See ALL the previous episodes in the Depeche Mode Album Review Series HERE: DM - Speak & Spell album review: th-cam.com/video/vRbjaGa0INw/w-d-xo.html DM - A Broken Frame album review: th-cam.com/video/UO-mIqPIcxg/w-d-xo.html DM - Construction Time Again album review (Part 1): th-cam.com/video/Lpf7W6gZq94/w-d-xo.html DM - Construction Time Again album review (Part 2): th-cam.com/video/b1BKXAfjfWc/w-d-xo.html DM - Some Great Reward album review (Part 1): th-cam.com/video/FPu0A6VQKLc/w-d-xo.html DM - Some Great Reward album review (Part 2): th-cam.com/video/TLueOfG2Y6I/w-d-xo.html DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 1): th-cam.com/video/jf1W20QezDU/w-d-xo.html DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 2): th-cam.com/video/Q35KTf9-Xbw/w-d-xo.html DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 3): th-cam.com/video/HSB5lqvEWeM/w-d-xo.html DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 4): th-cam.com/video/bKcxkkS31bc/w-d-xo.html DM - Black Celebration album review (Part5) th-cam.com/video/OIA52yv_EcM/w-d-xo.html
@@VaughnGeorge Hey Vaughn, great, great series and well done !! Now could you please tell me what tgat awesome screen saver behind you on the Mac is called or is this Mac specific ? Thanks M8
Vaughn, thanks for the content. It was very frustrating as a major DM nerd fan not finding additional content of the band in therms of track reviews and gear analisys. So, these album reviews are just awesome for a die hard best electronic band of all times fanboy
Concur...I really appreciate this channel. I'm surprised there's not more DMcentric content. If DM isn't the most indicative and/or greatest band of the 80s they're w/o a doubt top 3 (Cure...[Smiths?]).
@@rocconorth The Cure is surely amazing. Good Point. There is also a really good argument that New Order is among those. And I love how New Order's evolution is kinda the opposite of DM's: starting almost as a rock band since it is the linear sequel to Joy Division and turning into a electronic based group. While Depeche was a dry beat Tuts tuts and when you see Songs of Faith and Devotion, it is a Rock band
"Music for the masses" was their third masterpiece in a row & a turning point for them to a maybe more successful way, the sound became more concrete. It was also the right way, cos in the second half of the 80's where a lot of bands disappeared in a musical meaninglessness depeche mode made this great album.
All right!!! Here we go!!! Right off the bat I’m making a no bones about it that Music for the Masses is an absolute 10/10. A perfect album for me and I’m looking forward to what is hopefully a 5 part review! Thanks Vaughn. You’re a hero.
Behind the Wheel, Strangelove, and Never Let Me Down MFTM videos brought Anton Corbijn into the equation. His visual sense brought a new level of cool to DM.
DM broke the mold with Black Celebration and I feel MFTM is their magnum opus. This is epic, I'm excited to see what lies ahead! Great video Vaughn... Cheers!
EPIC! (wrote that before you said it) For me, Masses is their core album. In high school, this was my favorite. Refined, experimental, and awesome! I had the Japanese CD release and it rocked. Definitely the centerpiece of their dark, golden period. The songs are incomparable, even the instrumentals. Back to your video...
any video from the one and only vaughn george to me is always a " big video" because you continue to always come across as the best friend i always wished for,..your always fabulous
To Have And To Hold is the darkest song on the album. Russian radio speach on the begining: "В докладах рассматривается эволюция ядерных арсеналов и социально-психологические проблемы гонки вооружений". (Eng: "The reports discuss the evolution of nuclear arsenals and the socio-psychological problems of the arms race"). At that time USSR keeps generate nuclear weapon, Chernobyl 1986's accident, slowed down but not ended arms race. I interpret song as a showing fears before nuclear war and showing chiefs of leading countries at that time with a lot of gold and opportunities to start a war. Also that radio sample used in game Fallout "The Vault of the Future " soundtrack. UPD: A question for Mr. Bascombe. What the history of creating "To Have And To Hold", radio sample capturing? Was it random or a solid decision? Thanks, Vaughn for your work, You are really unique D🌹M youtuber 🤘👍
Stanislav Kaliuk thank you for translating this Russian part. I always wanted to know what was said. Apparently, Martin and Alan had a big creative disagreement as to which version of the song should be released on the album. Ultimately, the dark version was selected and it demonstrates Alan Wilder’s genius.
Great I never new that, I love the way they used sam[les in those days, lots of imagination and thought. I aso think if you listen carefully to Nothing, there is maybe a guitar sound in the background, still one of my all time fave dm tunes, its great too on 101
Absolutely love this, Vaughn! Totally agree that the sound overall is more cinematic; I love the Anton Corbijn videos that go with this album, especially NLMDA and Strangelove. Looking forward to more.
@ Oh, you like Memento Mori? Im not a big fan of it, to be honest, I wish I could, but to me it’s not really the Depeche Mode I once knew and loved. I miss the Violator times :
Yes, it sounds so awesome. I would love to listen to the full length remix. A lot of the remixes don't do anything for me. The Tsangarides remix is awesome though.
I've noticed you had been practicing this time beforehand .... good job keep it up:-). Please do not forget to ask Dave Bascombe about the snare drum sound of Never Let me Down Again related to Tears For Fears's Shout or Led Zeppelin. Cheers:-)
Awesome video, Vaughn! I love how you describe the sound of the album. I'd be really interested to hear from Dave how the fascinating 'Pimpf' was created.
Looking up Dave Bascombe's career, it does seem he's mainly known as an engineer/mix engineer rather than a producer. Indeed his work with Tears for Fears before MFTM was as an engineer, rather than the producer (who was Chris Hughes) so this was quite a step up for him, and perhaps not surprising he left less of an imprint on this album than Gareth Jones or Flood.
Dave Bascombes input was important, its a great album and looking forward to what he says. I am not sure if Flood what speak though about Violator, might be a financial thing...
Never Let Me Down Again was my very first contact to Depeche Mode. When I heard it the first time on the radio (it was ha chart show), I fell in love immediately. Then I went straight to the music store and bought my very first music cassette ever. I still have it and it runs in my mom's car radio :D This is still one of my most favorite albums of all time (in general, not only from Depeche Mode). Thanks for your work, man. I love DM as much as you do!
This album really is particularly sonically unique comparing to what came before and after. I put CTA, SGR and BC into an 'industrial-style' trilogy: you can hear the space in those albums, but like you said, it's a lot more urgent and chaotic than MFTM. This album sort of exists on its own. If I listen to it, I don't feel the urge to then listen to another DM record, it completes you by itself. The vocals, the vocals, the vocals! (I and my dad listened to this SO MUCH as I grew up, singing at the top of our lungs, I'm surprised that the CD is still in such good condition - I'll expand on this tangent once we get to the song-by-song review). I always describe Dave's voice here as very sonorous and open, whilst the Americanised accent made it more nasal, and the rock influence added a growl to it. And Martin's is (still)... like listening to The Magic Flute (opera-pun intended). What I would most like to understand about David Bascombe's role is the whole engineer/producer thing. What were the signature influences upon the sound design for specific songs, from conspicuous to little, minute things? How would he describe his direction or aim when contributing to the final mix? Feel free to pester him to death on what he could glean from Alan's production style and musical vision as well!
Yet another great video, Vaughn ;) this record is indeed a masterpiece so I reckon the final grade will hardly be a surprise but don't let that stop you from going in depth on this one ;)
Thank you Vaughn for the first part of the long-awaited MFTM album review! As always, you spoke from my heart. I just like (and totally understand) it when you get carried away by the fantastic ('Gore-ish') melodies. :) As for the question for Mr. Bascombe, I'd die to hear about the making of the epic (and extremely emotional) choir sound at the end of Never Let Me Down Again, as I've never heard or read about it before. I think it's one of the best sounds DM have ever created. Once again, thank you for your unfailing enthusiasm for music and for your effort running this amazing channel! :) And of course, can't wait to watch the interview!
As always a great pleasure to watch your DM album reviews VG❤️. Music for the masses is a fantastic album with classic DM tracks, "Behind the wheel for example" (personal favourite😉). Looking forward to the Bascombe interwiev and part 2 of "Music for the masses" review. Love your work and passion VG🖤
There are two versions of „never let me down“ and „to have and to hold“ on music for the masses. Is this a first sign of serious differences between martin and alan? And how did david bascombe manage to keep „peace“ in the producing the album. Was there a competition which mix sounded better. The spanish taster version or the other „normal“ version. Thanks vaughn. Keep up the good work.
I thoroughly enjoyed your review of this album. I liked Depeche Mode’s singles years ago but have only recently got into them more seriously so I am sort of a new fan. I love this album. It’s my favourite. I think it sounds so polished and atmospheric. A masterpiece. The Things You Said blows me away.
What I miss most in DM recent albums is not just "melody" but "synth melody" I would say. From 81 to 86 they were purely a synth band with barely any guitars on their music. Maybe i'm wrong but I think they began to integrate guitars on their music with Music For The Masses and this one and Violator had some guitars but mixed with mostly synths and I think it was their best sound ever. Then Songs Of Faith And Devotion came and then DM began to think they were more of a rock band or of a blues band than a synth band. And that's what I miss the most. I don't hate guitars, sometimes they're a great addition, I mean "Enjoy The Silence" is my favorite song and there are guitars on it but I prefered when DM sound mostly relied on synths and melodies. And everyone must admit that even the songs that DM hate like say "Here Is The House" from Black Celebration have great synth melodies.
This album crossed the Atlantic sea (strangelove & behind the wheel), in USA was an icon, in south america only underground radio stations played it, but this album was "the first comercial mark" of dm, thanks
Hi Vaughn. It's Simon again, I hope you remember me. You know I'm a huge fan of the last DM tour. I just wanted to answer your initial question from your Spirits in the Forest movie review. Yes, DM are indeed going to be releasing an official live recording from the last GST shows from the Waldbuhne in Berlin on the 27th of march. The full concert film, called "Live Spirits", is coming alongside the physical release of "Spirits in the forest". It is going to be released on a Double Blu-ray or Double dvd. Both packages include the Global Spirit Tour live Album "Live Spirits" (also featuring the last Berlin concerts) on a double CD. The Live Album (2xCDs) is also availible separatly. All versions of the release can be pre-ordered now. I just wanted to inform you in case you would be interested. Great review again. Thank you. Simon. P.S.: I've subscribed now, Thank you for your passionate content.
This is Mondy which is French Mondi and in English Mondy and Mondi are Fund. You are doing a good show and I enjoy it very much, I admire your dedication.
Up until Ultra, my fav album was every new album that came out. MFTM was my fav until well after Violator came out but Violator wore me down and became my fav until SOFAD. My copy of Music For The Masses is the only album I have that is signed by all 4 members. Had to queue for awhile outside HMV in Oxford Street London when it was released but it was worth it.
I find MFTM a bit of an interim album, between the more pure electronic Daniel Miller/Gareth Jones period and the more Alan Wilder dominated Wilder/Flood period, with Alan dominating the creation of the soundscapes.
Hey, great start-off to this album review, Vaughn! My question for Dave Bascombe is: Do you recall if it was a collaborative effort for the albums sound design or did one member take lead on each song like the Beatles would do? i.e. Martin maybe programmed synths on "The Things You Said", Alan did synth programming on "Never Let Me Down Again"? Or was it a team sport where Martin, Alan and Fletch worked together to come up with sounds and atmosphere? Or did Martin present the demos and Alan transcribed them?
Great first episode! Would be interesting to learn more about the general atmosphere surrounding the recording, as little has been said about the making the of album. Creative friction and intrigues are naturally more interesting 😉😝
Thank you for your in depth, Sir. Music For The Masses has a big sound with cleaner vocals. It is less metallic and has less bashing/smashing/breaking samples. Some very strong songs in this album. -Andy Ry Denmark.
I love that remix of NLMDA at the beginning. It's obvious part Split mix, but it makes me also think of the 101 version(still Split Mix) and the ONIP version. Anyway...I also like the segues/transitions between the songs on MFTM, the best of all their albums with Black Celebration probably next.
MFTM is quite possibly the greatest piece of music ever made. That's how much I love it. Please ask Dave questions about synths and sounds used for each song. Basslines, synth lines, melodies, drum samples and sequencing. Deep and detailed as possible. Cheers VG!
I was hoping to watch a detailed breakdown as you did for Black Celebration. Nonetheless, thank you for doing this! This is one of my favorite DM albums. Strange Love is one of my favorite DM songs. It just stuck in my head for days.
Awesome video, questions would be did he enjoy working with Alan on production level?. Was he a DM fan before working with them? If given the opportunity would he loved to work with them again? Also what did Fletch do in the studio?
Music for the Masses is definitely up there for me as one of my favorites of theirs - as well as A Broken Frame (the first album of theirs I heard - bought it b/c of the cover art, having not heard any of their music previously), Black Celebration and their later album that I love, Ultra. I can't place exactly why, but Songs of Faith and Devotion is one that I just never could connect with or get into. And I love their darker and more melancholy music (obviously with Ultra), but that album just never clicked for me. Listening to you play those on piano - I do wonder (and I think its possible you may have said so) if the songs weren't written originally on piano and then reworked with the synths b/c they work so well with just the piano alone. The interplay with the vocals you're talking about kind of reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel - with Garfunkel having the higher voice like Gore, used to accentuate Paul Simon's voice and to add an atmospheric harmonic quality to many of the songs. Simon's voice isn't as deep as Gahan's, but it plays the same role in many cases. I have no idea if there was any influence on DM from them - though I'm sure there were plenty of other singing duos that did similar things that maybe DM would have been closer to and more directly influenced by. Excellent first video (of this review), I'll have to go on and watch the rest. Unfortunately I'm catching this a bit after you originally released it (in mid August) and so I can't participate in the discussion, but still cool to hear.
Superb review part 1 - still a superb album with the greatest opening Never let me down again which then seagues into The Things you said......Nothing, I want you now, Little 15 and Behind the wheel, all electronic synth wonderpieces..Still my joint 2nd fave dm album after Violator still my all time fave album....
Hey Vaughn, thank you for your detail rich videos, always a pleasure to watch your Album Reviews! My question for Dave Bascombe: 'To Have And To Hold' for me is one of DM's darkest songs and i really like that but Martin's Original Demo (the Spanish Taster Version) sounds completely different to me. I would really like to know how the process shaping this song to it's really sinister LP-version was. Greetings from Germany!
Hi Vaughn, great episode and fantastic rendition music! My question(s) are 1. Which track was most problematic (technically), and secondly easiest to finish. 2. What outboard synth is your favourite of all time. 3. Would you personally have liked to have done another album with Depeche Mode. Can't wait for the interview, donation made.
When you mentioned Tears for Fears, it totally made sense. I always wondered how they come up with Never Let Me Down Again sound, and the overall epic sound of Music for the Masses. I am not saying they copied anything, but that NLMDA theme seemed so different than anything they had done before, in my short familiarity with them. I had all their vinyls whether album or extended mix) up to Violator. My father accidentally gave away a lot of them with his record collection : (
I discovered this album in 1987. A friend of mine hated the sound and the style of it. Personally I was 16 years old. The first listening was a shock. The sound was dry, cold at the same time powerful and deep. If I remember correctly, it was the first completely digital recording to be asked to Dave. I then completely immersed myself in the universe, the harmonies and the dark side of it an offbeat side compared to the standards of this era. Dave's voice also made me realize that you don't have to be a castrato to be a singer lol. The "Never let me down again" remix you use as background is great where can I find it or download it. For me, this album is the DM discovery, but not my favorite but if some songs are always timeless such as : Never let me down again - Behind the wheel - To have and to hold - Strange love - Little 15
Been looking forward to this one! This was the first Depeche Mode album I bought having heard Never Let Me Down Again on the radio. As you say, it definitely has a more open feel than Black Celebration, which was the next album I bought and found harder to get into initially, but now I would say is also great. I think Music for the Masses is maybe a bit more melodic, with simpler beats? Definitely more commercial sounding and radio friendly and none the worse for that. The run from Some Great Reward to Violater really is extraordinarily good. Sadly in the 2000s the sound has evolved so much that they’ve lost me a bit, although there are still great moments of course (like Precious and Wrong), just fewer of them.
Now we are talking. This album was a game changer for me. Actually when I first heard it in 1987 it felt like a let down after Black Celebration. Then I kept playing it over and over and the genius sunk in. So much so that I have a vinyl copy of that album signed by all 4 members. To Have it to Hold is the darkest thing ever and I’m glad Alan’s version made Side B and not the Spanish Taster. Amazing album.
Favourites List consists of; 4 - Black Celebration 3 - Music for the Masses 2 - Violator 1 - Songs of Faith & Devotion Another great insightful video Vaughn! Keep them coming!
See ALL the previous episodes in the Depeche Mode Album Review Series HERE:
DM - Speak & Spell album review:
th-cam.com/video/vRbjaGa0INw/w-d-xo.html
DM - A Broken Frame album review:
th-cam.com/video/UO-mIqPIcxg/w-d-xo.html
DM - Construction Time Again album review (Part 1):
th-cam.com/video/Lpf7W6gZq94/w-d-xo.html
DM - Construction Time Again album review (Part 2):
th-cam.com/video/b1BKXAfjfWc/w-d-xo.html
DM - Some Great Reward album review (Part 1):
th-cam.com/video/FPu0A6VQKLc/w-d-xo.html
DM - Some Great Reward album review (Part 2):
th-cam.com/video/TLueOfG2Y6I/w-d-xo.html
DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 1):
th-cam.com/video/jf1W20QezDU/w-d-xo.html
DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 2):
th-cam.com/video/Q35KTf9-Xbw/w-d-xo.html
DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 3):
th-cam.com/video/HSB5lqvEWeM/w-d-xo.html
DM - Black Celebration album review (Part 4):
th-cam.com/video/bKcxkkS31bc/w-d-xo.html
DM - Black Celebration album review (Part5)
th-cam.com/video/OIA52yv_EcM/w-d-xo.html
The opening riff of "Never Let Me Down, Again" might be the greatest album kick-starter of all time. Massive
Hey It's Me oh yes !!
The opening distorted pure energy insanity of 'I Feel You' is pretty hard to beat!
Hey It's Me agreeeeeed!
I had this opening on my voicemail greeting.
@@VaughnGeorge Hey Vaughn, great, great series and well done !! Now could you please tell me what tgat awesome screen saver behind you on the Mac is called or is this Mac specific ? Thanks M8
Vaughn, thanks for the content. It was very frustrating as a major DM nerd fan not finding additional content of the band in therms of track reviews and gear analisys. So, these album reviews are just awesome for a die hard best electronic band of all times fanboy
Concur...I really appreciate this channel. I'm surprised there's not more DMcentric content. If DM isn't the most indicative and/or greatest band of the 80s they're w/o a doubt top 3 (Cure...[Smiths?]).
@@rocconorth The Cure is surely amazing. Good Point. There is also a really good argument that New Order is among those. And I love how New Order's evolution is kinda the opposite of DM's: starting almost as a rock band since it is the linear sequel to Joy Division and turning into a electronic based group. While Depeche was a dry beat
Tuts tuts and when you see Songs of Faith and Devotion, it is a Rock band
Lucas Brito you’re welcome bud and I’m glad to have you here !! VG
"Music for the masses" was their third masterpiece in a row & a turning point for them to a maybe more successful way, the sound became more concrete. It was also the right way, cos in the second half of the 80's where a lot of bands disappeared in a musical meaninglessness depeche mode made this great album.
fourth...
All right!!! Here we go!!! Right off the bat I’m making a no bones about it that Music for the Masses is an absolute 10/10. A perfect album for me and I’m looking forward to what is hopefully a 5 part review! Thanks Vaughn. You’re a hero.
Heh - your t-shirt colour fits perfect to the LP !!
I was 16 or 17 years old when this album hit. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it. This is the one that made me a big fan of Depeche Mode.
Behind the Wheel, Strangelove, and Never Let Me Down MFTM videos brought Anton Corbijn into the equation. His visual sense brought a new level of cool to DM.
I always felt that Depeche Mode finally became themselves when they began working with Anton. That visual piece just completed them.
DM broke the mold with Black Celebration and I feel MFTM is their magnum opus. This is epic, I'm excited to see what lies ahead! Great video Vaughn... Cheers!
I love how you play the songs of Depeche Mode on the piano.
I can listen to it for hours.
Hearing the versions on this piano is amazing
EPIC! (wrote that before you said it) For me, Masses is their core album. In high school, this was my favorite. Refined, experimental, and awesome! I had the Japanese CD release and it rocked. Definitely the centerpiece of their dark, golden period. The songs are incomparable, even the instrumentals. Back to your video...
any video from the one and only vaughn george to me is always a " big video" because you continue to always come across as the best friend i always wished for,..your always fabulous
John Evans thank you my friend !! I’m happy to have you here !! VG😎👍🎹
So excited for this one... it's easily my all time favourite DM album and the biggest single influence on my own work. It's a work of genius.
Same here!....I couldnt agree
more.
What a great review and a glorius way to end a dark and rainy day here in Denmark. Thanks a lot Vaughn. Looking forward your next reviews!
Getting closer to the 10000 subs. Good stuff
So happy to have found another DM super fan, Vaughn, you’re the fan friend I’ve never had IRL!
And I am glad to meet you too my friend!! Welcome on board and I look forward to reading more comments from you !! VG :-)
To Have And To Hold is the darkest song on the album. Russian radio speach on the begining: "В докладах рассматривается эволюция ядерных арсеналов и социально-психологические проблемы гонки вооружений". (Eng: "The reports discuss the evolution of nuclear arsenals and the socio-psychological problems of the arms race"). At that time USSR keeps generate nuclear weapon, Chernobyl 1986's accident, slowed down but not ended arms race. I interpret song as a showing fears before nuclear war and showing chiefs of leading countries at that time with a lot of gold and opportunities to start a war. Also that radio sample used in game Fallout "The Vault of the Future
" soundtrack.
UPD: A question for Mr. Bascombe. What the history of creating "To Have And To Hold", radio sample capturing? Was it random or a solid decision?
Thanks, Vaughn for your work, You are really unique D🌹M youtuber 🤘👍
Stanislav Kaliuk thank you for translating this Russian part. I always wanted to know what was said. Apparently, Martin and Alan had a big creative disagreement as to which version of the song should be released on the album. Ultimately, the dark version was selected and it demonstrates Alan Wilder’s genius.
@@ultramet Agree. Alan Wilder is a goddamn genius.
Great I never new that, I love the way they used sam[les in those days, lots of imagination and thought. I aso think if you listen carefully to Nothing, there is maybe a guitar sound in the background, still one of my all time fave dm tunes, its great too on 101
Love the review, the intro remix and the way you have matched your shirt ❤️😂
Sarah Dmgirl thank you !! The shirt was just a coincidence but I may have to wear it for the rest of the MFTM series !!VG👍😎🎹
I remember reading that Martin wanted the final song versions to stay close to the demos. Alan wasn't happy about that.
Absolutely love this, Vaughn! Totally agree that the sound overall is more cinematic; I love the Anton Corbijn videos that go with this album, especially NLMDA and Strangelove. Looking forward to more.
My top three favourite DM albums are Violator, Music for the Masses and SOFAD, so I can cofirm that
Same!! My fourth favourite album is Black Celebration, and fifth - Ultra
@ Oh, you like Memento Mori? Im not a big fan of it, to be honest, I wish I could, but to me it’s not really the Depeche Mode I once knew and loved. I miss the Violator times :
Love the videos and your raw passion for Depeche mode. I'm 14 and I love Depeche mode!
Sebastian Acuna thank you for your kind words and it’s good to have you here !!VG😎👍🎹
Is that remix by you Vaughn? If so, you should definitely release it, becouse it is stellar. Love the channel, awesome DM review series :)
Bika Egon thank you my friend and yes I did do that remix . VG🎹👍😎
Yes, it sounds so awesome. I would love to listen to the full length remix. A lot of the remixes don't do anything for me. The Tsangarides remix is awesome though.
I've noticed you had been practicing this time beforehand .... good job keep it up:-). Please do not forget to ask Dave Bascombe about the snare drum sound of Never Let me Down Again related to Tears For Fears's Shout or Led Zeppelin. Cheers:-)
Just to say your special intro music was excellent. Everything you said was actually spot on.love the album.good luck with the interview.
What a timeless album cover.
I love the track of your intro Vaughn!!! Such a great combination of mfm basic track and your personal sensitive touch 👍😃
Another wonderful video Vaughn 🙌🏻 I wish I'd discovered this channel sooner, keep them coming! 🖤
Awesome video, Vaughn! I love how you describe the sound of the album. I'd be really interested to hear from Dave how the fascinating 'Pimpf' was created.
Always enjoy your extended ramblings about DM.
Looking up Dave Bascombe's career, it does seem he's mainly known as an engineer/mix engineer rather than a producer. Indeed his work with Tears for Fears before MFTM was as an engineer, rather than the producer (who was Chris Hughes) so this was quite a step up for him, and perhaps not surprising he left less of an imprint on this album than Gareth Jones or Flood.
Dave Bascombes input was important, its a great album and looking forward to what he says. I am not sure if Flood what speak though about Violator, might be a financial thing...
Never Let Me Down Again was my very first contact to Depeche Mode. When I heard it the first time on the radio (it was ha chart show), I fell in love immediately. Then I went straight to the music store and bought my very first music cassette ever. I still have it and it runs in my mom's car radio :D This is still one of my most favorite albums of all time (in general, not only from Depeche Mode). Thanks for your work, man. I love DM as much as you do!
❤️ ❤️ love your comment😍
This album really is particularly sonically unique comparing to what came before and after. I put CTA, SGR and BC into an 'industrial-style' trilogy: you can hear the space in those albums, but like you said, it's a lot more urgent and chaotic than MFTM. This album sort of exists on its own. If I listen to it, I don't feel the urge to then listen to another DM record, it completes you by itself.
The vocals, the vocals, the vocals! (I and my dad listened to this SO MUCH as I grew up, singing at the top of our lungs, I'm surprised that the CD is still in such good condition - I'll expand on this tangent once we get to the song-by-song review). I always describe Dave's voice here as very sonorous and open, whilst the Americanised accent made it more nasal, and the rock influence added a growl to it. And Martin's is (still)... like listening to The Magic Flute (opera-pun intended).
What I would most like to understand about David Bascombe's role is the whole engineer/producer thing. What were the signature influences upon the sound design for specific songs, from conspicuous to little, minute things? How would he describe his direction or aim when contributing to the final mix?
Feel free to pester him to death on what he could glean from Alan's production style and musical vision as well!
Things You Said almost sounds like it could have been a Kraftwerk track. One of my favs👍
I think it is the best MG sung song, the A Question of Lust.. The words and music are superb, they it melds from NLMDA to TTUS is wild.
Nah...
Yet another great video, Vaughn ;) this record is indeed a masterpiece so I reckon the final grade will hardly be a surprise but don't let that stop you from going in depth on this one ;)
Thank you Vaughn for the first part of the long-awaited MFTM album review! As always, you spoke from my heart. I just like (and totally understand) it when you get carried away by the fantastic ('Gore-ish') melodies. :) As for the question for Mr. Bascombe, I'd die to hear about the making of the epic (and extremely emotional) choir sound at the end of Never Let Me Down Again, as I've never heard or read about it before. I think it's one of the best sounds DM have ever created. Once again, thank you for your unfailing enthusiasm for music and for your effort running this amazing channel! :) And of course, can't wait to watch the interview!
Ok ok ok I been away, yes yes im guilty.
But sooooo happyyy to be back what great review. Looking forward the rest.
As always a great pleasure to watch your DM album reviews VG❤️. Music for the masses is a fantastic album with classic DM tracks, "Behind the wheel for example" (personal favourite😉). Looking forward to the Bascombe interwiev and part 2 of "Music for the masses" review. Love your work and passion VG🖤
I saw 1 of 2 shows in Los Angeles December of 1987. Then 101 six months later
Wow, another DM video. Loving your reviews for my fave band. Who put the intro music together?? It's amazing... needs to be released please.
Now I want to here BTW sung live as a down-tempo ballad on piano, damn you, Vaughny
TheOdyssey3001 hello my friend !! I do all the music on my channel so yes I did that remix !! VG😎👍🎹
There are two versions of „never let me down“ and „to have and to hold“ on music for the masses. Is this a first sign of serious differences between martin and alan? And how did david bascombe manage to keep „peace“ in the producing the album. Was there a competition which mix sounded better. The spanish taster version or the other „normal“ version. Thanks vaughn. Keep up the good work.
I love both versions of To have and to hold, I bet somewhere there is a full version of the spanish taster but likely to very difficult to find
Music for the Masses is a favorite and a classic album. Looking forward for part 2 :)
Was waiting for this review. This album is a classic . Great remix used as intro...love it !
Matt IJzz thank you and I am glad you like the remix!! Perhaps I should release it !! VG 😎👍🎹
@@VaughnGeorge I definitely think you should, with Dave's and Martin's singing parts in the mix as your voice would sound great on both
Would be amazing to get reviews of Alan Wilders Recoil albums at some point too.. Those albums really show the genius that he is.
I thoroughly enjoyed your review of this album. I liked Depeche Mode’s singles years ago but have only recently got into them more seriously so I am sort of a new fan. I love this album. It’s my favourite. I think it sounds so polished and atmospheric. A masterpiece. The Things You Said blows me away.
What I miss most in DM recent albums is not just "melody" but "synth melody" I would say. From 81 to 86 they were purely a synth band with barely any guitars on their music. Maybe i'm wrong but I think they began to integrate guitars on their music with Music For The Masses and this one and Violator had some guitars but mixed with mostly synths and I think it was their best sound ever. Then Songs Of Faith And Devotion came and then DM began to think they were more of a rock band or of a blues band than a synth band. And that's what I miss the most.
I don't hate guitars, sometimes they're a great addition, I mean "Enjoy The Silence" is my favorite song and there are guitars on it but I prefered when DM sound mostly relied on synths and melodies. And everyone must admit that even the songs that DM hate like say "Here Is The House" from Black Celebration have great synth melodies.
Agree with you 100% !! I too miss the melodic layers in their music . VG
This album crossed the Atlantic sea (strangelove & behind the wheel), in USA was an icon, in south america only underground radio stations played it, but this album was "the first comercial mark" of dm, thanks
There is no doubt that the golden age of Depeche mode was 1986 ( Black celebration ) - 1993/1997 ( SOFAD/Ultra ).Change my mind ^^.
As always, great video Vaughn. Looking forward to the Violator review. Are you looking to do any more Gary Numan videos?
WoW! Your song is very solid! Very cool! (its reminds me Andy little bit somewhere) Thumb Up! :)
Great video Vaughn. It reminds me that, DM does not deliver It anymore.
Hi Vaughn.
It's Simon again, I hope you remember me. You know I'm a huge fan of the last DM tour. I just wanted to answer your initial question from your Spirits in the Forest movie review. Yes, DM are indeed going to be releasing an official live recording from the last GST shows from the Waldbuhne in Berlin on the 27th of march. The full concert film, called "Live Spirits", is coming alongside the physical release of "Spirits in the forest". It is going to be released on a Double Blu-ray or Double dvd. Both packages include the Global Spirit Tour live Album "Live Spirits" (also featuring the last Berlin concerts) on a double CD. The Live Album (2xCDs) is also availible separatly. All versions of the release can be pre-ordered now.
I just wanted to inform you in case you would be interested.
Great review again. Thank you.
Simon.
P.S.: I've subscribed now, Thank you for your passionate content.
I absolutely love your reviews, can't wait for the next part! :)
Easily my favorite Album!!!!! Awesome instrumentals coupled with profound vocals!!!!!
love your vids Vaughn x
Hi Vaughn great start to the series-the album was very cinematic-great feel & aura to it.
Regards
Andrew
This is Mondy which is French Mondi and in English Mondy and Mondi are Fund. You are doing a good show and I enjoy it very much, I admire your dedication.
MELODY - this is what miss in DM new albums......
gilo7171 correct !!😎👍🎹
Alan=melody. Melody=Alan
And proper, smart rhymes. MLG used to be so good at that...
Up until Ultra, my fav album was every new album that came out. MFTM was my fav until well after Violator came out but Violator wore me down and became my fav until SOFAD. My copy of Music For The Masses is the only album I have that is signed by all 4 members. Had to queue for awhile outside HMV in Oxford Street London when it was released but it was worth it.
You should make "Piano For The Masses" and release it as a tribute album.
I find MFTM a bit of an interim album, between the more pure electronic Daniel Miller/Gareth Jones period and the more Alan Wilder dominated Wilder/Flood period, with Alan dominating the creation of the soundscapes.
Another brilliant video, Vaughn.
Hey, great start-off to this album review, Vaughn!
My question for Dave Bascombe is: Do you recall if it was a collaborative effort for the albums sound design or did one member take lead on each song like the Beatles would do? i.e. Martin maybe programmed synths on "The Things You Said", Alan did synth programming on "Never Let Me Down Again"? Or was it a team sport where Martin, Alan and Fletch worked together to come up with sounds and atmosphere? Or did Martin present the demos and Alan transcribed them?
OMG another DM video 👏👏👏👍 Smash that like button. 👍
Great first episode!
Would be interesting to learn more about the general atmosphere surrounding the recording, as little has been said about the making the of album. Creative friction and intrigues are naturally more interesting 😉😝
I think this is their best album .
Every album is great, but my favorites are Ultra and Exciter. However, it was their albums from the 80's that made me fall in love with them.
The more I listen to this album the more it creeps in as my 2nd favorite DM album of all time. I absolutely love it. It feels GRAND to me.
Thank you for your in depth, Sir. Music For The Masses has a big sound with cleaner vocals. It is less metallic and has less bashing/smashing/breaking samples.
Some very strong songs in this album. -Andy Ry Denmark.
Never Let Me Down Again is my favourite DM track of all time.
Never let me down again. Omg, what an amazing overture for the best DM album ever.
Thank you for your lovely videos about DM!
If I’m correct, Alan said the blow/breathing sound in the song was just a sample of Marts Harmonium playing no sound. Just a simple push and pull.
I love that remix of NLMDA at the beginning. It's obvious part Split mix, but it makes me also think of the 101 version(still Split Mix) and the ONIP version.
Anyway...I also like the segues/transitions between the songs on MFTM, the best of all their albums with Black Celebration probably next.
This is their best album. ✌️
MFTM is quite possibly the greatest piece of music ever made. That's how much I love it.
Please ask Dave questions about synths and sounds used for each song. Basslines, synth lines, melodies, drum samples and sequencing. Deep and detailed as possible. Cheers VG!
Amazing album, beautiful songs. Epic DM.
I was hoping to watch a detailed breakdown as you did for Black Celebration. Nonetheless, thank you for doing this! This is one of my favorite DM albums. Strange Love is one of my favorite DM songs. It just stuck in my head for days.
Ask Dave : Alan wanted Sonate No. 14 on the album..... Alan was and is the musical genius behind DM.
I remember the song “Nothing” coming out on the show : Booker!
Love the album love the video and I agree bring back the Melody mowed the last three albums I don’t even listen to love the early mode
I liked "My Angel"! Very melodic and atmospheric!
Cheers my friend !! VG :-)
Great Rerview as usual! Please ask Dave how who cam came up with the intro for Never Let me down again
Awesome video, questions would be did he enjoy working with Alan on production level?. Was he a DM fan before working with them?
If given the opportunity would he loved to work with them again?
Also what did Fletch do in the studio?
That intro!!!!! 🤩 The Info,geekiness,singing,passion and chickens! 🤩 🙏I do forgive you for the Susan Boyle incident.
My first vinyl 👍Behind the wheel - highlight of this album !!
Music for the Masses is definitely up there for me as one of my favorites of theirs - as well as A Broken Frame (the first album of theirs I heard - bought it b/c of the cover art, having not heard any of their music previously), Black Celebration and their later album that I love, Ultra. I can't place exactly why, but Songs of Faith and Devotion is one that I just never could connect with or get into. And I love their darker and more melancholy music (obviously with Ultra), but that album just never clicked for me.
Listening to you play those on piano - I do wonder (and I think its possible you may have said so) if the songs weren't written originally on piano and then reworked with the synths b/c they work so well with just the piano alone.
The interplay with the vocals you're talking about kind of reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel - with Garfunkel having the higher voice like Gore, used to accentuate Paul Simon's voice and to add an atmospheric harmonic quality to many of the songs. Simon's voice isn't as deep as Gahan's, but it plays the same role in many cases. I have no idea if there was any influence on DM from them - though I'm sure there were plenty of other singing duos that did similar things that maybe DM would have been closer to and more directly influenced by.
Excellent first video (of this review), I'll have to go on and watch the rest. Unfortunately I'm catching this a bit after you originally released it (in mid August) and so I can't participate in the discussion, but still cool to hear.
Yes!
Superb review part 1 - still a superb album with the greatest opening Never let me down again which then seagues into The Things you said......Nothing, I want you now, Little 15 and Behind the wheel, all electronic synth wonderpieces..Still my joint 2nd fave dm album after Violator still my all time fave album....
Hey Vaughn, thank you for your detail rich videos, always a pleasure to watch your Album Reviews!
My question for Dave Bascombe:
'To Have And To Hold' for me is one of DM's darkest songs and i really like that but Martin's Original Demo (the Spanish Taster Version) sounds completely different to me. I would really like to know how the process shaping this song to it's really sinister LP-version was.
Greetings from Germany!
Sir Eyeball thank you my friend 😎👍🎹
it's true, Music for the Masses is my favorite DM album ever. Next is A Broken Frame then Vio. btw we never heard of David Bascombe ever again
I love the Vaughty remix of NLMDA!
Michael Eaton have you a link please Michael or can you put it on the group please?
@@andrewsly3183 I don't have a link. It was the closing song to the video's ending.
Michael Eaton no problem thanks mate
Hi Vaughn, great episode and fantastic rendition music!
My question(s) are 1. Which track was most problematic (technically), and secondly easiest to finish.
2. What outboard synth is your favourite of all time.
3. Would you personally have liked to have done another album with Depeche Mode.
Can't wait for the interview, donation made.
When you mentioned Tears for Fears, it totally made sense. I always wondered how they come up with Never Let Me Down Again sound, and the overall epic sound of Music for the Masses. I am not saying they copied anything, but that NLMDA theme seemed so different than anything they had done before, in my short familiarity with them. I had all their vinyls whether album or extended mix) up to Violator. My father accidentally gave away a lot of them with his record collection : (
I discovered this album in 1987. A friend of mine hated the sound and the style of it. Personally I was 16 years old. The first listening was a shock. The sound was dry, cold at the same time powerful and deep. If I remember correctly, it was the first completely digital recording to be asked to Dave. I then completely immersed myself in the universe, the harmonies and the dark side of it an offbeat side compared to the standards of this era. Dave's voice also made me realize that you don't have to be a castrato to be a singer lol. The "Never let me down again" remix you use as background is great where can I find it or download it. For me, this album is the DM discovery, but not my favorite but if some songs are always timeless such as : Never let me down again - Behind the wheel - To have and to hold - Strange love - Little 15
cheers from colombia! i love your content
Been looking forward to this one! This was the first Depeche Mode album I bought having heard Never Let Me Down Again on the radio. As you say, it definitely has a more open feel than Black Celebration, which was the next album I bought and found harder to get into initially, but now I would say is also great. I think Music for the Masses is maybe a bit more melodic, with simpler beats? Definitely more commercial sounding and radio friendly and none the worse for that. The run from Some Great Reward to Violater really is extraordinarily good. Sadly in the 2000s the sound has evolved so much that they’ve lost me a bit, although there are still great moments of course (like Precious and Wrong), just fewer of them.
Now we are talking. This album was a game changer for me. Actually when I first heard it in 1987 it felt like a let down after Black Celebration. Then I kept playing it over and over and the genius sunk in. So much so that I have a vinyl copy of that album signed by all 4 members. To Have it to Hold is the darkest thing ever and I’m glad Alan’s version made Side B and not the Spanish Taster. Amazing album.
Favourites List consists of;
4 - Black Celebration
3 - Music for the Masses
2 - Violator
1 - Songs of Faith & Devotion
Another great insightful video Vaughn! Keep them coming!
You are right... its a more flat sound, and as an example, I like to add bass to songs like BTW, SL, the things... etc