Depeche Mode -- Sounds of the Universe

There are exceptions, sure.

In the case of "Dream On", it was very representative of the entire album. Yes, I am aware it did have "The Dead Of Night" in there, but generally it was the most musically relaxed and almost "ambient" Depeche album ever.

The new single "Wrong" doesn't appeal to me in the least -- why you guys are saying this holds a candle to anything on Black Celebration or Music for the Masses I've no idea. Also the video is pretty flat out fucked up, but at least interesting to experience once... unlike the song playing over it.

I'm still very much looking forward to the album, mind.

Yeah thats one weird clip.

My editor at the paper on Twitter, an hour ago:

"Having to print off, sign and post an agreement not to 'share' the latest Depeche Mode album before it's sent for review purposes. Oh EMI... "

(I might get him to hum it to me down the phone.)

why you guys are saying this holds a candle to anything on Black Celebration or Music for the Masses I've no idea.

Because it's great?

:-D

Yeh: what Ned said, basically.

I have often disliked the first single off their albums. I don't this time and, well, I guess I haven't since "Barrel Of a Gun" (which I later learned to love), but I still consider "I Feel You", "Never Let Me Down Again" and even "Personal Jesus" among the weaker tracks on their respective albums.

"Never Let Me Down Again" would never appeal to you because the entire point of the song is the construction of the chord progression around the pedal point in the vocal line, an idea that basically is the Antichrist in your world of musical expression.

Haha apart from 'Personal Jesus' these are all my fave DM songs pretty much. I LOVED 'Dream On', which seems a bit overlooked around here

"Dream On" is fantastic! Love that song so much.

Agreed, a much better choice of first single.

"Dream On" is great, in both versions (thinking of the variation they did during that tour, along with the more straightforward one).

Liked "Dream On" too. Even though "Freelove" is my favourite single off that album.

"Exciter" is probably the most underrated Depeche album btw (well, besides my all-time favourite "Construction Time Again"). Surely, not as good as "Playing The Angel", but people seem to agree that it is more or less their weakest and it surely isn't.

I'd have to agree with the people w/r/t 'Exciter'. I never gave it much of a chance but found it incredibly dull (apart from aforementionned lead single)

The exciting Luxembourg contest!

I rather like Exciter, mself.

Dave Gahan interviewed on BBC 6 by Lamacq right now, saying he and Martin really liked/were inspired by MGMT last year. Go figure.

anyone heard this new single by a dude called fryars with big dave gahan on backing vocals? it's awful! it also has a stephen hague remix. awful.

I have always enjoyed this group and their music. I think the worst album they released was Faith and Devotion but what they have done since then is very good INDEED! So this is a new album they have coming out, then?

Yes.

i picked up the live in milan dvd the other day and it is indeed ace. the camera work really doesn't bother me that much. the version of "walking in my shoes" on it is massive!!

Ned, what is your least fav. Depeche Mode album?

if you say anything before Violator you're doing it wrong btw

lol everyone knows my challopy least fave, I think

Dave Gahan interviewed on BBC 6 by Lamacq right now, saying he and Martin really liked/were inspired by MGMT last year. Go figure.

May not be a problem, as long as they avoid the extreme clipping/compression of the MGMT album. It is probably the worst example of that that I've ever come across.

if it sounds anything like fucking mgmt i will not be buying it

Ned, what is your least fav. Depeche Mode album?

A cop-out but Songs of Faith and Devotion Live, just for its irrelevancy -- and even *that* has version of "Walking In My Shoes" and "In Your Room" which are jawdroppingly spectacular.

Anyway, word is that initial pre-sales for New York, Hollywood, Phoenix, Denver, Houston and Ft. Lauderdale are tomorrow at 10am local time for each spot. San Diego presales are Tuesday, same time.

Ned, thanks for the answer.

Now then.

What is your least fav. Depeche Mode studio album? ;-)

I really do like them all.

Hmph. Way to answer the question...

I mean I love them all too, but I'd discard Ultra or Violator before any others, being forced to choose...

And by Violator I of course mean Exciter. Wow typos are fun.

Both those albums just shine for me. "Insight" is one of their best songs, period.

as is "sister of night"

Oh wow that video. Late-career Depeche Mode material seems so much more vital than late-career material by some other big bands (e.g., R.E.M. and U2).

Yeah, isn't it? It's definitely personal bias in my case but even so.

Goddamnit Ned, I'll never get you to pick a least favorite DM album... huh?

Nope!

I don't dislike any Depeche studio album, but for me, SOFAD is clearly a bit below the rest in quality. Dunno if it is mainly because of the extensive guitar and "hard" industrial synth sounds or because of the unually obvious blues/gospel feel of the songs.

I'm in for the first Hollywood show.

Apparently the opening act for America is Peter Bjorn and John -- well then.

not that i'm going but yeugh

Apparently the opening act for America is Peter Bjorn and John -- well then.

Woo boy, Ned's gonna be there bright and early in his TWEE HAT!

^ I cannot fucking wait for this album.

track by track review online @ quietus already !

http://thequietus.com/articles/01306-depeche-mode-sounds-of-the-universe-the-first-review-of-new-album