My Preciousss

A one-minute, scratchy recording of a single guitar and a vocal.

Depending on the way the winds blow, it could be consigned to the rubbish bin of rock 'n' roll dreams, or become a much-sought after recording for indiepop completists.

At the moment, it seems like the former, because the jamming session--my first in years--was a total mess. The reason: two out-of-practice musicians, an acoustic guitar with a broken string, an electric guitar with a faulty cable, and no clear agenda. It's hardly the stuff of legends, but I guess we should always start small. It's early days yet.

Back home at night, I managed to find an online copy of Depeche Mode's forthcoming single, "Precious". Though not due for release till October, an almost-finished version of the track was leaked by insiders a few days ago. It looks set to be a big fan-pleaser. On first listen, it sounds like an out-take of their 1990 smash Enjoy the Silence, and is shamelessly reminiscent of their landmark "Violator" album.

This is quite an achievement for a band who have claimed, with each album release since 1997, that they've made "the logical follow-up to Violator", and strayed further from the truth each time.

"Precious" is an exciting listen for me because it signals a shift back to the early Depeche Mode style I love: economical lyrics; assured melodies that match and elevate the meaning of the lyrics; well-defined synth hooks; and slick, coherent arrangements. All these classic elements were missing in 2001's "Exciter" album, which featured spacey tracks weighed down by miles of redundant lyrics.

If anyone understands this analogy, "Precious" is more Depeche Mode than "Krafty" is New Order. Bring on the new album already!