David J Estranged CD

Love and Rockets loyalists are sure to recognize David J's familiar voice at the outset of Estranged, but they might be perplexed by the one-time Bauhaus bassist's cover choice. "Guitar Man," Bread's 1972 pop nugget, gets redone here with roaring riff work by guest player Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction. And if the man born Haskins pumps new life into this oldie, one can't help but wonder why he opted to start the album with a touch of novelty when some of his own material is far better. The pale bard still has it on "Static Cling" and "In the Great Blue Whenever," two somber but exceptional ballads buried midalbum that wisely utilize pedal steel accents. Country elements also infiltrate "Mess Up," a soft pop ode to personal demons, as well as "Crashed," where a twang guitar meets mid-tempo drum programming and lyrics about marital foul play. At times, most obviously on "Ruined Cities," David J's delivery -- coupled with minimalist techno beats -- sounds very similar to the dramatic stylings of The The's Matt Johnson, but even when he does impersonations, he does them quite well. While the barstool novelty of "Bright in Your Absence" delves further into the heart of Nashville than any goth star has the right to, Estranged is a fine effort, even if it is occasionally misguided. ~ John D. Luerssen

David JA founding member of Bauhaus, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980's. Following their termination in '83, David J joined up with The Jazz Butcher for a brief stint, producing and playing in the group. Then came Love and Rockets. Another highly successful outfit, scoring a gold record with their first release, 'Ball Of Confusion'. Bauhaus reunited to play the Coachella music and arts festival in California in 2005. This performance has already attained legendary status and the band went on to complete a successful world tour.

David J has released several solo albums which have garnered much critical acclaim, such as writer, Matt Hoffman's description of him as "One of the great songwriters of recent times."He has also collaborated with various other artists, such as celebrated graphic novelist, Alan Moore, renowned author, Hubert Selby Jnr.

, producer, musician, T Bone Burnett, MC5 founder, Wayne Kramer, producer, Hal Wilner, poet, painter, broadcaster, Rene Halkett, poet, Jeremy Reed and Mexico's innovative electronica pioneers, the Nortec Collective. He also co-wrote 'Strays', the title track of the Jane's Addiction album. (Perry Farrell describes him as the "avant of the avant-garde.")David J's creative involvement has always been broader than the purely musical, creating artwork for record covers, designing stage lighting and directing videos. As a visual artist, he has exhibited internationally.

His first play, 'Anarchy In The Gold Street Wimpy' was staged by the award winning Atlanta based theatre company, 'Dad's Garage' in 2004.

Audio Mixer: Barry Paul.

Recording information: Barry Paul Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Nashville West; Sci-Fi Lullaby Laboratory, Orange County.

Photographer: Myriam Santos-Kayda.

Personnel includes: David J, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Mark Kozelek.

Personnel: David J (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, organ, synthesizer, tambourine, programming); Amilcar (guitar, slide guitar); Mark Kozelek (guitar, background vocals); Dave Navarro (guitar); Tom Vos, Kristen Autry (violin); Brett Banduci (viola); Timothy Loo (cello); James D. Hall (trumpet); Billy Goodrum (piano); Stephen Perkins (drums, percussion); Anthony J. Rodriguez, Dave Pepin (programming); Art Martinez (background vocals).