Depeche Mode, Playing the Angel

[oneirophrenia]

Just got it today. And all I have to say is this:

Holy fucking christ, they've done another Violator. Yes, it is that good.

After Exciter, the LEAST exciting album I've ever heard, I really wasn't looking forward to hearing anymore from these guys. Their last couple of albums have been totally mook. They've had a couple of okay singles here and there since Violator, but, I figured, just as Front Line Assembly peaked with Tactical Neural Implant Depeche Mode had done the same with Violator and everything since then has just been...well, boring.

But they've done it. They've matched Violator with Playing the Angel. The entire album is a flatout New Wave synthpop masterpiece. "Precious" is just such an amazing song--this generation's "Enjoy the Silence," beyond any shadow of a doubt. And as far as I'm concerned, "The Darkest Star" is going to be the theme song to Scibidius.

Damn, this is good music to grade papers to!

Comments

[z0mb1e.livejournal.com]

That's exciting. Violator is their best album, so I'm glad I finally have some new synthpoppy goodness to look forward to.

[oneirophrenia.livejournal.com]

Ohyeah--Playing the Angel is SUCH a worthy synthpop album. It's, like, the very epitome of synthpop.

Surprisingly enough, the new Bloodhound Gang album is an extraordinarily synthpoppy album, too. A little depressing at times (surprising, but true!), but still a lot of fun.

I haven't heard much good synthpop lately, which is sad...though there have been a LOT of indie rock bands with strong synthpop elements or influences coming out lately. The Bravery is probably the best of them, though VHS or Beta is pretty damned close (they're more guitar-heavy, though), and the Kaiser Chiefs are a worthy mention, too.