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Amazon.co.uk Review
Following the release of their second Greatest Hits retrospective, Steve Malins publishes the first in-depth biography of the Basildon boys who rose to fame as Depeche Mode. A music combo who metamorphosed from New Romantic pop band in the early 80s into the Indie kings of electronic melancholia. Combining dark minimalism with elements of dance, Depeche Mode produced Violator in 1990 to become one of the biggest bands on the planet. Malins, author of Paul Weller and Praying to the Aliens: Gary Numan, draws on new interviews and archive material to depict the hugely successful and lengthy career of this seminal group. Although the band's treadmill activities--single, album, promotion, tour--may be a touch bland, the biography still makes for an enjoyable read as Depeche Mode's individual members are most certainly not: songwriter Martin Gore's subversive nature and dalliance with S&M (sex being a frequent inspirational source for him), Andy Fletcher's nervous breakdown, Alan Wilder's controversial departure in 1995 typifying inner-band rivalries.
It's all here in graphic detail. Not to mention Dave Gahan's transformation from clean-cut pin-up to clichéd rock god incarnate, complete with tattoos, long hair and a personal life littered with excess--fights, attempted suicide, divorce, heroin addiction and the inevitable overdose, even remarriage in Las Vegas by an Elvis impersonator. Depeche Mode also features plenty of criticism from Malins' fellow music journalists, which is generally directed at Gore's lyrics. Sure he can knock out a great tune but even teenybopper magazine Smash Hits points out that A Question of Lust is really about love, and the word "lust" is substituted solely as it rhymes with "trust" and "dust". Depeche Mode is mostly entertaining and hindered only by Malins' dry style, which simulates the restrained enthusiasm of the British fan rather than the wild adoration thrust upon the group by the rest of the world. Not quite a book for the masses, but for Depeche Mode's legions of followers, it's by far the best on the market. -- Robert Brookes --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"'An excellent narrative full of intrigue and excess.' - NME 'Meticulously researched record of an unusual group... fascinating stuff.' - Uncut 'The first major work on the band... the lack of official endorsement allows a refreshing distance.' - Q Magazine"
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First Sentence
Martin Gore was a docile, thoughtful and naturally happy child, born into a working-class family in Dagenham, Essex on 23 July 1961. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Martin Gore was a docile, thoughtful and naturally happy child, born into a working-class family in Dagenham, Essex on 23 July 1961. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Taking you through the band's history, with in-depth interviews with the band themselves and those who have worked closely with them, this biography tells the real story of Depeche Mode & their music. Skirting no issues, it tells of the clashing personalities and inevitable arguments, and of course the addictions and troubles they have been through. A fascinating insight into this often misunderstood but extremely talented group, and a definite MUST for fans.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Being the huge Mode fan that I am, I of course bought this book about three seconds after seeing it on the shelf. If I were to have any criticisms of the piece, it would be that the book is written from the perspective of too few people. Band-wise, the main thrust of any new text comes from Alan Wilder alone. This is no bad thing, articulate soul that he is, but other members' contributions are lacking. Still, the book is an enormously enjoyable read, and I couldn't put it down. What does come accross, is the warmth within the Depeche Mode 'family' and the general high regard in which they are held. Overall, I'd give the book a recommendation, particularly as it's cheaper now and is well worth the entrance fee. It's hard to compare it due to such a lack of competition. Hmm, where did I put that word processor...
6 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I saw this book in hardback towards the end of '99 and immediately stuck it on my Xmas list. Having now read it, all I can say is that it is a massive disappointment to myself and other big fans of the band who have been crying out for a decent biography since they shot to fame with the release of Violator in 1990.
Don't get me wrong, Malins is an accomplished pop writer having written similar books about Weller and Skunk Anansie to name a few, but he simply lacks the insights and material to make this a classic Depeche Mode book.
Ardent fans will instantly recognise 90% of the material as having been lifted from various music publications over the years, and even from album cover notes.
This is really a book for people with a passing interest in the band who don't already know much about them.
If you're desperate for a Depeche Mode book, get "Some Great Reward". It is not as up to date but is a far better read.
I would say that this book would have been better coming out straight away in paperback, but at the price, would-be fans would be better of buying an album from their local second hand record shop.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
a great read
having been a fan since the early 80,s i seen DM for the first time in 2006.this is the first thing i have read on the band.
i am not a reader at all reading bores me. Read more
i am not a reader at all reading bores me. Read more
Published on 21 Jun 2008 by JAY DEE
Informative but barely credible
I found this to be an interesting and insightful book, but you get the impression you have read it all before, it doesn't appear to approach the band from a new direction or give... Read more
Published on 14 Nov 2007 by DJColzz
An informative and enjoyable read
As a relatively recent convert to Depeche Mode in comparison with some of the band's long-standing fans, this book was an education in itself; it discusses topics such as the... Read more
Published on 9 July 2001
Great book!
The best DM biography by far, much better than "Some Great Reward" which has too many errors. Read more
Published on 19 Sep 2000
The only book you should read about the Mode!
As a long time fan of Depeche Mode, you think you know just about everything there is to know about them. Well I could not put this book down until I finished it. Read more
Published on 21 Jun 1999
An insight into one of Britains most successful bands
An excellent insight into one of Britains most successful yet underated band.Steve Malins delves deep into what makes this band so huge & successful across the globe and goes... Read more
Published on 20 Jun 1999
An absolutely fabulous book with great insider information
I read this book very fast, because you get information about this group that you heart never before. I have nearly 10 books about Depeche Mode at home. This one is the best.
Published on 27 May 1999
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