Songs of Faith and Devotion Review

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(More customer reviews)What does it take to followup an album considered, by many, to be the ultimate work of one's career and still be able to outdo it? Bands have been trying to answer that question successfully since practically the beginning. After having one of the biggest and best experiences of their lives with 1990s Violator, Depeche Mode were asking themselves that very same question. The last thing they wanted to do was repeat themselves and make Violator II. But the daunting task of coming up with their-then next album would end up taking its toll almost to the point of complete annihilation. The compared studio working atmosphere between making Violator and making Songs Of Faith And Devotion was as different as night and day. On Violator, everything that could go right, did. Even ideas or insights that were initially discouraged were done so in a positive way. The band were a full-fledged unit, working together creatively and collectively, and it was a great time to be had by all. Working on Songs Of Faith And Devotion, on the other hand, was a complete and utter nightmare. The constant arguments and disagreements over everything and anything. The psychological breakdowns into severe depression and self medications. The once united bandmates were now single entities, working on their own, unable to reach that common ground they had found so easily only a few years earlier. This was Depeche Mode at their very darkest. And yet through all the pain, agony and hardship, an album, that seemed destined for massive destruction, emerged from the depths of despair, that many, including the band themselves, consider one of their best works. From the classic opening of I Feel You, into the dark and relenting journey of Walking In My Shoes, to the soulful Condemnation, with a strong and mesmerizing lead vocal by Dave Gahan that he considers "the best contribution I made to the making of this album," into the seductive decadence of In Your Room, and all the way through to Higher Love...the Mode had turned darkness into magic and light all over again. A feat that would result in a #1 album on the billboard charts in both the US & UK, as well as many other countries. But there was little time to celebrate, as the Devotional Tour would begin and never seem to ever end for the band. Over 150 shows all across the globe. Playing to more than 2 million people. No real rest...just constant partying and performing, day and night. The casualties would soon start coming in. Andrew Fletcher's massive fight with depression finally took its toll and he was forced to leave the tour early. Dave's heroin addiction and an ideology of himself as a rock God on his way towards the downward spiral, helped to fuel his decision on an attempted suicide. Martin's constant drinking with his own personal demons, that seemed as if they would never relent. And Alan...who would make the decision that would change Depeche Mode forever...quitting the band for good. It all seemed like the beginning of the end for a group of people who had been together, at that time, for over a decade. As we all know now, this was not to be the end, but merely a new beginning. This Remastered CD of Songs Of Faith And Devotion is yet another great sounding experience for every fan to cherish and enjoy. And the DTS and 5.1 Surround Sound found on the DVD is sure to be a trip you will take again and again, with amazing clarity. The UK version also includes a Super Audio Compact Disc layer (SACD) on the CD that is also a wonderful experience to listen to (sadly, the US versions of these Remastered Depeche Mode albums do not contain the SACD). Also included on the DVD are a plethora of bonus tracks and remixes, including the B-sides: My Joy & Death's Door, and the superior sounding Zephyr Mix of In Your Room. No live tracks for this release, perhaps indicating a future release of Songs Of Faith And Devotion Live (perhaps in more complete form?). But the best bonus of all is the amazing and outstanding 36 minute Short Film - Depeche Mode: 1991-1994 - "We Were Going To Live Together, Record Together, And It Was Going To Be Wonderful" - A.Wilder. In my opinion, this is the best of the Depeche Mode short films, and gives the viewer the unique experience of following the band through the darkest period of their career, through vintage film of the studio & tour work as well as with interviews by Dave, Martin, Andy, and Alan, as well as producer, Flood, Mute's own Daniel Miller, and others, recreating the experiences. And the last few shots of Alan, as he explains his decision for leaving the band are reason enough for checking this film out again and again. Simply Amazing. Songs Of Faith And Devotion (Remastered) - A Classic, New & Improved!Stay Devoted! "When Here In My Mind, I Have Been Blind. Emotionally Behind. I Have Faith I Will Find." M.L.Gore

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EMI Import SACD+DVD (PAL/Region 0) pressing.Songs Of Faith & Devotion, an explosive Billboardr #1 album when it was released in '93, continued the band's winning streak and introduced the Top 40 smash 'I Feel You.' Also features the classic tracks 'Condemnation,' 'Walking In My Shoes,' and 'In Your Room,' the focal point of the album's blend of the personal and the spiritual.DVD delivers eight additional tracks including 'My Joy' and seven remixes including the Paris Mix of 'Condemnation,' the Zephyr Mix of 'In Your Room,' and the Life's Too Short Mix of 'I Feel You.' New DVD film Depeche Mode 1991-94: We Were Going To Live Together, Record Together And It Was Going To Be Wonderful chronicles the band around the time of this massive album and also features recent footage looking back.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Total Pop Deluxe Box (3CD/1 DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here's a band who's been around for almost 25 years, and they've never stopped. After their massive pop success, many figured them to be over and done. In fact, they continued their brilliance and it's just kept getting better and better.
For old and new fans alike, this boxset will have delights in store for all. Never before seen pictures in a thick, hardcover book (yes, BOOK), that will simply astound. There is a CD of remastered live tracks from various tours (actually I believe all the CDs in the set contain remastered material), as well as a DVD of some of their most treasured live moments.
The second half of their musical history is a testament to their creative genius. And with a new album already slated in the works (back to their electronic roots, we've been told), life looks up once more, with Erasure at the helm. Bravo!!!!

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Since they formed in 1985, Erasure-Andy Bell and Vince Clarke (founding member of Depeche Mode and Yaz) have sold more than 15 million albums with their world-conquering anthems of love, lust and longing. From dance-floor symphoniesto swooning ballads, the definitive synth-pop superstars have proven themselves one of best loved and most enduring success stories in modern British pop music history. Rhino shows Erasure more than 'a little respect' with TOTAL POP!, a four-disc (3CD/DVD) box featuring: all their singles from 1986-2007, newly remastered in 2009; live recordings spanning 1987-2007; and a DVD disc that unreels BBC performancesfrom 1986-2005.

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The Mission - Lighting the Candles (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)To Wayne Hussey: Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for putting such an incredible DVD package together. This is what every Mission fan has been hoping for. Lighting the Candles far exceeds anything I would have imagined. Incredible sound-the live recording is as good as they come. I had feared a 'bootleg' quality but that fear was unfounded. Seriously, the audio is as good as anything U2 would put out. The DTS sound cranks on my home theater system.
And Wayne, Thank you for not mucking up the visual part of the concert with cheesy effects (ala recent live DVD's from David Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Placebo.) The camera work is excellent and really focuses on the playing with edits and cuts at just the right times. You feel like you are in the front row watching this show.
And thank you for giving us several different tracks on the audio CD instead of just an edited version of the DVD track listing.
But as much as I love the live performance, it is DVD 2 that is really special. I really enjoyed your commentary as well as the behind the scenes of the recent MIsh tour as well as the classic clips, footage, pictures etc of the original lineup.
And lastly, thank you for parterning with SPV (Oblivion) to release this special package. This guaranteed good distribution here in the States. It was available on time at both Lou's (the finest music store in Southern California) but also at Tower. I have all ready recommended this to several friends.
Like Aura, "Lighting the Candles" further brings The Mission back into the limelight. For all Mish fans, old and new, this DVD collection is a testament both to the excellent music that comprises the Mission catalogue but to the heart and soul of its leader. It is obvious that this collection was lovingly put together by Wayne, both for himself, as a document to be treasured but also for the fans! Most music DVD's are thrown together by a label and massed produced. But this one, far surpasses anything I have seen before....and I mean by leaps and bounds.
Once again...thank you!

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In late 1985 Wayne Hussey and Craig Adams left The Sisters Of Mercy and formed The Mission and in early 1986 embarked on their first European tour, supporting The Cult. They released 2 singles independently, both reaching No.1 in the UK alternative charts, before signing a worldwide record deal with Phonogram (now Universal). In 2003, The Mission continued to play shows around the globe and it was during this time that drummer Steve Spring first played with the band and in April 2004 The Mission filmed and recorded their show in Cologne, Germany for a DVD that is entitled Lighting The Candles and scheduled for release in late August 2005. To coincide, the band will be embarking on their longest European tour for quite some time. (See the dates below.) 2005 sees The Mission at almost 20 years old but the energy that the band exudes from the stage is the energy of a band that is both still vital and valid and imbued with a self belief and confidence born of knowing that, for the first time in years the band line-up is stable, and their rightful place is amongst the all time greats.

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Black Celebration (Dts) (Dig) Review

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(More customer reviews)The following review has been 21 years in coming as Depeche Mode's 1986 album and crowning achievement of their discography, 'Black Celebration', has steadfastly remained my most favorite and revered artist album of all time.
Following the moderate success of the highly innovative and experimental 'Construction Time Again' in 1983 and then a more resounding achievement, both in terms of the critical acclaim and subsequent tour which followed 1984's 'Some Great Reward', the time had come once again ("Get out the crane...") for the Basildon four to push the creative envelope further still and reach deeper yet, in efforts to broaden their burgeoning, worldwide fan base. In essence, it was time the world took notice of Depeche Mode and the band was ready ready to be taken seriously as a major and credible all electronic act. Who could have ever imagined an album which featured nothing in the vein of 'radio friendly' singles and lyrics which reflected on the darker nature of "The world we live and life in general", would aid in ascending the band to such stellar heights?
'Black Celebration', a dark, moody, sonic epitome of what the band was all about in terms of sound, word, voice and overall aesthetic, saw the creation of what I lovingly refer to as Depeche Mode's own personal, exclusively electronic sister to 'Dark Side of the Moon.' Indeed, the prodcution values and themes present on this 5th studio album were richer, more densely layered and contained combined elements which would demand the band be regarded as a musical force to be reckoned with by fans and critics alike and also as harbingers of a new era in electronic music.
From the moody, darkly atmospheric, sample laden opening of the albums title track, to the industrial yet plaintive longings of 'Stripped', 'Black Celebration' is a seductive soundscape drenched in reverb, angst and an oppressive, foreboding ambience which conjures heady, if not bleak imagery of life, love and lust. The inclusion of a slightly (final) remixed version of 'Fly on the Windscreen' (1985's 'It's Called a Heart' B-side) was an obvious and proper choice, given the fact the track seemed to lend itself perfectly to the overall vibe of 'doom and gloom' ever present throughout the album. Another slightly new and inventive production technique, previously employed on 'Construction Time Again' (though to a lesser extent) was the mixing and sequeing of tracks together without traditional pauses or breaks. This production value is most notably featured on the albums first three tracks, beginning with 'Black Celebration' and concluding with the heartbreaking yet gorgeous strains of 'A Question of Lust.' The mixing of the first three tracks as one extended album intro, remains to this day the most flawless album opening I've ever experienced and has yet to be duplicated. The albums ebb and flow, as well as its overall track arrangement and order, is nothing short of brilliant. Alan Wilder's meticulous attention to every detail is quite obvious in every sound, note and nuance.
Many of the production elements found on 'Black Celebration' bear a striking resemblance to the sounds Wilder would later experiment with on his Recoil project, while Martin Gore's profound, emotionally resonant lyrics are, I feel, some of the best of his career. 'Sometimes', 'Here is the House' and 'World Full of Nothing' are three of the most beautiful Depeche Mode tracks ever produced.
While I enjoy the track 'But Not Tonight' ('Stripped' B-side and included on the US album release), I do feel the decision to excise it from the re-master re-release was a fitting one as the track lends itself to a more 'pop' sensibility and somewhat diminishes the mood and atmosphere created by the albums preceding tracks. Some argue the song allows the album to conclude on a more positive, upbeat note. However, I feel the albums original (UK release) closing track, 'New Dress', achieves the same task but with more pronounced minor chords and haunting lyrics, while still maintaining an air of optimism against gritty realism - 'You may change the world..."
As for the DVD re-master, the sound is fresh, crisp and startlingly bold and the CD version is nearly as impressive. The albums packaging, replete with the embossed logos of the original LP sleeve and which features red tulips before a looming skyscraper draped in European military styled banners (the explanation of the album covers creation and design is especially interesting on the DVD documentary) is both stark, beautiful and visually appealing as ever. And while I regard Anton Corbijn as an accomplished photographer and graphic designer in his own right, I do feel the band's album and single artwork which followed 'Music for the Masses', suffered an artistic defeat of sorts after the band parted ways with photographer Brian Griffin ('A Broken Frame') and Towne and Country Planning.
After the release and critical success of 'Black Celebration', Depeche Mode continued (and continues) from strength to strength, purifying and always evolving their production prowess to the next level with each subsequent album that followed - a sign of true talent for any band wishing to succeed in the music industry. The sonic artwork crafted on this album has yet to be replicated and I doubt it ever will. 'Black Celebration' was the turning point for the band. It was a moment in time, a testament to 'life in the so-called space age' and an indicator that one of electronicas inimitable pioneers were about to take the world by storm. "I'll drink to that..."

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1984's BLACK CELEBRATION is an emotionally intense, anthemicmasterpiece that introduced the classics "Stripped," "A Question Of Time," "Fly On The Windscreen," and the titletrack. DVD boasts three songs recorded "Live In Birmingham 1986" plus eight more bonus tracks includingalternate versions of "Shake The Disease," "Flexible," "Fly On The Windscreen," and "It's Called A Heart."Also includes the DVD film Depeche Mode 1986: The Songs Aren't Good Enough, There Aren't Any Singles And It'llNever Get Played On The Radio. DVD, Album in 5.1 & Hi-Res Stereo.

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Depeche Mode: Touring the Angel - Live in Milan Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD includes only the live concert. Get the other 3 disc edition instead which includes the same live concert, plus a behind the scenes documentary and other extras PLUS a live audio CD of 7 of the live songs!
They (the record company) really blew it by not including the extras with this DVD. Instead, they hadto release 2 different packages, this one and the other edition which costs more. That said, this one is a total waste of money and if you are a Depeche Mode fan at all, you would do well to get the special edition instead. Unless you don't want the extras.

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TOURING THE ANGEL:LIVE IN MILAN - DVD Movie

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Touring the Angel: Live in Milan (W/Dvd) (Dig) Review

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(More customer reviews)One word AWESOME!!! Disk one - Footage of Depeche Mode's Touring the Angel concert demonstrates the reason the band has been my absolute favorite for the last 15 years. Disk 2 has great clips of the band speaking about the album and their thoughts about their future together along with the tour announcement and other great extras. The bonus Playing the Angel Live CD is a definate must have for any DM fan. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who "Just Can't Get Enough" of DM like me.

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Touring The Angel - Live In Milan is a three disc set, featuring a cd of concert highlights, a DVD of the complete 102-minute live performance plus two extra live tracks, and another DVD with a 20-minute documentary, an EPK and the tour's Anton Corbijn-designed stage screens.

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Sounds of the Universe (2 LPs/CD) Review

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(More customer reviews)When a band has been around for close to thirty years and is still making music, it probably means one of three things: 1) they're trying to recreate the past, or 2) they're trying to do something very different, or 3) they're recombining elements of their catalogue to make something kind of new and kind of familiar. Sounds of the Universe falls into that last category.
The latest Depeche Mode album features thirteen tracks, all of them using early-eighties synthesizers with no apologies. At times, these tracks sound like they could have been made in 1984, using the melodic sophistication of Some Great Reward and the sonic textures of A Broken Frame. Sounds of the Universe bleeps and thumps and hisses with a seemingly primitive array of manufactured noises in a way that only deep fans of, say, Orbital, Autechre, Kraftwerk, or early Nine Inch Nails can really appreciate.
But to dismiss this album because of its Atari arcade sound effects would be a mistake. For one thing, Sounds is not strictly a throwback in the sense that many of the songs use an actual guitar to great effect, which would have been unthinkable to the band in its earliest years. "Wrong," for example, owes as much to the twang of "Personal Jesus" as it does to the robotic drone of early Depeche Mode dirges such as "Photographic." The same applies to "Fragile Tension" and "Come Back," and even "The Truth Is/Miles Away" and "Perfect" use guitar strategically to great effect, something that never would have happened before Music for the Masses at the earliest.
But even the songs which rely completely on a synthetic sound don't suffer as a consequence. "Little Soul" and "Jezebel" may not be for everyone, with their Exciter-era tempos and "mature" feel (which some would argue is the death knell for any band)--yet they work well for anyone who has enjoyed the quieter moments of past albums. If you're looking for a faster track, "In Sympathy" is probably the best on the album, with its sunny intro and a bridge that delves into a melancholy club-thump, and "In Chains" continues a long tradition of kinky songs with single potential while still remaining true to the album's subtexts of justice and fairness.
Admittedly there are some questionable decisions in the making of Sounds of the Universe, such as predictable rhymes and the campiness of Dave briefly dipping into an Elvis Presley impression as he croons "The Truth Is/Miles Away." And "Peace" is a little embarrassing in its sincerity. But when in the band's career have Dave and Martin sounded so good as vocalists?
Part of me wishes for the return of rock opera masterpieces such as "Enjoy the Silence," and any legitimate DM fan will probably agree that Violator was either the band's best album or a serious contender for the title. However, that is not going to happen, because that sound is inextricably tied to departed band member Alan Wilder and Flood, Violator's producer. As a trio, Depeche Mode are still making very good, if not great, music--and if you can square yourself with that reality, you may find yourself listening to this "grower" of an album for quite some time.

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The CD+DVD set includes "Sounds of the Universe" + the album mixed in 5.1 surround sound, the promo video for Wrong, Sounds Of The Universe - A Short Film and remixes of three new songs.--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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101 Review

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(More customer reviews)When I was in junior high school, about the time this came out, Depeche Mode were *the* thing. Recently I fished this out of the darkest recesses of my closet and put it on for the first time in I don't know how many years. How interesting to hear the same music with very different ears!
When I was about 15 I came to develop a bias in favor of guitar-based music and against electronic music, so DM fell out of favor in my pantheon for quite some time, but rediscovering them now is quite a trip. Listening to Alan Wilder's beautiful orchestrations and countermelodies ("Shake The Disease", "Blasphemous Rumours", etc.) really makes me realize the possibilities inherent in keyboard-based music, which I never noticed way back in the day. The music is great, no doubts there. The 101 film (out of print), which I recently found on e-bay, is terrific too, although I'm a bit preoccupied with the fact that Andy Fletcher doesn't DO ANYTHING! Dave Gahan's stage act ("Alright! Hey! Ohhhhh!! I wanna hear everybody sing it!") seems somewhat overwrought to those of us into introverted indie-rock these days, so it seems funny now. Martin Gore's (who DM fans revere as a "poet") lyrics tend to be strikingly honest and direct, with a distinct touch of that certain adolescent, vaguely petty angst. What teenager entangled in the social web of his peers wouldn't relate to a song like "The Things You Said"? Depeche Mode's songs have a knack of being irresistibly melodic, true-to-life, and tenderly vulnerable. Put all these together, and you can begin to understand the rabid fanaticism which they inspired in so many people during this heyday in their career. It's documented on every second of this live album, and it's fun to share in it vicariously.

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2003 reissue of 1989 live album features 20 tracks, pressed onto a SACD Hybrid that's compatible with traditional CD players. Includes 16-page booklet of tour photos. Mute.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Playing the Angel Review

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(More customer reviews)It was not an incredibly difficult feat for DM to surpass the ironically-titled (yet underrated in my opinion) Exciter, but little did we know that they would surpass most of our expectations to this degree. This album rocks. Overall, it's their darkest album yet, especially following the somewhat sweet and tender mood of Exciter.
I don't normally do this, but here's a track by track:
1) "A Pain That I'm Used To" - A great intro track with definite NIN influence. Soft, dark, electronic beats that explode into a cacophony of loud guitars at the chorus. I heard this is going to be the second single.
2) "John The Revelator" - Influenced by a classic gospel track of the same name, this would have fit beautifully on Songs of Faith & Devotion. A heavy electro beat with Dave's preachy, aggressive vocals and a gospel choir that joins in at the chorus. My immediate favorite. I really hope this one becomes a single.
3) "Suffer Well" - The first of three songs written by Dave Gahan instead of Martin Gore (a first for DM). More than worthy of the Depeche Mode moniker, this is another favorite of mine. It's fast and catchy and very reminiscent of old-school pre-Violator DM. Reminds me of "Behind The Wheel."
4) "The Sinner In Me" - Another NIN-esque track. Dark and moody. Awesome synth line. I love it.
5) "Precious" - The first single. Also reminiscent of older DM - a very catchy song with a nice beat, a cool guitar part, and Dave's smooth vocals. For some reason I like this song a lot better within the context of the whole album. A very worthy first single. Many are saying it's one of the best singles of their career. I can't argue with that.
6) "Macro" - The first of the obligatory Martin Gore ballads. This is actually one of my favorites of his. The verses are kind of odd (which is typical of Gore), but I absolutely love the chorus ("see the microcosm in macrovision / our bodies moving with pure precision / one universal celebration / one evolution, one creation"). Severely underrated.
7) "I Want It All" - The next of the Gahan-penned tracks. It's strange and floaty and quite different from a typical DM song, but really good nonetheless. The beat is similar to Bjork's "All Is Full of Love" (which is one of my favorite songs, by the way).
8) "Nothing's Impossible" - The last of the Gahan-penned tracks, and definitely my least favorite of the three. It has an old-school feel, but Dave's vocals are a bit odd and monotone. It's not one of my favorites, but it's grown on me significantly and now I like it quite a bit.
9) "Introspectre" - A creepy little instrumental interlude. Could have been pulled right off of Radiohead's Kid A. There's not much to it. Eerie sound effects among minimal electronics.
10) "Damaged People" - The other Gore ballad. Slow, slightly creepy circus music with Gore's odd vocals. This has grown on me a lot, too, but is definitely one of the weakest tracks.
11) "Lilian" - An awesome, retro-sounding, fast-paced, catchy song about some spoiled, sadistic woman who likes to break hearts for fun. The sound is not stereotypical of DM, though, and I can't put a finger on why.
12) "The Darkest Star" - Another somewhat creepy slow song that's probably the darkest on the album. I didn't care much for it at first, but now I love it.
Since the release of Ultra, it's been my favorite DM album (even though many fans disliked it for some reason), followed very closely by Violator and Songs of Faith & Devotion. Critics keep saying Playing The Angel is their best since Violator. I really think, though, that it has risen up to possibly be their greatest masterpiece yet. Only time will tell if I feel the same way down the road, but right now that's where I stand.

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The first new album from Depeche Mode in four years, its first since 2001's gold and Top 10 Exciter, Playing The Angel is quintessential Depeche Mode-hi-tech electronic pop with enormous hooks and yet faster paced, more urgent than recent albums. The band has sold upward of 50 million records worldwide during its 25 years, but Playing The Angel sounds as fresh and exciting as any in Depeche Mode's glorious history

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Songs of Faith Live Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, at first glance, I was a bit doubtful about this album. In fact, despite being a huge DM fan (and despite the fact that the studio version of Songs of Faith and Devotion is still one of my favorite albums of all time), I put off buying this one for a few years. Upon looking at the tracklisting, I saw that the disc is made up of the exact same songs from the studio album arranged in the exact same order. There are no live tracks from other albums here..no bonuses...just a live version of Songs of Faith and Devotion in its entirety, in sequence.
So, anyway, a few years passed, and I found a used version and picked it up. I threw it into my stereo and was treated to an extended buildup to "I Feel You" with crowd noise, and rhythmic loops...and as I got into the buildup and excitement, the pounding live drums came in and kicked my adrenaline into overdrive. Yes, it was one of those rare CD moments where you just step back and say "wow" out loud.
If you have good speakers, you'll be treated to one of the best sounding live CDs ever released. If you have a good subwoofer, the drums and bass will amazingly shake the whole room while maintaining perfect clarity in the mix. The album is slightly rougher than its studio counterpart, maybe a bit more rock-oriented and organic, yet it's still immaculately produced, performed, and mixed. It's also louder and oddly sounds more layered, presenting almost a "wall of sound" effect using delay and reverb as well as additional sampling (for instance, you'll find certain samples being used more than they were on the studio album to add more intensity to parts of various songs). Even weaker songs from the album like the gospel-esque "Get Right With Me" are reworked with enough pavement-cracking drums and rocking guitar to drop your jaw to the floor.
As for the band, they're oddly in top form, despite the many problems they were going through at the time. A long-haired, tattoo-covered Dave, struggling with drug use and barely able to stand on stage at times during the tour (as later admitted) gives a strong, heartfelt performance delivered through a confident rockstar persona (with a little help from some background vocals, including female gospel singers). The rest of the band rock out, as well, with strong guitars, driving drums, and near perfect use of synthesizers and samples. This is the sound of a band on the edge of implosion sounding perhaps more cohesive and skilled than they ever had before or have since.
Overall, this album is a heavier, more powerful, more organic version of its studio counterpart...a live album full of adrenaline pumping emotional buildups and earth shattering intensity that accentuates already-powerful epic songs. If you didn't like the original studio album or are just a mild fan, then a live version with the exact same tracklisting is obviously quite unnecessary. However, if you loved the studio album, don't hesitate to pick this one up. Buy it, crank the volume on a stereo system with good bass, and get ready for an amazing ride.

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Some Great Reward Review

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(More customer reviews)'some great reward' is perhaps depeche mode's funniest album title. as the band inched closer and closer to the global domination that would one day be theirs, one can help but wonder if a be-skirted martin looked at sun-in'd-bangs dave and said, 'is this all we get?' or maybe it's the bands nod to its increasing fanbase, or a middle-finger to those who thought there were going to get another mildly poppy, pleasant, inoffensive DM album (though it started with 'construction time again, let's face it, this was the death knell of the 'photograph of you,' 'see you,' 'new life,' 'just can't get enough' dm brand of music).
no, no, dear friends, this wasn't your daddy's dm. suddenly martin was clad in s&m gear, handcuffs, leather (or was it pleather?), dave put a little sun-in in his hair, alan was a full-feldged member, and fletch, well, he was fletch (pushing his mic back and forth on stage and little else). 'some great reward,' i believe, was the blueprint for albums like 'pretty hate machine,' everything nitzer ebb did do, front 242 would do, and spawned a generation of knock offs (red flag, seven red seven, cause and effect). 'industrial' music? it started with 'some great reward.'
'some great reward' is the album that came to define the depeche mode *sound.* it's cold and detached, it's pervy undertones bubbling just below the surface. from the get-go 'some great reward' sounds like an album recorded squarely under the fist of the iron curtain. 'something to do' sounds like heavy machinery dropped off a 100ft ledge--agressive and relentless. 'lie to me' and 'if you want' drip in ambiguous sexuality. of course there's 'master and servant' and it's fairly blatant s&m references and 'blasphemous rumors' in which martin (?) questions God's role in every day life. i'll forgive martin for 'somebody'--a song so sweet it should by right come packaged with a tube of toothpaste and mouthwash.
'some great reward' pointed DM in a new direction they would later build on with 'black celebration,' 'music for the masses,' and culminate with 'violator.' in this regard it serves as an important stepping stone in the band's evolution--it was a precursor to the defining DM sound. perhaps that reason alone is enough to merit buying this album. and if that reason's not enough, it's still got some KILLER songs, truly memorable singles, and just enough dark matter to keep the trenchcoat kids and enough catchy melodies and verses to keep the preppy polo-wearing goofs happy.

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No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: DEPECHE MODETitle: SOME GREAT REWARDStreet Release Date: 07/07/1987

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Exciter Review

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(More customer reviews)What is typical of DM music? Old fans will probably say: heavy synth arrangement, catchy rhythm, lyrics that doesn't really make sense but rhymes perfectly. However, this conventional understanding of DM music does not apply to this album...not at all. In 'Exciter', DM abandons its trademark style that has made it so popular during the 80s and 90s to experiment with a more ambient and moodier synth arrangement that has a touch of industrial, rock and even jazz. On the first listening, old fans will probably feel betrayed and disappointed. Gone are the dancy synth rhythms. The whole album is dominated by slower tracks with the exception of the industrial-sounding 'The Dead of Night' (an 'I Feel You' sounding track which almost has a touch of N.I.N) and the only upbeat tune ('I Feel Loved') which actually sounds nothing like their traditional fast tunes. Nonetheless, this album builds slowly upon the listener. The moody arrangement on 'Dream On', 'When the Body Speaks', 'Freelove' and 'Goodnight Lovers' actually works perfectly with Dave's voice. 'Breathe' is also an interesting track featuring Martin on vocals with a jazzy background. On the whole, this album presents a fresh new sound for DM, except it's a 'moodier' Mode rather than an 'exciter'.

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This is Depeche Mode's Tenth Studio Album from 2001.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Songs of Faith & Devotion Review

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(More customer reviews)Songs Of Faith And Devotion could be Depeche Mode's most underrated album to date. A common misconception about SOFAD is that it was a sell-out to the grunge movement of its time. The only song on the album that might pass as being grunge, however, is "I Feel You," and only for its hard edge and raw emotion. The rest of the album has too much depth and complexity, both musically and lyrically, to be classified as a sub-genre of grunge music. Although the album contained some raunchy sounds, it maintained a spiritual aura from start to finish. In a year when bands like Pearl Jam and The Spin Doctors dominated the scene, Depeche Mode held themselves to a higher standard and forged a completely different sound.
Also somewhat of a misconception was that Depeche Mode abandoned their roots on this album. It was a departure in the sense that live drums and more guitars were incorporated into the music, but SOFAD was still part of the band's evolutionary process. Martin Gore had actually started sneaking guitars into the mix on Music For The Masses, with the guitar work becoming more pronounced on Violater. SOFAD became a bigger outlet for this side of the band. Also, the album elaborated on typical Depeche Mode themes. Lyrically speaking, it's arguably Martin Gore's most inspired songwriting.
I consider SOFAD to be my favorite DM album. That's a strong statement coming from someone who loves everything from Speak & Spell onwards. Unfortunately, SOFAD wasn't well received by the general public and many DM fans alike. Martin Gore stated at the time of its release that they wanted to challenge their listeners. It's not the kind of album everyone's supposed to like (DM fans included), but most people weren't up to the challenge.

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No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: DEPECHE MODETitle: SONGS OF FAITH & DEVOTIONStreet Release Date: 03/23/1993

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Black Celebration Review

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(More customer reviews)Black Celebration represents many things for Depeche Mode. Sonically, we're looking at an evolution of their synthesized, sampled, semi-industrial pop sound -- a little less tinny than Some Great Reward. Lyrically and thematically, what we have is a full realization of the bleakness DM had been flirting with on songs like "Blasphemous Rumours," "Love, in Itself," and "Shake the Disease." This is important because it is the final, complete break with the cheerier sound associated with early Depeche Mode albums, and a transformation into the greatest band to emerge from the 1980s.
The title track sets the tone for the album very effectively, using a thick layer of menacing bass under twinkling melodic keynotes. "Black Celebration" is not quite as dark as most of the other songs on this album; but maybe it's really just that it is a declaration of the need to hang onto whatever happiness we can in the face of all-encompassing misery. A perfect opening to a near-perfect album.
The eerie underlying synth of the first track evolves into the backdrop for the second: "Fly on the Windscreen." This is DM at their gloomiest; a pummeling bass underpins the need for human contact as a reminder that there is such a thing as life.
"A Question of Lust" begins a hat trick of delicate songs sung by Martin Gore. It's an earnest, airy tale of the needless suspicion of jealousy in a relationship that probably won't last. A shimmering, sad ballad in an album of despair, yet a nice bounce-back from "Windscreen."
"Sometimes," the next song, is I believe very underrated -- I've seen someone deride it as an ersatz "Somebody," which is really not at all accurate. It employs only Martin's voice, echoed in a strange fashion, over a lazy, very pretty piano piece. A short and sad little number that fits the album without question.
The next track is "It Doesn't Matter Two" (to be distinguished from "It Doesn't Matter" on SGW). I like this song for its use of a choral sample, manipulated almost beyond recognition, as its main rhythm. Martin sings of lost sexual innocence here, his voice lending a requisite fragility that Dave Gahan's would not.
Dave resumes a lead singing role on "A Question of Time," with a fast synth beat picking up the pace. I did not like this song much at first, but in the concert version, Martin whacks a guitar to replace the kazoo-like effect of the synth found here - a definite improvement.
"Stripped" is the centerpiece of BC. Fragile synth keynotes convey a shared, secret sensuality, while a constant backing hum coats everything in sweaty pheromones. The muffled rhythm of a train drives the song from start to finish. Altogether an addictively beautiful song about the search for intimacy in a bleak, black, filthy, distant world.
From the escapism without in "Stripped," we turn to escapism within in "Here is the House." Acoustic guitar is used well here against a barely danceable beat, creating one of the more obscure, underappreciated DM songs.
Martin's last lead singing role is "World Full of Nothing," an account of loveless sex as told from an omniscient, third-party perspective. Haunting, especially with the repeated "Though it's not love, it means something."
"Dressed in Black" is the weakest song on BC. It seems to redeem every tidy cliche about mods that has ever been thrown at them, and consequently feels trite. It should have traded places with one of the B-sides, "Christmas Island."
What follows is the pounding, trenchant bass of "New Dress," a political statement about the stupid things society values as important. A very cool song as relevant today as it was in 1986.
Black Celebration closes with "But Not Tonight" - as upbeat as any song gets on this album, though it does not feel out of place. It is carried by a fast beat and just a hint of optimism in the darkness. A fitting final chapter in DM's darkest tome.
If you like 80s music at all, buy this album. If you like 80s music and were raised on Moby, NIN, or Orbital, DEFINITELY buy this album. You will be glad you did.

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Import edition of Depeche Mode's outstanding 1986 album featuring two bonus tracks NOT on the U.S., 'Breathing In Fumes' & 'Black Day', plus the extended remix of 'But Not Tonight'instead of the album version that appears on the American release. 14 tracks total, also featuring the hit singles 'Stripped', 'A Question Of Lust' and 'A Question Of Time'. EMI.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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The Singles 86>98 Review

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(More customer reviews)As far as capturing the mood of the times, Depeche Mode had a perfect moment when they released "Violator." They were suddenly jerked out of their status as the band disenfranchised Goth kids moped along with to arena rock superstars. Although a few of the singles from the classic "Black Celebration" had made them alternative gods when alternative still meant you were in the alienated minority and "Music For The Masses" had already moved them to the forefront of MTV Video makers, it was songs like "Enjoy The Silence" and "Personal Jesus" that made them truly mass music makers.
This "Singles 86

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No Description Available
Track: 10: World In My Eyes,
Track: 11: I Feel You,
Track: 12: Walking in My Shoes,
Track: 13: Condemnation,
Track: 14: In Your Room,
Track: 15: Barrel of a Gun,
Track: 16: It's No Good,
Track: 17: Home,
Track: 18: Useless,
Track: 19: Only When I Lose Myself,
Track: 1: Stripped,
Track: 20: Little,
Track: 21: Everything Counts [Live],
Track: 2: Question of Lust,
Track: 3: Question of Time,
Track: 4: Strangelove,
Track: 5: Never Let Me Down Again,
Track: 6: Behind the Wheel,
Track: 7: Personal Jesus,
Track: 8: Enjoy the Silence,
Track: 9: Policy Of TruthMedia Type: CDArtist: DEPECHE MODETitle: SINGLES 86-98Street Release Date: 10/06/1998

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Violator Review

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When Violator hit the US, I was already a die-hard Depeche Mode fan, owning every album they had put out. However, with Violator, I gained an even deeper appreciation for their writing skills, both lyrically and orchestrally. Violator is an amazing piece of euro-alt-dance-pop that has a huge dance floor appeal while at the same time makes one think and feel. Hugely successful, Violator was one of those releases that crossed over from long-time fans to a new generation and audience.
The release starts in classic DM synth dance mode with the funky and "trip"-worthy "World in My Eyes." Released as a single, this sensual piece filled dance floors across the country. The remix single is especially appealing with not only great remixes of this song, but also two other non-album tracks, "Happiest Girl" and "Sea of Sin." [The remix cassette contains the bonus Dub In My Eyes Mix!] Turning darker and slower, "Sweetest Perfection" has a depth and dangerous beauty in its lyrics and orchestration that pull you deeper within yourself as you let the music flow over you. "Personal Jesus" is a the floor stomping first single released off Violator that was a smash hit on and off the dance floor with its country twang flare, driving drum beat hooks, and anthemic lyrics like "reach out and touch faith." The remix single for this one is especially awesome and features the phenomenal non-album track "Dangerous," one of the best b-sides DM ever released. "Halo" is an amazing song and is probably my favorite on the release. With bass, synth, and orchestral hooks that blow my mind, this masterpiece builds into an emotional catharsis that is released by its audience dancing and singing along wildly by the end. This, I believe, was released as a single only in the UK (it's a very hard to find release) - this easily could have been the fifth smash hit from Violator. Returning to ballad mode, "Waiting for the Night to Fall" is soft, ethereal, and again hauntingly beautiful. You just want to curl up in the dark and enjoy the beauty of solitude with this one. Get ready to hit the dance floor again; "Enjoy the Silence" was the second single and was an absolute smash with its awesome beat, orchestration, and yell along chorus. The remix single had 6 mixes and included the awesome instrumental non-album tracks, "Sibeling" and "Memphisto." [The cassette remix contains the bonus The Quad: Final Mix!] I especially loved the video which was predominantly deep blue (I love blue videos) and features Dave Gahan wandering through the English countryside as (I believe) King Richard. "Policy of Truth" was another single, though it didn't quite see the success of the others. The remix single contains the bonus "Kaleid" (a very funky techno instrumental). With an interesting guitar and ambient intro, the song soon moves into a groovy guitar and synth driven twanger that is quite sultry and seductive - definite dirty dancin' kinda music. Still sultry but much slower and more subdued, "Blue Dress" is a beautifully crafted piece of depth and emotion that sounds almost obsessive and compulsive. This somewhat short release comes to a close with "Clean" which continues the slower theme. However, it is much darker and hazy feeling, and it has a sultry pulsating rhythm throughout that pulls you closer inside yourself.
For me, Violator is the best DM album, and one of the best alterno-euro-techno albums ever released. It gets a strong 5 star rating and falls within my top 20 releases of all time. Not only is the album amazing in its danceability and its depth of emotion, but the additional pieces that went with marketing this piece (the remix singles and videos) were equally impressive. The remix singles were especially awesome, featuring not only killer remixes, but also a plethora of unreleased material that could have filled another album!
I recommend this album highly to any DM fan, late 80s/early 90s club music fan, or anyone who simply loves good synth beat music that can make you both dance and feel. Don't let the fact that the releae only has 9 songs bother you - there isn't a single song on this release that is less than perfect. Oh, and a bonus recommendation: if you couldn't tell, get all the remix singles you can from this one - they're worth having!
Some would perhaps argue that Violator was the point at which Depeche Mode sold out. It was a huge commercial success, spawning 4 hit singles (5 if you count the rare "Halo") that filled dance floors and concert venues all over the world. However, I call it justice and recognition due. Violator is a crowning achievement for Depeche Mode's brilliant lyrical and orchestral composition talents. Accessible to all with brilliant pieces of poetry, addictive dance beats and techno hooks, and beautifully crafted videos, Violator achieved a bonding between old die-hard fans and fans new to the group, a rare feat to accomplish in the complicated world of (at least then) "alternative" music.

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Import remastered pressing of Violator which is Depeche Mode's most mainstream, chart-climbing album. Although it contains only nine tracks, half of them are tailor-made for the dance floor. This album was conceived when dance-club DJs were gaining recognition alongside original composers. Heavily influenced by techno-pop, the singles 'Policy of Truth', 'Enjoy the Silence', and 'World in My Eyes' prove that DM did their homework. A particular highlight on this fantastic album is the bluesy guitar line Martin Gore lays down on top of the synth-dominated grooves on 'Personal Jesus'. Mute. 2006.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Violator (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't really mind having to conduct research before deciding which version of a CD to purchase, but I suspect that I am in the minority. So I'll pass on what I learned after doing some reading and settling on the SACD UK import version of this release:
1. First, be aware that there are two versions of this release - both have a CD and a DVD, but only the UK import has a SACD 5.1 surround sound layer on the CD.
2. The DVD has a short film about the band at the time of the release of Violator. It also has the album in 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS surround. There is no DVD audio on either the US or the UK version. There are a few additional music tracks on the DVD.
3. I went for the UK import because the high resolution (SACD) will always sound best. I cannot say whether it is a noticeable difference from the DTS or Dolby Digital, as the DVD will not play on my Pioneer DVD player. It is, you see, in PAL and not NTSC format. I was, however, able to view the film on my computer, and play the extra music tracks which are also on the DVD. There are no music videos. In my opinion, the additional music was OK, but probably only of real interest to the die hard fan.
The sound on the SACD is simply stunning. If enough people had actually heard the difference between SACD and CD the way that this issue sounds different from the original CD (which sounds pretty good) I believe that the format would have done better. The sound is the reason for shelling out the big bucks for this reissue. From what I have heard in the DTS format in the past, I am sure that the US DTS or even Dolby Digital will sound excellent, if you have the proper equipment. If you have a SACD player, I would recommend the SACD version, because it is the best. Even if you cannot play the DVD on your television, you can probably watch it on your computer. And it's only worth about a single viewing. Believe me, you will listen to the SACD many times.
If you do not have the proper 5.1 surround equipment (SACD, Dolby Digital or DTS), give this a miss. It is too expensive, and you will not notice enough of a difference listening to the stereo CD layer.
It is a shame that the recording industry continues to sabotage the SACD/DVD Audio formats. It's confusing, and it need not be as bad as it is. There was no good reason not to have the hybrid SACD layer on the US version. It is begining to look as though the SACD format will become a European favorite, and DVD-Audio, such as it is, will be the "hi resolution" format of choice in the US, at least for pop music. The absence of either high resolution format on the US version of this reissue forces me to recommend the UK import, even if it does cost more.


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Rooted in the U.K.’s late ‘70s New Romantic movement, Depeche Mode formed in 1980, and the pioneering, synthesizer-based sound created by the founding partnership of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Vince Clarke, and Andrew Fletcher went on to establish them as one of the most successful alt-rock groups ever. These electro-pop superstars loomed as large as cult heroes as they did as commercial heavies, and their wealth of singles and signature tracks ranged from energetic dance grooves to dramatic, moody, and industrial-tinged masterpieces. Depeche’s originality of vision weathered personnel shifts and personal turmoil, influencing modern rock and synth-pop on a global level. As the band continues to tour, record and build on its legacy a quarter-century down the road, Rhino begins its restoration of their classic catalogue with the CD + DVD reissue of this landmark album.

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