The three-CD box set
Disconnection compiles a wealth of
Gary Numan's recorded output from the 1984 to 1992. Discs one and two are a mini treasure trove of B-sides, rarities, and overlooked gems from a period when
Numan fell off the map a bit critically and commercially. Compared to his earlier, somewhat minimalist synth albums, these songs incorporate funk bass, jazzy saxophone, and soulful female backing vocalists to great effect.
Numan's voice still leans toward Gothic indifference, but the music suggests a compelling hybrid of
Numan's techno inclinations with doses of
Talk Talk's romanticism and
Eurythmics' swing. Synth washes and pre-industrial percussion still abounds, but most of the songs will please casual listeners as much as
Numan fanatics. Disc three adds a mother lode of live tracks that sparkle as much as their studio counterparts. Here, some of the
Numan staples like "I Die You Die" and "Cars" sit alongside the material
Numan was releasing at the time. Yes, there are some overly bombastic flourishes and an overabundance of backing vocals on some tracks, but this 45-song collection is a fascinating look at
Gary Numan's artistic output at a time when much of the world had foolishly moved on. ~ Tim DiGravina