Depeche Mode -- Delta Machine

Details on Tuesday, as quoted on the Sounds of the Universe thread:

For Immediate Release

Depeche Mode Press Conference
Paris October 23 at 1:30pm

Depeche Mode - Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher – host a press conference in Paris October 23rd where they will be making an exciting announcement.

The press conference will begin promptly at 1:30pm and will be broadcast live online. Please stay tuned to depechemode.com for more details.

Depeche Mode have spent much of this year recording their forthcoming new studio album in Santa Barbara, California and New York City.

maybe I will finally see them live on the next tour

They seriously should invite Alan Moulder and Vince Clarke out on tour with them to a) make it awesomer and b) validate the need for a press conference.

Heh. Think you mean Alan Wilder?

they should invite all the Alans

Alan Parsons

TBF, the press release tease does not specifically say this is about an album. Wilder and the band have flirted with a reunion in recent years, and Gore's reunion with Clarke was interesting. Would not be shocked if Wilder returned.

Alan Vega would liven things up no end.
"We're all Alans! We're all lying in hell!"

they should invite all the Alans

My bad, but I approve of this idea!

Alan Cumming does a mean version of "Get The Balance Right"

TBF, the press release tease does not specifically say this is about an album.

Given that the press release does specifically TALK about the album they've been recording this year...

An album that everyone knows is coming, which they've already said is coming, which will surprise no one. So a press conference for a new album would be sort of anti-climactic. "Hey everyone, we've been working on a new album for most of the year, so tune in Tuesday for a special announcement: it's a new album!" But hey! Who knows? Maybe it's got a really cool name.

Fletch: "We've made an album that we're confident is up there as one of our best" etc. etc.

"And now we're going to proudly announce the dates for our World Tour!" etc. etc.

They did a press conference like this for Sounds of the Universe, they're just doing the same again. SOP straight down the way.

They've been doing press releases like this for years, no?

hold on - they organised a big press conference in Paris just to tell us they were still finishing an album that sounds kinda like Violator and kinda like SOFD?

And why not. Ben Hillier coproduction, tour dates announced for Europe, no title yet.

It usually feels like forever between DM albums, but it feels like "Sounds of the Universe" just came out. I can't believe it's been over three and a half years. Anyway, bring on the tour!

So is everyone poised for more bluesy-electro tracks about lust, sin and knees, then? :D

SoFaD is not among my favorite works by this band, so I'm a little disheartened.

however, "In Chains" is one of the best songs they ever did

I've never really understood why some folks are down on Songs Of Faith And Devotion, to me it's pretty much peak Depeche Mode stuff alongside Violator, Music For The Masses and Black Celebration. I dunno, maybe the heavier use of (*sigh*) 'real instruments' put some folks off, or the more 'alternative rock'-leaning vibe of the album, or maybe they were put off by the 'murky' quality of the recording (which I think adds to the overall atmosphere of the album, if anything).

Scratch beneath the surface of the recording and the arrangements, though, and I still feel it's a batch of SONGS as strong as those that were on the previous three.

I mean: 'I Feel You', 'Walking In My Shoes', 'Condemnation', 'Judas', 'In Your Room', 'Rush' and 'One Caress' are up there with Martin Gore's best-ever songs IMO.

I do think there's a lot of kneejerk "oh noes GUITARS" reaction to that album, which is just silly (especially when those guitars are fueling songs like "I Feel You")

"Condemnation" isn't their best effort, though.

It's a solid record, and by that I mean it sounds really solid, like, muscular. The singles were all pretty great, iirc. It's of a piece with the "lost" era of DP - Songs ..., Exciter and Ultra.

I do think there's a lot of kneejerk "oh noes GUITARS" reaction to that album, which is just silly (especially when those guitars are fueling songs like "I Feel You")

"Condemnation" isn't their best effort, though.

― Gandalf’s Gobble Melt (DJP), Thursday, October 25, 2012 6:17 PM (1 minute ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Yeah, exactly... and it's not like Depeche hadn't used guitars before: 'Enjoy The Silence' and 'Behind The Wheel', anyone? Or you could even go as far back as the middle eight to 'Love, In Itself'!

The only thing I don't like about 'Condemnation' is the video they made to go with it - otherwise, I love the song and think it's one of Dave Gahan's Top 10 vocal performances.

So is everyone poised for more bluesy-electro tracks about lust, sin and knees, then? :D

― The Jupiter 8 (Turrican), Thursday, October 25, 2012 1:03 PM (32 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Yup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NihMVuspKQw

STOKED

First song: promising

These guys are the unlikeliest of Energizer bunnies

So it would seem like Mr. Martin Lee Gore has ruffled Simon Cowell's feathers a bit!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/9705123/Simon-Cowell-fury-at-Depeche-Mode-star.html

Remarkably, this made front page of The Mirror tabloid newspaper here in the UK - so christ, it must have been a slow news day...

hahahaha

Hahah yeah, read about that the other day.

I guess Mr. Cowell doesn't understand that by branding Gore a 'weirdo', he is in some way (by extension) branding fans of Depeche Mode in the very same way. That's how I feel about it, anyway. I don't think Gore would be too bothered mind, he's been successful on a worldwide level on his own terms for... oooh, years now.

oh no, a weirdo, how insulting

I like how he says that as if he, Simon Cowell, is the most normal man on the planet

he thinks he's super-normal, and helps shape the mainstream of totally normal music, and is important.

Well, he did joke that Cowell should be shot. I'm surprised Cowell left it at "weirdo."

Still, if I was to guess which of these two had a fish fetish, I would say ... Cowell.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8-3X9rr0iZGZpF6e8YDa-1UacOjDIJqQbk9zlgEFR6mkeDoGV

the disparity in insult is also hilarious

like, I'm certain in Cowell's mind calling someone a weirdo actually IS as nasty/violent as wishing for someone to get shot, but life kind of doesn't work that way

I think he means "weirdo" like "the people who are not normal who actually do shoot normal people, like myself, Simon Cowell"

really only two types of people in Simon Cowell's world: people that want to be like Simon Cowell, and all those weirdos who do that weird shit

And listen to that weird music.

“I am very happy with how the album turned out,” comments DM’s Martin Gore. “The music has a similar vibe to Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion and I think the songs on the album are among some of the very best we’ve done.”

I loved it. It was better than Cats. I'm going to see it again and again.

Anyway, album out in March. Tour to follow in the summer.

Do we have a title yet?

They've had Playing the Angel and Sounds of the Universe so I'm guessing the new one is something like Cosmic Mopegasm

They are hard at work in the office devising a title.

Rumor has it it is called "Cosmic Mopegasm."

I reckon they should call it More Songs About Suffering, Sin and Knees

They should call it either "Depeche Mode" or maybe "Da Violator II." That would be awesome.

New Studio Album ‘Delta Machine’ coming March 26th on Columbia Records!

First single ‘Heaven’ next Friday, February 1st.

Full track listing and additional details: http://bitly.com/DeltaMachine

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c23.0.403.403/p403x403/398004_10151433523410329_2116556785_n.jpg

I am all for bands picking album titles just for a graphic design joke.

fukken triangle bands

Anyway, thread title updated etc.

already liking this industrial vibe

Looking forward to the Blawan and Matthew Dear remixes of the single, too

It doesn't sound like a very Depeche title for a record to me...

New Depeche and new OMD this year makes Turrican an extremely happy chappy.

single:
http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2013/01/30/exclusive-depeche-mode-premiere-heaven-from-forthcoming-album-delta-machine/

“It’s got a bit of a feel of Violator on some of the songs and a feel of Songs of Faith and Devotion on other songs,” said Gore.

this'll be a SFaDy one then.

Can I be the first person to say that I don't like it? It's like a variation of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' with all of the hooks taken out... I mean, there isn't really much of a chorus to speak of in this. And this is the first single!? Christ. Hope the album is better.

Not really taken with the production either.

actually really liking this - got a nice slowed down Persuaders theme vibe. Chorus seems a bit out of place though. I am not hearing any trace of Songs or Violator, quite the contrary.

My first thought was "Condemnation", although it doesn't go all the way with gospel choirs it has a similar rhythm and feel.

do not want.

As a lead-out single it's hardly promising. But I haven't liked any of their recent albums so ¯\(º_o)/¯

After Violator, it was a long time until I liked one again (Playing the Angel). I've realized that was in all likelihood an inspired fluke.

That's a surprising lead single. That's the sort of track they leak first to show what they're up for - see: reunited Suede - saving a ringer for the eventual real single.

They should've named this album DGAF.

oh Andy..

http://cbskroq2.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/depechemode-press-2013.jpg?w=300

My first thought was "Condemnation", although it doesn't go all the way with gospel choirs it has a similar rhythm and feel.

― ledge, Thursday, January 31, 2013 12:17 PM (1 hour ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Yeah, I can kinda see where you're coming from. Although 'Condemnation' moves me, and this really doesn't. It's just kinda "there".

Been a long time since I liked a lead single from them on first listen ("I Feel You"??) so it's weird that I'm actually digging this off the bat. Their most recent singles/albums tend to grow on me rather than hook immediately. Really like the last minute when the distortion starts to pile up.

what - I find all their first singles since I feel You (which hasnt aged that well IMO) have been killer.

since I feel You (which hasnt aged that well IMO)

Really? I think the song has aged really well. It's so monolithic, and was great way to open the final album of the band's Imperial Phase.

Wrong > Precious >> I Feel You > Barrel of a Gun >>>>> Dream On. Heaven tentatively in 3rd or 4th place. It's turning out to be a bit of a grower but can't imagine it becoming a firm favourite.

Dave sounds great on this

Aside from that, *sadface*

give it a few more plays i think you will come round

It's a nice vocal melody but this is exactly the wrong type of DM dirge for me to enjoy

I don't think Dave has sang well since Ultra, to be honest :/

Wrong > Precious >> I Feel You > Barrel of a Gun >>>>> Dream On. Heaven tentatively in 3rd or 4th place. It's turning out to be a bit of a grower but can't imagine it becoming a firm favourite.

― ledge, Thursday, January 31, 2013 2:19 PM (17 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

I Feel You >> Precious > Wrong >>> Barrel Of A Gun >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dream On >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Heaven.

I don't think Dave has sang well since Ultra, to be honest :/

I think this is insane. "Wrong" is one of the greatest vocal performances he's ever given; actually for the first four tracks of Sounds of the Universe dude is in an amazing amazing pocket and just crushes everything, plus he really owns all of the PtA songs, especially elevating the more simplistic melodies he contributed to the album with his performance (there's no way a song like "I Want It All" should be as effective as it is, for example, but the way he delivers that vocal line is just killer).

Ranking the lead singles since SoFaD is difficult but I think a lot of you are drastically underrating "Dream On"

tbf it could be that singing technically well is a variance from the vocals that some longtime fans see as his older style

Listened to "Exciter" a lot a few weeks back. What an ironically titled album. I mean, it's fine, but sleeeeeeeepy.

xpost:

I honestly don't agree... I don't think his vocal on 'Wrong' is anywhere near as powerful as his vocal on 'Condemnation', for example. A favourite Dave vocal of mine (even though I think the song is far from one of Depeche Mode's best) is on 'The Love Thieves', funnily enough - very smooth and sounds gorgeous, whereas his voice is noticeably very croaky these days. I generally prefer his more smoother vocals to his 'bellow it out' stuff.

And 'I Want It All', to me, is a very poor song, and doesn't get good until the outro - and it's only when Gore's harmony appears that I actually start to feel anything.

"Condemnation" is one of the worst songs they've ever done, though.

tbf it could be that singing technically well is a variance from the vocals that some longtime fans see as his older style

― mh, Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:29 PM (5 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

It's not 'singing technically well' that's the problem for me, more that I don't like how Gahan's voice sounds these days. The way he croaks at the beginning of every line of every song just does nothing for me. Give me smooth, croak-free Dave any day.

"Condemnation" is one of the worst songs they've ever done, though.

― Ima R.A.E.D. (DJP), Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:37 PM (5 seconds ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Disagree with this also!

haha oops when I said "Wrong" I meant "In Chains" btw

and seriously, "Condemnation" is a boring try-hard dirge that plays to absolutely none of what I consider to be DM's strengths

"Condemnation" is a boring try-hard dirge that plays to absolutely none of what I consider to be DM's strengths

― Ima R.A.E.D. (DJP), Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:40 PM (10 seconds ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

It doesn't bore me! :)

please, open your eyes, Turrican and see it is boring

It's just, coming right after the primal scream howl of "I Feel You" and the ominous stroll of "Walking In My Shoes", sitting through "Condemnation" feels like listening to your weird great-uncle lecture you for 90 minutes about the evils of color television

xpost:

I can think of several post-Songs Of Faith And Devotion tracks that are more boring to me than 'Condemnation' will ever be. The new track is undoubtedly one of them.

It's just, coming right after the primal scream howl of "I Feel You" and the ominous stroll of "Walking In My Shoes", sitting through "Condemnation" feels like listening to your weird great-uncle lecture you for 90 minutes about the evils of color television

― Ima R.A.E.D. (DJP), Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:44 PM (10 seconds ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Interesting. It's not how I feel about the track, though!

I agree that, based on one listen, "Heaven" is worse than "Condemnation"

I don't mind "Condemnation," but it sounds like it was recorded after he'd been up for three days, which he may have been!

what - I find all their first singles since I feel You (which hasnt aged that well IMO) have been killer.

After a few listens, and hearing them in the context of the album, I love pretty much all of those singles ("Dream On" I can take or leave). But no, first time hearing any of them, they came off as underwhelming to me.

Dream On could possible be my favorite DM song. Top 5 in any case. Condemnation otoh would be somewhere in the bottom 5

Dream On could possible be my favorite DM song. Top 5 in any case. Condemnation otoh would be somewhere in the bottom 5

― licorice oratorio (baaderonixx), Thursday, January 31, 2013 9:51 PM (11 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Reverse those songs and you have my stance on the matter.

FYI the groaning thing you're reacting to with Dave's vocals, especially on PtA, are him trying to glide into vocal entrances with words that start with vowels. For some reason, he's trying as hard as be can to not begin a phrase with a glottal stop and ends up doing that weird preparatory croak instead, probably so that it's easier for him to stabilize and center the pitch of the note.

tbh so much of my singing career revolves around making sure consonants are audibly started before the beat so that the vowel comes on the beat that all of Gahan's vocal prep tricks flew completely past my radar

Okay, just purchased the single. Hmm, that was a lot slower and moodier than I expected. (Liked it nonetheless, of course!) Now on to the remixes...

Is there a gabber or happy hardcore mix?

Crazy Frog Mix

Decent album track (no way as annoying as Condemnation), tragically mistaken for a single.

I'm never going to understand why folks are so down on 'Condemnation' :/

Lovely arrangement but a later Gahan wouldn't have sounded so, um, burnt out.

He's there on the stand! Facing accusations! Lies! He does sound like he's going through it and it fits. "Get Right with Me" though, that is some dross.

lol I actually like "Get Right With Me"

I love "Condemnation" for exactly its worn-out/hungover quality.

I think all Depeche Mode albums have at least one song that gets overshadowed by a lot of what surrounds it, and I'd say that 'Get Right With Me' was the one on Songs Of Faith And Devotion that fits into that particular category. I actually quite like the song a great deal, but there's no doubt that it is a bit buried on there. Kinda like how 'Blue Dress' is on Violator... another song I like a great deal, but gets overshadowed by pretty much everything else on the album.

there was a long period of time where "Blue Dress" was my favorite song on Violator; the song I think gets overshadowed on that album is "The Sweetest Perfection"

xpost:

And ledge and Simon H pretty much on the money... as much as I'm more of a fan of Dave's more smoother vocals, the vocal on 'Condemnation' really does fit in with the lyrical ccntent. If he'd sang it a bit more smoother or with his more recent croaky-croak (although more 'tutored') voice maybe it wouldn't have the same effect. I get the impression that Dave really felt that vocal, and it's probably why it moves me a lot.

*content, rather.

I don't mind Dave's vocal on "Condemnation", I really hate the fake gospel plod that manages to suck all of the vibrancy and energy out of gospel music and flatten it out into an ill-considered, poorly arranged pastiche that can't even measure up to the authenticity of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".

there was a long period of time where "Blue Dress" was my favorite song on Violator; the song I think gets overshadowed on that album is "The Sweetest Perfection"

― Ima R.A.E.D. (DJP), Friday, February 1, 2013 3:12 PM (3 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

It's always been one of my favourites, too. 'Blue Dress', that is. I suppose 'The Sweetest Perfection' could fit into that category also. Neither song has been brought out for a live outing on the last few tours, have they? Whereas the singles have all had an outing, and I know for a fact they played both 'Halo' and 'Waiting For The Night' on the Exciter tour... and of course they did that acoustic rendition of 'Clean' around the time of Playing The Angel as part of the DVD edition...

I don't mind Dave's vocal on "Condemnation", I really hate the fake gospel plod that manages to suck all of the vibrancy and energy out of gospel music and flatten it out into an ill-considered, poorly arranged pastiche that can't even measure up to the authenticity of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".

― Ima R.A.E.D. (DJP), Friday, February 1, 2013 3:22 PM (1 minute ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

o_O !!!

it's also kind of hilarious how much more connected, better arranged and better performed "Walking In My Shoes" and "Mercy In You" are when listening to the album straight through

Dave clearly wasn't in the best sorts during the SOFAD era, but agreed that his strung-out vocal on "Condemnation" adds something to that song that they haven't really recaptured since his vocal training. Wouldn't say I prefer his singing in that style overall, but it really suits some tracks.

I don't think the vocal is THAT strung out; had I not read about all of the rehab brouhaha at the time, I would have just chalked it up to "inauthentic attempt to bring the listener to church" to go along with the music

lol I didn't think there was anything about DM that annoyed as much as their hyper-twee side but apparently "failing to convince me that the emotional core of the song is genuine" is up there (and probably the root of my twee-hate), which may also explain why "Suffer Well" can also drive me up a wall

Condemnation was the first time I thought, OK, maybe you can stop singing about sin and guilt now, we get it. Little did I know.

I understand what you mean by "failing to convince (you) that the emotional core of the song is genuine". I've got that vibe from several tracks that Depeche Mode have put out since Ultra. The new track, 'Heaven', is one of them. Many tracks from Exciter fit into this category. At the other end of the spectrum, 'Precious' undoubtedly isn't one of them... and I don't think 'Condemnation' is either.

Condemnation was the first time I thought, OK, maybe you can stop singing about sin and guilt now, we get it. Little did I know.

― Deafening silence (DL), Friday, February 1, 2013 3:38 PM (1 minute ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Oh yeah, a lot of those things have definitely become lyrical crutches for Martin Gore. I know I've poked fun at that plenty over the years, and even the band took the piss out of themselves by putting a quote on the Playing The Angel sleeve that said "Pain and suffering in various tempos". I think they know they're kinda mining familiar ground. I don't mind it so much on Songs Of Faith And Devotion, but on recent Depeche Mode releases I have often found myself wishing that Gore would try and shake off some of those lyrical crutches.

Well the divorce probably didn't help.

Wrong struck me as a tongue-in-cheek take on the usual themes but I don't know if it's meant to be funny. I wish he'd followed the path of Precious and written about smaller, more personal emotions. Such a great idea to write a song apologising to his kids for his divorce.

I remember when Playing The Angel came out, I saw the name of the track 'The Sinner In Me' and thought to myself... "ah, here we go again! more tracks about sin, suffering and getting down on your knees!". Fortunately, I like a song a lot, but there was a part of me that's going "aw shit, he's going the same way as Brett Anderson!"

I thought both "In Chains" and "Hole To Feed" were great returns to sleaze

Haha

https://twitter.com/EvieN/status/297371189851090944

xpost:

*a=that

it's actually kind of funny, I do enjoy SOTU but I could easily edit it down to a four song EP and be perfectly content ("In Chains", "Hole To Feed", "Wrong", "Corrupt")

Oh yeah, a lot of those things have definitely become lyrical crutches for Martin Gore Trent Reznor Bruce Springsteen a thousand singers.

xpost -- no "Come Back" or "Fragile Tension"?

Never been much of a fan of 'Hole To Feed', although I like those other three you've mentioned, DJP. I also quite like 'Fragile Tension', 'In Sympathy' and 'Perfect', too, although I don't really think they got the best out of the songs, and it would have been interesting to see what they would have sounded like with, say, Tim Simenon producing instead of Ben Hillier. Although, do you think Tim Simenon would work with Depeche Mode again? Those Ultra sessions sounded extremely trying for all involved.

Oh yeah, a lot of those things have definitely become lyrical crutches for Martin Gore Trent Reznor Bruce Springsteen a thousand singers.

― Josh in Chicago, Friday, February 1, 2013 3:55 PM (2 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Sorry Josh, are you implying that Bruce Springsteen's and Martin Gore's lyrical style are in any way alike?

*styles, rather.

"Fragile Tension" and "Come Back" are the second tier; I like both of them a lot but I could live without them if the hypothetical cutoff point is four songs

I really really REALLY love everything about "Hole To Feed"; that syncopated kick drum, the rolling bass line, the burbling synth stabs, the guitar accents, the gorgeous gorgeous bridge, the way it spirals to an end... in so many ways, it's one of the most distinctive songs they've done since forever (I want to maybe go all the way back to "Flexible" to find something that strikes me as equally quirky).

It also helps that the video is deranged.

btw I'm currently listening to SoFaD and the big difference between "Condemnation" and "Get Right With Me" is that I buy into the backup singing on "Get Right With Me"

I think 'Come Back' is well below second tier. Bottom-of-a-6ft.-hole-dug-in-the-floor-of-the-basement tier.

Yeah, I love those backing vocals on 'Get Right With Me'...

"Already told you once..." "TOLD YOU OOOOOOOONCE!"
"Once or twi-ice..." "ONCE OR TWIIIIIIICE!"

But I don't want to get right with him.

xp: ... you've heard gospel choirs before, right?

What does liking the backing vocals on 'Get Right With Me' have to do with whether or not I've heard a gospel choir before? I mean, of course I have, but I don't see what your point is.

Bruce Springsteen and Martin Gore are exactly alike in every regard.

xp Springsteen and Gore both entered the poetry-fridge-magnet phase of lyric-writing a long time ago. In terms of comical obviousness, Working on a Dream was Bruce's Sinner in Me.

Anyway, I was specifically referring to:

Condemnation was the first time I thought, OK, maybe you can stop singing about sin and guilt now, we get it. Little did I know.

Springsteen (and a million others) has the same habit of relegion-crutched vagueness.

What does liking the backing vocals on 'Get Right With Me' have to do with whether or not I've heard a gospel choir before? I mean, of course I have, but I don't see what your point is.

sorry, the ellipses made me think you were being sarcastic!

xpost:

Ah, right... I get what you mean. Completely agree!

sorry, the ellipses made me think you were being sarcastic!

― Ima R.A.E.D. (DJP), Friday, February 1, 2013 4:25 PM (2 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Not at all! The part where the backing vocals kick in on 'Get Right With Me' is my favourite moment of the track!

Actually I think Judas is worse than either of those. They're the three songs that I realise I left out when I ripped the CD. Without them it's a hell of an album.

oh no, the "if you want my love" crescendo is stellar.

and then the little dubby coda

Yeah, I love 'Judas'... very pretty melody, and I love the atmosphere it has. Ledge definitely OTM about the outro!

In fact, the demo of 'Judas' definitely shows how much of a stamp Alan Wilder had on the finished version (which he and Martin Gore legendarily argued over during the Songs Of Faith And Devotion sessions). It's fair to say that if the band had recorded it in the style which is on the demo, I probably wouldn't have liked it very much.

Yeah that's...different:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgCzIOyxGss

The synth horns in particular sound absolutely dreadful.

Figured out what the opening and closing of "Heaven" reminded me of -- the way Massive Attack's "Angel" begins and ends. (Hardly exact, of course, but still...)

This a bit worrying, because I listened to the track several times yesterday, but today I can't remember how it goes. I recall the descending chord progression in the verses, but if you asked me to sing a part of the melody line from memory right now I wouldn't be able to. By comparison, 'Wrong' pretty much embedded itself straight into my brain and wouldn't leave... 'Dream On', too, while I wouldn't consider it to be anywhere near the best of their "first singles", still had that "can you feel a little love?" hook which was instantly memorable for me. It worries me that I'm now going to have to remind myself what Depeche Mode's new single sounds like! :/

after a couple more listens, Heaven sounds like something straight off of 'Dummy' is the trip hop revival finally upon us?

I mentioned Massive Attack for a reason!

^^ I'm not sure I would have noticed that without this thread and Ned's review. It made me appreciate this song about 10x more, upgrading it from "midtempo ballad and not much else" to "groovy and mysterious, possibly a grower".

Looks like a certain person from a certain 101 film doesn't rate it...

http://www.wiretotheear.com/2013/01/30/depeche-mode-heaven/

so what are people saying about the B side? I find it pretty aimless and surprisingly un-DM, but then again DM for me was never a great b side band

From what I'm reading around the internet, folks seem to be generally preferring the B-side!

They have done some sterling B-sides over the years, though... 'Surrender' (which I thought was stronger than the A-side)... 'Dangerous'...

First, if I choose to listen to music I’m going to want a song about love, sex, pain or danger.

You know, I completely missed the B-side! I just now saw it was in a separate package from the remix EP. But at least I can buy it individually so...

More energetic, still understatedly moody, I can see why people like it more on first blush but it's a B-side for sure.

the "heaven" video was shot at the place i'm getting married in like 5 months! not really relevant but i saw the video and freaked out a little bit, because i am a child.

We got some word from the Quietus:

Depeche Mode fans! Just been to listen to new LP Delta Machine! A return to leathery electronics, and you can really hear that Martin Gore's work with VCMG has had a big impact.

Interesting! Maybe the single is a bit of a red herring, then? Nevertheless, it's pretty much a given that I'm going to listen to this record as quickly as I possibly can after it drops.

Huh. I don't get glossy technorobics from "Heaven" at all

I'm hoping that 'Heaven' is a deliberate attempt to wrong-foot everybody :/

Why the hell would the band want to do that?

"Hey guys, I've got a great idea! Let's release a single that might actually lower interest and expectations!"

Because a band at Depeche Mode's level can.

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

"We've tried being successful. Now let's try being unsuccessful on purpose!!!!"

You're missing the point, as usual. It has absolutely nothing to do with 'lowering interest/expectations' or being 'unsuccessful on purpose'. I'm thinking more in terms of how 'Barrel Of A Gun' was the first single for Ultra, and how it isn't really the most representative track on the album. I'm hoping that 'Heaven' isn't indicative of the rest of the record - quality wise, production wise, mood wise.

Besides, Depeche Mode are at the stage of their career where they have a very large, fiercely loyal worldwide fanbase - and I don't think they're going to lose that very large, fiercely loyal worldwide fanbase due to one particular single. Usually with Depeche Mode, everyone waits for the album before they make a full judgement, and lo and behold that's exactly what's happening.

You're missing the point, as usual.

Ha, as usual. Good one ... as usual.

Of course Depeche Mode will turn out fine. They could probably put out a couple of albums of straight shit and they'd still do fine. I just think it's funny to imagine DM putting out a dud track just for the sake of misdirection. Because I will say, no matter what the album actually sounds like, I can probably guess what it will largely sound like. Hint: Depeche Mode.

I like "Barrel of a Gun." I don't like this one.

Because I will say, no matter what the album actually sounds like, I can probably guess what it will largely sound like. Hint: Depeche Mode.

I like "Barrel of a Gun." I don't like this one.

― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, February 5, 2013 4:19 PM (14 seconds ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Indeed. But, I'm hoping it's going to be at least a good Depeche Mode record rather than a not-so-good Depeche Mode record and that the forthcoming album at least contains enough good songs on it for me to be able to conveniently ignore this one.

I think I'm in the minority here since I really like "Heaven" and wouldnt mind a whole album of noirish slow burners. Anyway, DM is pretty used to releasing misleading first singles. "Personal Jesus" anyone? Even "Wrong" was not really representatives (unfortunately).

An album full of "It Doesn't Matter" or "A Question Of Lust" clones would be amazing. "Condemnation" clones, not so much.

I reckon "Heaven" is OK. Putting out a ballad as a first single is always kind of risky, but I guess it works out when you have been in the biz for more than 30 years.

Oh hey Geir, what's up?

geirbot?!

US tour dates, tickets on sale in April:

• Aug. 22 - Detroit

• Aug. 24 - Chicago

• Aug. 27 - St. Paul

• Sept. 1 - Toronto

• Sept. 3 - Montreal

• Sept. 6 - Brooklyn, N.Y.

• Sept. 8 - Wantagh, N.Y.

• Sept. 10 - Washington

• Sept. 12 - Atlanta

• Sept. 14 - Tampa

• Sept. 15 - Ft Lauderdale

• Sept. 18 - Houston

• Sept. 20 - Dallas

• Sept. 22 - San Diego

• Sept. 24 - Santa Barbara, Calif.

• Sept. 26 - Mountain View, Calif.

• Sept. 28 - Los Angeles

• Sept. 29 - Los Angeles

• Oct. 8 - Phoenix

Also I gather they're on Letterman tonight.

That St Paul, MN date is at the MN State Fair, heh, culture clash.

wait really

Apparently

goddammit

we were planning a European trip during that time frame but how can I pass that up

No Boston :(

More info

https://www.facebook.com/events/356508044461677/

hahaha goddamnit that is the due date for my kid, looks like im delivering a baby in the grandstand

That would be a pretty great birth story.

Pretty sure there is a birthing station over by the Leinie's Lodge

miracle of birth barn imo

this must happen

promises me I'm safe as houses
as long as I remember to PUSH

If I recall correctly people born at the Fair get a lifetime pass, so from that stand point it doesn't make sense to have the baby anywhere but at the Fair

"But DAD these dudes are like 100 years old, why do we always have to go see them everytime we're in town?"

"BACK IN MY DAY YOU COULD WEAR A RAT-TAIL AND NOT GET LAUGHED AT."

strictly speaking, this wasn't true

My apologies. Three rat-tails.

Gonna be a mad scramble to get DC tix for the wife

Brooklyn, NY? Where?

Brooklyn Bowl oh wait

That Barclays place, I'd imagine.

yeah - I forgot about the big places there ; 0

So the performance for Letterman is happening now, full miniconcert and they're playing other new songs

http://www.cbs.com/shows/liveonletterman/artist/209798/depeche-mode/

But right now it's "Walking In My Shoes" I think...

*piano chord*

Uh, yeah, definitely that.

Letterman show on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/ultra_depeche/sets

hmmm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Y1lv9PNtA

oh phew, I was terrified from the title that this was going to be another dreary dirge

I feel like this is a song they've recorded with slight variations at least 5 or 6 other times.

hmm haven't clicked on this yet but the title does not inspire...

I feel like this is a song they've recorded with slight variations at least 5 or 6 other times.

this describes 80% of the catalog of every band

I feel like this is a song they've recorded with slight variations at least 5 or 6 other times.

this describes 80% of the catalog of every band

Yeah, it's called "having a style."

That said, I like the track but not the vocals.

yeah same here - same feeling I got from the B side of the 1st single. Weird.

On this one here I do hear echoes of past attempts at bluesy stomps, so I guess I see the SOFD influence, but still struggling to see the Violator one.

Weak retread of Personal Jesus beat?

While we wait, BTW

http://www.dmremixes.com/acoustic.htm

Annnnd up at iTunes

http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/03/stream-depeche-modes-new-album-delta-machine/

He's doing a pretty good Nick Cave impression on the second song.

Hmmm, on first impressions I'm not really feeling this. There's some good songs near the beginning but I just lost interest halfway through. It's a shame as I thought the last album was their best since Violator. Maybe it just needs more time?

Actually liking this a lot myself five songs in -- I was joking elsewhere based on people's reactions that we might be getting an Exciter II and that's kinda the feeling at points, only instead of hyperfocused-LFO precision it's definitely the Ben Hillier-produced version of the band, forced into strange shapes. "My Little Universe" is my sleeper winner so far.

In conclusion -- would drop a song or two, feels like the hour-long thing it is as it stands, but overall a treat and a half.

might wait for the physical release - for once i have rather low expectations, since the last album got me thinking that even DM could lose it - the idea Exciter II does not excite me much (hawr-hawr) but then again it's probably better than Sounds of the Universe pt 2

it sounds like timbaland produced this

on my first real listen-through; love the first two tracks, which sit in some weird pocket between "I Feel You" and "Corrupt"

"Heaven" may make more sense in context but I'm not holding my breath; really wish they'd gone with "Angel" instead as the lead single

haha okay "Heaven" does make more sense in context, color me surprised

still a terrible pick for lead single

okay "Secret to the End" is fucking incredible

I am reasonably certain that Dave will never be able to sing "Should Be Higher" live

man this is way better than "heaven" had me expecting.

still think i will prefer the late night doom grooves of dave + soulsavers to this ...

DL does an interview:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/mar/28/depeche-mode-interview-delta-machine-dysfunctional

I am reasonably certain that Dave will never be able to sing "Should Be Higher" live

Judging by that Letterman performance there are a few songs he can't sing live.

I more or less always like Depeche Mode's work (save for "Songs Of Faith And Devotion" not as much), but this is still one of the better albums I have heard from them post "Violator".

Haven't heard the album yet, but I thought they sounded good on the Letterman recording. The gigs are going to be ... mellow in between the hits though (a lot like the "Exciter" tour). "Soothe My Soul" could be an exception to that though.

so far I am especially digging:

Welcome To My World
Angel
Secret to the End
Should Be Higher
Alone

This album is fine, but my god it feels feels long. I like the comfort of hearing Depeche Mode, but I wish it was a little less mood and more payoff. The Pitchfork review, I think, made some really good points about the group's particular sort of sleepwalking. If anything DM seems more potentially adventurous than even, yet oddly conservative in its execution. I wonder who would make a better producer than the current guy? I was going to say a return to Flood, but then I saw that he mixed this one.

I think I've played the bonus tracks twice? It's just a little too much of a good thing to sit through in one session.

I do like the idea of turning to another auteur collaborator like Bell or Simenon. Someone to liven things up a bit.

I wish it was a little less mood and more payoff

My favourites, "My Little Universe" and "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve", both feel cut short right before the payoff. I expect/want these payoffs to be executed in their live renditions on the tour!

so big shocker here but right now I am really, really loving this album

the only missteps IMO are "Heaven" and "Slow", everything else ranges from good-if-not-necessarily-immediately-compelling to holy-shit-must-play-on-repeat

current fave song is "Secret to the End"

Wise man. (Been slacking on actually getting this album but I will rectify that this weekend...)

waht

GO GET THE ALBUM, IN FACT GO GET IT NOW

I won't make you listen to Rhye but this is fuckin DM ffs

Dude I've HEARD the album plenty of times, the stream, remember!

Give me SOME credit.

STREAMS ARE NOTHING

SHOW YOUR FEALTY WITH YOUR WALLET

IT'S A LOT LIKE LIFE

HAVE I HIT A RAW NERVE? AW BROTHER GIVE ME A HELPING HAND

My first reaction was "Enough of the blues dirges already" but they're so strong that I just can't help myself. My least favorites are "My Little Universe" and "Soothe My Soul" but they're easy enough to skip.

I will showing fealty in these next couple of days given a certain thing called 'concert pre-sales'

I cordially invite you to eat me because I won't be able to see them on this tour

also I love the love affair with 6/8 and 3/4 on this album

I cordially invite you to eat me because I won't be able to see them on this tour

*I* can't help that. I told you to set up the Ponzi scheme among your hapless coworkers but no.

2nd fave is "Alone"

it's very weird to me that on more recent efforts I've started enjoying Gahan as a songwriter more than Gore

Fresher toolkit given late start? Not that he's been 100% but he seems to have come at this whole thing with some unexpected angles, also he seems to have a good sense on how to collaborate with the hired hands. (Who at this point have been with the band LONGER than Alan Wilder, believe it or not...)

you know what would be awesome, is an album done by Uber Depeche Mode with Wilder and Clarke back in the group for the one-off

"Thank you, thank you ladies and gentlemen. And now, eighteen versions of 'New Life.'"

The album sounds better than everything they've done since Ultra - which is comforting, because I was expecting a production job more along the lines of the preceding two. Song-wise? Highlights for me: 'Welcome To My World', 'Secret To The End' and 'Soft Touch/Raw Nerve' are standing out in particular. I don't think there's anything here as good as 'Home', 'It's No Good' or 'Precious', though. About 6/10 for me so far, may improve on subsequent listens, but right now I'm enjoying the new OMD album more (which is something I don't think I could have ever said during the '90s, and I'm a fan of both bands).

haven't heard the new OMD yet, but they were always a band where I enjoyed isolated songs way more than I ever enjoyed any of their albums

you know what would be awesome, is an album done by Uber Depeche Mode with Wilder and Clarke back in the group for the one-off

A few years ago for an April Fools press release they announced their new album would have Clarke and Wilder back with everyone (even Andy) writing songs except Martin. Needless to say I was let down when I noticed the date.

opening bands: Crystal Castles, Bar For Lashes

GOD DAMMIT WHY CAN'T I GO

Who has tickets and is a smugfuck? Hi there! Now Dan will kill me.

DEATH TO SMUGFUCK

ow

My first reaction was "Enough of the blues dirges already"

Well, it _is_ called "Delta Machine"

Yeah im still very ambivalent about the heavy blues bent of this record. I somehow miss the icy precision that was usually paired with it in the past

Well, it _is_ called "Delta Machine"

I just thought it was gonna have a lot of samples of table saws and planers, tbh.

I thought it was going to be about incremental changes

Burnt a CD for myself with the album in this configuration...

1. Welcome To My World
2. Angel
3. Heaven
4. Secret To The End
5. My Little Universe
6. Soft Touch/Raw Nerve
7. Should Be Higher
8. Broken
9. Soothe My Soul

Ah, that's better.

Don't know the album enough to see what you've changed but i'm surprised you took out Goodbye which is one of teh tracks that stood out on my first listen

Basically kept the first five songs the same and re-jigged the second half, cut down the length to about 40 minutes. I'm not a big fan of 'Goodbye' to be honest, but I love the way that 'Soothe My Soul' ends.

This album, like the last one, is the audio equivalent of tl;dr.

I think I actually prefer this one over Sounds Of The Universe, and definitely over Exciter.

You guys are pretty tough on Exciter

Exciter is mad underrated

It's a slow burner for sure - also it's got one of their best singles ('Dream On')

This is definitely better than SOTU and Exciter but yes, too long

I'm pondering who I'd like them to work with as producer for their next album.

That dude behind Recoil would be a good match, I reckon.

Trentemoller

the end of "Goodbye" has started reminding me of "Porpoise Song"

re new production directions :

trentmoller vs dm = more of the same surely ..

i mean a lot of trentmoller stuff is very dm-esque ...

obv Dave "Rave" Ogilvie

ummm .. 10 years ago maybe.

is he still involved and producing ?

not seen his name in credit lists for a long time .. but that could be cos i am not picking up the relevant stuff ...

he engineered "Call Me Maybe"

In 2011, Dave Ogilvie produced the instrumental mix for Call Me Maybe, the world-wide hit by Carly Rae Jepsen.

thanking u wikipedia

as much as some people would hate it due to the sonic brickwalling that he is known for, i would actually like to hear a collab between DM and jacknife lee.

the last jacknife lee 'solo' album (which i have never seen in a shop - despite it being a major record label release) was a bit of a slept on gem of noise based electro.

can definitely see the two making something of interest.

re dave : well i never ... from one extreme ..

ok so they played *But Not Tonight* for the first time EVER last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh4WHM_m2C8

with MG on vocals!

!

See this is why I should have been there, but they sadly did not select me as a winner, so.

Meantime, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top in the latest Record Collector says this:

I took a shine to Depeche Mode. I went to see them and it was SO heavy…it was rewarding to me as seeing James Brown in 1965….That inspired me and I was able to lightly steer the band.

Hero.

ZZ Top were inspired by OMD, too (as were Depeche Mode, funnily enough, although you'd never catch any former or current member that isn't Vince Clarke admitting to it).

So it would seem like they're playing 'Barrel Of A Gun', 'Black Celebration' and 'Higher Love' on this tour!

http://25.media.tumblr.com/7f52bbe0b9d397430e4ea51283b1dd19/tumblr_mmakuvXn9Y1qcoqfio1_1280.jpg

Setlist spread:

Speak & Spell = 1
A Broken Frame = 0
Construction Time Again = 0
Some Great Reward = 0
Black Celebration = 3
Music For The Masses = 1
Violator = 4
Songs Of Faith & Devotion = 3
Ultra = 1
Exciter = 0
Playing The Angel = 2
Sounds Of The Universe = 0
Delta Machine = 8

woah Higher Love..

Meantime a new remix surfacing for "Soothe My Soul" via Jacques Lu Cont

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/depeche-mode-rage-anew-in-soothe-my-soul-steve-angello-vs-jacques-lu-cont-remix-song-premiere-20130503

Incredible show tonight, much better than the one I saw in '09. In the past the live instruments seemed like embellishments (not a criticism) on top of the synth and other pre-programmed components. Now they sound much less constrained and freer with what they can play and how they can play it. Anyhow, it was awesome.

Slightly underwhelming O2 show last night. Dave was great as usual and the highs were spectacular - World in My Eyes, Behind the Wheel, Enjoy the Silence, Personal Jesus, Never Let Me Down Again, I Feel You, Halo - but it was a strange setlist, very heavy on the last decade, and some of the Delta Machine songs sound stolid live. Doubly annoying because the night before they played Walking in My Shoes (my favourite Depeche song), Policy of Truth, Question of Time and Black Celebration.

Annoyingly rockist too, thanks to the bloody drummer. Enjoy the Silence does not require a drum solo nor Just Can't Get Enough a latin beat,and I prefer Gore's guitar when it's providing precise embellishments rather than heavy riffs. I still had fun but, y'know.

This band is a long way - decades, really - away from three dudes standing behind synths and a twirling Dave. They have so many hits and iconic songs there's simply no way to do them all and satisfy everyone. The closest they came, really, was their hits tour some years back.

Yeah, part of me accepts that but another part of me was still disappointed. I preferred this setlist from the last time I saw them:

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/depeche-mode/2006/hyde-park-london-england-63d6b69b.html

And Billy Gibbons goes from being a fan to being a remixer:

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/zz-top-billy-gibbons-depeche-mode/

LA show killed. All the Delta Machine selections sounded great live.

Oh also:

I am reasonably certain that Dave will never be able to sing "Should Be Higher" live

― the pheromones of hot clothing (DJP), Wednesday, March 27, 2013 8:26 AM

Incorrect! They did this, it was great, he sounded fantastic.

Here was our setlist via setlist.fm; looks like we got the alternate main set from DL's show:

Welcome to My World
(Extended intro)
Angel
Walking in My Shoes
Precious
Black Celebration
Policy of Truth
Should Be Higher
Barrel of a Gun

The Child Inside
But Not Tonight
(Acoustic; Sung by Martin)

Heaven
Soothe My Soul
A Pain That I'm Used To
('Jacques Lu Cont's Remix' version)
A Question of Time
Enjoy the Silence
Personal Jesus

Encore:

Home
Shake the Disease
(Acoustic; Sung by Martin)

Just Can't Get Enough
Never Let Me Down Again

No "Goodbye" to end the main set and no "I Feel You" in the encore, which I admit honestly surprised me!

Meantime according to Wikipedia, Martin's been doing a lot of changing up during his segments as the tour has gone on -- here are his usual selections:

"Higher Love"
"Only When I Lose Myself"
"The Child Inside"
"When the Body Speaks"
"Shake The Disease"
"But Not Tonight"
"Judas"
"Home"
"A Question of Lust"
"Somebody"
"Halo" (Goldfrapp Remix version)

Only a few tour films from Corbijn this time out -- "Should Be Higher" with the flames and circus performers was pretty good, loved the random "I will take Depeche out in nature and have them do random things" feeling of "Heaven," the doggies for "Precious" were, well, precious (in a good way). Contortionist poses for "Enjoy the Silence," Corbjin letterfonts for "Welcome to My World," there were at least a couple of others.

What else? Peter handled the keyboards as well as ever, Christian sounds like he has fully taken over the transformation of the group into a baroque rock band live. Fletch was Fletch. I mean he REALLY did not give a fuck and I love him for it. I think he only actually played keyboards three times. Martin's stage outfit was one of the most restrained I've seen from him in some years, just a silver demi-kilt plus whatever else he wore. He sounded a bit better than last time, wonder if he's taking some new singing lessons himself or prepping differently. Dave's voice really does sound better as he goes these days, he has aged in the best possible way. I was thinking how two of his most obvious role models when it comes to the stage -- Elvis more vocally, Freddie Mercury in terms of getting the crowd going -- passed on earlier before they reached the age he's at now, so there was never a full chance to compare/contrast. (Of course, he almost joined them several times over...)

Dope! I am going to see them Oct. 8 in Phx, which coincides nicely with the one-year anniv of me & my boyfriend, who is also a huge fan :D

So I gave Delta Machine a listen again from front-to-back tonight, and I guess it's grown on me a fair amount... I think this actually may have knocked Playing The Angel off the perch as my favourite post-Ultra album.

I just pulled up DM on Spotify and was surprised to be reminded they'd released an album only 2 years ago that I had COMPLETELY forgotten about.

the only missteps IMO are "Heaven" and "Slow", everything else ranges from good-if-not-necessarily-immediately-compelling to holy-shit-must-play-on-repeat

current fave song is "Secret to the End"

― the pheromones of hot clothing (DJP), Tuesday, April 2, 2013 10:50 PM (six years ago)

give "slow" a second chance. loud. stoned. you won't be sorry