Depeche Mode: Ghosts Again
Last week saw the release of Depeche Mode's first new single since the sad passing of founder member Andy Fletcher last year. Ghosts Again is the precursor for their new album Momento Mori, the first as a two-piece, which comes out on March 24th.
The songs were all developed across the pandemic, with themes and emotions reflecting that rollercoaster period of time. As DepecheMode.com says, "[the album] tracks a vast expanse of moods and textures, from its ominous opening to its closing resolve - running the gamut from paranoia and obsession to catharsis and joy, and hitting myriad points between."
Of Ghosts Again, lead singer Dave Gahan says, "[it] just captures this perfect balance of melancholy and joy. It's not often that we record a song that I just don't get sick of listening to - I'm excited to be able to share it." The accompanying monochromatic video was directed by legendary photographer / director, Anton Corbijn, and features Gahan and Martin Gore playing chess on a rooftop.
The National: Tropic Morning News
Tropic Morning News is the lead track from the upcoming ninth album by The National, which is called First Two Pages Of Frankenstein. The album comes out on April 28th and features guests including Taylor Swift, Sufjan Stevens and Phoebe Bridgers.
The single was a co-write between lead singer Matt Berninger and his wife Carin Besser and refers to a phrase he invented to describe the practice of doomscrolling. "The idea of referring to the darkness of the news in such a light way unlocked something in me. It became a song about having a hard time expressing yourself, and trying to connect with someone when the noise of the world is drowning out any potential for conversation."
Thus Love: Put On Dog
I was introduced to this Vermont trio a few weeks back - and they are astounding. They make post-punk songs (but don't use that as a boundary - there is a load more in there too) that have more than passing hints of the Psychedelic Furs and Echo & The Bunnymen.
From the songs I have heard so far, debut album Memorial (came out last October) will be well worth checking out - here is the most single, Put On Dog, which came out last month.
Finally, some sad news
Last of all we bring some tragic news that was announced earlier today. S Club 7 have announced that they are reforming for a 25th Anniversary tour. I wish I could bring you better news, but they insist that they want to bring 'joy and positivity' to us all.
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