Depeche Mode -- Delta Machine

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