DEPECHE MODE / Delta Machine [2013]

Depeche Mode's 13th studio album, 2013's Delta Machine is probably their strongest work since 1993's Songs Of Faith & Devotion.  

Flood's back at the mixing board after 20 long years of being apart, so you're guaranteed a minimalistic, yet strangely busy, wall of sleek electronic textures & melodies with slithering bluesy guitars swaying back & forth into the mix.  It's all very familiar, which almost sounds like the band is purposely attempting to recreate the sounds of their glory days, which at times makes me question the authenticity of their intentions here.  Negative points aside, it's a solid album that sets up an excellent atmosphere and tone that's fully engaging from start to finish.

3½ blessings or curses? out of 5

Songs Of Note: Angel; Soothe My Soul

VCMG / Ssss [2012]

I've always been a fan of Depeche Mode and their side projects, so I was interested to hear former bandmates Marty Gore & Vince Clarke reunite in 2012 as VCMG for the electronic dance album Ssss.

Having both mastered the electronic side of Depeche Mode & Erasure with great effect, you'd think this would be a work of genius.  Sadly it's notl.  With legions of younger artists doing it better these two don't stand a chance.  They still seriously resort to outdated and boring blips & bleeps, while other electronic artists have figured out ways to fuse countless genres and sounds into their work.  

This is grandpa's dance record and was outdated 20 years ago.  

FRISBEE