If you thought Depeche Mode front-man Dave Gahan was active during DM live shows, 2021 is showing he is not still offstage either.
Coming off the success of his version of “Nothing Else Matters” from the massive Metallica “Blacklist” album, Gahan and Soulsavers have a new album on the way.
DM fans were sent into a frenzy this weekend when the band’s Facebook page posted images of a red curtain. The next day, Gahan’s silhouette was shown and many correctly guessed it was a new Gahan/Soulsavers project.
“Imposter” is collection of reinterpretations of material from other artists. Not technically a “cover” album, Gahan explained, “When I listen to other people’s voices and songs – more importantly the way they sing them and interpret the words – I feel at home. I identify with it. It comforts me more than anything else.”
The album includes songs from Jeff Buckley, Neil Young, Gene Clark, and Elvis Presley. “There’s not one performer on the record who I haven’t been moved by,” said Gahan. The first single will be Cat Power’s “Metal Heart,” which you can hear this Friday.
Due out on November 12th, “Imposter” will once again pair Gahan with Soulsavers. They previously released 2015’s “Angels & Ghosts” as Dave Gahan and Soulsavers, and they also worked together for 2012’s “The Light The Dead Sea.” But while Rich Machin and Ian Glover comprise the group, only Machin worked with Gahan on “Imposter.” The album was recorded live as a 10-member band in Malibu in November 2019.
“Imposter” track list:
1. The Dark End of the Street (James Carr)
2. Strange Religion (Mark Lanegan)
3. Lilac Wine (Jeff Buckley)
4. I Held My Baby Last Night (Elmore James)
5. A Man Needs A Maid (Neil Young)
6. Metal Heart (Cat Power)
7. Shut Me Down (Roland S. Howard)
8. Where My Love Lies Asleep (Gene Clark)
9. Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
10. The Desperate Kingdom of Love (PJ Harvey)
11. Not Dark Yet (Bob Dylan)
12. Always On My Mind (Elvis)
For Depeche Mode fans, we do have some “new” stuff as the band just announced the upcoming release of a digitally restored version of the “101” concert and documentary. The 1988 concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl gets new life – HD style – plus previously unseen footage like performances of “Sacred,” “Something To Do,” and “A Question of Lust.” (Yeeeeessssss!!). Some other goodies included are photo books, posters, the double CD of the original 20-song “101” concert release, and more. The limited edition five-disc set (or plain ole Blu-ray) will be released December 3rd, and you can preorder it now.
Still need more DM? “Dream” is a new photo book curated from “Depeche Mode photographs through the lens of Michaela Olexova, the former editor of the Band’s official fan club magazine Bong in 1994 – 2002.” There is a limited edition version and standard version, both of which are taking preorders and begin shipping November 4th.
We can now call 2021 as the year we give Dave Gahan and Depeche Mode all of our money!
