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View Full Version : Isn't it time for a "Let's All Praise Depeche Mode" thread?


hangthadj
18 Oct 2005, 09:48 AM
I mean what better time could there be the now? Today sees the US release of their new album Playing the Angel. These ********ers have been making music for over 25 years now ya know?

And there may be some among us who think to themselves, yeah this thread was a good idea, 15 years ago. And they are entitled to that opinion. But the way I see it Depeche Mode's post Violator output is even better than their pre-Violator stuff. Sure, none of it has had the commercial success of Music for the Masses and they may never sell out the Rose Bowl again, but that should not be the whole measuring stick should it?

Songs of Faith and Devotion was a damn good album, even if the video for I Feel You still makes you laugh. Dave Gahan suddenly decided he wanted to learn how to sing before Ultra and suddenly It's No Good, The Love Thieves, and Useless became some of their best songs ever. Not even to mention Martin Gore's vocals on Home. Exciter may have seemed like a misleading album title for the overall feel for the album, but Shine, The Sweetest Condition, and Goodnight Lovers all proved that Martin L Gore still had it in him to write damn good affecting songs.

And now, Playing the Angel. So, I have only listened through it once so far. But, I can say, I am damn thrilled with the sound. It's just different from Exciter in many ways, though I dion't really know how to explain it. And while Martin L Gore is still writing using the same themes to great effect the shocker of shockers is that Mr. Gahan's contributions are also excellent. I didn't care for his solo album, but the three tunes he penned for this album are all excellent. I really mean it. This album leaves me giddy, it's just damn good!!

Now their may be those who want to come in to this little party and throw around the whole Depeche Mode isn't a band, synthasizers, blah blah. Heard it all before and it isn't gonna bring me down. But if that makes you sleep better at night fire away if you must. I will go on enjoying the new album and look forward to seeing them in Chicago on November 29, suckas!

Achtung
18 Oct 2005, 10:31 AM
In terms of the pre/post-Violator question, I think the earlier stuff is just slightly better, but there's nothing wrong with Ultra. I never cared too much for the wildly inconsistent Exciter which, as you mentioned, is sort of boring despite its name--although Dream On is a great track. Big fan of Songs of Faith and Devotion too.

With the earlier stuff though, why is it that Black Celebration never seems to get its due? Oh well.

I've heard a lot of good things about Playing The Angel, but oddly enough my friend who is a huge DM fan said the album was uneven. I haven't listened to it yet, suppose I'll pick it up today.

hangthadj
18 Oct 2005, 10:55 AM
In terms of the pre/post-Violator question, I think the earlier stuff is just slightly better, but there's nothing wrong with Ultra. I never cared too much for the wildly inconsistent Exciter which, as you mentioned, is sort of boring despite its name--although Dream On is a great track. Big fan of Songs of Faith and Devotion too.

I think the biggest difference to me in later stuff is that Gahan's vocals are actually much less robotic and just add something more to the songs.

As for Exciter, I found myself listening to that a ton over the past few months. I actually really like it, even if it is a bit "boring."

With the earlier stuff though, why is it that Black Celebration never seems to get its due? Oh well.

I don't have an answer for that.

I've heard a lot of good things about Playing The Angel, but oddly enough my friend who is a huge DM fan said the album was uneven. I haven't listened to it yet, suppose I'll pick it up today.

Maybe its a bit uneven, I could be in the first few listen delerium still. But, I think it's probably mudch closer to Ultra in its feel than Exciter, so I think you will like it. The first four songs especially have massive live potential, so I am very excited about the tour coming up.

Blackmail
04 Nov 2005, 04:18 PM
Playing the Angel is pretty good I saw that it debuted at #7 on the U.S. billboard album charts. I think Ultra was one of their best albums. Depeche Mode is great.

655321
04 Nov 2005, 05:22 PM
Never Let Me Down Again is still one of my favorite songs, ever.

BillQ
05 Nov 2005, 12:00 AM
I think DM never has gotten the resepct it deserves because the critics look at them as a synth band and nothing else. Now, I'm not a huge fan of this fan, but DM rocked as well as anyone did during the '80s and early '90s (Enjoy The Silence is one of my all time favorite).