, it was a solid purchase!As far as I'm concerned, this man could sing shampoo bottle instructions, and his voice would still set me on fire.
I was wondering, like the rest of you, how he'd do without Martin. Truth is, he does fantastic, and while Martin may have been the writer of DM, he was NOT the voice--Dave is. The DM tone does indeed carry into his album, but he's not trying to sound "DM minus Martin" on this album.
My favorite song on this album is "Hidden Houses"--it is a seductive song without being overt about it. I found myself being lulled away by the melody and the softness in his voice. Listen to this in your car, and you will miss your exit, like I did--guaranteed.
"Dirty Sticky Floors" is a bit elementary in its lyrics, but it is DAMN catchy, and you'll enjoy it despite the simple rhyming. I can hear this one becoming a standard in dance clubs. This was the best song to open up the CD, no question. It really sets the tone of edgy, faster music interspersed by slower, more intense lyrics. Perfect balance.
"Hold On" just defies description; I love it. Amazon doesn't give enough space for me to go on and on about this one.
All in all, it was a great purchase, and my lone regret is that I didn't buy the version with the bonus DVD. If you like Dave and his rich voice, BUY his CD, and you won't be sorry.
Free Music Review: Surprisingly good
Hit: 5 Stars
I dismissed buying this album because of low expectations and indifference for the first six weeks it was out. This album has become my most listened to this summer. Depeche Mode fans should not be disappointed. Dave doesn't stray too far from his roots but his lyrics are all his own. Don't expect any chart toppers here since this is too complicated for todays radio. He writes of all things melancholy including his past alcoholism. Songs like Hidden Houses and I Need You are downright beautiful hypnosis. Knox Chandler, former guitarist for Siouxsie and the Banshees and Psychedelic Furs, creates some serene sounds from the cello, Keyboards and guitar.Free Music Review: Impressive debut
Hit: 5 Stars
Quite an impressive debut. The album is a bit lower-key than I expected, but it is still intriguing enough to carry throughout its entire length, plus "dirty sticky floors" is enough to make the album worth its value. I would have to call this the best album of 2003, so far. It even blows the white stripes out of the water.Free Music Review: The best CD of 2003
Hit: 5 Stars
With every year, Dave's voice improves, and on this album, his voice sounds better than ever. Every song on this album is good and grows on you.Free Music Review: 3,75 stars actually - solid solo effort
Hit: 4 Stars
dave gahans first solo record was a suprise- what i imagined was some horrible cliche rock record but what i found was a very moody wellcrafted album that mixes the best of sofad-era depeche mode with some ry cooder electro blues slide guitar( nearly on a majority of the tracks. throw in some nice strings(ala richard ashcroft-verve) some plucked acoustic guitar and top it off with gahans best vocal performances and paper monsters is more or less a winner.PROS: good vocals-great ambience-well produced- guitars are wonderful-continuity throughout the album- unconcerned with trying to be overly catchy( though there are a few radio hit attempts)- material reflects an older wiser gahan(not some sad attempt to rock out at 44-see rolling stones) slide guitar is choice- pretty good songs though some drag abit or take to long to get going(patience is rewarded though)!
CONS: lyrically flat-(lyrics are not in booklet-wise choice as they are pretty poor and cliche)-sometimes material is alittle sparse- both "bottle living" and "dirty sticky floors" sound like remakes of i feel you and personal jesus (too redundant of that style but not bad nonetheless. "I need you" sounds like depeche mode completely and doesnt sit well in this format. some may find the album slow but most work by older artists is( usually there is more depth and meaning to be found-here that is the case though better lyrics would have helped even more)
SOUNDSLIKE: sofad era depeche mode- slower acthung baby u2- hints of verve or richard ashcroft-ry cooder soundtrack work- abit of nick cave or scott walker in ambience.
FAVS: hold on-stay-bitter apple-bottle living-hidden houses
Overall: give this to the older brother who thought depeche mode were to synthy or poppy sounding- fans of depeche mode will probally have mixed opinions( i think its better than the last two depeche mode albums and gores solo effort). its a solid record that grows on you-( has to be listened to in one sitting to fully appreciate) doesnt stray too far from mode but is different. Worth getting especially if you can pick it up used but worth full price!