ChaosResolved
06-29-2006, 09:04 PM
Depeche Mode-Deluxe Reissues Unveiled
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/dm1.jpg http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/dm2.jpg http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/dm3.jpg
Website (http://www.depechemode.com) :: Purchase (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ESSTKG/sr=8-22/qid=1151611104/ref=sr_1_22/103-5325382-7727805?ie=UTF8) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/depechemode)
Depeche Mode is a bands whose relevance has covered the span of two decades. Combining subtle industrial tones and soundscapes with all the catchy angst of post-punk new wave, Depeche Mode started a trend that is being copied to a tee over 25 years after it began. In the late 80's and early 90's DM really hit its stride with their two most famous albums, 1987's Music for the Masses and 1990's Violator. And although the band may have hit its low point with the release of 1997's Ultra, which tried to cash in on the industrial dance craze, it has stood the test of time and cannot be faulted for an occasional misstep.
With the release of their brand new album Playing The Angel, Depeche Mode have found their roots again, and it feels like Speak and Spell and Violator holding hands. It features all the sing-a-long catchiness of its earlier catelog with a dark vein that made Depeche Mode musical gods in the first place. The MTV generation are being forcefed The Killers, Bravery, and Hot Hot Heat, but those fledgling bands can't hold a smoldering candle to what the godfathers of the genre have done and continue to do.
So in celebration of Depeche Mode's continued sucess and ability to appeal to new fans, most of whom weren't even born when their classic albums were originally released, the band has opted to release deluxe reissues of three of their most amazing albums. Speak and Spell, Music for the Masses, and Violator (excellent choices) all get the full treatment. Each edition includes the original album, plus a DVD featuring a half-hour documentary, bonus tracks, and the entire album mixed in 5.1 surround sound. The surround mix is extremely astounding, but the rest of the musical extras , most of which are just instrumentals, are pretty deficient considering the crazy number of remixes the band has produced over the years. The documentaries are very engaging, and for any real fan of the band they are definitely worth the time. The artwork and packaging are also very delicious.
So in conclusion, if you are a new fan of Depeche Mode (and don't own the originals), these should be no-brainers. If you consider yourself a long-time, die-hard fan of the band these would also be well worth your time and extra cash. However, if you are a casual listener who already owns the albums, I'd save my dough.
RIYL:
Duran Duran
Echo And The Bunnymen
Tears For Fears
Erasure
New Order
-Adam Roncaglione
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/dm1.jpg http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/dm2.jpg http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/dm3.jpg
Website (http://www.depechemode.com) :: Purchase (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ESSTKG/sr=8-22/qid=1151611104/ref=sr_1_22/103-5325382-7727805?ie=UTF8) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/depechemode)
Depeche Mode is a bands whose relevance has covered the span of two decades. Combining subtle industrial tones and soundscapes with all the catchy angst of post-punk new wave, Depeche Mode started a trend that is being copied to a tee over 25 years after it began. In the late 80's and early 90's DM really hit its stride with their two most famous albums, 1987's Music for the Masses and 1990's Violator. And although the band may have hit its low point with the release of 1997's Ultra, which tried to cash in on the industrial dance craze, it has stood the test of time and cannot be faulted for an occasional misstep.
With the release of their brand new album Playing The Angel, Depeche Mode have found their roots again, and it feels like Speak and Spell and Violator holding hands. It features all the sing-a-long catchiness of its earlier catelog with a dark vein that made Depeche Mode musical gods in the first place. The MTV generation are being forcefed The Killers, Bravery, and Hot Hot Heat, but those fledgling bands can't hold a smoldering candle to what the godfathers of the genre have done and continue to do.
So in celebration of Depeche Mode's continued sucess and ability to appeal to new fans, most of whom weren't even born when their classic albums were originally released, the band has opted to release deluxe reissues of three of their most amazing albums. Speak and Spell, Music for the Masses, and Violator (excellent choices) all get the full treatment. Each edition includes the original album, plus a DVD featuring a half-hour documentary, bonus tracks, and the entire album mixed in 5.1 surround sound. The surround mix is extremely astounding, but the rest of the musical extras , most of which are just instrumentals, are pretty deficient considering the crazy number of remixes the band has produced over the years. The documentaries are very engaging, and for any real fan of the band they are definitely worth the time. The artwork and packaging are also very delicious.
So in conclusion, if you are a new fan of Depeche Mode (and don't own the originals), these should be no-brainers. If you consider yourself a long-time, die-hard fan of the band these would also be well worth your time and extra cash. However, if you are a casual listener who already owns the albums, I'd save my dough.
RIYL:
Duran Duran
Echo And The Bunnymen
Tears For Fears
Erasure
New Order
-Adam Roncaglione