Moby

Known for his crate-digging gospel samples and smooth electronic beats, Moby is a multi-instrumentalist and something of a closet rocker. Hotel taps into these abilities, and touches on his nostalgic affection for classic '80s sounds, including a slowcore cover of New Order's "Temptation." Elsewhere it's torch songs, dance-pop and disco -- something for everyone.

Moby became an international star by running decades' worth of music through his laptop
studio, but Hotel may be his most personal and streamlined album yet. With the auteur
eschewing samples and composing tunes first, songs like "Where You End" and "Dream
About Me" (sung with sweet-voiced buddy Laura Dawn, who appears throughout) transmit
singer-songwriter warmth and clarity through textures that effuse autumnal bea... More >

Prefer him to Julian Cope, not to mention Phil Oakey, and she holds up fine against Sarah Cracknell, never mind Martha Wash ("I Like It," "Where You End"). (Grade - **)