Counterfeit²
Counterfeitproves that Martin Gore has exemplary taste in music. TheDepeche Modesongwriter's first full-length solo excursion is a covers album in the tradition ofDavid Bowie'sPin-Ups. The 11 selections range from obviously classic works by rock lordsLou Reed,Nick Cave,Brian Eno,Iggy Pop, andJohn Lennon; to a pop-trash wildcard--a winsome version ofDavid Essex's "Stardust." What’s more, most of the songs fit in with Depeche Mode’s fascination with masochism, drugs, decay, and disillusion. The problem lies in Gore's lack of emotional and musical range. Fans will take great comfort in the set's familiar moody minor chords, electronic touches, echoing darkness, and Gore's vocals. But the end result is uniform in texture and tempo, and songs as originally powerful as "In My Time of Dying" or Cave’s "Loverman" just seem to float into the background, deprived of edge and individuality. Still, Gore plays Weill’s "Lost in the Stars" piano-and-strings straight, and seekers of tasteful ambience may enjoy the idea of various cult rock, folk, and country songs being transformed into Mode-ish mood music.--Garry Mulholland