By Paul V.

Singled Out

She Wants Revenge - Tear You Apart - Geffen

This stream of consciousness tale of a decadent and dysfunctional tryst is what spooky, danceable and black lipstick Goth new wave is supposed to sound like, circa '05. Imagine Phil Oakey from Human League singing for Bauhaus.

Depeche Mode - Playing The Angel - Reprise

By now, you've probably heard the buzz -- this is Depeche Mode's finest effort since Violator made them massive superstars more than 15 years ago. After a few sleepy missteps on their last two releases, DM figured out the obvious -- do what they do best, and show all their 2K copycats how it's really done. "Pain and suffering in various tempos" is the telling tag-line printed beneath its track list, and Martin Gore remains the master of turning minor-key lament into sing-along anthems (lead single "Precious" is a genuinely affecting example of this). After opening with the buzz saw bliss of "A Pain That I'm Used To," La Mode aim straight for the jugular with their gospelesque, roof-raising, interpolation of a '30s blues tune, "John The Revelator," where Gore's lyrics more than hint at his disdain for Bush. Next up, singer Dave Gahan gets his first songwriting credit on the soaring "Suffer Well," and gives Martin a run for his ballad money on "I Want It All." Meanwhile, it's classic Gore practically covering "I Don't Know How To Love Him" on "Damaged People." Speaking of Jesus Christ Superstar, religious metaphors permeate the tracks. This solid, natural, and relevant pastiche of styles offers us their classic-sounding arena synth-pop, the buzzy noir-grunge of their early '90s output, and those polished, digital disco pulsations they've laid claim to for 25 years now. Indeed, Depeche return to form, thankfully offering music for the masses once again.

Ladytron - Witching Hour - Rykodisc

Here's one of those countless bands that owes a debt of gratitude to Depeche Mode. On their third disc, the Liverpudlian quartet strives for a bit of reinvention as well, with newfound shards of shoe-gazing grit finding chemistry within this dense and chilly electro pop. By pioneering -- and gracefully surviving -- the electroclash movement, Ladytron verify they know their way around some very human melodies amidst their synthetic output. Immediate ear candy can be found in the early singles -- "Sugar" (an indie rock nursery rhyme slurping at My Bloody Valentine's nipple) and "Destroy Everything You Touch" (trance-rock at its finest). "Last One Standing" is an early New Order-inspired gem, while opener track "High Rise" nearly banshees like Siouxsie. Further inspection brings us to the more detached-cool side of their sound, notably the robotic "Fighting In Built Up Areas" (with native Bulgarian lyrics courtesy of occasional vocalist Mira Aroyo), and some exquisite electronic atmosphere on the aptly titled "Beauty *2." If points of reference are still needed for the achievement here, it would be if the Cocteau Twins and/or Jesus & Mary Chain both found communion on the dance floor -- and it should be noted that producer Jim Abbiss (Placebo, Kasabian, Ambulance LTD) earned his keep in spades. Aside from a few filler tracks, this is the sound of Ladytron growing into their skin. And for the first time, they finally sound like they look -- intimidating and intriguing, idiosyncratic, yet completely alluring.

Simply Red - Simplified - Verve

Although this is essentially a sort of reworked collection of a few covers and some greatest hits, Simply Red prove they have some new tricks up their blue-eyed-soul sleeves. The biggest trick is infusing a chunk of these already lush tracks with some flavour de Espana. The set opens with one of the new tracks, the feisty Cubano-inflected "Perfect Love," a mid-tempo snake charmer of a tune you might expect from Santana. Irresistible, upbeat and unmistakably Latin in tone, it features some gorgeous Cuban samples and a guest vocal appearance by the Havana-based female singer Danae, who ad-libs to stunning effect. On one of their biggest hits, "Holding Back The Years," some gentle percussion, restrained horns, and heart-tugging, virtuoso Spanish guitar make this feel like Sade and Esquivel envisioning "Spooky." And man, Leon Russell's '70s "A Song For You" is practically torch-song heaven, destined for slow-dance delight everywhere. Our dear Peggy Lee would be pining to tackle their updated "Sad Old Red," just about the hippest cocktail bebop track she never got to sing. All told, Simplified is packed with unashamedly romantic songs, delivered by the burnished, distinguished voice of a completely in-his-element Mick Hucknall. This is an album for cooing-doves and dewy-eyed lovers, so listen without prejudice -- it's clear that Hucknall is truly one of the most gifted -- if often underrated -- vocalists around. With any luck, this might prod Rod Stewart into an early retirement. Please?

Catch Paul V. spinning tunes in Silver Lake: "MegaMonday" at MJ's, Dragstrip 66 (second Saturday each month at 1160 Vermont Ave.), Spit (third Saturday each month at Faultline), and "Milkshake" Thursday nights at MJ's. Tune in for his "Smash Mix" on Indie 103.1 FM on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dragstrip66.com.