Depeche Mode - Soothe My Soul (Remixes)

The first of many remixes of the sleazy "Personal Jesus"-esque song has been released. Steve Angello and Jacques Lu Cont (an alias of Stuart Price) have done the mix. They have un-swung the vocals from the original. The verses and chorus have been spread throughout the mix, not appearing totally in the original sequence. The Electro/House production of the mix maintains the sleaze factor of the original, but there are some cool dramatic dropout sections, mixing it up a bit. It's a fun mix overall.

Listen to a preview and buy the mix here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

Depeche Mode - Soothe My Soul

This is the second single from their new Delta Machine album that was released earlier in the week. Production-wise, this bears a striking resemblance to their own "Personal Jesus." It has that similar swing beat and sleazy synthwork. Their live performances have played up the similarities. The song has a dark, sinister feel to it. This should easily be another hit for them.

Listen to the song and watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Depeche Mode previews some new songs from their Delta Machine album

The group performed several songs from their new album, in addition to a couple classics this week on the David Letterman Show stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater. The new album entitled Delta Machine will be released on March 26.

Setlist:
Angel
Should Be Higher
Walking In My Shoes
Barrel Of A Gun
Heaven
Personal Jesus
Soft Touch / Raw Nerve
Soothe My Soul
Enjoy The Silence

Depeche Mode - Heaven (Remixes)

This is the lead single from their forthcoming new album Delta Machine. The song is a Pop/Rock midtempo not deviating too much from their usual, however, there is a subtle darkness to it. The Freemasons remixes of this bring the dark element to the forefront. They kept certain production elements from the original. The song feels more intense at the higher tempo. This is easily one of the darkest mixes the Freemasons have done to date. Overall, this song is quite the grower, and the remix is  excellent.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Freemasons mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Hilary Duff - Reach Out

This song had been discussed as being a potential single from a re-release of Dignity (her last album). But the re-release never materialized. Then it was rumored that this was from a new album. Recently, it was announced that Hilary and her record label were parting ways and a greatest hits collection will be released (this November). The "Personal Jesus" sampling track will be the promotional vehicle for this collection. This is one of her strongest songs to date in terms of vocals, lyrical content and production. This one is sure to be a floorfiller with its numerous club mixes by Joe Bermudez with Chico, DJ Escape with Dom Capello and Richard Vission.

Listen to a clip of the Joe Bermudez with Chico mix. This one contains samples of Soft Cell's "Tainted Love."

Grade: A-

Metro Station - Shake It

The L.A.-based band has made quite a splash with their clever blend of Rock, Synthpop and Electronica. Their breakout success began after they topped the MySpace Unsigned Bands charts. A record label signed them and their first album was released in the Fall of 2007. Their latest single "Shake It" has begun to get radio airplay and its sales are growing. The song is very 80's sounding. Think of a slightly Dancier Depeche Mode or Erasure with a hint of Talking Heads. The hook is so catchy and the upbeat production is just so much fun.

Grade: B+

Hilary Duff - Reach Out (And Touch Me)

Hilary has been performing this new song as part of her Dignity Tour. It has gotten an amazing response. She does sample from Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus." It is done tastefully though. The "reach out and touch me" line is resung by her and used as the hook. This song instantly calls to mind last year's "Beware Of The Dog" by Jamelia which also sampled from "Personal Jesus." Unfortunately, Jamelia's song didn't crossover in the U.S. Aside from it being used in last year's Victoria's Secret fashion show which was televised on CBS, it got minimal exposure in the U.S. There has been talk of a re-release of Hilary's Dignity album with some additional tracks including this one and a cover she has performed of "Love Is A Battlefield" by Pat Benatar. There is still no confirmation that such a release will happen. This new song is perfect for re-introducing Ms. Duff's Dance/Pop album to the masses.

Grade: A

They want danger

They first gained attention with "The Rejection" over a year ago and followed it up with an EP featuring several tracks. No proper album yet, but hopefully one is in the works. Of the Dance/Rock-oriented EP, "Give Me Danger" became the next single. It has the feel of a Depeche Mode or Erasure track. The vocals definitely will call to mind Dave Gahan. Not a bad thing though. This similarity could hopefully cause fans of Dangerous Muse to check out Depeche Mode and Erasure if they have not done so already.

Just as was done with "The Rejection", "Give Me Danger" has received some remixes. Peter Rauhofer headlines on this project, however, there are over half a dozen other mixes that are worthy of attention as well. Peter Rauhofer opted to go in the electro-house direction he has been dabbling in for the last couple of years. For a song of this nature, it is quite appropriate. The slowed-down vocals lose some of the "oomph" found in the original. The production doesn't have the feel of "danger" as may have been expected, however, it is pretty decent.

A CD maxi containing the original, Rauhofer and other mixes was issued a few weeks back. It is available at some brick n' mortar stores, however PerfectBeat and Amazon are good options as they have carried it and may do so for some time.

Original Version
Grade: A

Peter Rauhofer mixes
Grade: B+