David Gahan - Paper Monsters
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Free Music Notes for Paper Monsters
Free Music Review: Depechians will not be disappointed
Hit: 4 Stars
Paper Monsters is an exceptional solo debut and surprisingly similar in spots to the sound of Depeche Mode, though more organic and sans the dark, brooding sensibility that DM has long been known for. Gahan uses his spectacular voice in new and interesting ways, and the music is a refreshing and thoroughly modern fusion of electronica and bluesy slide guitar. "Dirty Sticky Floors", in which Gahan touches on the ugly side of his former life, and "Bottle Living" are gritty, strong and the most reminiscent of Gahan with Gore and Fletcher. On much of the rest of Paper Monsters Gahan takes a very different tack, and has produced gems like "Hold On", a slinky, down-tempo ballad with an addictive chorus. Equally as habit-forming is the clubby but chilled "I Need You", an amazing track rich with haunting electronic textures and little bits of guitar flitting about.
"Hidden Houses" is also wonderful, and moves adroitly from spooky to angry to enchanting, driven by lively bass and drums. The compelling "Goodbye" morphs similarly, from innocuous to uneasy, and finally into heavy guitar a la STP. Most of the other tracks are also very good, but slow, and perhaps not ideal for those who are inclined toward higher bpm.
Paper Monsters is an excellent effort overall, and a must-have for any Depeche Mode aficionado. If it's available, drop a few extra bucks for the version with the DVD. It features an illuminating short documentary, along with a couple of live performances and the "Dirty Sticky Floors" video.
Free Music Review: Dirty Sticky Floors
Hit: 4 Stars
Depeche Mode is one of my favorite bands from the '80s. I especially love the vocal stylings of Dave Gahan. I have been wanting Dave's solo album "Paper Monsters" for some time now. Thank heavens I found a promo copy of the cd at my favorite record store. I wasn't too sure of wanting to buy it full priced because of the mixed reviews the cd has received. I already own Martin Gore's solo cd "Counterfeit2" which I found quite interesting but the songs were all cover songs. So I was pleased to see that on Dave's solo album, all the songs are originals. Like Martin's solo cd, "Paper Monsters" is a music departure from Dave's full-time band. It is more rock and roll, and less the traditional synth-pop although "Hold On" did harken back to "Violator"- era. The most compelling song on the cd I thought was "Bottle Living" which was about Dave's years as a drug addict. The first single "Dirty Sticky Floors" is an interesting song. It has this totally sleazy feel to the song. Totally different from what I would hear from Depeche Mode. Although interesting, I must say that I definitely prefer Dave's work with Depeche Mode over "Paper Monsters". Still it is good to see Dave the songwriter than just Dave the singer. Hopefully he will contribute more to the song lyrics on future Depeche Mode albums.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: It's No Good
Hit: 1 Stars
This album is very, very bad. It shows what happens when a self important rock star decides to take on the time honored tradition of song writing. I am a life long Depeche Mode fan, seen them 4 times in concert, have every album they've released, could hang with anybody when it comes to Depeche trivia. Trust me when I tell you that this album stinks and you should avoid it like the plague. I pray to the skies above that Alan comes back into the fold, otherwise this is a sinking ship!Free Music Review: An excellent solo debut!!
Hit: 4 Stars
A lot of people is criticizing Dave for doing an album that sounds like the latest works of DM... I don't see where is the problem with that. I think that he writes really good and that he didn't intend to discover a new philosofical theory, he just wanted to make some music of his own!!! And I think that he did it really great, the sounds are impecable and the lyrics are good. The cd goes through several moods and it was really nice and easy to hear for me. If you have been following DM for several years I think that this album is a must have for you.