Front 242 - Moments... (2CD Limited Edition) (2008)

Seeing as how analog synthesizers started making a comeback in 2006/2007 after years of digital and laptop dominance had wiped them off the scene, the veteran Belgian industrial group Front 242 decided to re-load their early analog material into their new gear and head out on the road for what they called the "Worldwide Vintage Tour." All sounds were "carefully re-designed" to "match the spirit of their time" and while the band and their loyal fan base clog Internet message boards with discussions on how everything here is "re-invented," Moments... isn't much more than a live album with the usual updates. The good news is that it's a thoroughly exciting live album where classics like "U-Men," "Body to Body," and "Headhunter" sound louder, punchier, and more aggressive than they ever have before. The original recordings remain definitive as they are more complex and textured, but longtime fans will find their jaws on the floor as soon as they read "Funkahdafi" on the track list. It's just one of the well-chosen, surprise revivals that show up on the album's second-half, but anyone thrilled to see "Rain" in a rare set list appearance will be disappointed by the clumsy performance. Otherwise, this is just what the fan ordered, delivering on the opening number's promise of "We gonna bring you happiness."