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Product Description
From Amazon.com
The question we have to ask is "Why?" Depeche Mode released The Singles, 86-98 because there was no comprehensive singles collection representing 1986 through 1998. But why release a singles compilation covering 1981 through 1985 when Catching Up with Depeche Mode already covers this turf? For one thing, the singles "Leave in Silence," "Everything Counts," and "People Are People," which were absent from Catching Up, are included here. All the songs are digitally remastered, but how much does digital enhancement really do to improve the sound of early-'80s synth-pop, which is so dated? Not much. However, it's natural to release a comprehensive singles collection that nicely coincides with 86-98. Both compilations are great for first-timers. And the two remixes on 81-85 ("Photographic [Some Bizarre Version]" and "Just Can't Get Enough [Schizo Mix]") will snag collectors. But maybe the answer has nothing to do with marketable packaging. DM have always fancied themselves as notorious. The liner notes for 81-85 include one negative review and one positive for each song. Perhaps as an attempt to fend off the specter of "where are they now?" Depeche Mode feel the need to remind us how controversial they are by reminding us how controversial they were. --Beth Bessmer
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Synthpop delight,
By
This review is from: Singles 1981-1985: Remastered (Audio CD)
A great compilation for new Modies - the original of this on vinyl was my first investment in the band and have been hooked ever since.This re release to co-incide with "Singles 86-98" is a perfect compliment to the latter and does sound a great deal better thanks to the remaster. Also inc is the rare and brill version of Photagraphic from the Stevo "Some Bizare" compilation before Daniel Miller gave the infamous handshake that sealed the contract with Mute. DM have never been a band to exploit there fans as far as milking the compilation cow is concerned although the American market did come up with some inventive comps. A great example of there sound progression through the 80's as the songs are played from earliest a la Vince Clarke to latest - Its called a heart. The video for the latter is great by the way, children of the corn style with martin looking his most glam. Stand out tracks that still sound fresh are "Everything Counts","Shake the disease" and "See you" which by the way Martin wrote at the age of 16. Another interesting footnote about the original release was that this was the first DM release to show the band on the cover, the reason they hadnt done this up till then was probably a mixture between trying to be a bit arty and avoiding associatting the look of the band at that time with the music and thereby dating it.Thank the Lord they didnt as those formative years were a bit of a fashion embarasment, but hey wasnt most of the 80s - long live black leather.Other highlights include blasphemous rumours and Get the balance right.My one criticism is that the update excludes those rare old photos seen on the original gatefold and it would have been nice to include lyrics, oh well "it doesnt matter" Spend your pennies with conviction you wont be sorry,even if you have the original
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nostaligc and evocative,
By A Customer
This review is from: Singles 1981-1985: Remastered (Audio CD)
This CD encapusaltes the invigoration, energy and polish of 80's electro-pop. Maybe I'm reliving my youth but the tracks sound as fresh today as 20 years ago....will today's artists have such staying power as Depeche Mode? To me they epitomise the emotions of a generation with searching and emotive lyrics set to contradictorily cheerful tunes. If you grew up in this era of originality and innovation, this CD is for you.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
You know more Depeche Mode songs than you think...,
By A Customer
This review is from: Singles 1981-1985: Remastered (Audio CD)
Being a collection of singles, this CD offers no surprises but does exactly what it says on the tin. Those of us who think we have been only vaguely familiar with Depeche Mode over the years may be surprised to know how many of these songs we actually know, From the now rather quaint sounding synth doodlings of "Dreaming Of Me" and "Photograph" to the post-Vince Clarke era, with the more menacing "Blasphemous Rumours" and achingly poignant "Somebody", this traces not only the early discography of a criminally underrated band but also the development of a compelling, unique and sophisticated musical sound. Let down in places by slightly flaky lyrics - "People Are People" is unintentionally hilarious - Martin Gore and his colleagues get away with it via infuriatingly catchy hooks, a vocalist of almost Sintra-like ability in Dave Gahan, and strong soundscapes courtesy of the now-departed Alan Wilder. Will deliver no surprises to the converted, but those wanting to trace the timeline of a band that have been through every rock'n'roll high and low and still sound great could do worse than give this one a spin.
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