Depeche Mode - All the Producers 1981-2016

[@dezb1]

I think 'Some great reward' is Depeche Mode"s most underrated album. It set the scene for the next 3 albums.

[@joelakat]

You're right of course. Black Celebration is always seen as a "turning point" album, but I'd argue the bigger shift came on SGR. Such wonderful variety from track to track... shifting from strength to strength. The launch pad from which they took off to become the best band in the world.

[@TheGioca821]

1) Alan and Flood made history and we know, no further questions needed (I love Garteh too) 2) Ford 3) Fan or not, someone who's smart enough to do a good job 4) A miracle, to make me forget about the bad memories Spirit has left (I've tried to give this album lots of possibilities...No way) 5) Alan (WARNING! WARNING!), I hope from my depths you are doing well (how much I love you, Alan). If you have some free time to spend, please, open KZbin, read some of these comments and think about something... 6) I love this channel as hell ❤❤❤

[@MrChristine79]

All your efforts in documenting this incredible band, is very much appreciated 👏

[@peterfugleberg7915]

This +1

[@davidw4023]

Here's my All-star Team Alan Wilder, Daniel Miller,Gareth Jones and Flood Anymore questions?😉👍

[@atari1040]

Again ;-) I totally agree with you! In the first 7-9 albums I know 100% order of songs and all titles... Last 3 albums... Hmm.... Don't know numbers or even titles... The band is not producing such "advanced" titles like in the past. They just record and release while previously they were perfecting them to the level of psychosis I guess :D BTW: Love your channel and... ...the next producer HAS TO BE... ALAN WILDER :-)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Bro!! I am glad you agree !! VG :-)

[@LusciousApparatus_]

No question - Flood all day. Great video!

[@peterfugleberg7915]

+1

[@nsford7651]

I love the reverb, that must be why mid 80s music is my favourite era ;) Great video, super excited for the Violator reviews, congrats on reaching 12k subscribers.

[@HJPhilippi]

Vaughn, you are so funny, straight forward, honest and true... I really, really enjoyed watching this and as a (now former) DM Fan since 1984 I must say: you are so right in so many aspects! I'd just love to talk to you about all of this in person. Keep going on producing such great content!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for your kind words!! I’m glad you found my channel !! VG 🎹👍😎

[@dezb1]

1 Favorite - Flood 2 Least favorite - Mark Bell (only as a DM producer I love other albums he's produced) 3 they should know the bands legacy but not be a too big a "fan" that they feel they can't criticise. 4 Next - Alan Wilder (his in chains remix was the last thing that sounded like Depeche Mode).

[@Mewted]

1) Alan + Flood (there is no "just Flood") 2) Ben Hillier (but Flood saved Delta Machine) 3) A fan..because a fan will understand the Bass and use less "real" drumming 4) Alan Wilder return as co-producer with Flood, but not joining as a band mate or touring member (unless he wants to) 5) If DM really want to make something special that would also cash in like mad, the next studio line up would be : Martin, Dave, Fletch, Alan, Vince. Producers: Gareth and Flood. That would be insane and it's something within their grasp as all members appear willing and have reunited several times in recent years. If they don't do something like this before their last album... it would be an enormous waste and missed opportunity for themselves and the fans. This has been one of the main reasons the cancellation of the rock and roll hall of fame has been so disappointing, because even the slight chance of seeing all 5 of them together is beyond words.

[@orsolyakukoriczasrensen1362]

Dream scenario 🖤

[@eldartop1634]

Well, Martin and Vince recorded some material together not too long ago. And it was crap. Getting them all together is not a recipe for making a good record. And they understand that. That’s why this is not happening .

[@tilt94]

Favourite is Flood, least fave is Hillier, it pays if producer is a fan (think Simenon) and Alan Wilder should produce the next album as I feel that, since Ultra, each album has suffered from a lack of musicality in that we are subjected to lots of electronic effects (bombarded by them on Playing the Angel) and the lovely melodies are overshadowed somewhat. Love your work @Vaughn.

[@edrechannel]

A personal favorite of mine is Simenon. Considering the band didn't play a big role in the Ultra production, Simenon was able to capture their essence as a group and helped them transition into their later half of their career. The production on the second half of Ultra is on point with songs such as Sister of Night and The Bottom Line, some of their most dynamic production! 1. Favorite: Simenon, Flood, and Ford 2. Least Fav: Mark Bell 3. Not necessarily a fan but someone who understands their message 4. Ford

[@faridahmady7988]

Simenon is great he really survived depeche mode /and the final mixing of ultra was excellent /i agree with you songs like freestate,the bottom line ,love thieves was well produced /poor simenon such a underrated producer

[@ryanschaefer5307]

Thank you Vaughn for this Video! Great Job 😎👍🏻🎹 Tomorrow the 101 will be 32 years old ! ... Greetings from Saarlouis

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Ryan !! VG :-)

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I was recalling what you said in video about AW and yiu were right, it's probably because we grew up with them as a quartet, I was born in 1975 and it's logical for me to feel more nostalgia for those times. Not that I don't like newer stuff, but, for me, when I hear Stripped, Nothing, Blasphemous rumours, Violator, that's when all the emotions come out. And, don't we all love to feel love...

[@VaughnGeorge]

well said Anita!! VG :-)

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Thank you, dear Vaughn. You really bright up my life

[@bjarnithorg]

And Vaughn what a great guy you are respect to and I always have to watch your videos and I always agree you 98.7% hehe

[@raytostado5268]

Favorite: Flood. Least : Ben Hillier. Flood and Tim were fans and their albums were great, so there might be some truth in that topic. Next producer: Flood & Brian Eno together. They obviously worked many years together for U2. With Floods understanding of the band’s strong points and Eno’s atmospheric sounds, the skies the limit.

[@Reprodestruxion]

Martin is too controlling and safe for Eno

[@slumdogjay]

1. Flood & AW. 2. Mark Bell. 3. On the fence on that one. 4. Trent Reznor.(Fantastic at creating space and atmosphere)

[@syracusemusic1539]

Awesome video Vaughn

[@sasysabag9440]

Amazing Vaughn, helps to get along till we’ll get some new songs. Many thanks for your effort with those beautiful reviews. Waiting for your next one on SONGS🍦

[@bjarnithorg]

I like all your reviews but you have to speak from your heart man

[@VaughnGeorge]

Bjarni Þór Grétarsson and I do !! I’m well known for speaking my mind . VG 🎹😎👍

[@bjarnithorg]

@@VaughnGeorge dm died 1997

[@bjarnithorg]

@@VaughnGeorge what you been doing is fantastic man I have always watching you hehe...But depeche died..and that how it is and I now you are trying to saying that to the people

[@alexfxpt]

Really nice video, man! My answers to your questions: 1 - Flood (combined with Alan) as producer. François Kevorkian and Mark "Spike" Stent as mixers. 2 - John Ford (besides being awesome as Simian Disco Mobile) 3 - Guess it was never about that sort of choice for them, rather the body of work each one has and trying to figure out he's up the challenge. 4 - James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem), Sascha RIng (Apparat) or Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) Small corrections: Tim Simenon and Mark Bell: both (huge) DM fans Tim Simenons' meatball restaurant was in Prague (already closed) :)

[@johanjohansson7717]

This made my day. Thank you Vaughn!

[@markb716]

1 - Flood/Alan Wilder 2 - James Ford 3 - Not a fanboy, but someone that knows, likes and understands their music 4 - Me..!! (Or failing that, Alan Wilder)

[@skullf_k6940]

Spirit for me was DM coming back to their more experimental approach. It’s the only album by them in a while that I can happily listen to from start to finish. The sounds, textures, layers and vocals sound like a more contemporary 80s DM to me. Cover Me is a stand out, a track when you first hear it takes you on a journey that you can’t predict.

[@GeorgeDemin]

So happy to see that somebody else enjoys Spirit... I definitely don’t think of it as a bad album, it has gems, Cover Me is one of them

[@samborn7120]

Terrific vid as always Vaughn! Totally geeking out. 👍. Oh boy.. gonna try to keep this as short as I can (difficult). 1. Flood, Miller/Jones then Simenon 2. Hillier 3. I think they should choose people who are fans of their work. Without Alan being involved, Gore and Gahan have to carry the creative load. Neither of them are as interested in the production. This translates to the new Producer’s default presumption that “We should use bubbly analog sounds from the billion synths available” methodology and completely ignore the foundations of their sound (sampling). The reason Ultra worked was because Simenon was a fan and understand the sonic complexities of their previous records. He followed that tradition and it showed. 4. They should work with Alan Moulder, Dean Garcia, Butch Vig, Nigel Godrich or Will Gregory. I strongly believe they should choose people who know them and their catalog, who can restore the sonic edge so lacking in the last three records. Someone seasoned instead of trendy. The newer generation of producers lack the nuance needed for a DM record (IMHO). I think they make great records, but the typical finished outcome ends up being a “techno pop” record for today’s music consumer as opposed to something more complex and rich.

[@PatheticoMorbid]

My Fav DM producer was Alan 😉

[@pablowalterburgos7577]

The next DM album should be produced by Alan Wilder, it would be a great success ...

[@markb716]

Flood, no question

[@wtorules4743]

Music for The Masses is definitely my favourite album. It balanced the imagery, the songs and instrumentals and the big reverb laden production perfectly. It sounds grand, confident and dark. Haven't managed to get my head around anything post Wilder although its just as valid as anything that went before.

[@bpmode]

I love that you highlighted Ultra, which never gets enough credit. It is so solid that it stands with the other often DM classics.

[@violator906]

Really enjoyed this one VG, interesting and engaged as always🥰. 1. Fav: Jones and Flood 2. Least fav: Hillier 3. A little bit of a fan is a good thing, at least someone Who understand what DM is about 4. A. Wilder... Not going to happen, so i say Jones😎

[@Shadowman820]

I agree , sometimes DM seem to almost pride themselves in finding some dope who knows next to little about them like that's a good thing and then the album ends up sounding like crap .

[@sndlugo672]

DARKEST STAR! I just popped right up in my seat when you mentioned it. Just love that song. So dark. I just wish it would be longer although it's probably the perfect length but I just wish that the feeling it gives would last longer.

[@chrisliebingofficial]

definitely also looking forward to the Mute video. was wondering if u were to cover this as well. 👍🏼

[@586101]

Very interesting discussion, Vaughn. I've been very busy of late and am Catching Up With Depeche Mo---I mean, Vaughn George! That said, my answers are as follows: 1). Favorite Producer: Flood. 2). Least Favorite Producer: Ben Hillier. 3). Importance of Producer Being Fan/Neutral: In general, I feel that being neutral/objective is probably the best approach. However, my caveat is that ideally, the chosen producer should have at least a familiarity with Depeche Mode's body of work going into the project. 4). Who Should Produce Next? My pipe dream would be Brian Eno, but I love the work that Pete "Sonic Boom" Kember (Spacemen 3, Spectrum, etc.) has done for himself and other artists, such as Panda Bear. He understands vintage synths and he generally has a layered, psychedelic approach that I feel would suit Depeche Mode's sensibilities.

[@ravager06]

1. Answer has to be Flood + Alan. Gareth Jones and Tim Simenon close 2nd and 3rd (love Black Celebration and Ultra). 2. Mark Bell (the production itself of Exciter is not bad of course, but the whole sound doesn`t fit to DM in my mind) 3. Not sure if it really makes a big difference as long as you can keep focussed and open minded 4. Difficult question, I just realized I do not know many producers.... I think James Ford did a very good job on Spirit (once again I have to say "so much love" has such a enourmous sound, and in comparison to SOTU that really sounds warm, analog, dirty), and I often thought that Norah Jones "little broken hearts" had something that I always also liked about DM (yeah, call me crazy), no idea who produced that one... Anyway - keep up your cool channel, thanks for all the work you put in there!!

[@anitaklisovic7782]

So glad you'll talk about Daniel Millet and Mute, always thought he was very important figure for DM in every possible way, I thing he gave them freedom and that's most important

[@gustavo2100]

1) Gareth Jones 2) Ford 3) Neutral 4) Alan Wilder ¡ Gracias por tu saludo en español ! Hasta la próxima . (see you next time )

[@lanalu9738]

I always found it interesting that starting with Ultra “Depeche Mode” were never credited as producers anymore. All the previous albums were co-produced. It’s obvious Vince was very hands-on and then, I guess, Martin had to step in and assert himself, but then for MFTM, Violator and SOFAD we hear from their respective producers that the guys except Alan were not exactly interested in production. Sounds like once Alan was gone no one in Depeche Mode wanted to step into that role as the band’s representative who would stay until 4 am mixing an album, lol. Really makes you wonder whether crediting all of Depeche Mode as co-producers was fair. Also, I’m one of the younger fans and I was obsessed with Dream On when it came out which is funny because I was 10 years old LOL. So even Depeche Mode’s duds brought them a few fans! (Sorry for the retroactive comments, I’m binge watching your vids!)

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

Dave Bascome was a perfect " Producer" who wasnt a fan and was so easy going Alan ran the boards and created the end product..and he was tot sass lly cool with it. Many could Produce Sounds from the Big Chair..and call it a day...he went on to help with Masses...hes Golden in ky book.

[@d_vibe-swe]

44:07 Made me giggle. I would be the same in that position :D Can't work while being starstruck.

[@Socimer]

At 50 years old, I’m with u with “Sounds of the Universe, Delta Machine, and Spirit”. I couldn’t name u the songs and/or Order. 👍🏼. They should try to bring Alan back, they really should.

[@AnalogX64]

To add to this, the last Remix CD I purchased was from the Ultra album. The remixes were just getting too out there for me and didn't enjoy them. Nothing like the earlier remixes done by Shep Bettibone or Francois Kevorkian.

[@Socimer]

AnalogX64 Wow! Totally agree! Strangelove... “Pain, pain, pain, pain...”

[@davewilliams5357]

unfortunately i think fletcher wont allow him back and i think they have bad blood between em for many years

[@anishamm685]

Socimer yes, Alain back, indeed.

[@Shadowman820]

Yes well that might be hard if Alan just plain doesn't want to do it .

[@aneinthedark5008]

Bonus points for being honest Vaughn. This was the first time I've heard you really talk about Exciter, to my surprise you were quite positive about the record. For the longest time I thought you hated that album. Yes I agree with you, 'Shine' is a excellent tune. Beautiful example here that repeated listens reap rewards! Cheers mate 🎹🎼

[@markwibrow9126]

Great episode VG. Thoroughly enjoyed it. For me, the Gareth Jones trilogy was pivotal and the springboard for what DM went on to do. 🎧🎤🎹

[@m1scj4rr0d]

I love this, and DM has seriously impacted both my songwriting and patch style! BUT- all I can see is that your camera is back focused on your rack/computer! lol I'm sitting here going, "FOCUS!!!"

[@daverr423]

Brilliant topic!!!

[@plutostube]

let's make a petition to bring Alan as producer for the next DM album, maybe the DM members and their management will put fans first and also they will see the marketing potential of this move :)

[@tonyduncan4416]

Great video!! Loved it

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I want Alan Wilder fan allert t-shirt. Now....

[@VaughnGeorge]

They are available!! VG :-)

[@peterfugleberg7915]

Holy Crap - Didn't see this one coming ........What an utter utter unexpected surprise

[@fabioadur1]

1- Gareth Jones / Flood 2- Ford / Hillier 3- Simenon was a fan and his work was great 4- Maybe Flood

[@swk2978]

Totally agree on your comments about Violator

[@alankey127]

Hi Vaughn! Interesting video. I really liked Spirit, probably the best production of the last 5 records, I've always thought it's the closest to Alan's production style (fan boy alert!). Backwards, Cover Me and Fail are good examples. 1. Flood. 2. Hillier (But both PTA and Delta are good records). 3. Its more interesting to be neutral. 4. I'd like Ford again, or someone who they've never worked with.

[@bjarnithorg]

But love you man everything you say I feel the same way with DM

[@luisgalan6706]

As always, you read my mind. I am completely agree with everything you said. It is like you are inside my mind. Fav: Flood and Jones Least: Ford Producer should be a little fan, not so much. He should push the limits but he should keep DM soul. Next producer: Alan Wilder

[@anitaklisovic7782]

A suggestion, what about an interview with Alan Wilder?????

[@autecheee]

I too like ‘Dream on’...do you have the ‘Dream On’ stem tracks from the Acid remix contest (circa 2001)? So inspiring to hear the raw stem tracks that make up the textures of this song.

[@peterfugleberg7915]

Oh Ferk ! I had those stems and lost them. If you should somehow obtain Them - let me Know 😊🏆 stay safe

[@autecheee]

I have them; [e-mail]

[@jennyolsson4040]

I am currently listening to all the albums chronically as I need to give those later albums a try. I saw them for the first time on the Spirit-tour and went to the local cinema and saw Spirits and enjoyed it with other fans. I will check out your review as I am curious and interested in your critique. I actually really like Cover me on Spirit but understand the weakness the whole album has. BUT nostalgia is a powerful feeling and seeing them live was a lifelong dream.

[@remicius974]

Great Video again,i liking it!I have the same feelings about Exciter,now i liked more,now i dont think its a terrible album,thanks to the 5.1 mix on the remaster series dvd disc.sounds the best in surround,it brings out the hidden little things,which i always loved in Depeche,i recommend it for everyone,give it a go! 1-flood 2- 3-should be some kind of fan,not necesarry to be a big fan 4-ALAN WILDER +flood

[@ComposerJoakimS]

Favourite: Gareth Jones & Daniel Miller Least favourite: Ben Hillier Should produce the next: If Gareth Jones & Daniel Miller are still in form, let them produce a last great DM album, to complete the circle. The best producer has great respect for the band and enjoy their style of music, but are not necessarily a fan.

[@wattage2007]

With Alan as executive producer!

[@ComposerJoakimS]

@@wattage2007 Yes!

[@allegrajane7205]

Great video! Gareth Jones is numero uno in my book. Love his use of space. Ade Fenton would bring some welcome grit back to DM. And where are all the female audio engineers?!! (OK, I won't get on my soapbox. 😋) Cheers, Vaughn!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you !! VG :-)

[@autecheee]

A 1) D.Miller 2) Ford 3) Fan....or at least admire their past and know what they’ve done and what band is capable of 4) Anyone who can help them craft better songs and sculpt a unique sound(s) for each song

[@timatkins4754]

Great discussion Vaughn - For me, The Flood/Wilder combo produced the best of the band’s material, although I do think Tim Simenon would have been a good fit with the band for more than one album, had things worked out differently. In terms of worst production, I’d certainly say I was very unimpressed with Spirit. I’d quite like them to have a go at recording with Alan Moulder...

[@orsolyakukoriczasrensen1362]

I’m a bit split when I have to name a favorite producer. It is the collaboration between Alan and Gareth Jones with Black Celebration or the collaboration between Flood and Alan on the Violator. My least favorite is probably James Ford. I am just not happy with the Spirit album. Even Exciter I like better, it has Freelove 😁 For future producers, as Alan said, diversity is probably a good thing. So, although my soul cries for a second Black Celebration, it’s probably important that they find new source of inspiration.I like the songs Dave is bringing to the table. I like those he has written with Kurt Uenala. My favorite songs from Delta Machine is Broken and Happens all the time. Maybe you could interview Kurt. He lives on Iceland, as far as I remember. You also asked whom they should produce the next album with, and I say Alan Wilder. 😋

[@Montag971]

40:57 ....I always asked myself the same. Me too, nothing against Ben Hillier (I actually like many albums he produced, also with other bands like Blur for example). But why use him for 3 consecutive albums, especially considering that each was released with a 4 years interval one to the other(!), and without having any significant evolution nor change of direction... It tastes like a waste of time and lack of courage in actually trying new routes. With him, they sat down in a kind of "Comfort Zone".

[@Montag971]

About your questions at the end of the video: 1) Gareth Jones, 2) no one in particular, 3) Fan or not both Ok, but most important someone with a strong vision and personality. 4) Trevor Horn...actually not sure whether it could work or not, but I'd like to hear what comes out^^

[@faridahmady7988]

I choose peter simenon for ultra/it was really well produced the basslines ,the drumbeats

[@Shadowman820]

His name was Tim not Peter but he is a good producer .

[@faridahmady7988]

Sorry i forgot the name

[@EtsiJuuret]

@@faridahmady7988 HA HA HA

[@cfcashfloh5280]

... and Tim was this Kind of Fan-Producer ... you can hear ist ...

[@Shadowman820]

@@cfcashfloh5280 He was a fan yeah and he was also the best post Alan producer they had .

[@anitaklisovic7782]

You are right when talking about what song is on which album, with those 3 you mentioned, but Spirit, im my opinion, is different

[@HevyDev]

That "kinky bastard" piece never gets old)

[@vinylpatrol101]

Dave Bascombe! Music for the Masses stands out the most for me - the Worst was Songs of the Universe- fun topic 👌

[@Substance242]

Not completely off-topic observation: when I listen to DM CDs in "TV room" on 5.1 surround, "digital" albums like Black Celebration or Violator sound good with Dolby ProLogic II Music decoding (sometimes surprisingly good), and "organic" albums like Music for the Masses or SOFAD sound best with DTS Neo:6. (yes I know it's fake and stereo is the best)

[@daverr423]

Q1: Alan Wilder Q2; anyone who isn't Alan Wilder Q3: neutral, but be familiar with catalogue Q4: Alan Wilder or Nick Rhodes (I couldn't resist)😜

[@KortKramer]

1st! Interesting to learn about all the various DM producers. Flood will always be a favorite of mine. What's that new background screensaver you've been using?

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Kort !! Good to hear from you bud!! VG :-)

[@agustinorero1668]

-Favorite: FLOOD -Least Favorite: FORD -I think that for the next album they should get the biggest fan of theirs to produce and, hopefully, try to get them back to their roots. -Next Producer: see previous answer.

[@yokocolvin5641]

Very interesting subject!! 1. Favourite - Gareth Jones, 2. n/a as I haven't listened to DM from Exciter to Delta Machine. I think Spirit is a good album if it wasn't DM. 3. Neutral, but someone who appreciate their back catalogue up to Ultra. 4. Holger Hiller (!!) who'd been a producer for Mute records and also credited on 'Enjoy the Silence' single (I can't remember which version). Ideally, DM could do a 'Best of / Violator 30th anniversary tour' with Alan Wilder (without their current keyboard player & drummer).

[@tuschester]

very good overview Vaughn.. about the producers, i would like to know how to much account producers can have impact on the final sound at the end? In the studio you have musicians, technical engineers, they make the piece. How can a producer influence a whole album? maybe you could leave some words in another video... best regards Vaughn

[@robertgarscadden]

Thinking about the actual sound of Shout's snare and NLMDA,s snare are almost identical👀.Alex did comment on FB about Mark Bell and Shine from Exciter.👍

[@janipihlajamaki84]

1. Flood + Alan 2. Hillier on SOTU (PTA was great! and Delta Machine was ok) or Ford... 3. Not a fan. Someone who challenges them has always worked..comfort zone makes albums like Spirit or SOTU 4. Alan + Flood...(but if you are nearly 60years old..do you want to do something that is nice and easy..or do you still want to push yourself and face confrontation? I'm afraid DM are on the first zone these days)

[@dmichab]

Simenon was a DM's fan as he said in some interview

[@VaughnGeorge]

Franssen Иванов he was a fan indeed !! VG 😎👍🎹

[@andrewsly3183]

Hi 👋 Vaughn Great 👍 Discussion & topic for a video.Really looking forward to the Mute series.Keep doing what you do & giving it your positivity & energy ! Regards Andrew 1 Flood every single time 2 worst Ben Hillier-uninspiring 3 Neutral 4 next producer should Mirwais-sounds crazy but want exciting,bolshy & something radical.

[@renebarat1563]

I mean that Construction Time Again defined electronic sound we are surrounded by till the present.

[@gloraditch6915]

when Alan left in 1995, the quality of production left with him

[@bjarnithorg]

If you are 20 and making music and drinking vodka in UK and now making hopping grasshopper in Santa Barbara drinking vegan fruits...there never going to be dark and beautiful album from that

[@tonyduncan4416]

I whole heartily agree about your reaction to exciter. I do not care for this album at all. Never have never will. Lmao!! I might get eaten alive for the comments!! Playing the angel and sounds of the universe are listenable compared to exciter. I have no issues with Ben hillier I think he gave them some direction that they had lost with exciter

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

Mute and Factory records...they were my 80s Soundtracks...back before I cared and just bough what I liked...I noticed the company after the fact. 90% of my tapes and records were SIRE, MUTE, FICTION and then FACTORY ...Who had a FAC number that categorized the group, the songs, the versions(mix) of songs, or video LP, tape, dvd, cd, 8track(yes im ancient).

[@grahampye2314]

Favorite: Mark Hilliard, Least Favorite: Spirit guy. I have segments of my brain, moods to be served and until Spirit I found immense satisfaction in every album that would satisfy the different segments of my musical moods and needs. I found this really interesting because I just have all my Depeche Mode (every song, every single ever as far as I know - except Spirit stuff) on my Ipod mixed with other musicians - when I hear different songs they are roughly categorized in my head by the Producers without my having paid much attention to the producers. If it matters, I find a Broken Frame to be the one "old" album that sounds most contemporary among the other '80s albums all having a very '80s (absolutely amazing still) sound... thoughts?

[@video2000_TV]

I'd like them to team up with Eno again... his IFY mix was a sinister monster of a track

[@a3p3]

Playing the Angel is far better on vinyl or SACD! listen this album only on vinyl. Ben hillier has nothing to do with the horrible "loudness war" mastering .He was the producer not the mastering engineer.It was Emily Lazar from wikipedia:"The Red Book(CD) version of the album is considered by numerous fans to be poorly mastered,[14][15] relying on heavy compression to intentionally and artificially boost the output, especially when compared with the vinyl version that was mastered differently." cheerz George ! thanx.

[@blakefast1460]

when i first received playing the angel promo i had to stick it in the computer and overdub some extra drums to beef it up for my own taste

[@thatsoclassic]

I don’t understand why everyone is writing about Flood! Many fans criticized exciter and were very disappointed with this album. Flood said himself that it was hard for him to work without Alan! Ben hillier made the great PTA, the following albums are not worth talking about. That is why Tim Simenon is my favorite, he is a fan of the band and he made Ultra sound closely to the original sound.

[@thisistype_concept9964]

Vaughn...great video. They used the right producers for the right albums in the 80ˋs and 90ˋs. Gareth Jones & Flood did an excellent job and they had with Alan a great producer in the band. I liked Mark Bellˋs work for Björk, but you’re right Vaughn, the exciter sound was to clean and superficial. Tim Simenon made also a good job on the last really good DM Album. Ben Hillier....hm the things he did on PTA are good and sometimes i don’t know what i can say about to their last 3 Album. The producer on their next album ? I hope they don’t release any other new album, because they’ve long exceeded their zenith. I’m a fan since 83 and so thankful for their amazing songs, but they missed the right moment to stop.

[@chrislysiak9561]

Vaughn, thank you for the comprehensive video and I share your feelings on the albums and producers chosen to make them. Flood was the best producer IMHO, however, I think that Alan was instrumental to the sound of both Violator and SOFAD. Depeche Mode really ended when Alan left the band. Martin wrote some great songs for Ultra but the album itself is all over the place sonically (For example compare It's No Good with Useless or Jazz Thieves). It sounds as if the band had no identity and it was looking for it. Anything after "Only When I Lose Myself" is pretty much a forgettable experience even though I admire the band for trying, I support them by buying their albums and going to their live performances. If DM wants to return to their greatness Alan must be a part of it. Just my 2 cents.

[@diyetisyendegilim4556]

I always thought that there was also an itchy Brian Eno effect in SOFAD, which had been also an itchy effect in U2's Zooropa, which become a success in David Bowie's Outside.

[@d10srelish40]

most DM fans don't agree with this but to me playing the angel and delta machine are as good as their classics ... i just love almost every song on those two albums .

[@maxmatson1578]

I'm a huge fan of flood's production. When you do your "Mute" records video. I would love for you to mention some of the artists on that label that were produced by him. Like "Renegade Soundwave", "Pop will eat itself", and Of course "nitzer ebb" Who are friends with Depeche Mode and touring mates, as well Alan Wilder collaborated with them on their "ebb head" record!

[@dylangonzalez4609]

Is the timeline for the list of producers or album releases. If it was the second option, then didn't Spirits got released in March 2017?

[@ReginatorNet]

1) Gareth Jones & Flood... they produced the albums that got me into Depeche Mode. 2) Mark Bell... he was great for Bjork but not so much for Depeche Mode. 3) The producer should know their body of work but not be a fanboy. 4) Alan Wilder with Gareth Jones & Daniel Miller... Martin should reach deep and write the best songs of his adult life for this album.

[@davidcarter6938]

The different DM albums producers reminds me of different James Bond's. It unsettles people sometimes but it doesn't mean it isn't great.

[@niallmcdonagh1093]

Not sure what the average age of this joyous community is but I guess that I am one of the older members!! I was born in the same year as Fletch and Martin, a year after Alan and before Dave. So I have lived this band. I was hooked from the Broken Frame tour (been there...couldn't afford the t-shirt!!) and saw them as a relief from the oppressive raaawk of my long haired idiot older brothers. They along with Kraftwerk OMD Human League Ultravox The Associates..etc. represented nothing less than OUR generation's music. So the absence of guitars, drums, long hair, raaaewwk n roll was more than just music...it was liberation. Thus..Dave's progression to Rock God in SOFAD was for me a betrayal. Am I in a minority of fans who hated and hates the band's rock friendliness which started with SOFAD...and which is now in a death spirald...with a few exceptions since then. I just feel that no matter how potent the birth...everything turns into McDonald's...so now you know how teen idealism ends...thanks for reading this far.

[@Mewted]

Exciter - a top 5 album for electronic music fans of Depeche Mode Exciter - a bottom 5 album for fans that really don't care about the electronic music aspect of the group, but think they do.

[@federicostilman8021]

1- I think its important to consider if Wilder is in the band or not to choose a favourite or best work producer. As many of us know with Alan in the band there was always a colaboration in terms of production. So without Alan i think the work of Tim Simenon was the most solid in my opinion. AS a second option choose the work of Ben Hillier in PTA. 2- I found the option difficult to choose between SOTU and Exciter but i´ll chose that one. As you well explained a block period of the composer is a matter but i found it specially poor as it seems to be based on a sound design "mode" at that time, something that DM never did. I think thats the reason because you (as i did too) found poor that album at the momento and now without context didnt realise. I remember had listened Dream On and say NO! thats Madonna's last album (music) 3- I dont find thats a good question as im not sure if you can find "fans"talking about producers or at least i dont think their work could be influenced. Specially if we think that DM at this age dont have a closed identity. So in my case and probably answering in the next one. i´dont care 4- I think the most important thing is someone who makes a new record possible and who with they feel confortable to work with, wich seems to be the key for them.. Of course i dream with Alan involved with the band and that could be a good reason. But i find it difficult. I love Paul Kendall´s work on his different projects and maybe could be a "possible" or Alan Moulder as a second option

[@eancurtis9333]

Speak and spell to me sonically sounds the best so raw big open sound and punchy .. I wonder what desk it was recorded on ?

[@howardshillingford4997]

Ben Hillier wanted a crunchy sound. He said in an interview. The mastering engineer was blamed too.