Dust
OnDust, his second album for the goth-industrial Metropolis label, Peter Murphy continues his foray into elegant guitar lines and delicate electronics, while adding shades of Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms that only add to the music's exotic flair. Murphy's post-Bauhaussolo releases, which have included some interesting music, have displayed an admirable willingness to experiment. That he has managed to do so without sounding pretentious or contrived (or alienating the fans who have been with him since the Bauhaus days) is a testament to the man's resilience over his 20-year career. Though the album isn't exactly a reinvention of his sound, the freshness and appeal ofDustcan be found in the dark melodies of tracks like "Things to Remember," as well as the layered instrumental work on "Fake Sparkle or Golden Dust." As an added bonus, there's a new version of "Subway," originally from Murphy's 1995 release,Cascade. This one features a real violin and some other sweet extras, making it a worthy inclusion.--Genevieve Williams