Blogging the Angel

When I was in my teens I bought big speakers. The first thing that was played on those big speakers was Depeche Mode, (queue turning up your speakers loud and clicking “Never Let Me Down”).

Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again

Now that you are in the mood, let’s learn together.

New romanticism emerged in the UK music scene in the early 80s as a direct reaction against the rigor of the punk movement. What began as a mockery became a serious movement. Although Depeche Mode originally was a product of Britain's new Romantic Movement, they eventually went on to become one of the model electro-pop bands of the 1980s. Depeche Mode was among the earliest and most innovative bands to break into the pop mainstream using only synthesizers. They began their existence as a dance-pop outfit but gradually developed a darker, more dramatic sound that ultimately positioned them as one of the most successful alternative bands of their era.

It is this darker, slow moving loud pulsing beat that I truly fell in love with at an early age. Songs of Faith and Devotion Live became a staple for me, and continues to be a constant in the “top five albums of all time” conversation. Higher Love, the live version can certainly be considered an essential on my Life Signs list always and forever.

Depeche Mode - Higher Love (Live)

Here are a few other fine specimens for your listening pleasure. This is only a sample of the goodness so please by all means delve in for more.

Depeche Mode - John the Revolator

Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence

Depeche Mode - In Your Room (Live)