I hope you guys enjoy this, the final part of the "Music for the Masses" album review!! Be sure to watch the previous episodes by clinking on the links in the description area above!! Cheers and thank you for your support as always !! VG :-)
Ever notice how the last track on an album builds a theme for the next album? Blasphemous rumors : moody pads fortold Black Celebration, New Dress : punchy synth added to MFTM, Pleasure Little Treasure : more rock guitar for Violator, Clean : bluesy gospel for SOFAD
I believe most of US are looking forward to a GREAT❤ Review of VIOLATOR! Which in my humble opinión's THE BEST ALBUM EVER BY DEPECHE MODE... Sorry for those who don't Agree with Me... Well, each one's Free to choose or prefer any Album, that's called Freedom & Liberty of Expression...
The Russian text is: Социально психологические проблемы гонки вооружений. В докладах рассматривается эволюция ядерных арсеналов и социально психологические проблемы гонки вооружений Which means something like. Socio-psychological problems of the arms race. The reports describe (or according to the reports) the evolution of nuclear arsenals and the socio-psychological problems of the arms race. Looks the the 1st sentence is a second part of the second one, so they are looped. The voice of the man who reads it, I'm not sure as I was a kid, but I had heard it on the Soviet TV back in the beginning of 80's, and that voice belongs to the famous Soviet talking head, cannot recall his name. The serious looking man, always in glasses, never smiling :)
""В докладах рассматривается эволюция ядерных арсеналов и социально-психологические проблемы гонки вооружений" this is the exact phrase from To Have And To Hold. And the google translation is pretty good = 'The reports examine the evolution of nuclear arsenals and the socio-psychological problems of the arms race' I remember I was pretty shocked when I first heard it. Btw another shock was when I later saw video for Stripped where they are smashing soviet car - it was GAS-24 Volga
Bring back the cold war...dark coats, international settings, cool border crossings with peak capped jack booted thugs, us and them, interesting ideologies...those were the days!!@
This is a bittersweet moment. Loved this series on Music for the Masses - really enjoyed your takes on the tracks and the interview with Dave Bascombe. Sad thing is, there is no more! All good things, as they say.... My take on your questions : 1.) The Things You Said 2.) To Have and to Hold; I may be in the minority, but the Spanish Taster almost feels childish - like a perverse lullaby. It’s pleasant enough, but Alan’s take on it turns it from just another track into something stand-out. 3.) Never Let Me Down Again, mostly because of it’s prevalence in live sets. I love it all the same. 4.) To Have and to Hold; it’s the sheer audacity. It sits in the corner, almost challenging you to listen to it, then rewards you with textures, soundscapes and most of all depth. You almost feel like you’re at a confessional and can touch the repentance in Dave’s vocal. For me this is the track that symbolises the shift from Depeche Mode’s first to second acts. It’s the moment that the album Violator in the form we know and love becomes possible, when demos truly are demos. 5.) I’d go with 9 out of ten and what a way to start their trilogy of great albums. Thank you for this series Vaughn, your passion and love for the subject comes out in bucketloads!
The album version of I want you now is brilliant but the version played on the Devotional tour is just amazing. Alan really took that song to a different level adding the 'Recoil' vibe to it
All of those songs that AW reworked for Devotional tour really highlited just how much better future DM songs from Ultra etc would have sounded had Alan stayed.. it was just getting better and better and then it was over..
The album version of "To Have And To Hold" has no chords according to the MFTM sheet music book which I have. It's just C Bass, D Bass, F Bass and Ab Bass. The Spanish Taster chords are Cm, D Major (the high F sharp in the melody gives the chord away - another borrowed chord/Gore-ism in play), followed by F and Ab. The radio sample translates to "The report examines the evolution of nuclear arsenals and socio-psychological problems of the arms race" as indicated on the dm live wiki :)
Hmm. I always liked Sacred, one of my most favorite songs of the album. And it's this way from first time heard it until now. I like the transition from Strangelove to Sacred too.
Absolutely incredible review series. All 6 parts were so wonderful and fascinating. I’m also so grateful that you (Vaughn) got to interview DB before all this Covid and social distancing crap came full force otherwise we may have not had an interview with the legendary producer/ mixer. Cheers to being Grateful. :)
Thanks for your work and passion you put into your videos. Ok, to the questions. 1. i want you now, 2. to have and to hold, 3. behind the wheel, 4. strangelove, 5. 9/10. keep up the good work. Stay safe.
1. (Lose) Sacred 2. (Radical) Pimpf 3. (Listened to the most) Strangelove 4. (Favorite) Behind The Wheel 5. (My Rating) 9/10 Btw, love the piano improvisations!
18:06 the sample from the beginning of To Have And To Hold in Russian literally means: "In reports are reviewed the evolution of nuclear arsenals and social-psychological problems of the arms race". It seems to be actually taken from USSR radio or TV program.
What's interesting the russian phase from "To Have And To Hold" can be found on the Mark Morgan's soundtrack to the "Fallout", a post nuclear role playing computer game, released in 1997. You can hear it in the "Vault of the Future" track (it can be found on TH-cam in many places). Wonder if it was sampled from Depeche Mode or some other source.
I like both versions. 18:28 is that the same sound we hear on the intro of Mercy In you with a kind of a Ping Pong reverb added to it? 1. Sacred 2. Pimpf 3. Behind the Wheel 4. Never Let Me Down Again 5. 8/10
Incredible to hear you play those tracks on the piano! It brings so much nostalgia and deepness and they are just perfect this way! Thank you again Mr VG for showing us another way to approach this perfect lp.It's a 9.8 for me and nothing and I want you now are the best ones in there.Sorry but none of the tracks is to throw away.
Hey Vaughn good review. 1. Song to lose would Little 15 2. Most Radical Pimpf 3. My favourite, Nothing 4.The one I’ve listened over the years is The Things You Said. 5. 8 out of 10
I agree with you 100% with your review and your 5 question answers. Just watched it in the back garden with tea and biscuits, great work Vaughan, thank you 👊
1. I Want You Now 2. To have And To Hold 3. Never Let Me Down Again 4. Never Let Me Down Again 5. 10/10 easily my favourite DM album and the single biggest influence on my.music.
Excellent work on the album review, can’t wait for violator. 1. Lose - To have and to hold (Would make it a b-side and pull into the album pleasure little treasure) 2. Radical - Pimpf 3. Most heard - Behind the wheel 4. Favorite today - The things you said 5. Rate - 10/10
Another great video, thank you. As for "To Have and To Hold", isn't demo 3/4 and album 4/4? (I'm playing them just in my head now...) Lose: Nothing (too repetitive and same from start to finish). Radical: PIMPF. Most heard: Never Let Me Down Again (btw "Again" was added because of David Bowie album I heard). Favourite today: Sacred (because it's great and doesn't deserve to be left out in any case). Rate: 8/10, a bit too "poppy" or not enough "edge" if you understand (edit: it's "for the masses" you see, haha).
Thanks, Vaughn, the MFTM album review series was a truly great adventure. And now for the questions. 1. None, it is perfect as it is. But if I really really had to, it would be I Want You Now. 2. To Have and to Hold 3. NLMDA 4. Behind the Wheel 5. 10/10
Thanks Vaughn, another great dig in deep to DM. Cant agree more, "Nothing" is really an underappreciated track. I prefer the 101 version though, its just something about it, cant describe it, it is fantastic! And "Pimpf"...say no more...its beyond. 1. To have and to hold 2. Little 15 3. Never let me down again 4. Behind the wheel 5. 9
Thanks-Great final review Vaughn. Loved the synths on Nothing! 1.Song to lose -Scared 2.Radical-Little 15 because of how different the style is 3.listen to most-The Things You Said 4.Nothing-fantastic track because of it’s 101 energy 5. 8 out of 10 for the Album & finally still not in the credits?
I always remember the first time I heard "Never let me down again" (August 1987), the hairs stand on end even now when I hear the beginning of that track . I like the Album version of "To have and to hold" , very dark and atmospheric. Just my opinion. PM
1. Sacred -- could never really pin down what's wrong with it myself, but I think you're right that there's mix that would do the track more favors 2. Pimpf - Never heard anything quite like it 3. NLMDA 4. NLMDA - It's just something I never get tired of. Everything about it is perfection -- I have trouble landing on my favorite DM song, but if this isn't it, it's at least top 5. 5. I don't feel like there are very many perfect 10 albums... this is so close. 9.5/10 feels right.
Don't know if it can be defined as THE Darkest one, but surely one of the most Dark. All the songs on SOFAD, except Condemnation and Judas, that are Gospel, are really Dark/Goth Rock. Black Celebration, Music for the Masses, Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion and Ultra are FUCKING MILESTONES!
Dave Bascombe was absolutely right, Pimpf was effing amazing live - it was spine tingling, and a little chilling. I have never seen another moment like it from any live act. 1., Pimpf, although I have fallen out of love with Strangelove of late. 2. To Have and Hold 3. Nothing or Never Let Me Down Again 4. Nothing might be one of Top 10 DM songs. As the years pass, the more I keep going back to it. 5. 10/10. It's my favorite DM album.
My 5. Song to lose? I guess it would have to be “I Want You Now.” Maybe the perverted panting just doesn’t do it for me. Lol. Most Radical? Agree with Vaughn. “To Have and To Hold. “ that weird Russian Speak and moody sound makes for something quite political feeling. Most Listened to? Definitely Agent Orange. It is my Alarm wake up. I love waking up to that track. What a beauty. Favourite Track- Never Let Me Down Again. It is the ultimate anthemic DM song. Nuff said. Out Of 10? - 9.9. Lol. Just kidding. 10. 👽 This is my Favourite DM album. It is a monster sonically.
They know my weaknesses, I never tried to hide them. They know my weaknesses, I never denied them! Gold!! Pure gold, something you don't hear these days from anybody!🔊🎤🎹🎸
1) To Have And To Hold 2) I Want You Now 3) Never Let Me Down Again 4) The Things You Said 5) 8/10 Watched the whole series in a day or two, didn’t notice how the time passed, thanks!
We can’t be thankful enough to you Vaughn for doing what you do. Once again, thank you for the whole MFTM review series, especially for the brilliant David Bascombe interview. (I am personally grateful to you for asking my question from Mr. Bascombe about the epic/filmic choir sound in NLMDA.) I’d like to share some of my thoughts on Pimpf with you guys. It might sound a bit weird, but ever since it occured to me, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Anyway, we have discussed the meaning of the word ’Pimpf’ earlier, but I don’t think it is common knowledge among the fans. So the word ’Pimpf’ (to be precise ’Pimpfe’) was the nickname for the youngest members of the Hitler Youth organization in Nazi Germany. Also, there was a Nazi magazine for boys called „Der Pimpf”. I wonder if any of this was in Martin’s head when he was composing the song, but it obviously has a very strange, odd, I’d say almost scary atmosphere (especially towards the end). Now, there’s a song that reminds me of DM’s 'Pimpf' in terms of its structure and feeling. It’s called ’Tomorrow belongs to me’ and it’s from the musical ’Cabaret’. (You can watch and listen to it here: th-cam.com/video/SDuHXTG3uyY/w-d-xo.html ) Just like ’Pimpf’, it starts with a very simple melody (although unlike ’Pimpf’, it’s a nice one, nothing sinister about it at first) sung by a young (Nazi) man. But then, as it builds and more people start to sing along with the Nazi guy and with the orchestral instruments joining in they make it more and more intensive and the lovely and mostly repetitive melody starts to become menacing. By the time we get to the end of the song, it has turned absolutely bizarre and mad. So has DM’s ’Pimpf’, which also starts with a very simple piano melody, and then with each part more and more is added to it. By the end everything is thrown in including the kitchen sink (as Vaughn /Alan put it). :) So both songs turns into complete madness by the very end, which to me sort of symbolizes the craziness of the Nazi ideology. (Or any other fanatic ideology.) By the way, during the MFTM Tour, they used those huge red banners with the megaphone symbol in a white box in the center, very similar to the Nazi ones with the symbol of Swastika.
My responses... 1. Sacred - very much for the same reasons you've stated; it's a good song, but I've always felt that it was lackluster and didn't offer much new... not necessarily filler, but really doesn't stand out in terms of production, melody, lyric, and ends up diminishing the album only slightly. 2. PIMPF - for some reason, "To Have and to Hold" did not strike me as radical, even for DM at that time; perhaps by the time I listened to this album, I was very used to Recoil and was recognizing the band's great incorporation of dark ambience and strange atmospheres, so it felt more like a logical progression to me. Whereas "PIMPF" is just... strange, epic, bombastic, a bit pompous, and really a brilliantly offbeat end to the album. 3. Behind the Wheel - I do prefer the album version over the single version, and for that, I've tended to listen to this one the most; as well, the simplicity but effectiveness of the guitar tones, and the vocal harmonization... always worth studying and good for the ears. 4. Nothing - I do just love this song... the straightforward but pulsating bass line, the layers of vocal harmonies, the subtle mechanical sounds mixed with those lush synth tones, the catchiness of the "chorus"... it's definitely my favorite on MFTM. 5. 8.5/10 - Great album, but I think I find greater cohesion and strength in songwriting, production, and experimentation in some of the other albums. Great channel, sir. Cheers!
1. I Want You Now. I've always thought this song was awkward and strange. Most DM albums have one song that I feel this way about, and it's almost always a weird Martin Gore ballad. I kind of wish he'd quit doing them, because they've only gotten worse over time. 2. I kind of agree that To Have And To Hold may be the most radical. It really doesn't sound anything at all like a pop song. 3. Probably Strangelove, since I heard it as a single before I had the album. But Behind the Wheel and Never Let Me Down Again are close to it. 4. That's a little tough, but I'm going with Never Let Me Down Again, which I think is one of the better and most iconic tracks of the band's entire ouevre. 5. 10/10. My favorite DM album by far, and probably my favorite single album by any artist ever.
Hi Vaughn! Being a fan of DM since early 90th, I've been watching your DM focused videos for some time now, thanks for sharing your thoughts opinion, always interesting! (though I not always agreed, but that's normal). I wonder what would you say about 'Playing the Angel" album? I think it differs so much from other releases, in a good sense! To me, it sounds more mature, harder and pure in emotions and even more electronic and more polyphonic when compared to earlier albums; whereas it's imho the last (to date, H2 2020) truly techno drive from DM, since the subsequent (more recent) releases sound much 'weaker' in both musical and emotional meaning. If you agree with me in a way, what do you think is the reason for that - that Playing the Angel album is so outstanding among others?
Incredible work - can't wait for the Violator series. My answers: 1. Nothing 2. Pimpf 3. Straneglove 4. Never let me down again 5. 9/10 (Violator 10/10 and SOFAD 9.5/10)
And to answer your questions: 1. it's either The Things You Said or Sacred - those are the tracks most skipped by me. 2. Little 15 is probably the most radical to me. 3. Without a doubt Never Let me Down Again, Strangelove on a close second. 4. Like you said it's hard to chose a favourite, but I have always been partial to Nothing, Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove and To Have And To Hold. 5. Again, I think I line up very much with your rating, it's close to being a perfect album. 9.5
Q1 : Sacred / Q2 : To have and to hold / Q3: Behind the wheel / Q4 : Never let me down again / 8 out of 10 . At the time of its release the CD sound was very dry and not very powerful, and the bonus track on the CD disadvantage the album balance. Congratulations for your work you are a real passionate.
1 ) Have and to hold (sorry but the more Recoil one) 2) Pimpf 3) Behind the Wheel. Ever since the first time I ever played music live, due to the 101 Soundcheck moment, it's become a wierd good luck charm to listen to before a gig. 4) Never let me down/Behind the Wheel (first is amazing and anthemic. 2nd is quintessentially DM's layered style with layered lyrical meaning and the looping chords. I think I have listened to it way more than most so it would normally be #1 5) 8.5/10 Cheers Vaughn! 😊
Song to lose: To Have and to Hold Most radical: Pimpf Most listened: Strnagelove Favourite track today: Strangelove, but first song I remember from this album is Nothing ( this song sets the mood of the whole album) Rate: 8,5 - it’s first Depeche album from their “imperial phase” (87-01) where are every album had their own music theme(American flavour, house and techno, alternative rock, trip hop, minimal electronic)unique sound, huge hits on each of them, and all this album sounds fresh (can’t say that about their later works)
1) For me, the track I would drop if I had to would be Sacred. I think its a great song but I wonder what it would have sounded like if it had ended up on Songs of Faith and Devotion instead. 2) Gotta go with Pimpf. For the time it was released it was pretty out there as far as music goes. 3) It's a tie with Never Let Me Down Again and Behind the Wheel. 4) Lately, my favourite track is Never Let Me Down Again. That guitar riff just knocks it out the park for me every time. 5) I would give it a 10 out of 10. It's an epic album that has stood the test of time.
Yeah, Emax with Depeche Mode sounds. Love it. Thank you for these stories and comparisons to other songs and to demos. After this I can appreciate Pimpf a lot more. -Andy Ry Denmark.
I was really looking forward to the last episode as Nothing is one of my all time favorites. 😃 very interesting the story of Pimpf. My five choices: I would probably lose Sacred, not that I don’t like that song, but just because I have to pick one. 😁 For me Pimpf is the most radical track on the album because of the non-lyrics lyrics and the opera like melody. The most listened track is Never let me and my favorite is Nothing. Rating: 9
For us to have this record in south-africa in 1987 / 1988 was miracle. the south-africa version don't have "agent orange" - it was only viable on the import lp. like bronski beat - hit the beat lp. i brought my lp from moola's music and clothing in the carton centre golden walkline. in johannesburg 1988.
Loved these series!!! I know it’s a long way to go but I hope you’ll do videos on Ultra and the song Useless specifically. I’ve seen fan opinions that lyrics to that song are somewhat aimed at Alan/inspired by his departure, it being an angry song about arguments and “it’s about time you made up your mind”. I’m not sure I 100% agree with that but I’d like to see your opinion on it, as you are number one Alan fan. :D
Oh, MFTM is another real masterpiece by Depeche Mode❣️♥️ 🧡🧡🧡🔊 I wouldn’t take any song from it away, but if I must choose one, I’d choose ”To Have And To Hold”. The most radical song for me is ”Pimpf”. (”I Want You Now” is pretty close though 😊) I have listened to all of the songs a lot of course, but ”Behind The Wheel”, ”Little15”, ”Pimpf” and ”Stjarna” would be the most listened to... It’s also VERY hard to choose only one song which I like the most... I’ll say ”Pimpf” (and ”Stjarna” from the b-side) ”Stjarna” is a STUNNINGLY beautiful song, I used to even call it the most beautiful song ever in this planet❣️❣️❣️ And I still do. 🥺 The grade is pure 10/10❣️🦋 🥰
1. Sacred is definitely kind of filler, but still not a bad song 2. Not sure if it's To have and to hold or Nothing, both are very radical and special to me 3. Never let me down again (and there is no time enough left in my life to change it ever) 4.To have and to hold (check out also Deftones cover, you might get idea why) 5. For me is the biggest masterpiece Black celebration, so the 9,5 is very accurate ......great job Vaughn, I'm looking forward to see your deep analysis of Violator!
@@VaughnGeorge I think he may be talking about the very end of Pimpf that comes in after about 30 seconds of silence. According to the Wikipedia entry for the album: 10. "Pimpf" (includes a hidden track "Interlude #1 - (Mission Impossible)", starting at 4:18)
Massive review , Depeche Mode was huge worldwide by MFM time but not like, say Duran Duran or U2 , but broke America in the 90s , the spectacular popularity in the late 80s was in California only. You could enter a club in South America ( Arg, or Braz) and Strangelove was on, and the video rotating and everybody knew who DM was, but mega success came with Violator, remember by 1990 all was Guns n Roses n hard rock was saying byebye to 80s pop, all became 70s revival and blues and the grunge in 92 took all by assault, 80s pop was like gone, when we heard Personal Jesus we thought they wanted to jump train of rock guitars, 'I feel you' was kinda grungeish to please americans , cause they like more rock than pop. Great Band , great review !
It was my first contact with DM when i was young. With this Album i had a sound for what i feel inside. Before i cant explain my inner feelings.Thats it ;) hoooooo heeeeeee
Vaughn great review I feel Agent Orange and Nothing two of the most underrated DM songs in their catalogue. Just a point of discussion with reference to I Want You Now that section where they had the models singing ‘oooh ahhh’ have very similar undertones to the Fleetwood Mac song Big Love which came out around the same period. It’s uncanny! Duran Duran’s All She Wants Is also has elements of the ‘ooh ahh’ but not as obvious as the Fleetwood Mac song. What are your thoughts?
A fantastic finale to this series! I would lose 'I Want You Now', as much as I like it, those accordion breathing noises freak me out a bit. Most radical track - 'To Have and To Hold' - interesting to say it has a Recoil sound as this was before that really dark atmospheric sound became characteristic of Recoil. Most listened to - 'Never Let Me Down Again'. Favourite song now - 'Nothing', it kind of sums up my state of mind. I would rate the album 9/10.
1. I always skip “Little 15” as it breaks the flow of the album for me and I would prefer to see it as great B-side. And yes I would prefer “Agent orange” to “PIMPH” 2. “To have and to hold” 3. “Never let me down again” (use it as my personal pray) 4. “Strange love” 5. 9/10
thank you for this great review, regarsing the Radio audio with the guy speaking in what at that tim I asume was strange language, they only think i could understan whas the word "problema" at least it sound like that )
Regarding questions 1-5 I have to agree with you 100% Vaughn. But the LP version of Behind the Wheel also really stands out. I love the LP version but I absoluteley hate the 7 inch dance version. I was 11 years old at that time and I hated all of that upcoming poppy, stupid, acid house sound. Grewing up as a kid with Speak & Spell and A Broken Frame I always thought that this acid sound doesn‘t fit DM very well. But I think it was at that time already when they learned how to reach a more commercial orientated audience.
@@d10srelish40 SOFAD 9/10 ULTRA 9.5/10 EXCITER 5.5/10 PTA 6.5/10 SOTU 4/10 DELTA MACHINE 6.5/10 SPIRIT 3.5/10 P.S. I was one of the biggest DM fan around... I was, not after 1998
Lose A Track - I Want You Now (I love it but if I had to lose any, probably this) Radical Track - Pimpf (So "German" and brooding) Most Listened - Never Let Me Down Again (With all the live performances they over do) Favourite Track - To Have And To Hold (Kinda post-punk with how eerie and dark it is, I love it) Rating: 7/10 (not a bad album at all but when I go back to it it's too anthem sounding for me, as in for me it feels like a lot of the songs were made for live performances over the album itself which is probably not true but to me that's how it feel, I prefer to every album before it but this is still my 7th favourite DM record I think)
Also just wanted to say that Nothings "human" sounding melody reminded me of one of the melodies in Blasphemous Rumours, both quite religious lyrically too!
You were asking subscribers whether they could translate the Russian radio sample at the beginning of To Have And To Hold but it would be interesting to see if anyone out there knows how to decipher morse code and let us know what the morse code is at the end of Agent Orange!!
I was dying to recieve Part 6!!! No battery! Haha, just have to wait a while...Comment later, just 1% OHH!!! I must tell you I've been reviewing the whole lot of MFTM & All your Vids! So Excited & Enjoying everything... Can't continue...
Wow I love how you tied World Full of Nothing to I Want You Now! MLG always chooses the right songs for himself. 1. Can’t imagine losing any of the songs-too tied into memory. Not a fan of Nothing, really, but it’s integral to the album so it can’t go! 2. Radical: Agent Orange-That was not anything I’d really expected them to do (as a still newish fan), so when I heard it, it seemed like a departure. On reflection it’s VERY them, but as a teenager it was radical! And not in the California way, LOL (EDIT: Well, I always get this confused as I had the tape and that included Agent Orange, so... Pimpf) 3. Most Listened: NLMDA 4. Favorite: Eesh! Sacred, just to be different, as it’s one I put on in the car and have the most fun singing along to. But Never Let Me Down Again is really up there as I think it is Peak Depeche Mode. 5. Rating: 9/10 to leave room for Violator! :) Thanks for a great series! This isn’t the first DM album I heard, but it’s the first I heard NEW, and so it occupies a special place for me. Can’t wait for Violator!
Lose: Little 15 (I hate the ending) Radical: Pimpf (radical title, too) Most heard: Sacred (this album's best song for Dave's voice) Favourite today: Sacred (yes, I'm still a Dave fan) Rate: 9/10 This was my first DM album I bought on CD (probably when most people have switched to CD format). I'd noticed that CD albums tend to have the strongest song (hit single) on track 1. Maybe that's why radical songs/less commercial songs are put on track 6 onwards.
You're right about Sacred (it just started as I write this). It's a great showcase for Dave's voice (with great background vocals by Martin). It also has a great lyrical persona from Martin. He's singing from the perspective of a devout believer. But we know he's not one at least when it comes to religion. So what does he believe in? Love? The act of writing? It's not particularly radical musically but it's good rock n roll.
Just watched it, excellent viewing, thank you. The five questions... 1. Lose - All The Things You Said ... it's just a bit "meh" to me. 2. Most radical - Pimpf ... very clever and the perfect concert intro. 3. Most listened to - Never Let Me Down Again ... anthemic, "lets see those arms" ...! 4. Favourite - Behind The Wheel ... just fabulous, so much going on but still "neat and tidy". Shame they completely butchered it for the single version though. 5. Scores on the doors 9 out of 10.
I always thought (and still do) it was such a shame that on the 101 album they reduced Pimpf to the last 55 seconds! It’s like having an incredibly exciting book or movie with a good buildup and you can only read the last 2 chapters or watch act 3 🤷🏻♂️ Why?!
Lose: To Have And To Hold Radical: To Have And To Hold :) Listened the Most: Behind The Wheel (favourite DM song ever...) Favourite: Behind The Wheel :) Rating: 9/10
The album got released when i was in the military and i lost interest in the band and they were off my radar ( Note that i loved them since "Speak & Spell and saw them live in 1982). So as i was a soldier boy, i got the album as a CD in my hands and it suddenly turned to a soundtrack to my military excersizes. Nothing could have been better - God "Agent Orange" was so gloomy and fitting!! I did`nt recognize the band again as they progressed to an entire different sound! "Things you said" was one of these songs that tore my heart apart losing a love affair.... And PIMPF... God this is almost religious - It was said the band was into one of my favorite movies "KOYAANISQATSI" from 1980 and Martin got inspired by the loopy orchestration .. If you listen close, you might find some similarities... Lose: Pleasure little treasure Radical: Pimpf Most played: Never let me down again Fav: I want you now & Nothing Rating: 9/10
I hope you guys enjoy this, the final part of the "Music for the Masses" album review!! Be sure to watch the previous episodes by clinking on the links in the description area above!! Cheers and thank you for your support as always !! VG :-)
Can't wait for Violator review!!
Exciter
Ever notice how the last track on an album builds a theme for the next album? Blasphemous rumors : moody pads fortold Black Celebration, New Dress : punchy synth added to MFTM,
Pleasure Little Treasure : more rock guitar for Violator, Clean : bluesy gospel for SOFAD
@@gloraditch6915 However Pimpf was the last track on the original release. And Violator is nothing like it.
I believe most of US are looking forward to a GREAT❤ Review of VIOLATOR! Which in my humble opinión's THE BEST ALBUM EVER BY DEPECHE MODE... Sorry for those who don't Agree with Me... Well, each one's Free to choose or prefer any Album, that's called Freedom & Liberty of Expression...
The Russian text is:
Социально психологические проблемы гонки вооружений.
В докладах рассматривается эволюция ядерных арсеналов и социально психологические проблемы гонки вооружений
Which means something like.
Socio-psychological problems of the arms race.
The reports describe (or according to the reports) the evolution of nuclear arsenals and the socio-psychological problems of the arms race.
Looks the the 1st sentence is a second part of the second one, so they are looped.
The voice of the man who reads it, I'm not sure as I was a kid, but I had heard it on the Soviet TV back in the beginning of 80's, and that voice belongs to the famous Soviet talking head, cannot recall his name. The serious looking man, always in glasses, never smiling :)
""В докладах рассматривается эволюция ядерных арсеналов и социально-психологические проблемы гонки вооружений" this is the exact phrase from To Have And To Hold. And the google translation is pretty good = 'The reports examine the evolution of nuclear arsenals and the socio-psychological problems of the arms race'
I remember I was pretty shocked when I first heard it.
Btw another shock was when I later saw video for Stripped where they are smashing soviet car - it was GAS-24 Volga
always thought that was Dave's Porsche 911 ?
They must of had a job, those soviet cars were built like tanks.
Bring back the cold war...dark coats, international settings, cool border crossings with peak capped jack booted thugs, us and them, interesting ideologies...those were the days!!@
@@niallmcdonagh1093 have you seen the series The Americans set in the 80's it's a must see
This is a bittersweet moment. Loved this series on Music for the Masses - really enjoyed your takes on the tracks and the interview with Dave Bascombe. Sad thing is, there is no more! All good things, as they say....
My take on your questions :
1.) The Things You Said
2.) To Have and to Hold; I may be in the minority, but the Spanish Taster almost feels childish - like a perverse lullaby. It’s pleasant enough, but Alan’s take on it turns it from just another track into something stand-out.
3.) Never Let Me Down Again, mostly because of it’s prevalence in live sets. I love it all the same.
4.) To Have and to Hold; it’s the sheer audacity. It sits in the corner, almost challenging you to listen to it, then rewards you with textures, soundscapes and most of all depth. You almost feel like you’re at a confessional and can touch the repentance in Dave’s vocal. For me this is the track that symbolises the shift from Depeche Mode’s first to second acts. It’s the moment that the album Violator in the form we know and love becomes possible, when demos truly are demos.
5.) I’d go with 9 out of ten and what a way to start their trilogy of great albums.
Thank you for this series Vaughn, your passion and love for the subject comes out in bucketloads!
The album version of I want you now is brilliant but the version played on the Devotional tour is just amazing. Alan really took that song to a different level adding the 'Recoil' vibe to it
All of those songs that AW reworked for Devotional tour really highlited just how much better future DM songs from Ultra etc would have sounded had Alan stayed.. it was just getting better and better and then it was over..
1. none
2. To have and to hold
3. Strangelove
4. Sacred
5. 10/10. For me, their first masterpiece.
The album version of "To Have And To Hold" has no chords according to the MFTM sheet music book which I have. It's just C Bass, D Bass, F Bass and Ab Bass. The Spanish Taster chords are Cm, D Major (the high F sharp in the melody gives the chord away - another borrowed chord/Gore-ism in play), followed by F and Ab.
The radio sample translates to "The report examines the evolution of nuclear arsenals and socio-psychological problems of the arms race" as indicated on the dm live wiki :)
Cheers Gary !! I always appreciate your input!! VG :-)
Hmm.
I always liked Sacred, one of my most favorite songs of the album.
And it's this way from first time heard it until now.
I like the transition from Strangelove to Sacred too.
Absolutely.
This series is your masterpiece up til now, very well done and beautiful piano renditions!
Absolutely incredible review series. All 6 parts were so wonderful and fascinating. I’m also so grateful that you (Vaughn) got to interview DB before all this Covid and social distancing crap came full force otherwise we may have not had an interview with the legendary producer/ mixer. Cheers to being Grateful. :)
This MFTM series was absolutely BRILLIANT! So educational and highly entertaining! THANK YOU!
Cheers to you and thank you Jay !! VG :-)
Im intrested how Alan created this Sound/Sample between To have and to hold and Nothing. At this time an incredible Sound
Wonderful job on this series, Vaughn - well done!
Lose: Sacred
Radical: Pimpf
Most played: Never let me down again
Fav: I want you now
Rating: 9/10
Vaughn, you play so beautifully! I could listen to you play these songs all day!
That Russian sample actually translates as "I love Fletch. He's the musical genius in the band" 😁
Best comment yet !! LOL!! VG:-)
Thanks for your work and passion you put into your videos. Ok, to the questions. 1. i want you now, 2. to have and to hold, 3. behind the wheel, 4. strangelove, 5. 9/10. keep up the good work. Stay safe.
1. (Lose) Sacred
2. (Radical) Pimpf
3. (Listened to the most) Strangelove
4. (Favorite) Behind The Wheel
5. (My Rating) 9/10
Btw, love the piano improvisations!
18:06 the sample from the beginning of To Have And To Hold in Russian literally means: "In reports are reviewed the evolution of nuclear arsenals and social-psychological problems of the arms race". It seems to be actually taken from USSR radio or TV program.
What's interesting the russian phase from "To Have And To Hold" can be found on the Mark Morgan's soundtrack to the "Fallout", a post nuclear role playing computer game, released in 1997. You can hear it in the "Vault of the Future" track (it can be found on TH-cam in many places). Wonder if it was sampled from Depeche Mode or some other source.
This is the first DM album I ever listened to. I had never heard something remotely like it. They immediately became my favourite band. Still are.
I like both versions. 18:28 is that the same sound we hear on the intro of Mercy In you with a kind of a Ping Pong reverb added to it?
1. Sacred
2. Pimpf
3. Behind the Wheel
4. Never Let Me Down Again
5. 8/10
Incredible to hear you play those tracks on the piano! It brings so much nostalgia and deepness and they are just perfect this way! Thank you again Mr VG for showing us another way to approach this perfect lp.It's a 9.8 for me and nothing and I want you now are the best ones in there.Sorry but none of the tracks is to throw away.
Epic review for a truly epic album. x
Hey Vaughn good review.
1. Song to lose would Little 15
2. Most Radical Pimpf
3. My favourite, Nothing
4.The one I’ve listened over the years is The Things You Said.
5. 8 out of 10
So sad that DM has missed to play To Have and to Hold as an tour opener. It would be better than Behind the Wheel as the opener.
I agree with you 100% with your review and your 5 question answers. Just watched it in the back garden with tea and biscuits, great work Vaughan, thank you 👊
Finally figured out your Patreon. Happy to be on board!
1. I Want You Now
2. To have And To Hold
3. Never Let Me Down Again
4. Never Let Me Down Again
5. 10/10 easily my favourite DM album and the single biggest influence on my.music.
1. To have and to hold
2. Pimpf
3. Nothing
4. Nothing
5. 9/10
Excellent work on the album review, can’t wait for violator. 1. Lose - To have and to hold (Would make it a b-side and pull into the album pleasure little treasure) 2. Radical - Pimpf 3. Most heard - Behind the wheel 4. Favorite today - The things you said 5. Rate - 10/10
Thank you Carlos !! VG :-)
Hi V really great review 6! Had a good watch earlier and enjoyed it a lot. Love the original sounds.
Glad you enjoyed it Cheer Matt!! VG :-)
When the Emax comes in you know you're up for a good video
You know it bud!! VG :-)
If only there was a way to fit it inside of a backpack 🎒
Pleasure little treasure little , gone. Most heard: Behind the wheel. Rated 9/10 album. Great work Vaughn! Looking forward to Violator. Definitely.
Another great video, thank you.
As for "To Have and To Hold", isn't demo 3/4 and album 4/4? (I'm playing them just in my head now...)
Lose: Nothing (too repetitive and same from start to finish).
Radical: PIMPF.
Most heard: Never Let Me Down Again (btw "Again" was added because of David Bowie album I heard).
Favourite today: Sacred (because it's great and doesn't deserve to be left out in any case).
Rate: 8/10, a bit too "poppy" or not enough "edge" if you understand (edit: it's "for the masses" you see, haha).
Thank you Peter!! VG :-)
Very excited that you plan to do one video per song for the Violator review. 🖤
That was a new aproach to get in contact with some girls ("I want you now"); "So do you want to see our studio" :-D
I thought that too........said the spider to the fly
Can we have a full 'Warning warning Alan Wilder Fan Boy Alert' plus picture....or is that so passé already...!!!?
Still recall the first time I listened to the album, still recall I recall i was blown away!!
If I buy a Brian Griffin print id want a Vaughn George autograph too!!!
1. Lose: Sacred
2. Radical: Pimpf
3. Most listened: Strangelove
4. Favourite now: Little 15
5. Rating: 9/10
Thank you Vaughn once again
You are very welcome Kenn!! VG :-)
Thanks, Vaughn, the MFTM album review series was a truly great adventure. And now for the questions.
1. None, it is perfect as it is. But if I really really had to, it would be I Want You Now.
2. To Have and to Hold
3. NLMDA
4. Behind the Wheel
5. 10/10
The "lyrics" of pimp remind me of the german word "aufstehen" (wich means 'stand up') and would fit to the title of the song
Daniel Metzger I remember having read Pimpf symbolises the rise of fascism and extremists, so your translation would definitely makes sense
@@laudec00 the youth organisation in the third reich was called Hitlerjugend, the youngest of them were called Pimpfs 👍
Thanks Vaughn, another great dig in deep to DM. Cant agree more, "Nothing" is really an underappreciated track. I prefer the 101 version though, its just something about it, cant describe it, it is fantastic! And "Pimpf"...say no more...its beyond.
1. To have and to hold
2. Little 15
3. Never let me down again
4. Behind the wheel
5. 9
Thanks-Great final review Vaughn.
Loved the synths on Nothing!
1.Song to lose -Scared
2.Radical-Little 15 because of how different the style is
3.listen to most-The Things You Said
4.Nothing-fantastic track because of it’s 101 energy
5. 8 out of 10 for the Album
& finally still not in the credits?
I always remember the first time I heard "Never let me down again" (August 1987), the hairs stand on end even now when I hear the beginning of that track . I like the Album version of "To have and to hold" , very dark and atmospheric. Just my opinion. PM
Never let me down again....................................
For sure!! VG :-)
1. Sacred -- could never really pin down what's wrong with it myself, but I think you're right that there's mix that would do the track more favors
2. Pimpf - Never heard anything quite like it
3. NLMDA
4. NLMDA - It's just something I never get tired of. Everything about it is perfection -- I have trouble landing on my favorite DM song, but if this isn't it, it's at least top 5.
5. I don't feel like there are very many perfect 10 albums... this is so close. 9.5/10 feels right.
"To have and to hold" to this day, the darkest track they
ever recorded. My second favourite song
on "Music for the Masses".
Don't know if it can be defined as THE Darkest one, but surely one of the most Dark. All the songs on SOFAD, except Condemnation and Judas, that are Gospel, are really Dark/Goth Rock. Black Celebration, Music for the Masses, Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion and Ultra are FUCKING MILESTONES!
I agree, it is their darkest track. I would say Fly on the Windscreen comes second.
Dave Bascombe was absolutely right, Pimpf was effing amazing live - it was spine tingling, and a little chilling. I have never seen another moment like it from any live act.
1., Pimpf, although I have fallen out of love with Strangelove of late.
2. To Have and Hold
3. Nothing or Never Let Me Down Again
4. Nothing might be one of Top 10 DM songs. As the years pass, the more I keep going back to it.
5. 10/10. It's my favorite DM album.
Love point no. 4!!
My 5.
Song to lose? I guess it would have to be “I Want You Now.” Maybe the perverted panting just doesn’t do it for me. Lol.
Most Radical? Agree with Vaughn. “To Have and To Hold. “ that weird Russian Speak and moody sound makes for something quite political feeling.
Most Listened to? Definitely Agent Orange. It is my Alarm wake up. I love waking up to that track. What a beauty.
Favourite Track- Never Let Me Down Again. It is the ultimate anthemic DM song. Nuff said.
Out Of 10? - 9.9. Lol. Just kidding. 10. 👽 This is my Favourite DM album. It is a monster sonically.
Lose: pleasure little treasure
Radical: strangelove
Most heard: behind the wheel
Favourite today: nothing
Rate: 9/10
I totally agree. Can't explain my love of 'Nothing '...competes with 'Not tonight ' as one of my all time favourites...
They know my weaknesses, I never tried to hide them. They know my weaknesses, I never denied them! Gold!! Pure gold, something you don't hear these days from anybody!🔊🎤🎹🎸
1) To Have And To Hold
2) I Want You Now
3) Never Let Me Down Again
4) The Things You Said
5) 8/10
Watched the whole series in a day or two, didn’t notice how the time passed, thanks!
why To Have and To Hold ??? it's awesome
We can’t be thankful enough to you Vaughn for doing what you do. Once again, thank you for the whole MFTM review series, especially for the brilliant David Bascombe interview. (I am personally grateful to you for asking my question from Mr. Bascombe about the epic/filmic choir sound in NLMDA.)
I’d like to share some of my thoughts on Pimpf with you guys. It might sound a bit weird, but ever since it occured to me, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Anyway, we have discussed the meaning of the word ’Pimpf’ earlier, but I don’t think it is common knowledge among the fans. So the word ’Pimpf’ (to be precise ’Pimpfe’) was the nickname for the youngest members of the Hitler Youth organization in Nazi Germany. Also, there was a Nazi magazine for boys called „Der Pimpf”.
I wonder if any of this was in Martin’s head when he was composing the song, but it obviously has a very strange, odd, I’d say almost scary atmosphere (especially towards the end). Now, there’s a song that reminds me of DM’s 'Pimpf' in terms of its structure and feeling. It’s called ’Tomorrow belongs to me’ and it’s from the musical ’Cabaret’. (You can watch and listen to it here: th-cam.com/video/SDuHXTG3uyY/w-d-xo.html )
Just like ’Pimpf’, it starts with a very simple melody (although unlike ’Pimpf’, it’s a nice one, nothing sinister about it at first) sung by a young (Nazi) man. But then, as it builds and more people start to sing along with the Nazi guy and with the orchestral instruments joining in they make it more and more intensive and the lovely and mostly repetitive melody starts to become menacing. By the time we get to the end of the song, it has turned absolutely bizarre and mad. So has DM’s ’Pimpf’, which also starts with a very simple piano melody, and then with each part more and more is added to it. By the end everything is thrown in including the kitchen sink (as Vaughn /Alan put it). :) So both songs turns into complete madness by the very end, which to me sort of symbolizes the craziness of the Nazi ideology. (Or any other fanatic ideology.) By the way, during the MFTM Tour, they used those huge red banners with the megaphone symbol in a white box in the center, very similar to the Nazi ones with the symbol of Swastika.
My responses...
1. Sacred - very much for the same reasons you've stated; it's a good song, but I've always felt that it was lackluster and didn't offer much new... not necessarily filler, but really doesn't stand out in terms of production, melody, lyric, and ends up diminishing the album only slightly.
2. PIMPF - for some reason, "To Have and to Hold" did not strike me as radical, even for DM at that time; perhaps by the time I listened to this album, I was very used to Recoil and was recognizing the band's great incorporation of dark ambience and strange atmospheres, so it felt more like a logical progression to me. Whereas "PIMPF" is just... strange, epic, bombastic, a bit pompous, and really a brilliantly offbeat end to the album.
3. Behind the Wheel - I do prefer the album version over the single version, and for that, I've tended to listen to this one the most; as well, the simplicity but effectiveness of the guitar tones, and the vocal harmonization... always worth studying and good for the ears.
4. Nothing - I do just love this song... the straightforward but pulsating bass line, the layers of vocal harmonies, the subtle mechanical sounds mixed with those lush synth tones, the catchiness of the "chorus"... it's definitely my favorite on MFTM.
5. 8.5/10 - Great album, but I think I find greater cohesion and strength in songwriting, production, and experimentation in some of the other albums.
Great channel, sir. Cheers!
1. I Want You Now. I've always thought this song was awkward and strange. Most DM albums have one song that I feel this way about, and it's almost always a weird Martin Gore ballad. I kind of wish he'd quit doing them, because they've only gotten worse over time.
2. I kind of agree that To Have And To Hold may be the most radical. It really doesn't sound anything at all like a pop song.
3. Probably Strangelove, since I heard it as a single before I had the album. But Behind the Wheel and Never Let Me Down Again are close to it.
4. That's a little tough, but I'm going with Never Let Me Down Again, which I think is one of the better and most iconic tracks of the band's entire ouevre.
5. 10/10. My favorite DM album by far, and probably my favorite single album by any artist ever.
Hi Vaughn! Being a fan of DM since early 90th, I've been watching your DM focused videos for some time now, thanks for sharing your thoughts opinion, always interesting! (though I not always agreed, but that's normal). I wonder what would you say about 'Playing the Angel" album? I think it differs so much from other releases, in a good sense! To me, it sounds more mature, harder and pure in emotions and even more electronic and more polyphonic when compared to earlier albums; whereas it's imho the last (to date, H2 2020) truly techno drive from DM, since the subsequent (more recent) releases sound much 'weaker' in both musical and emotional meaning. If you agree with me in a way, what do you think is the reason for that - that Playing the Angel album is so outstanding among others?
Come on Vaughn.... 10 out of 10..... No fillers! Album is brilliant! 1) None 2) Little 15 3) Behind the Wheel 4) Strangelove 5) 10
Incredible work - can't wait for the Violator series. My answers:
1. Nothing
2. Pimpf
3. Straneglove
4. Never let me down again
5. 9/10 (Violator 10/10 and SOFAD 9.5/10)
Thank you fore your kind words and for participating !! VG :-)
And to answer your questions:
1. it's either The Things You Said or Sacred - those are the tracks most skipped by me.
2. Little 15 is probably the most radical to me.
3. Without a doubt Never Let me Down Again, Strangelove on a close second.
4. Like you said it's hard to chose a favourite, but I have always been partial to Nothing, Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove and To Have And To Hold.
5. Again, I think I line up very much with your rating, it's close to being a perfect album. 9.5
Q1 : Sacred / Q2 : To have and to hold / Q3: Behind the wheel / Q4 : Never let me down again / 8 out of 10 . At the time of its release the CD sound was very dry and not very powerful, and the bonus track on the CD disadvantage the album balance. Congratulations for your work you are a real passionate.
1 ) Have and to hold (sorry but the more Recoil one)
2) Pimpf
3) Behind the Wheel. Ever since the first time I ever played music live, due to the 101 Soundcheck moment, it's become a wierd good luck charm to listen to before a gig.
4) Never let me down/Behind the Wheel (first is amazing and anthemic. 2nd is quintessentially DM's layered style with layered lyrical meaning and the looping chords. I think I have listened to it way more than most so it would normally be #1
5) 8.5/10
Cheers Vaughn!
😊
Song to lose: To Have and to Hold
Most radical: Pimpf
Most listened: Strnagelove
Favourite track today: Strangelove, but first song I remember from this album is Nothing ( this song sets the mood of the whole album)
Rate: 8,5 - it’s first Depeche album from their “imperial phase” (87-01) where are every album had their own music theme(American flavour, house and techno, alternative rock, trip hop, minimal electronic)unique sound, huge hits on each of them, and all this album sounds fresh (can’t say that about their later works)
I always thought the lyrics for Pimpf were "Go in, go in" as in to go in the Museo Depeche Mode building from its video. Cue Fletch headbutting!
hahaha I can see why you thought that!! VG :-)
1) For me, the track I would drop if I had to would be Sacred. I think its a great song but I wonder what it would have sounded like if it had ended up on Songs of Faith and Devotion instead. 2) Gotta go with Pimpf. For the time it was released it was pretty out there as far as music goes. 3) It's a tie with Never Let Me Down Again and Behind the Wheel. 4) Lately, my favourite track is Never Let Me Down Again. That guitar riff just knocks it out the park for me every time. 5) I would give it a 10 out of 10. It's an epic album that has stood the test of time.
Yeah, Emax with Depeche Mode sounds. Love it. Thank you for these stories and comparisons to other songs and to demos.
After this I can appreciate Pimpf a lot more. -Andy Ry Denmark.
I was really looking forward to the last episode as Nothing is one of my all time favorites. 😃 very interesting the story of Pimpf. My five choices: I would probably lose Sacred, not that I don’t like that song, but just because I have to pick one. 😁 For me Pimpf is the most radical track on the album because of the non-lyrics lyrics and the opera like melody. The most listened track is Never let me and my favorite is Nothing. Rating: 9
For us to have this record in south-africa in 1987 / 1988 was miracle. the south-africa version don't have "agent orange" - it was only viable on the import lp. like bronski beat - hit the beat lp. i brought my lp from moola's music and clothing in the carton centre golden walkline. in johannesburg 1988.
Loved these series!!!
I know it’s a long way to go but I hope you’ll do videos on Ultra and the song Useless specifically. I’ve seen fan opinions that lyrics to that song are somewhat aimed at Alan/inspired by his departure, it being an angry song about arguments and “it’s about time you made up your mind”. I’m not sure I 100% agree with that but I’d like to see your opinion on it, as you are number one Alan fan. :D
Lana thank you for your kind words and I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the series !! VG :-)
Oh, MFTM is another real masterpiece by Depeche Mode❣️♥️ 🧡🧡🧡🔊
I wouldn’t take any song from it away, but if I must choose one, I’d choose ”To Have And To Hold”.
The most radical song for me is ”Pimpf”. (”I Want You Now” is pretty close though 😊)
I have listened to all of the songs a lot of course, but ”Behind The Wheel”, ”Little15”, ”Pimpf” and ”Stjarna” would be the most listened to...
It’s also VERY hard to choose only one song which I like the most...
I’ll say ”Pimpf” (and ”Stjarna” from the b-side)
”Stjarna” is a STUNNINGLY beautiful song, I used to even call it the most beautiful song ever in this planet❣️❣️❣️ And I still do. 🥺
The grade is pure 10/10❣️🦋 🥰
1. Sacred is definitely kind of filler, but still not a bad song
2. Not sure if it's To have and to hold or Nothing, both are very radical and special to me
3. Never let me down again (and there is no time enough left in my life to change it ever)
4.To have and to hold (check out also Deftones cover, you might get idea why)
5. For me is the biggest masterpiece Black celebration, so the 9,5 is very accurate
......great job Vaughn, I'm looking forward to see your deep analysis of Violator!
1. Nothing
2. Pimpf
3. NLMDA
4. NLMDA
5. 9/10
Vaughn you forgot to mention the little instrumental at the end of the album after Pimpf???
I don't remember it?? It's not on the vinyl, is it on the CD version ? VG:-)
@@VaughnGeorge Just wait a while it turns up at the end it should be there 👍
@@VaughnGeorge I think he may be talking about the very end of Pimpf that comes in after about 30 seconds of silence. According to the Wikipedia entry for the album:
10. "Pimpf" (includes a hidden track "Interlude #1 - (Mission Impossible)", starting at 4:18)
To Have and To Hold - its russian radio or tv interview from a factory and they speaking about supplys. Im from Poland so I guesss it is....
Massive review , Depeche Mode was huge worldwide by MFM time but not like, say Duran Duran or U2 , but broke America in the 90s , the spectacular popularity in the late 80s was in California only. You could enter a club in South America ( Arg, or Braz)
and Strangelove was on, and the video rotating and everybody knew who DM was, but mega success came with Violator,
remember by 1990 all was Guns n Roses n hard rock was saying byebye to 80s pop, all became 70s revival
and blues and the grunge in 92 took all by assault, 80s pop was like gone, when we heard Personal Jesus we thought they wanted to jump train of rock guitars, 'I feel you' was kinda grungeish to please americans , cause they like more rock than pop. Great Band , great review !
It was my first contact with DM when i was young. With this Album i had a sound for what i feel inside. Before i cant explain my inner feelings.Thats it ;) hoooooo heeeeeee
Vaughn great review I feel Agent Orange and Nothing two of the most underrated DM songs in their catalogue. Just a point of discussion with reference to I Want You Now that section where they had the models singing ‘oooh ahhh’ have very similar undertones to the Fleetwood Mac song Big Love which came out around the same period. It’s uncanny! Duran Duran’s All She Wants Is also has elements of the ‘ooh ahh’ but not as obvious as the Fleetwood Mac song. What are your thoughts?
A fantastic finale to this series!
I would lose 'I Want You Now', as much as I like it, those accordion breathing noises freak me out a bit.
Most radical track - 'To Have and To Hold' - interesting to say it has a Recoil sound as this was before that really dark atmospheric sound became characteristic of Recoil.
Most listened to - 'Never Let Me Down Again'.
Favourite song now - 'Nothing', it kind of sums up my state of mind.
I would rate the album 9/10.
1: none
2: Pimpf (LP version) Agent Orange (CD version)
3: Never Let Me Down Again
4: The Things You Said
5: 9
1. I always skip “Little 15” as it breaks the flow of the album for me and I would prefer to see it as great B-side. And yes I would prefer “Agent orange” to “PIMPH”
2. “To have and to hold”
3. “Never let me down again” (use it as my personal pray)
4. “Strange love”
5. 9/10
thank you for this great review, regarsing the Radio audio with the guy speaking in what at that tim I asume was strange language, they only think i could understan whas the word "problema" at least it sound like that )
Regarding questions 1-5 I have to agree with you 100% Vaughn. But the LP version of Behind the Wheel also really stands out. I love the LP version but I absoluteley hate the 7 inch dance version. I was 11 years old at that time and I hated all of that upcoming poppy, stupid, acid house sound. Grewing up as a kid with Speak & Spell and A Broken Frame I always thought that this acid sound doesn‘t fit DM very well. But I think it was at that time already when they learned how to reach a more commercial orientated audience.
...when this album was released, i thought it doesn't get any better and then they made "violator". MFTM, an absolute stunning thing.
Then ------>
SOFAD ---------------- 10/10
ULTRA -----------------10 /10
Exciter ------------------7 / 10
PTA ------------------ 9 /10
SOTU -------------------- 8 /10
Delta Machine ------- 9 /10
Spirit --------------------- 8 /10
@@d10srelish40
SOFAD 9/10
ULTRA 9.5/10
EXCITER 5.5/10
PTA 6.5/10
SOTU 4/10
DELTA MACHINE 6.5/10
SPIRIT 3.5/10
P.S. I was one of the biggest DM fan around... I was, not after 1998
What's wrong with you guys hating on Sacred? It's even a live gig song with great harmonies and vocals, a good track to dance to.
I don't get the Sacred hate either.
Lose A Track - I Want You Now (I love it but if I had to lose any, probably this)
Radical Track - Pimpf (So "German" and brooding)
Most Listened - Never Let Me Down Again (With all the live performances they over do)
Favourite Track - To Have And To Hold (Kinda post-punk with how eerie and dark it is, I love it)
Rating: 7/10 (not a bad album at all but when I go back to it it's too anthem sounding for me, as in for me it feels like a lot of the songs were made for live performances over the album itself which is probably not true but to me that's how it feel, I prefer to every album before it but this is still my 7th favourite DM record I think)
Also just wanted to say that Nothings "human" sounding melody reminded me of one of the melodies in Blasphemous Rumours, both quite religious lyrically too!
You were asking subscribers whether they could translate the Russian radio sample at the beginning of To Have And To Hold but it would be interesting to see if anyone out there knows how to decipher morse code and let us know what the morse code is at the end of Agent Orange!!
I was dying to recieve Part 6!!! No battery! Haha, just have to wait a while...Comment later, just 1% OHH!!! I must tell you I've been reviewing the whole lot of MFTM & All your Vids! So Excited & Enjoying everything... Can't continue...
Hello Antonia!! I am alwayd grateful for your enthusiasm towards my videos !! I hope you enjoy this final part!! VG :-)
Wow I love how you tied World Full of Nothing to I Want You Now! MLG always chooses the right songs for himself.
1. Can’t imagine losing any of the songs-too tied into memory. Not a fan of Nothing, really, but it’s integral to the album so it can’t go!
2. Radical: Agent Orange-That was not anything I’d really expected them to do (as a still newish fan), so when I heard it, it seemed like a departure. On reflection it’s VERY them, but as a teenager it was radical! And not in the California way, LOL (EDIT: Well, I always get this confused as I had the tape and that included Agent Orange, so... Pimpf)
3. Most Listened: NLMDA
4. Favorite: Eesh! Sacred, just to be different, as it’s one I put on in the car and have the most fun singing along to. But Never Let Me Down Again is really up there as I think it is Peak Depeche Mode.
5. Rating: 9/10 to leave room for Violator! :)
Thanks for a great series! This isn’t the first DM album I heard, but it’s the first I heard NEW, and so it occupies a special place for me. Can’t wait for Violator!
Brilliant, Vaughn!
To Have and to Hold album version is my fave track on Music for the Masses and I much prefer it to the 'Spanish Taster' version.
Lose: Little 15 (I hate the ending)
Radical: Pimpf (radical title, too)
Most heard: Sacred (this album's best song for Dave's voice)
Favourite today: Sacred (yes, I'm still a Dave fan)
Rate: 9/10
This was my first DM album I bought on CD (probably when most people have switched to CD format). I'd noticed that CD albums tend to have the strongest song (hit single) on track 1. Maybe that's why radical songs/less commercial songs are put on track 6 onwards.
You're right about Sacred (it just started as I write this). It's a great showcase for Dave's voice (with great background vocals by Martin). It also has a great lyrical persona from Martin. He's singing from the perspective of a devout believer. But we know he's not one at least when it comes to religion. So what does he believe in? Love? The act of writing?
It's not particularly radical musically but it's good rock n roll.
Just watched it, excellent viewing, thank you.
The five questions...
1. Lose - All The Things You Said ... it's just a bit "meh" to me.
2. Most radical - Pimpf ... very clever and the perfect concert intro.
3. Most listened to - Never Let Me Down Again ... anthemic, "lets see those arms" ...!
4. Favourite - Behind The Wheel ... just fabulous, so much going on but still "neat and tidy". Shame they completely butchered it for the single version though.
5. Scores on the doors 9 out of 10.
I always thought (and still do) it was such a shame that on the 101 album they reduced Pimpf to the last 55 seconds! It’s like having an incredibly exciting book or movie with a good buildup and you can only read the last 2 chapters or watch act 3 🤷🏻♂️ Why?!
Lose: None
Radical: I Want You Now
Most Heard: The Things You Said
Favourite: The Things You Said
Rate: 8.5/10
I've always thought they sang "Ho-lyyyy" "hoooo-lyyyyy" in Pimpf. It always made some kind of sense to me, given their use of religious themes.
Lose: To Have And To Hold
Radical: To Have And To Hold :)
Listened the Most: Behind The Wheel (favourite DM song ever...)
Favourite: Behind The Wheel :)
Rating: 9/10
The album got released when i was in the military and i lost interest in the band and they were off my radar ( Note that i loved them since "Speak & Spell and saw them live in 1982).
So as i was a soldier boy, i got the album as a CD in my hands and it suddenly turned to a soundtrack to my military excersizes.
Nothing could have been better - God "Agent Orange" was so gloomy and fitting!!
I did`nt recognize the band again as they progressed to an entire different sound!
"Things you said" was one of these songs that tore my heart apart losing a love affair.... And PIMPF... God this is almost religious - It was said the band was into one of my favorite movies "KOYAANISQATSI" from 1980 and Martin got inspired by the loopy orchestration .. If you listen close, you might find some similarities...
Lose: Pleasure little treasure
Radical: Pimpf
Most played: Never let me down again
Fav: I want you now & Nothing
Rating: 9/10
what is with the hidden track after Pimpf?
I do not recall that !! I shall go and have a look!! VG :-)
1. Sacred
2. Little 15
3. The Things You Said
4. Strangelove
5. 10/10
Thank you for getting involved !! VG :-)
Love “My Angel” by the way! - music.apple.com/gb/album/my-angel-single/1499462015