Union Street

Union Street, Erasure's new acoustic CD was recorded in a small studio in Brooklyn, NY. Andy Bell says that they "show the songs in a different light, and show that they could work on whatever instrument, synthesisers or guitars". "We just felt there were songs on our albums that had been missed as songs," says Vince Clarke.

Erasure with dobro, mandolin, and steel guitar? Believe it. Union Street is the sound of the British synth-pop duo--Andy Bell and Vince Clarke--unplugged. The title comes from the Brooklyn studio in which they re-recorded 11 lesser-known tracks from throughout their career. Ten come from seven albums, while "Tenderest Moments" was a B-side. Designed more for slow dancing than disco dancing, this acoustic set puts the focus on the lyrics and Bell's ardent, yearning voice. Highlights include "Stay With Me," which is graced by a lovely flute solo, and the gospel-tinged "Rock Me Gently," with Jill Walsh providing heavenly counterpoint (both from 1995's Erasure). "Blues Away" (1994's I Say I Say I Say), however, would've worked better without the falsetto, while "How Many Times" (1989's Wild!), ironically, would've worked better in a higher register (Bell is at his best in his natural range). Overall, though, Erasure make this unexpected departure work. If the songs weren't strong enough to begin with, it wouldn't have been worth the effort, but they withstand the changes Bell and Clarke have have put them through quite nicely. --Kathleen C. Fennessy