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April 24th, 2003
Martin L. Gore - 2) (Reprise/Warner

Counterfeit
Jamie O'Meara

As the main creative engine behind humanized electronica pioneers Depeche Mode, one could easily expect more from this second in Martin Gore's series of Counterfeit cover-version albums (similar to Johnny Cash's American Recordings, sans originals). Almost without exception, Gore's interpretations of songs by Nick Cave, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Kurt Weill and even John Lennon are flaccid, lifeless and passive. Gore's sample quilting and other technical handiwork is interesting at times even if the songs are not. Considering the sources, an oddly, utterly flat affair lacking in pathos and drama. (Jamie O'Meara)


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Depeche Mode Lite

Martin Gore has been Depeche Mode's sole songwriter since their second album back in 1982. That's over twenty years now! So it's no big shock that he has painted himself into a bleak corner. I mean how many ways can one man write about death or lust or betrayal or redemption without repeating oneself? It's no wonder that the last two Depeche Mode albums Exciter and Ultra have pretty much been the antithesis of their titles, and Martin's lyrics a little sub par.

So back in 1989, he released an EP of obscure covers called Counterfeit, which allowed him a brief reprieve from the constraints of writing for a world famous group. Now, it feels like he's similarly burned out, and so we have Counterfeit2, a sequel cover album of some more of Martin's favorite songs.

If nothing else, this disc confirms that Martin has excellent musical taste. Predictably, the music is similar to Depeche Mode's, and uses the same sort of electro-ambient soundscapes to frame fairly faithful renditions of songs by John Lennon, Nick Cave, Brian Eno, and Lou Reed among others.

Now as a pretty big Depeche Mode fan, I find Counterfeit2 is pretty interesting because the Depeche Mode songs where Martin sings have always been highlights for me. Martin has always been able to emote a little more dramatically than Dave Gahan's baritone allowed him.

Some highlights here are his testosterone-charged interpretation of Nick Cave's "Loverman", and the version of John Lennon's "Oh My Love" which actually sounds like a Depeche Mode original.

Whether anyone unfamiliar with Martin's work would like it, I can't tell for sure. The songs plod along at a very homogeneous pace, and personally there is nothing here that ranks as high in my list of favourites as "Personal Jesus", "Never Let Me Down Again" or "Fly On The Windscreen". All the same, as a teenager who grew up listening to Depeche Mode and is now in his late twenties, its excellent mood music while I wait for the next proper album.

Leonard Andermann

November 23rd, 2004

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