This is Depeche Mode's best album since Violator. My only criticism is that some tracks sound incredibly similar to those on Violator! I agree there are 2 'duds' but enough single material on this album to already generate 3 x 3-part UK singles!) (2 Part CD Single and DVD singles). Incredibly catchy and depressing at times, this album lives up to the tagline on the back of 'Pain and Suffering in Various Tempos'
The sonics are interesting. As an 80's teenager, I used to play keyboards and listening closely to the album there is so much background noise/harshness that was deliberately NOT cleaned up and mellowed out. It adds a real sense of edge to the sound. I wonder if they program their own keyboards, as this is a skill which is increasingly given to techs. I'm fascinated by the synth sounds, new and 'old-school' on this album
By the way, if nobody has noticed, the Canadian and US versions of the double CD are SOLD OUT JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE so are sure to become collector's items. I already have Speak & Spell, Violator, and Music for The Masses (SACD + DVD Audio editions) on preorder from a UK supplier and if they are released in the US I suggest you hurry on these titles that have just been added (see the new entries here at www.sa-cd.net)
Highly recommended, and not just for DM fans...One of the best of 2005/6
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