As a proper suburban white male, I was weaned on Foreigner 4, Pink Floyd's Animals and Queen's A Night At The Opera. As such, artists like Prince and Depeche Mode evaded my slippery grasp, their humble undertones of homosexuality raising conflicting feelings of fascination and disgust in my pubescent mind. I didn't know then that Freddy Mercury was gay. Maybe I should mention that to my therapist.

Eventually, I got laid and things began to make a little sense, despite the slew of implications I had already shouldered by making it with an employee with problematic English skills. But that's another review. I was introduced to Depeche Mode's Black Celebration, admittedly long into their illustrious, if not rocky career. Though they dodged the nu-wavers by throwing their hand with the dance folks, I tell you now-- and take it as truth-- there truly is a naughty kind of depth to their depravity, and I suggest you explore it. The sheen of pure sex that shines over every song in their catalog is unique and worthy of emulation. You like sex, don't you? I thought so!

On to the tribute album. I am thus far deliciously pleased, and I'd like to tell you why. First, there is an impressive array of artists represented from heavyweights like the Cure and Smashing Pumpkins to new-ish folks like Failure and Apollo Four Forty. Usually the heavyweights sigh their way through an afternoon studio session with a yawn, and the exposure- hungry make asses out of themselves trying to be noticed. For The Masses, however, breaks with tradition in that each artist sees Depeche Mode from a different angle, but the heavy, simple beats of the original music bump through every track; it provides an overall sound that trades the jarring feel of most compilations for a fantastic overall sound filled with variety, though it's variety with a common and recognizable musical thread.

Rabbit In The Moon's "Waiting for the Night" is a wicked interpretation with some rad drum-n-bass gyrations complemented by the molasses- rich vocals of Jaqui Walker. Oh, Pedro. Apollo Four Forty did better work on Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub," but their version of "I Feel You" is still respectable. Though it don't seem right to hear the Cure covering Depeche Mode, they tear into "World In My Eyes" with aplomb. Veruca Salt's delicate "Somebody" made me cry harder than I did at the end of "Titanic." And Rammstein must have a great sense of humor, that crazy guy! He sounds like Colonel Klink! It's hilarious, I tell you, but a great way to end the album. And finally, did I mention Rabbit in the Moon? Oh. Okay, then you know how I feel. If it sounds good, buy it. If not, get some Foreigner.

-James P. Wisdom

Smashing Pumpkins: "Never Let Me Down Again"

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