‘Dig’ Tedious, But It’s Still Entertaining

The Chemical Brothers “Dig Your Own Hole” (Astralwerks)

Propelled by the explosive lead single “Setting Sun” - featuring the vocal talents of Oasis’ Noel Gallagher - the Chemical Brothers’ debut album blasted onto The Billboard 200 at No. 14 last issue, prompting pundits to declare that electronica has arrived. Techno purists might dispute such claims and simply regard the Brothers’ album as the good piece of music it is. More than many records of the genre, its sounds and melodies stay in the mind long after the first listening, and even at its most repetitive it is entertaining. Highlights include “Setting Sun,” “Block Rockin’ Beats,” and “The Private Psychedelic Reel.”

Depeche Mode “Ultra” (Mute/Reprise)

Following the well-publicized personal struggles of its lead singer, British techno rock act Depeche Mode delivers an album of dark but ultimately redemptive music, highlighted by such epic tracks as the catchy, propulsive lead single, “It’s No Good”; melodically charged opener “Barrel of a Gun”; the moody, soulful “Home,” with its vintage Depeche vibe; the dramatic “Sister of Night”; and the atmospheric instrumental “Jazz Thieves.” By now, the group’s repertoire has evolved into a multifaceted sound that straddles modern rock, techno and dance genres. The top five debut of “Ultra” on The Billboard 200 and the success of “It’s No Good” on the Modern Rock Tracks chart indicate Depeche Mode’s following is still ample. Furthermore, after more than 15 years of steady gold, platinum and multiplatinum records, the band remains on the vanguard of cutting-edge music with plenty of crossover appeal.

Joe Diffie “Twice Upon a Time” (Epic)

Joe Diffie is one of the best ballad singers in the world. So why is he constantly saddled with insignificant ditties, like the inane current single, “This is Your Brain”? The title cut here and “The Promised Land” and “Somethin’ Like This” are world-class music.