Paper Monsters [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The solo debut of Depeche Mode frontman David Gahan has been a long time coming, so you'd expect the album to be brimming with messy ideas formulated while Gahan was forced to sing Vince Clarke and Martin Gore songs while his own were filed away. Yet Paper Monsters is not the wild work of someone newly liberated. These songs feel as if they were written over a short period, rather than plucked from 20-year-worth of unrecorded tunes. There are basically three types of track here: powerful Depeche-style glam ("Dirty Sticky Floors," "Bottle Living"); quiet, urban mood music ("A Little Piece," "Bitter Apple," "Stay"); and rumbling industrial tracks ("Black and Blue Again," "Hidden Houses," "Goodbye"). Lyrically autobiographical, songs deal with Gahan's trouble with relationships and intoxicants and, though they lack Gore's sense of drama and perversity, they do have a maudlin charm. --Dominic Wills

Paper Monsters
Average customer rating:

Did You Really Want Another Depeche Mode Album?

Not quite Depeche Mode but not far off.

Some artists just have it all

Paper tiger

3,75 stars actually - solid solo effort

Paper Monsters
David Gahan
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Counterfeit²

Exciter

Ultra

Playing the Angel

A Broken Frame

ASIN: B00009KTWU
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Dirty Sticky Floors
Hold On
A Little Piece
Bottle Living
Black & Blue Again
Stay
I Need You
Bitter Apple
Hidden Houses
Goodbye

Amazon.com

The solo debut of Depeche Mode frontman David Gahan has been a long time coming, so you'd expect the album to be brimming with messy ideas formulated while Gahan was forced to sing Vince Clarke and Martin Gore songs while his own were filed away. Yet Paper Monsters is not the wild work of someone newly liberated. These songs feel as if they were written over a short period, rather than plucked from 20-year-worth of unrecorded tunes. There are basically three types of track here: powerful Depeche-style glam ("Dirty Sticky Floors," "Bottle Living"); quiet, urban mood music ("A Little Piece," "Bitter Apple," "Stay"); and rumbling industrial tracks ("Black and Blue Again," "Hidden Houses," "Goodbye"). Lyrically autobiographical, songs deal with Gahan's trouble with relationships and intoxicants and, though they lack Gore's sense of drama and perversity, they do have a maudlin charm. --Dominic Wills

Customer Reviews:

Did You Really Want Another Depeche Mode Album?.......2006-12-20

The fact that this album was made is awesome. To recall some of the outlandish things that happened to David Gahan during his career as a musican, it is a wonder he is still around. After all, it was only yesterday that he was addicted to drugs and overdosed on a speedball of smack and coke. Does anyone remember that he was legally dead for like three minutes?

Then he arose from the ashes and made three more Depeche Mode albums (to date) Ultra, Exciter and Playing the Angel. In between the latter two, David Gahan recorded his first solo album, Paper Monsters.

It appears that the Paper Monster album has been twenty plus years in the making. As the front man of the alternative electronic-rock band Depeche Mode, David Gahan has paid his dues. However the one endeavor that he had never done was pen any of the songs that he sung. It seemed strange that the (main) voice of the Depeche Mode, didn't write any of the words he sang. The job of song writing belongs to Martin L. Gore, or at least it did. This solo effort is what proved David Gahan could write and allowed him to compose three songs for the next Depeche Mode album, Playing the Angel.

As for Paper Monsters itself, it is a bit of a departure from the idealism that is Depeche Mode. Which is good, why not a toss it up a bit. The content isn't quite as enigmatically as Depeche Mode, but does offer some dark and moody elements, as in Black and Blue Again. Yet there are other songs that are paradox. For instance, Dirty Stick Floors is about David Gahan being an addict and the cause and effect it had on his life. Now with that type of foundation, it would seem that this song would be malicious and/or sullen. In fact, Dirty Stick Floors is a satire and is poppy and jovial in nature. Many of the other songs appear to have a blues, jazz, and rock `n' roll feel to them. The only song that really seems like it could be a Depeche Mode song is I Need You. So yes one could say that this album sounds like Depeche Mode, but perhaps David Gahan has been "typed-cast". After all, Depeche Mode is all he had done until the recording of Paper Monsters.

As for the debate: David Gahan isn't a better writer than Martin L. Gore. Well David Gahan is no Martin L. Gore and vice versa. Martin L. Gore is an amazing songwriter and has been writing songs for like twenty-five years. However, there were many people quizzical of Martin L. Gore writing songs for Depeche Mode after Vince Clark left the group in 1982. For those of you that aren't aware, Vince Clark did all the writing for Depeche Mode's first album Speak and Spell. He then quit the band to form Easure. As for David Gahan's writing, it isn't Martin L. Gore style, it is different. But it should be noted that different doesn't equal bad.

I found Paper Monsters to be a very enjoyable album and I am pleased to see David Gahan writing songs. I believe that this album, if nothing else, is a great foundation for future songs, regardless if it is with Depeche Mode or solo. Two of my favorite songs on Playing the Angel are Suffer Well and I Want it All. Both tracks written by Gahan, with Depeche Mode, after Paper Monsters was recorded.

Overall, I think David Gahan is super cool and I have always liked his voice. Which brings a powerful, soulful, robust and mystical quality that many contemporary male vocalists do not possess.

Not quite Depeche Mode but not far off........2006-08-26

You'd think that Dave Gahan would choose to do something radically different in his side project, given his independence-streak but that's not the case here. I suppose that it's probably better for it, given how wonderful DM's music is. Most of the songs wouldn't be out of place on the recent DM albums. Dave is actually quite a good composer and it's surprising to me that he didn't have more input in writing on earlier DM albums. Perhaps he needed time and experience in order to pull it off? I'm not sure I'd say this is the best thing Dave's been involved with, but it sits proudly on my shelf with the other DM albums and is quite enjoyable.

Some artists just have it all.......2005-07-13

So this is what Dave Gahan sounds like when (finally) left to his own devices. Any other artist would have been nervous, or even scared, at the prospect of doing it their way after singing someone else's songs for over 20 years. But not Dave. While not a complete departure from Depeche Mode (some songs on the album, especially Hold On, could well have been heard on Exciter), Paper Monsters truly feels like Dave was ready to do his own thing and share his own views on life. Of course, like with any other solo debut from a member of a hugely sucessful band, Paper Monsters does somewhat leave you thinking that there's room for improvement. But make no mistake : this is the work of a true professional here, an artist who you feel has been there and done that and who knows what he's doing. With highly autobiographical and well-crafted lyrics, exquisite vocals (Dave's smooth barytone has never sounded better in my opinion) and some masterful arrangements, Dave's Paper Monsters may leave you wanting more...but it doesn't disappoint.

Paper tiger.......2004-11-30

Its obvious that most of the reviewers on here are big fans of Depeche Mode, and they are being more than generous with their ratings. This album lacks depth and any kind of fire. I am always amazed when bands break off to do solo albums and come out with work like this - uninspired, bland. Clearly the members of Depeche Mode need the interaction with each other to come up with anything worth listening to.

Do I recommend this album? No. Don't bother.

3,75 stars actually - solid solo effort.......2004-05-22

dave gahans first solo record was a suprise- what i imagined was some horrible cliche rock record but what i found was a very moody wellcrafted album that mixes the best of sofad-era depeche mode with some ry cooder electro blues slide guitar( nearly on a majority of the tracks. throw in some nice strings(ala richard ashcroft-verve) some plucked acoustic guitar and top it off with gahans best vocal performances and paper monsters is more or less a winner.

PROS: good vocals-great ambience-well produced- guitars are wonderful-continuity throughout the album- unconcerned with trying to be overly catchy( though there are a few radio hit attempts)- material reflects an older wiser gahan(not some sad attempt to rock out at 44-see rolling stones) slide guitar is choice- pretty good songs though some drag abit or take to long to get going(patience is rewarded though)!

CONS: lyrically flat-(lyrics are not in booklet-wise choice as they are pretty poor and cliche)-sometimes material is alittle sparse- both "bottle living" and "dirty sticky floors" sound like remakes of i feel you and personal jesus (too redundant of that style but not bad nonetheless. "I need you" sounds like depeche mode completely and doesnt sit well in this format. some may find the album slow but most work by older artists is( usually there is more depth and meaning to be found-here that is the case though better lyrics would have helped even more)

SOUNDSLIKE: sofad era depeche mode- slower acthung baby u2- hints of verve or richard ashcroft-ry cooder soundtrack work- abit of nick cave or scott walker in ambience.

FAVS: hold on-stay-bitter apple-bottle living-hidden houses

Overall: give this to the older brother who thought depeche mode were to synthy or poppy sounding- fans of depeche mode will probally have mixed opinions( i think its better than the last two depeche mode albums and gores solo effort). its a solid record that grows on you-( has to be listened to in one sitting to fully appreciate) doesnt stray too far from mode but is different. Worth getting especially if you can pick it up used but worth full price!

Average customer rating:

David Gahan

Paper Monsters (CD & DVD) ~ David Gahan

Dave Gahan still trying to be a rock star

Good, but not great

WOW!!! FANTASTIC CD & DVD, DEFINATELY A MUST HAVE!!!!!!!

Paper Monsters (CD & DVD)
David Gahan
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Counterfeit²

Dirty Sticky Floors

Touring the Angel: Live in Milan

Depeche Mode - One Night in Paris (The Exciter Tour 2001)

Stripped: The True Story of Depeche Mode

ASIN: B00009KTWW
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Dirty Sticky Floors
Hold On
A Little Piece
Bottle Living
Black & Blue Again
Stay
I Need You
Bitter Apple
Hidden Houses
Goodbye

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

David Gahan.......2006-02-01

The CD is really good and it was a plus that it came with a DVD,
I am a big Depeche Mode fan so buying Paper Monsters, I wondered if I would like it, I sure did,Its not Depech, but in a way better, I really really like the DVD, Its to the point and not way out there like some music DVDs.
The songs seem to tell a lot about Mr.Gahan's ups and downs,
He seems to be on top now, Good for him, He's worked hard enough for it. All in all good CD and DVD
Gloria

Paper Monsters (CD & DVD) ~ David Gahan.......2005-04-13

Having listened to Depeche Mode for like 25 years now. Yeah it has been 25 years since they first released their first single, I was a bit apprehensive to buy this solo effort from Dave Gahan. Gahan has some very good vocals and he has definetely become better and better with each year. Since he has not written any of the songs for DM (first Vince Clarke and since his departure after their first album, Martin Gore) I was a nit cautious to what he would his lyrics would sound like. T my utter surprise they are very well written and Gahan shows himself to be a more the decent lyricist. Hearing this album one wonders why he has not done a solo album prior to this since it seems like he is really enjoying himself whilst singing and creating this record. To compare it with DM is not fair since the band sounds quite different and Martin writes totally different lyrics. Still and all, this is an excellent album and he should not wait 25 years to make his next solo effort.

Dave Gahan still trying to be a rock star.......2004-08-06

UGH! Okay, Dave, I'm sure you don't read these reviews, but in case you happen to stumble across them on a bored evening, READ THIS: PLEASE STOP TRYING TO BE A ROCK STAR! You were born to be the "prince of synth" and you should be proud of that title! How about releasing a rollicking dance album, you know, something that will make us all think yet get up and move around? There is a lot of genuine heart in this album and it would work even better if you hired any old DJ to mix it up a bit and make it fun. Wait a second, it would sound like...DEPECHE MODE! More fun the next time, okay?

Good, but not great.......2004-03-01

It was good, but not the best. I fully expected more than this. But, over all, it was good.

WOW!!! FANTASTIC CD & DVD, DEFINATELY A MUST HAVE!!!!!!!.......2004-01-12

Being a longtime Depeche Mode fan, I was a bit skeptical on what Dave Gahan would sound like going solo. I caught the free concert on DirecTv for Paper Monsters, and boy I couldn't wait to get this cd! The songs are definately autobiographical and also brilliant! You get to hear so many facets of this singer's innermost feelings, along with the trials & tribulations of his most personal up & down moments and honestly feel the music like you had "walked in his shoes" in so many ways. I can't think of any track I don't like....their all great yet different in their own way. "Bottle living" gives you the nostalgia of "Personal Jesus" in certain parts of the song. I can't stop myself from playing this cd and absolutely LOVE it!

If your a true Depeche fan, you DEFINATELY need to own this cd...the DVD is definately a nice bonus and let's you get behind the making of "Paper Monsters", you also get to see the video for "Dirty Sticky floors" as well as behind the scene footage for the making of the video. I found the interviews to be quite interesting and informative. Dave Gahan has surely proved to the world that he can triumph over the bad times in his life and turn things around, you get to see just how mature and brilliant this man has gotten over the years. He truly put his heart into this cd...and it's paid off well. I'm VERY impressed! Way to go Dave!!! A+++++++++

Paper Monsters (+ Bonus DVD) (Limited Ed
Average customer rating:
Paper Monsters (+ Bonus DVD) (Limited Ed
David Gahan
Manufacturer: Mute
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00009IC1U
Release Date: 2003-06-02

Tracks:

Dirty Sticky Floors
Hold On
Little Piece
Bottle Living
Black and Blue Again
Stay
I Need You
Bitter Apple
Hidden Houses
Goodbye

Amazon.com

Album Details

After 22 Illustrious Years with Depeche Mode, "Paper Monsters" Marks David Gahan's Debut as a Fully Fledged Songwriter. He Wrote all Ten Tracks with his Muli-instrumentalist Friend Knox Chandler. The Album was Produced by Ken Thomas of Sigur Ros Fame. Highlights Are Many and Include the Rock-star Bravado of the First Single "Dirty Sticky Floors", the Quiet Awe of "Stay" and the Wonderful Equilibrium of "a Little Piece". The Album Comes as a Limited Edition with a Bonus Pal Format Dvd.

Average customer rating:

A Few Hits, Some Misses
Its still depeche
Needs More Salt
David Gahan solo effort is well done!
Good Effort

Paper Monsters
Dave Gahan
Manufacturer: Japanese Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00008YJDD
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Dirty Sticky Floors
Hold On
Little Piece
Bottle Living
Black and Blue Again
Stay
I Need You
Bitter Apple
Hidden Houses
Goodbye

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A Few Hits, Some Misses.......2006-04-18

For a first release, it's pretty good. Especially when you've been singing everything Martin Gore and Andrew Fletcher have been writing for this many years.

A few of the songs on here are pretty hard to get used to. I've had this album for almost three years now and some of the songs like "Black And Blue Again", "Stay" and "Bitter Apple" still elude me. Yes, they have (somewhat of a) tune, but they're just not very catchy at all.

The standouts on this album are the very pop "Dirty Sticky Floors", minimalistic "Hold On", the "I Feel You" inspired "Bottle Living" and the infectious "I Need You". I think Dave should have included "A Song For Europe" on here as well. That's one of his other excellent tracks... well techinically not his, since it's by Roxy Music, but nevertheless it should have been here.

In fact, I can't believe that Counterfeit2 by Martin Gore actually has a lower user rating than Paper Monsters here on Amazon.com because in my opinion, Counterfeit2 is pretty damn flawless.

That said, if you're a fan of the darker songs by DM plus you lean on to the industrial NIN/Haujobb/FunkerVogt sphere then you will probably really love this.

Its still depeche .......2005-10-22

Wow he should write more music it is awesome. I love this album. Its one of my favs right now. If your a fan of depeche buy it.

Needs More Salt.......2004-09-15

Being a fan of Depeche Mode, I gave this a try...and well....it's ok. It has some good songs like Bottle Living and Dirty Sticky Floors, Stay and I Need You are close seconds. The lyrics can be Martin Gore inspired sometimes and Vince Clarke other times. It's a good first album, but I'll be expecting something special next time.

I'd prefer to listen to any DM albums or Martin Gore albums over this and usually do, but there are times when I do want to listen to it, but not very many.

David Gahan solo effort is well done!.......2003-11-15

The front man for depeche mode has released a solo album that is well written. Many people did not know that dave could write his own songs but he has. The whole album is very well done, from dirty sticky floors, hold on, bottle of living, and I need you. You could say that there is not a bad song on this album and the album flows from song one to song 10. Dave has shown us his creative musical side that was well worth the wait.

Good Effort.......2003-09-10

Seems like Dave has a good taste and interest in making music after more than 20 years singing other people songs. Dirty Sticky Floors and I Need You are definetely hits especially for debut album. Stay and Hold On are have its intimacy and very well tuned. In overall it's very nice to see a star still trying to invent music and innovate.