Various Artists/For the Masses
A&M Records
rating: ***

It's a miracle that through the rise and fall of rock (not to mention internal strife) a keyboard band like Depeche Mode has managed to survive this long. This latest in a trend of tribute albums has some interesting moments, but ultimately doesn't do justice to the group's body of work.

The Smashing Pumpkins open the disc with a pretty "Never Let Me Down Again," laden with chiming guitar. Hard-rock act Failure turns in its spunky rendition of "Enjoy the Silence." Both tracks lean closely to their originals, despite which the tunes sound fresh through organic instruments.

Two of the most respected modern electronica acts, Rabbit in the Moon and Apollo Four Forty, are present on the collection. Unfortunately, their covers of "Waiting for the Night" and "I Feel You," respectively, are sluggish and uninteresting.

Perhaps the best tracks are from two of Depeche Mode's contemporaries, The Cure ("World in My Eyes") and Meat Beat Manifesto ("Everything Counts"). Both songs are energetic and unique, the kind of performances borne of musicians who respect Depeche Mode's longevity and the timelessness of the songs. What else is a tribute for?

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in BAM magazine.