DM Post - ABF & SGR
So I've joined the 21st century and figured out how to use torrents with the help of my roommates. Naturally the first thing I did was download as many Depeche Mode songs/albums/videos as possible. Unfortunately torrents tend to be bigger files so I've only managed to download three complete albums, and one album up to 98%. I've added Violator, Exciter, A Broken Frame, and Some Great Reward to my list. Right now, I want to discuss the latter two.
A Broken Frame 1982
Depeche Mode second album. This one I don't have in full yet, but I've managed to get the songs that I have not already heard (the non-singles, with the exception of one song). I have to say that I really like this album. It has more of a softer, down beat synthpop tone, more intricate melodic layers, and stronger lyrics. I particularly am fond of the keyboard solos, and new wave-y style of the vocals. Of course there are a couple of songs on the album that are more poppy than others, such as 'See You', but that seems to be a trend among Depeche albums until about the Black Celebration era.
Some Great Reward 1984
Depeche Mode fourth album. Interestingly enough, the single 'Blasphemous Rumours' is what got me hooked on DM, but this is the first time I've listened to the album in it's entirety. A more complete sounding album, SGR I think compares to the likes of Violator for it's sheer balance of up beat tempos and dark-themed yet catchy lyrics. I've read that the band used a lot of creative instruments and sampling in this album, but the complexity of sounds aren't overwhelming as one would imagine. I think the only song on this album that may pose an exception is 'Master and Servant', but then again they did apparently leave out the snare. Like I referenced above, SGR sounds more like a predecessor to Violator than Black Celebration (which rightfully proceeds Music for the Masses), which makes me wonder what made the band decide to try a different approach to BC. Perhaps it had something to do with 'It's Called A Heart' ... ;)
A Broken Frame 1982
Depeche Mode second album. This one I don't have in full yet, but I've managed to get the songs that I have not already heard (the non-singles, with the exception of one song). I have to say that I really like this album. It has more of a softer, down beat synthpop tone, more intricate melodic layers, and stronger lyrics. I particularly am fond of the keyboard solos, and new wave-y style of the vocals. Of course there are a couple of songs on the album that are more poppy than others, such as 'See You', but that seems to be a trend among Depeche albums until about the Black Celebration era.
Some Great Reward 1984
Depeche Mode fourth album. Interestingly enough, the single 'Blasphemous Rumours' is what got me hooked on DM, but this is the first time I've listened to the album in it's entirety. A more complete sounding album, SGR I think compares to the likes of Violator for it's sheer balance of up beat tempos and dark-themed yet catchy lyrics. I've read that the band used a lot of creative instruments and sampling in this album, but the complexity of sounds aren't overwhelming as one would imagine. I think the only song on this album that may pose an exception is 'Master and Servant', but then again they did apparently leave out the snare. Like I referenced above, SGR sounds more like a predecessor to Violator than Black Celebration (which rightfully proceeds Music for the Masses), which makes me wonder what made the band decide to try a different approach to BC. Perhaps it had something to do with 'It's Called A Heart' ... ;)