DISQUS

LouCypher · 7 months ago

<3 80's

tonyobregon · 7 months ago

While both the Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode have released new tracks that push the envelope, I think we can agree that the album covers from these latest offerings are completely vapid -- a kindergartner could have designed them. I miss the days when album covers were as compelling as the music.

Louis Gray · 7 months ago

In the age of iTunes, I would argue the album covers aren't that important. On the flip side, if you assume you're just designing for a computer screen, and can leverage PDF for album details, it should be pretty easy to take things up a notch.

Jordi Soler · 7 months ago

"Sounds of the Universe" is quite a disappointment IMHO. "Yes", as you say, was quite unexpected and I find it much much better: even people who never liked PSB agree to say that it's a top-notch album. Quite a surprise!

However, it is fair to say that the "Wrong" video is possibly the best I've seen so far in my life. It seems like a deleted scene from a "Saw" movie...

Louis Gray · 7 months ago

The "Wrong" video is certainly memorable. I don't think I would call it "best", though. It was jaw-dropping the first time I saw it, but not one I'd put on a loop by any means.

Aidan · 7 months ago

I could not agree with you more! I love both these bands but 'Yes' is just so great. I sat in my kitchen next to the ipod dock and listened to the audio commentary track and laughed. I haven't felt the same connection to 'Sounds of the Universe' although I enjoy a lot of it and I think there are great lyrics throughout. Maybe it is the time of year. After a long winter, I am thoroughly ready for something breezy and hopeful. 'Sounds' seems a little heavy right now. Still, I will be traveling across the country to see DM in Phoenix this August. (Apparently St. Louis has dropped off the Universe as it were.) Can't wait to see the North American tour dates for Pet Shop Boys this fall. They truly deserve their recent awards.

But to echo another commenter, the Wrong video is really something. It affected me and I couldn't get it out of my head for quite some time.

Louis Gray · 7 months ago

The audio commentary is very good. The catch is that it's almost like not wanting to find out how food is made. Maybe I want a little mystery, and it's hard at times to put the voices in parallel from them speaking to how they sing. It's like when you see a person in real life for the first time after hearing them on the phone or trading e-mail. Usually you are disappointed, right? :)

William · 7 months ago

Thanks for the review which threw me back to college days (all good). I'm off to (Pet) Shop.

Louis Gray · 7 months ago

William, you'll have to let me know what you think of it, or add a link to your Last.fm/Pandora to see how you're enjoying the new tracks. I'm very glad I found it.

Rick Bucich · 7 months ago

Blasphemy I say!;)

Louis Gray · 7 months ago

It is hard to believe, isn't it. I'll let my Last.fm do the talking though. http://www.last.fm/user/louismg

JamesFuller · 7 months ago

I was extremely disappointed by "Sounds of the Universe" though it was do to me getting bored early on Monday night and purchasing the latest Royksopp album, "Junior," and Fever Ray's self titled release. The just made Depeche Mode sound much more Industrial than was pleasing to me, I like the older softer Depeche Mode songs. will be checking out 'Yes' now that I've heard about it, thank you Louis.

Louis Gray · 7 months ago

James, you mean there's a new Royksopp album out too?! Okay, there
goes my credit card again. Nice work.