Depeche Mode Retrospective

[@ScoopedMids]

Let's have a black celebration

[@dadeleemurphy85]

speaking of black[mail the universe].. have you, or would you, ever considered doing a Megadeth retrospective?

[@SamFrehley-ns5xv]

@@dadeleemurphy85 He has, There was a community post a couple months back where he said he went to one the shows with Drew (I think) and it made him wanna do a Megadeth video, So I’m personally kinda expecting that in the next 6 months

[@ScoopedMids]

You'll be disappointed if you're expecting one that soon.

[@dadeleemurphy85]

@@ScoopedMids either way; we await your complete thorough review of ...let's be honest; the heavy metal band that has had more members in it than....most anyone.

[@spiralizer]

@@ScoopedMids Fun fact: Dave Mustaine once said that Violator was his favourite non metal album

[@dripstein6130]

channel is criminally underrated

[@ScoopedMids]

Appreciate it, Dripstein.

[@holgerczukay6928]

I've been a Depeche Mode fan for over 30 years, and I have to be honest, your review of their discography is one of the best things I've seen about this band on the internet in a long time. It's very substantive, with a sense of humor, and it's never boring for a minute; it's great to watch. Thanks a lot.

[@sleepingstrangely]

Have also been listening to DM for over 30 years and I can only agree here. Loving this retrospective; thank you!

[@dermgirlinc]

@@holgerczukay6928 totally agree; been a devotee since 1985 and it is crazy what perspective this young kid gives: especially since he wasn’t even born until AFTER AW departed

[@Rachael121]

​@@dermgirlincAnd it shows!!!

[@KennethDillard]

Outside of The Beatles run of brilliant albums in the mid-60's, Depeche Mode had the best run of four exceptional albums in a row of an band in history with "Black Celebration", "Music for the Masses", "Violator", and "Songs of Faith and Devotion".

[@hectormunoz7009]

Ultra aswell bro

[@holgerczukay6928]

1984 - 1997 ''Some Great Rewards'', ''Black Celebration'', ''Music For The Masses'', ''Violator'', ''Songs Of Faith And Devotion'', ''Ultra''. Six very good albums, one after the another. That's insane !

[@Darrenski]

To me DM are the sound of the 80s. Gahan's voice was just bone shaking to me.

[@jps3b]

I was too young for the Beatles, but Depeche Mode was smack dab in the middle of my life especially the most important years when I knew what love and heartbreak felt like. I’ll never forget standing on the floor of the Rose Bowl back in June of ‘88 with my then high school sweetheart as tears were rolling down her cheeks as Stripped played the musical chorus. This song always affected her in that way. Little did we know that 11 months later it would all end. 35 years later I sit steppes from the Pacific Ocean and a six figure retirement at age 52 and it still can’t fill the void that feeling left. I saw Depeche Mode last December here in Los Angeles during their US tour. Still listening to them brings me right back to the best years of my life.

[@rodobastias]

@@KennethDillard absolutely yeah 👍🏼

[@30pmfr03]

I am obsessed with Depeche Mode (and especially Alan Wilder). Really enjoyed this video!

[@themode00]

Being a life long Depeche Mode fan I must say thank you for posting this fantastic video, always love to see interpretation and discoveries of their music from other fans. Since you are about my daughter’s age, it brought a smile to my heart that you found so many things that made Depeche Mode so endearing and my favorite band of all time.

[@formspacelight]

This retrospective is PURE GOLD. I joyfully gobbled up this wonderful piece music journalism like nothing I've seen before. I've been a long time fan of Depeche Mode yet much of what you covered was new to me. I appreciate your excellent articulation of the music and process. Thank you!

[@cyl-ky777]

this is such a wonderful video! i'm a new fan who honestly hadn't heard anything they'd ever done until i randomly got recommended 'policy of truth' earlier this year (besides of course 'just can't get enough', which i laughed out loud at finding out that song was by the random band i decided to get into). their history is so incredible and even only having listened to them for a few months now, this band and what they've done already means so much to me. to know i found them after the passing of fletch is so heartbreaking, and knowing they just closed out their most recent tour definitely makes me wonder if i'll ever get to experience them live, but i'll be just as happy knowing i got to know them at all. the editing here made me laugh quite a bit and i couldn't help but get teary eyed towards the end. i'm so glad i found this!

[@bigbofatofu1713]

My earliest memory of Depeche Mode is when my mom showed me a their music video for strange love and since then I’ve been a fan. I think I was a preteen or early teenager. My mom was a teen in the 80s and enjoyed seeing them on mtv. I hope to see them live one day. Amazing retrospective on them ❤🌹🖤

[@ScoopedMids]

Thanks for the kind words, and your mum seems chill.

[@viktorrietveld]

1:04:35 Unsound Methods If you haven't heard it you are missing out. That is an absolute masterpiece, even if you don't like it musically, or you hate the lyrics, that album is *awesome*

[@afterworkmetime9508]

Have been a a fan of this band for about 40 years and truly enjoyed your retrospective. Thank you from your newest subscriber.

[@dermgirlinc]

@scoopedmids This retrospective video was the best two hours I have spent online in a long time; (it took me a little longer to watch since I would pause and really think about what was said); I have been a devotee for 40 years. This review of the albums was brilliant and very on point with how I felt about the music both with AW and post wilder DM. It goes to show you how even though you weren’t even born until after Wilder left, even you get how influential and important Alan was… Thank you for bringing back beautiful memories to the soundtrack of my life and many other kids of the 80’s and 90’s. ❤❤❤❤

[@everythingflows3196]

This is an outstanding retrospective and I thank you for doing it, especially for taking the time to discuss your particular takes on the overall feel of the albums. Really enjoyed this.

[@clemencezagorski71]

I'm usually disappointed by the interpretations of Depeche Mode songs made by KZbinurs, biographers or on social media. But your interpretation of their song is incredibly accurate. I agree with you almost all the time. Your point of view about their albums & songs is really clever. Thanks !

[@clemencezagorski71]

I've just finished to watch the video. I just disagree with the analysis of Memento Mori, for me one of their best album, with Martin at his best, songs who connect the intimate & the politic (My cosmos is mine and Always you : find protection from frightening reality in love or in your own bubble).

[@mathish100]

Wow! Just got it that you are born in 1999. friend. Well, you made one of the best "retrospective" of DM I ever seen. Great work! And a big: --Thank you for making a video of one of my fav bands, with knowledge and honesty ! I'm born in 1969, 30 years apart, and I am impressed of your work, man. If you're this good , you deserve a big audience, my friend.

[@frankgraves5423]

Lifelong fan here since the 80's. This was a great watch. Truly appreciate the work you put into it!!

[@viktorrietveld]

Oh; Bonus points for pointing out "Insight" on Ultra . Overall a great Retrospective (I'm at 1:09:56) thanks for making this

[@AE-Rugby]

I never get bored of DM . Music For The Masses , Violator and Songs Of F&D are my own holy trinity ! The songs on these three live just hit the spot !

[@garrettbeavers9360]

@ScoopedMids This is absolutely one of the best, if not the best, breakdowns on Depeche Mode from beginning to present that I have EVER seen. Soooooo well done, mate! F*CK*NG AMAZING. 🖤

[@tommyzwicky6317]

Great retrospective! As a huge DM-fan I always approach fan videos with a certain skepticism. I mean - I basically know all the info already. Despite that, I found your video very well-made, informative and with a great tempo. Cheers from Denmark.

[@jorgenhesselberg715]

This was amazing! I loved your delivery, solid research, and respect for the band. It's clear you're approaching the topic with reverence, and it shows. I'm a bit of a Depeche nut and I think this is the best documentary I've seen about the band. You go deep here - I'm super impressed! Nicely done!

[@SamFrehley-ns5xv]

Love the new video James! I can sit here for hours watching your retrospectives, Even if I’ve seen ‘em before. Btw, I tried to rejoin the Discord server and it told me it was an expired link. Maybe it’s an issue with my phone, But if not could you try fixing this?

[@ScoopedMids]

Thanks for the kind words. From what I can tell the link is fine? Maybe try joining on a computer?

[@slumdogjay]

40 minutes into this retrospective. Really great job. Very interesting. 👍

[@tondrej]

Thank you for bringing back the memories.

[@ninawildr4207]

Boy do I miss Alan....sigh...this vid was awesome❤

[@ScoopedMids]

Don't we all.

[@ninawildr4207]

@@ScoopedMids 😆

[@paranormalpendle5920]

I remember listening to SOFAD and being sad, something had died and when the final notes of Higher Love faded away I knew that was it. What came after was a poor substitute.

[@rumblefish9]

@@paranormalpendle5920 Nah, Ultra was a fucking amazing album

[@arnelinovio8724]

Thanks!

[@ScoopedMids]

Your welcome, man. And thanks for the donation!

[@Darrenski]

The best decision DM never made was Clarke leaving and enlisting Wilder.

[@sariputraa]

and worst : not allowing Wilder to stay . too mucb drug, maybe jealousy ? we'll never know, but we all lose much with his leaving DM, even if recoil is really interesting, many of us miss DM magic. they all brought to the group something unique and his leaving broke this.

[@AlvenmodFoto]

Not their decision, Vince decided to leave, but yes, point taken. DM would not have become what it is without that decision. Also, it gave us Yazoo and erasure.

[@sndlugo672]

Thank you. Loved this. 10/10

[@andy7owen7]

DM fan since I was 12 in1984, great video! I honestly expected a 50-60 year old English guy to be presenting this so was pleasantly surprised! Loved the Young Ones and Mighty Boosh references too!

[@HappiestG]

This was a suggested video and one I will be watching over and over! What an informative and funny retrospective and analysis. My faves are the same as yours .. shake the disease, in your room, behind the wheel, stripped. Had to laugh when I got to my unholy Trinity of sotu, delta machine and spirit. My only real disagreement is that I love ultra, every bit of it. Hope this gets discovered by more dm fans, this was fantastic.

[@ScoopedMids]

Thanks, homie.

[@Blackwavewhitebeach]

ULTRA is a masterpiece! Ive recorded and will be publishing a cover of Barrel of A Gun ... what a mammoth task that was! I too love the stripped back space that album gives.

[@glezpik]

Enjoyed every second of it, as a true DM fan, this is a very well documented and entertaining piece, keep the wood work running.

[@louisbhtanner7503]

Love the vid but Ultra is brilliant. I get why you say it sounds a bit boring in parts but I think that’s mainly due to the stripped-down instrumental feel that gives the songs a lot more room to breathe imo. The blend of electronic and rock-oriented instruments, as well as the variety of styles, make Ultra sound similar to SOFAD, but in an evolved and unique way. It’s not as good as SOFAD or Violator but it’s a beautiful album. I’d probably say my top 5 would be 5. Black Celebration 4. Ultra 3. Music for the Masses 2. Violator 1. SOFAD. I also really like exciter tbh, it’s almost ambient and really relaxing.

[@iamaudiopool]

As an enthusiastic fan of DM since the early 80ies I enjoyed watching your retrospective a lot. For me their greatness ended with the departure of Alan. He was the genius behind their outstanding production, sounds and atmospheres. They made a few nice songs in the post-Alan-era but nothing comparable to his brilliant work. My opinion. 😎 You made a great video! Thanks!

[@NeonEleven]

Spot on reflection. Thanks for the journey 🖤💀🎹

[@ginagomez1078]

This is worth sharing .. And I'm doing it.. so so good.. I agree with the thing of it would be great as a podcast

[@mtennantmusic]

Awesome video man, subbed.

[@dadeleemurphy85]

I used to annoy my ex-fiance by playing Depeche Mode just can't get enough and singing it all the time

[@richardthomas6771]

Massive Fan of DM. This is a great piece. Very well thought out and presented.

[@davidhoffman6509]

This is a solid examination of the band and their discography. It’s provided me a much better understanding of a band I’ve loved for 30 years

[@kontemplatemusic2189]

The best thing in DM history was Vincent Clarkes' departure. Worst thing in DMs history, Alan Wilders departure alongside Andy Fletchers.

[@sariputraa]

nevernoticed the real bassguitar on sacred... that's beautiful! thanks :)

[@mathish100]

Good review, this . Enjoyed every minute of it.

[@Fernando-n9g]

Soy fan desde 1988 y este video que hiciste,se nota tu respeto hacia esta banda tan grande mundialmente y al mismo tiempo nada comercial. Eso es algo que la hace única..

[@IlyaKuntsevich]

This is amazing! Thank you!!!

[@modeman69]

Thanks for the video brother….. Alan is/was the key

[@ANormalDave]

I’m more or less on the exact same boat as you with all of this. They are the first band I actually “cared” about, and still love them. I always found them to be mature, even when the music was playful. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, and just always present to me at least as genuine.

[@NicHills]

Great work - I've been a fan since I heard 'Enjoy the Silence' in 1990 and I knew I had found my band...

[@TheSoulcraft]

If you try walking in my shoes you'll stumble in my footsteps!'

[@arnelinovio8724]

I enjoyed this video and I'm seeing DM in a different light. I was a young man in the 80s and I did listen to DM it's part of New Wave although I'm more into New Order. the Smiths and The Cure. My first record of DM was Some Great Reward. I saw them once in concert In Manila in 1994. Thanks for renewing my interest for Depeche Mode.

[@cadaquesmadrid3000]

Great great video. Thanks!! ❤❤

[@rodobastias]

than you, great job bro 🖤

[@howl_howl]

i enjoyed your review. nice job. 🌀

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

Hello. Thanks for the amazing video about my favourite band since 2009. My ranking of Depeche Mode albums (by the way): S tier (❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️); Some Great Reward, Black Celebration, Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion, Ultra, Playing the Angel, and Memento Mori A tier (❤️❤️❤️❤️): Music for the Masses, Construction Time Again, A Broken Frame, Sounds of the Universe B tier (❤️❤️❤️): Speak & Spell, Delta Machine C tier (💔): Spirit

[@Audiorial]

Thanks for that, really nice review and retrospective. Am I the only one to be VERY hooked by the drum treatments on Violator (esp on Wolrd In My Eyes) ? I'm a big big fan of Violator and what came before, esp. their "industrial" period, when Alan joined... I also love Martin's demo, sometimes even more than the album version, it is esp. true for Pipeline...

[@-roejogan-]

This is awesome, I'd love you see you do an Oingo Boingo next. Bro, or Devo. The 80s kicked ass.

[@Villacheese]

Solid look into DM, thanks for the insights

[@danielgyllenbreider]

Great summary!

[@keriford54]

Thanks, I was looking for a comprehensive introduction to the band and this did the trick.

[@kanadum]

I need this as a podcast. I want to hear this whole thing, but I can’t sit in front of it for two hours. Would greatly prefer listening while driving my car. 🙏

[@digtilldarkdetecting363]

I would like to compliment you on a very well put together presentation. You obviously come from a different musical background and what this is yet you stayed objective and all the way through I was entertained. I saw you only had 7.3 thousand views I think that's going to change in the future if you continue doing this you are so good at this kudos to you!

[@annick7194]

This vid is great and I fully agree with you 👍

[@nigelgoodwin5094]

Great video, interesting and informative. DM4EVA!!!!!

[@raimywinter2309]

This channel is killer. Way better than the melon.

[@kingoftadpoles]

Bravo Sir, great work. I'm a Johnny come lately to interest in DM, and I'm ignorant of a lot of their work. My taste is eclectic, somewhere between Enya and Motorhead, via Kate Bush and Rush. I have only a compilation of early tracks, somewhere. Found my way back after music was featured in some reaction channels I follow. Got hooked on Enjoy the Silence and Never let me down again, so went delving into official videos and rediscovered how many of them I remember. Absolutely love Ghosts Again.

[@cerickson03]

KZbin algorithm working with suggesting this. Looking forward to exploring your channel

[@ScoopedMids]

Enjoy your stay

[@АлександрГорбунов-щ7ь]

Спасибо большое, класс! ♥️ 🇷🇺

[@Darrenski]

Fad Gadget was also a big influence on DM. I think what worked so well about DM was the dark melodic detached electronic sound of the music contrasted with the organic and super distinctive voice of Gahan.

[@Bendem47]

The "In Chains" Wilder remix is so amazing. I wish they kickstarted a Alan Wilder remix project of all the singles that were released after his departure.

[@kurtramone]

You should take a swing on type o retrospective

[@ColdGrayMorning]

Maybe Alan must produce next DM album :)

[@ScoopedMids]

I doubt it'll ever happen but here's to hoping!

[@fpmip]

I just had to give you the 101:st thumbs up. :)

[@ScoopedMids]

Ayyyyyyyy

[@spiralizer]

This was excellent, very well put together and I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the music. Regarding Alan leaving there was one thing he said at the time that stuck with me - you should always leave a band when they are at the top of their game rather than when they're on their way down, so from that point of view his timing was absolutley perfect

[@ConstableHandsy]

I really enjoyed that. Didn’t agree with everything - Ultra is my favourite DM album and I rate Delta Machine highly, yet I don’t enjoy PTA at all. You’re right about Spirit. If anything, that one seems to get worse as the years pass. All the others though are great to very, very good. Nice one

[@AlvenmodFoto]

Amazing documentary, lot of work went into this and the results speaks for themselves. As for DM, Ultra wasn't a bad album actually, but clearly something was lost and they have never recovered, after Ultra it's been all downhill from there with the very rare exemption here and there (Precious being one of the best dM songs ever). One of the greatest bands in history, but like many others they should have called it a day before it was too late...

[@mayhemcbs]

Another masterpiece. BRAVO

[@aaronl4116]

After seeing the part with Alan playing Somebody in 2010 and remembering that maybe just maybe he would rejoin the band. Now that Fletch is not with us anymore. It would be nice to see Alan come back to some degree. I think It's something to be revisited.

[@atlanta2076]

Been a fan since 88'. Got baptized by Strangelove. While I don't agree with all of your accounts, I state that you absolutely know what you're talking about. Subscribed!

[@ScoopedMids]

Enjoy your stay, homie.

[@GhostSound2]

My favourite of their albums is Music For The Masses. Some songs have this almost classical sound to them and the production makes them sound grandiose and massive. But man,their run from Some Great Reward to Songs Of Faith And Devotion is in my opinion best 5-album run in pop music period. The evolution,the broadening horizons,the sound quality,the songs themselves-all superb. Need to give their later albums a chance,have been sleeping on them sadly. Will definitely look forward to checking out Playing The Angel and their latest one Great retrospective, by the way,loved the dad puns as transitions😂

[@ScoopedMids]

Thanks man.

[@stopbunsen]

Yes Alan's remix of In Chains says so much. He brought out the pure emotion of Martin's writing and put emphasis on Dave's vocal, something the original doesn't. And he wasn't even in the studio with them! It's a remix. I think there is some great stuff after Alan left, but he will always be the best interpreter and arranger of Martin's songs. He gave them an edge and took creative risks that paid off. Their later work is missing much of this. Like Alan says, Martin is still a great songwriter, but they just need a good producer to push them out of their comfort zone.

[@ColdGrayMorning]

Photographic from debut album is the first classic DM mood song

[@paranormalpendle5920]

The Some Bizarre version is as close to synth punk as they got.

[@albertmurillo7522]

Tte very first album I ever bought with my own money is Broken Frame. I bought back in 1982 when I turned 12. I've been a hardcore Depeche Modian ever since. Great review

[@flashchrome]

When I was young it was synth music, not electronic music. I fail to understand how synth bands like Depeche. Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Jarre, Front 242, Erasure, Yazoo, Ratata, Adolphson & Falk and so forth now suddenly are electronic bands. But, good for you to keep an open mind. So, so much music in that genre that people tend to not be able to experience.

[@freyjulundr]

at the memento mori tour in 2023 stockholm the entire goth section started absolutely dancing during just cant get enough in friends arena

[@Rosbeef02]

Great! Thanks :)

[@LegPuppy]

Is simplicity best or simply the easiest?

[@ConstableHandsy]

My relationship with DM started off strangely. I bought the Some Bizarre album in early 1981 and fell in love with Photographic, then Dreaming Of Me came out and I liked that too. Same with New Life. Then JCGE was released and within three or four listens I was sick of it. It was on the radio in the UK all the time. I didn’t rate Speak & Spell either. When VC left I agreed with the naysayers who said the band would die, but I still bought the See You, Meaning of Love, and Leave In Silence 12”s. A Broken Frame came out and my ears pricked up. I wasn’t 100% convinced but at the same time I could definitely hear something interesting going on. Then I bought tickets to see them on the ABF tour. My life changed that evening. I walked into the venue a complete cynic. However, within minutes I picked up on the atmosphere there. It really felt like a big party vibe. I hadn’t experienced that at concerts Id been too before. The band came on, and my mind was blown. Three synths, a reel to reel, and Dave who was the star of the night. He carried the whole show. By the end I was buzzing and from that point on Ive been a devotee, seeing them 22 times to date. One thing I took away from that first evening was just how fortunate I was to hear them play songs like Monument, Nothing To Fear and The Sun And The Rainfall. Its sad they’ve never played those since 😕

[@joelashadali]

I believe they found Alan thru melody maker not village voice

[@pablofrediani2348]

Muy buen buen documental hicistes soy fan de dm desde el 91 ya tengo 48 años te mando un saludo desde buenos aires

[@somekindofdude1130]

Songs of faith and devotion is my favourite album due to how melancholic it sounds.

[@Blink-cx8eh]

Mostly agree with what you said, I rate Sounds of the Universe higher than Playing the Angel and Ultra higher than either but hey, tastes differ. Great review either way

[@DaveTheWraith]

I've adored Depeche since '81, and this was a fantastic review of the band, just one small annoyance though, its Dave GARRN not Dave Gaa-haan, I have no idea on why Americans can never pronounce it properly.

[@bigmac4899]

Ultra was one of the few albums I loved after violator and music for the masses

[@Uni955]

Wonderful

[@michaelhenri2002]

the greatest band on earth.

[@therealwilfreddierkes9980]

Some Great Reward is what started my love of them. Finally got to see them last year. Was great. (My husband was being a douche to everyone in the parking lot saying he saw them when there was four of em. Lol) what a douche.

[@jaredgriffiths1361]

Ironically I think Martin and Dave in the interview described the effect of Alan. 'We are getting better as we age', or words to that effect. I've long thought this was due to Alan taking more control over the music architecture, leaving Martin to cover lyrics and raw demo and Dave to layer the texture lyrically. To be honest I never saw any value or real contribution from Andy. You can see how they just kept improving with every album, but then when Alan left something was lost. They did make good music afterwards, but I don't think any of it compares to Violator or SOFAD.

[@petergeorgiopoulos3944]

Great retrospective. A b side that was great and didn't get enough recognition was Dangerous from Violator. Please listen to it. How did it not make the record?

[@ConstableHandsy]

Can’t believe they’ve never played it live either 🤷‍♂️. Or Happiest Girl

[@JohnSmith-kd6ip]

There are similarities between Depeche Mode and The Cure. Both started around the same time, released a poppy new wave album. The second album of both bands had a slight change in music. And by the mid 80s both bands made darker music and changed their outfits to match the mood. Both had their best work (and peak) in the late 80s and a good first album in the 90s. Later albums were forgettable with a few okay songs here and there. The music from the last 25 years wouldn't make either band stand out from the thousands of bands trying to get noticed. Both still have a large following from their popularity in the late 80s.

[@hrvojecugovcan218]

Best thing for the DM is Clark quting the bend just for make space for Alan Wilder.

[@JohanJohansson-y5y]

U L T R A 😊❤😊