Word: synths
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DANCE ABILITY MANY believe, is the only virtue of British synth-band Depeche Mode. An auspicious pioneer in the synth-pop wavelet of Human League, ex-Human Leaguers Heaven 17, and Soft Cell, "The Mode" looked passe after synthesizer genius Vince Clarke departed for Yaz. The remaining foursome haven't quite thrived, but they haven't died either; and their latest release. Some Great Reward compares well to the brilliant post-Clarke collection. A Broken Frame...
Herbie Hancock: Rockit (Kevin Godley and Lol Creme). An infectious synth-jazz riff keeps a group of unlikely robots-all unfinished-dancing as they putter...
...that are surprisingly accomplished "Boom Boom" is a riff rocker that manages with its one guitar to be both heavier and more rocking than most heavy metal songs with their flurry of frenetic guitars. "Hearts are Trump" (get it?) is basically a silly love song, lifted by a fuzzy synth lead, and some shimmering backing vocals. And for those who didn't hear it the first time around. Trio has obligingly reprised their hit "Da Da Da etc." It's surprising how much mileage the band has gotten out of this incredibly simple song--most of it consists only...
...while the same criticisms of Tears for Fears' The Hurting can be levelled at Power, Corruption, and Lies--that it is occasionally boring, soupy, and offers little that is new--there is a tangible difference between New Order and your bargain basement synth outfit. New Order exudes an intelligence and depth that gives the sense that Bernard Albrecht and crew are in total control of their disco experiment. But where does that leave the listener...
...Pack Jam" remix lifts a synth riff from who knows where, and backs it with electronically altered vocals and a variety of funk sounds, which recall everything from Caribbean metal drums to a fart. Spaceman Jonzun, himself, is credited with the following: lead vocals, computer programming, electro drums, space bass, space-vocals, sound effects, synthesized keyboards, background vocals, string and brass synthesizers. And the three other band members do stuff as well...