New Depeche Mode single "Heaven"

[moni]

[quote][i]Originally posted by roc51[/i]
<br>Is it just me, or do you think the new album is really not that good? I've really loved the band since the beginning but they've been on a downward spiral since Ultra, with each successive album having at least a couple of gems...unfortunately, this isn't the case with Delta Machine.

I've streamed it a few times already and it just doesn't do it for me. And for those claiming it's their masterpiece? Am I missing something?
[/quote]
I have to agree with you 100% on everything you have said there. Violator and SOFAD were their peak albums the ones before that were ok but everything released after Ultra has been utter shite. The album has been mastered too loud yet again as is the norm these days with most releases.

[Finnatic]

Violator was the epitome of Depeche Mode for me. Since then, I've been struggling to remain a fan just out of sense of loyalty if nothing else. Was really happy to see Dave on the Greatest Hits tour after all his struggles. I jumped out of my seat just out of an intense sense of respect for the man as a survivor. Sadly, the music these days just isn't living up to the legacy. I guess every band goes through this, but for DM, it's been a long struggle, indeed. I can't tell you how many drives I've been on where Violator was played in its entirety followed closely by Music for the Masses. Some of the recent material, I've only listened to a handful of times. Even a variety of formats and b-sides couldn't drum up much interest from me anymore. Younger bands are just doing it better than the trailblazing DM guys. The sounds are more inventive and the passion seems to be there. It's hard for two guys who live on opposite coasts to convince me that they are in it for anything more than the money anymore.

[Jeffrey]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Finnatic[/i]
<br>Violator was the epitome of Depeche Mode for me. Since then, I've been struggling to remain a fan just out of sense of loyalty if nothing else. Was really happy to see Dave on the Greatest Hits tour after all his struggles. I jumped out of my seat just out of an intense sense of respect for the man as a survivor. Sadly, the music these days just isn't living up to the legacy. I guess every band goes through this, but for DM, it's been a long struggle, indeed. I can't tell you how many drives I've been on where Violator was played in its entirety followed closely by Music for the Masses. Some of the recent material, I've only listened to a handful of times. Even a variety of formats and b-sides couldn't drum up much interest from me anymore. Younger bands are just doing it better than the trailblazing DM guys. The sounds are more inventive and the passion seems to be there. It's hard for two guys who live on opposite coasts to convince me that they are in it for anything more than the money anymore.
[/quote]

Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!! Couldn't express it any better than that. Actually, you guys have done an excellent job on stating what I'm going through. I know, bands change, but this new direction depresses me. Yes, some of Depeche Mode's lyrics are depressing, but so much of their back catalog was filled with hooks galore, strong melodies and innovative instrumentaion. "Sounds of the Universe" really made me sick. I desperately tried: TRIED!!! to get into this album. I even bought that majorly expensive box set which I regret. I'd try to play it over and over and OVER again hoping and praying against all odds that it would somehow grow on me. Martin Gore was such a song smith, but I'm struggling with his compositions as of late. Dave has almost lost his voice to the abuse of his experiments in "fun"!!! I haven't even pre-ordered the disc yet. I'll wait and see what's going to happen with future singles, but I don't know yet. Reviews have been kind, but they admit that there aren't any big hooks. The "listener will be rewarded on repeated playings" they say. But, is this just being loyal to the band and just desperately trying to force that "square peg into the round hole" of acceptance? I have no idea.

Guys, thanks for all your great comments concerning this (I almost hate to admit it still) favorite band of mine. DM should read what you guys think/want/covet and hold dear. Maybe if they step outside of their own world, they'd understand our frustration with their labored evolution.


Jeffrey

[roc51]

Thanks...I'm glad there are others out there who think the same.

I, like many of you, grew up with DM, loved their classic albums from S&S through to Violator.

The band were such an integral part of a fantastic, fruitful scene (The Cure, New Order, Echo, Siouxsie, Love & Rockets, etc) and it's really hard to back what DM is putting out these days.

The Cure have experience the similar decline but at least their new albums are somewhat enjoyable (Bloodflowers their last true masterpiece) and Echo puts out solid LPs these days. The verdict is still out on New Order w/out Peter Hook but we'll see.

But no one has experienced as great a decline as Depeche Mode. I just don't buy this "electronic blues hybrid" they're putting out and I would go as far as saying it doesn't fit in to their vast body of work.

At least Love And Rockets and SATB knew when the game was over and bowed out gracefully (though in the case of L&R, it was a few LPs too late)

[thunderbird2]

There are a lot of like minded people on the DM topic

So here's my spin on it , I have bought the deluxe version and initial impressions of the first cd wasnt brilliant. However I do think there are some good melody lines in the vocals that are let down by the minimilist synth backing in a number of of the songs to try and create an atmosphere. I think a good example where actually it is a reasonable song in a differrent arrangement is Heaven. How many of you have heard the Owlie mix of that single. The mix he has done is more aligned to their old club electronic approach to their music and really lifts the song in a much better way.
As everyone said the Depeche mode singles always has such great hooks and synth melodies and that was there appeal. I think the last catchy single that held great promise for the album was precious. I personally think bands like Mesh have completely overtaken depeche mode but dont seem to get the recognition they deserve

[Sensoria]

"Soothe My Soul", the second single off the album got its promo video now too.

http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2013/0 ... las-vegas/

The album sits at #2 in the UK's midweek official albums chart, behind Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experience", as well:

http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-new ... hart-2131/ .

[Sensoria]

"Delta Machine" became their third UK#2 album in their career so far, after "Violator" (1990) and "Sounds Of The Universe" (2009), they just continued their run of UK Top 10 album hits that's been unbroken ever since the release of the debut "Speak & Spell" from 1981 with.

http://www.officialcharts.com/albums-chart/

[AlwaysSaturday]

I think that Delta Machine is Depeche Mode's best album since Exciter. That's not saying a whole lot, I know, but it's a solid listen.

The 1980s Depeche Mode material always wins in my frequent rotation, of course, but I've always had a real soft spot for Exciter, and I consider that to be their best post-Violator album. Exciter is a low-key affair, and that works so much in the album's favor.

Playing the Angel was the band's low point for me. I love "Suffer Well", but I tend to skip over most of the songs. Sounds of the Universe picked things up, and I liked the analog synths, but, aside from "Fragile Tension" and "Peace", I tend to skip over the songs on that album as well.

I've been listening to Delta Machine in its entirety without skipping any songs. That's a plus. There are not any real standout tracks on this one, but there are not any skip tracks either. It's just a fairly decent solid album. Not consistently great, but not consistently bad either.

[morgan1098]

I wonder why, at this stage in their career, they're trying so hard to be a "rock" band. The "Heaven" video even had a live drummer in the background. They look like they're trying to be U2 or something.

I know Martin has used guitars going all the way back to Music for the Masses, at least, but even then, there was no mistaking DM as anything other than a synth band. Even the guitar-heavy "Personal Jesus" is full of wild programmed drums and electronic blips. This new stuff sounds like they're performing some kind of half-hearted "acoustic session" or something.

[rewind]

Not a good sign: Plenty of Groupon deals for tickets...

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-first-m ... itheatre-6

[Sean]

I don't want to start any blasphemous rumours but I really can't get into Depeche's new album. I don't remember having to try so hard to get into the albums from Ultra going back into the 80's. Gonna keep trying.

[Sensoria]

"Soft Touch/Raw Nerve" performed live in the studio - video:

http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2013/0 ... rve-video/

"Delta Machine" debuted at its #6 peak in the US album charts, becoming their seventh US Top 10 album hit in a row, after "Violator" (#7, 1990), "Songs Of Faith And Devotion" (#1, 1993), "Ultra" (#5, 1997), "Exciter" (#8, 2001), "Playing The Angel" (#7, 2005) and "Sounds Of The Universe" (#3, 2009).

[Jeffrey]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Sean[/i]
<br>I don't want to start any blasphemous rumours but I really can't get into Depeche's new album. I don't remember having to try so hard to get into the albums from Ultra going back into the 80's. Gonna keep trying.
[/quote]

It's interesting Sean that you say, "Gonna keep trying." That's what I love about us fans: we are most definately loyal and willing to do anything to support our faves. However, when does this stop? I'm so blessed to have you and the New Wave Outpost be my guide. From all I've been reading, I have decided not to purchase this album. I'll stick with the single remixes (and that's a big maybe), but I just can't find any genuine enthusiasm nor passion for this album by, really, ANYONE. I almost feel guilty not supporting my all time favorite band, but in all honesty, it just doesn't feel right.

Huge sigh of angst!!!!



Jeffrey

[Finnatic]

Songs from the tour are showing up on YouTube and it looks like some fans might have taken pillows, milk and cookies with them to get them through the dirge-like tracks that are prevalent on the new release.

But you know what, I'd sit through all that poo just to get to a rousing rendition of Halo. Oh crap, they went and messed with that one too.

Alright, how about we all just replay Violator and MFTM and reminisce about the first true reality show, 101.

[discoginfo]

Here is my little review of the album: All in all not too far from what could be expected from DM in 2013. Most songs have Martin singing backing vocals in the chorus, which is always a nice addition to Dave's voice. I like 7 (Broken), 8 (The Child Inside), 10 (Should Be Higher) and 12 (Soothe My Soul) best. 8 is a classic and wonderful "Martin Gore solo" effort. 7 and 10 are the most "classic synthy DM", great rhythm and melody. 12 has a great chorus. 1 and 2 are dark and dirty, and I like them. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are more or less "cosy", and are alright. 9 and 11 are nothing special. The last track is OK-ish, a kind of bluesy strip tease rhytm. BONUS CD: Like the previous album, I don't know why these tracks were delegated to a "bonus CD". Because the three first are as good, or better, than many of the "regular" album tracks. 1 is "cosy" and relatively electronic, slow and hypnotic. 2 also has a nice, mysterious atmosphere. Martin sings on 3, partly in a stranger unusual style with distorted vocals, and partly in his "usual" beautiful style. 4 is OK-ish.

/Jonas Warstad
http://www.discog.info/depeche-discog.html
www.jonaswarstad.com
www.howtodealwithdifficultcoworkers.com