Erasure • Gaudete

Last month, Erasure released a new album, and I somehow managed to miss it until I read about it on Marc Harshbarger's wonderful blog, Deep Dish. Erasure first came to my attention back in 1985, with the release of their first single, "Who Needs Love Like That?", a great song that convinced me to buy the album. I have been a big fan since. Erasure is made up by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, both wonderfully talented men. Bell's voice has an unerring clarity, and Clarke's use of keyboards is beyond reproach, as can be heard from his days with Depeche Mode to Yazoo to this 28 years with Erasure. 'Snow Globe' is the name of the latest, and it is a 13-song offering is collection of holiday music, both old and new. The first single off the album, "Gaudete", is a lovely song, part Pop yumminess, and part chorale treat. And it is traditional color, composed in the 16th century, and arranged by Bell and Clarke. This is the official music video for "Gaudete".

The first cut on the album is an original written by Andy and Vince. "Bells of Love (Isabelle's of Love)" is a wonderful song, sounding very much like an Erasure song, but carrying a message fitting for the holiday. It takes a look at what is happening in society today, and the need to healing hands to help be a part of the change for the better. This is an audio track for "Bells of Love (Isabelle's of Love)".

While just over half of the tracks are either tradition or newer holiday favorites, they are arranged by Andy and Vince, giving them a new sound and feel. That would include the eleventh song on the collection, "Midnight Clear". It is a Christmas carol written by Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wayland, Massachusetts, in 1849, better known as "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear". The following year, Richard Storrs Willis, a composer who trained under Felix Mendelssohn, wrote a melody that would be the sound of this music. Again, Bell and Clarke add their magic to the mix, making it a special track. This is the audio for "Midnight Clear".

I will grant you, the title "Blood on the Snow" does not sound like a great start to a holiday song, but never underestimate the power of Clarke and Bell. The dynamic duo tell a modern-day story of life and the struggle that comes with it. The search for divine intervention, for the sign to let us know we are moving in the right direction, sounds both timely and timeless in the hands of Erasure. This is the audio track for "Blood on the Snow".

This is a wonderful album, a must-have to Electronica fans, and people who love great music. You can purchase 'Snow Globe' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Erasure, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. To check out Deep Dish, Marc Harshbarger's wonderful blog, you can visit the official website. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.