David Gahan Paper Monsters CD

More than two decades after Depeche Mode's debut, mouthpiece Dave Gahan finally got around to releasing his solo debut in the shape of 2003's PAPER MONSTERS. Having wrestled with more than his share of personal demons during his ascent to stardom, it's no surprise that this Gahan fills the album with echoes of his inner struggle. Working with New York City-based multi-instrumentalist Knox Chandler, the dour vocalist injects enough swirling synths, droning guitars, and oddly arranged strings to approximate a murder-ballad ambiance that brings to mind Nick Cave. This is particularly true on songs like the harrowing "Black and Blue Again" and the subtler, more ambient "Stay."

Gahan also manages to flex some of his more rock & roll-inspired muscles, pumping swooning harmonies and glammy guitar into the swaggering opening cut "Dirty Sticky Floors" and blowing some sleazy-sounding harmonica over the gritty stomp of "Bottle Living." With PAPER MONSTERS following quickly on the heels of Martin Gore's equally stellar solo outing COUNTERFEIT 2, Depeche Mode fans were given more than enough to feast on until the pair got back to their day jobs.

As the lead vocalist for Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan appeared to be far removed from the common trappings of rock & roll stardom. Although the group often flirted with gloomy overtones throughout their career, they maintained a largely squeaky-clean image. By the early '90s, however, Gahan had moved to L.A., gotten hooked on heroin and booze, and immersed himself in the grunge scene. When Depeche Mode regrouped to record Songs of Faith & Devotion, Gahan had transformed himself into the perennial junkie. As his addictions worsened, Gahan lost his friends, lost himself, and for a few short minutes, lost his life before paramedics revived him after an all-night drug binge. Following Gahan's journey through both physical and mental rehabilitation, Paper Monsters is what many would expect -- a collection of material culled from his addictions, failed relationships, and spiritual rebirth. While the lyrics on Paper Monsters lack some of the depth and clever irony associated with those of bandmate Martin Gore, Gahan masters innuendo, often hiding the true identities of his subjects. As the titles suggest, "Dirty Sticky Floors" and "Bottle Living" are glam-induced snapshots of Gahan's days spent at rock-bottom. "Hold On" and "A Little Piece" each offer a glimpse into Gahan's reconciliations with a higher power, while "Bitter Apple," "Black and Blue Again," and "Goodbye" shed light on his relationships, both bad and good. On "I Need You" and "Hidden Houses," Gahan so

This limited edition CD release from Depeche Mode member Dave Gahan includes a DVD.

Recorded at Electric Lady, New York, New York.

Personnel: Dave Gahan (vocals, harmonica, keyboards, Fender Rhodes piano, glockenspiel); Knox Chandler (guitar, dulcimer, cello, keyboards, vibraphone bass, samples, programming); Antoine Silverman, Maxim Moston, Joan Wasser (violin); David Goul (viola); Jane Scarpantoni (cello); Douglas Petty (piano); Paul Garisto, Victor Indrizzo (drums); Joylon Thomas (tambourine); Dee Lewis (background vocals).

Personnel: Dave Gahan (vocals, harmonica, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, glockenspiel); Knox Chandler (guitar, dulcimer, cello, keyboards, vibraphone, bass, samples, programming).

Personnel: David Gahan (vocals, harmonica, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, glockenspiel); Knox Chandler (guitar, dulcimer, cello, keyboards, vibraphone, programming, sampler); Joan Wasser, Antoine Silverman (violin); David Gold (viola); Jane Scarpantoni (cello); Doug Petty (piano); Victor Indrizzo, Paul Garisto (drums).

Audio Mixers: Ken Thomas; Kevin Paul.

Recording information: Electric Lady, New York, NY.

Photographer: Anton Corbijn.

This is an Enhanced CD which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.Q (01/01/04, p.76) - Ranked #33 in Q's "The 50 Best Albums of 2003" - "[Gahan's] own account of addiction and redemption."
Uncut (01/04, pp.84-7) - Ranked #61 in Uncut's "Albums Of The Year 2003"
Uncut (6/03, p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...The prevailing mood is one of release, emotional rescue and calm after the storm..."