Saw V (2008)

Dave Gahan is an English singer-songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the electronic band Depeche Mode since their debut in 1980.
With his second solo album, "Hourglass" (2007), the Depeche Mode front man emerged as a gifted songwriter, masterfully capturing man's race against - and fear of running out of - time.
The bonus CD of "Hourglass Remixes" (2008) includes all eight tracks from the vinyl plus three additional remixes.

With a unique multimedia-based approach and intriguing sound design, legendary French art-Electro-project Die Form is a one-of-a-kind experience. To adequately celebrate three decades of their extraordinary and extreme art, Philippe F. and Éliane P. are releasing a very special box set, titled “BEST OF XXX”, which includes the most powerful and well-known rhythmic titles that have been the foundation for the creative duo’s continuing success. All of the timeless tracks have been completely reworked, rearranging and re-recording all the machines and original elements (sequencers, drum machines, analog- & digital synthesizers, samplers, tapes and effects) and Éliane’s vocals, using current state-of-the-art technology.

His debut album for ACT, Irish Heart, saw his breakthrough as a guitarist and singer. Torsten Goods' multi-faceted, expressive voice is as much at home in blues as in swing and pop and in 1980 this is evident. "99" is a beautiful cover version close to Toto singer Steve Lukather's original recording, whereas "Don't Let It Get To You" reminds us of Al Jarreau and "So Are You" brings out the crooner in him. "I Need You So Bad" is an impressive duet with ACT colleague Rigmor Gustafsson. As they got on so well together during Goods’ appearances at her concerts in Sweden, Rigmor's guest performance was a "must"…

Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959) only began composing symphonies after fleeing the Nazis into American exile in 1941. He was of a generation that saw the symphony as passe Bartok was born in 1881 and Stravinsky in 1882, and Martinu was born in 1890 while Mahler was born in 1860, and Sibelius and Nielsen in 1865. Modernism entailed new forms and styles, and while Martinu was never a modernist he did inhabit a soundworld with a lighter touch full of dance rhythms, not heavy, four-square symphonies.

Despite this track record, most likely the reason that the majority of genre fans didn’t know her is because mainstream smooth jazz radio has been flute-resistant for years. They say it doesn’t test well in their demographic research, but anyone who saw Rene electrify the crowd could attest that this is wrongheaded thinking. Given the chance, considering her formidable composing and playing skills, charismatic presence and dynamite looks, she could be a star on the level of Mindi Abair and Candy Dulfer, who makes a memorable guest appearance on one of “No Restrictions” coolest and most melodic midtempo tracks, “Ladies Night Out.

William Christie’s account on Erato is probably now a first recommendation… he has marshalled expert singers; Alan Ewing’s Polyphemus is particularly good, well characterized and spirited. Indeed, the whole performance is full of life and personality, and Christie holds everything together with finesse and grace.