Jagged
Edge
Gary
Numan
NuStreet
Gary
Numan is firmly locked in my memory as the spectre of my youth with his strange
robotic music which resonated with electro minimalism and was different from
anything I had heard before. Of course, it was also his unique image, cold,
unwavering, singing with a unique voice and with a superb presentation and
look. Are my Friends Electric and Cars spoke of the alienation and despair of
my generation.
However,
as we all know many artists attempt to live in the past and do not make the
transition through time especially well. I am pleased to note that Gary Numan
has evolved and developed his sound into something which is still edgy, moody
and atmospheric, not only that it is eminently relevant. Jagged Edge is
a superbly accomplished album which while still have the haunting voice that
makes Numan something special, has a sound that borders on industrial and dark
electronica. He could easily be compared favourably with Nine Inch Nails and at
times even Marilyn Manson.
This
is a superbly dark and evocative piece of work which offers a diverse range of
tracks, some are more ambient and atmospheric and others are have a more
lyrical quality which speak of the fears and isolation many of us would prefer
to leave hidden. At times the tracks are quite nightmarish, others quite
sublime. Jagged Edge is a reworking of songs originally released on Jagged
(2006) which achieved quite some acclaim for Numan, some are simply alternative
versions, others are radically different and nearly unidentifiable.
It
is a double album which is creates such a mood it cannot be ignored; there is
not a track which does not work. The production values are superb and it evokes
such feelings of melancholy and sadness, joy and bliss, rising up and crashing
down again that it is quite a journey.
I
truly love this album; every time I play it I hear something more and I
recommend it most highly.