[djeddy]

i got my hands on it last week...

already gave it a few listens while i was working...

DM has been obsessed with the dark stuff ever since they did Stripped..and they have made really great dark songs, but there were always uplifting ones in there that equally kicked that ass.

Playing the Angel lacks that uplifting sound. Too much darkness here. Too much rough-style, it wasnt smooth and emotional. it was more like sandpaper. Some of the songs sound more like NIN than DM. And honestly..its the first album that really lacks the catchy hooks, melodies, and arrangements that are expected in a DM release. Further exposing DM's ever-so-important missing element, Alan Wilder.

that said...

Ultra was the first wilder-less album. and although its no Violator, Tim Simenon did a great job filling in for Wilder. He did a good job producing. i even remember how happy Gahan was with Ultra..(that and that he's finally 'clean' enough to enjoy his music.)

why can't they get him again?

anyway..even though its sounds like Pretty Hate Machine meets Sasha. 'Suffer Well' is the only song i really like from here. the rest is filler. precious included..