Goree - Pierre Akendengue

Advantages: Very interesting cover versions that give fans an insight into his influences.
Disadvantages: ... it's a bit short, I suppose...

...For anyone who doesn't already know, Martin L. Gore is the keyboard player, guitarist, and primary songwriter for English electro pioneers Depeche Mode. This album, Gore's first solo effort, was released on the 12th of June, 1989 on Mute Records. I'm not usually a fan of cover albums, but for both of Martin Gore's Counterfeit albums, I can make an exception! Not only does he write great music, but this album (and it's 2003 followup, which I also reccomend) proves that he listens to it too! 01. 'Compulsion' (5:26), originally recorded by John Crow. Possibly my favourite... a really catchy, synth-driven rendition of a song with very affecting lyrics. A song that if it weren't for this album, I never would have discovered! Rating: 5/5. 02. 'In A Manner Of Speaking' (4:19), originally recorded by Tuxedomoon. A very emotive... Read review

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Advantages: Some great recordings of rare tracks
Disadvantages: Misses some of Romica's best works

...From 1864 and the abolition of slavery, many homeless gypsies settled on the outskirts of southern towns of Romania, these areas were called "mahalas" and it was where the songs "cantece de mahala" (songs of the suburbs) originated. People met in the local cafe or "carciuma" and a group of local musicians the "taraf" which usually consisted of violinist, double bass player, cobza, accordian and tambal and vocalist would entertain everyone else. This music was/is known as "Lautari". Romica Punceanu was born in 1926 in Bucharest and started singing in cafes by the age of 14 but it wasn't until 1964 that she actually recorded an album, The Gore Brothers (famous Romanian musicians - Aurel and Victor) who also grew up in the same mahala and were in fact cousins to Puceanu helped her become famous by organising gigs for her. She has... Read review

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Advantages: Its like a butterfly,emerging from its chrysalis
Disadvantages: It sounds too spartan and unfinished in places

...QUESTION:- Whta do you do when your main songwriter departs after you achieve mainstream success? ANSWER:- You carry on, because you hope no one will notice... For those of you familiar with DM'S history, then you know this is the "sticky" album; VINCE CLARKE who wrote 90% of their previous work SPEAK AND SPELL, had enough, got off the tour bus, and...well thats for another time another place eh? So young essex boys that they were, they soldiered on with MARTIN GORE writing everything on the album and...it worked and it did'nt. This isn't a rubbish album, but the quality of songwriting, production and even the singing is VERY VARIED. Although do-it-all man DANIEL MILLER (who also produced, and managed them at the time), did a superb job, there seems to be a real subdued quality to the whole package. From the opener LEAVE... Read review

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