Depeche Mode: Violator Album Review Part 5 - The brilliance of Francois Kevorkian

[@VaughnGeorge]

This video was sponsored by Skillshare: The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/vaughngeorge03211

[@garywalker7493]

First! Martin was right - those hi-hats were very good. Policy of Truth has some of the best mixed and intricate high end percussion both in terms of patterns and sounds that I've ever heard.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Indeed that "two weeks on a high hat approach" paid off!! VG :-)

[@stanislav182000]

@@VaughnGeorge I agree that high hats were good idea!

[@thesynthfloyd]

There seem to be two different lines going on, one on the left and one on the right... Amazing.

[@FredrikAndersson597]

"Francois could spend, lets say, two weeks on a hi hat. But Martin did say - but when you heard that hi hat, It was a very Good hi hat, hahaha." 😂

[@erichschoenholtz5170]

They really should collaborate again. I really think they could benefit from his genius.

[@leopas]

Anyone can say that Enjoy the Silence is an iconic song, truly masterpiece. Well, I think the “Hands and Feet” Mix goes one step further

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Sometimes the stars, the universe and all the forces come together and then we got Violator. We all know what that album means to all of us, fans, but when we think about it in global terms, my honest opinion is that Violator is one of the best albums ever made. In every possible way

[@antoniabermudezann4233]

I couldn't Agree More With YOU Anita!! I honestly don't know why you haven't got loads of likes, cause it's one of The Most BEAUTIFUL ♥️👌🏻 Comments I've Ever Read!! Thanks So Much For Sharing Your Thoughts & Describing It as Great as VG...

[@anitaklisovic7782]

@@antoniabermudezann4233 Thank you so much for your kind words, this means a lot to me...I grew up with them, they are such a big part of my life that I couldn't imagine it without them. Love. Only love ❤

[@sudeepk.6960]

The Hands and Feet mix is a sonic masterpiece but works better as a “ extended mix “ than an lp cut by all means

[@Victorcolongarcia]

The HANDS AND FEET MIX gives me chills. Totally.

[@GeorgeDemin]

Nothing to add here. I mean, how can you make a record, which was made 30 years ago sound so timeless, that right now it sounds like it was just recorded? Such a clean, massive sound. Kevorkian is one of the best people to work with DM. Pump Mix of PJ is awesome, one of the favorite official DM mixes of mine. Waiting for the next parts!

[@jeshkam]

You're right about Francois, Vaughn. I just had to look up some videos with him here on YT. He totally sounds like a New Yorker, not a single trace of a French accent when talks lol

[@dafunkester]

Thanks for uploading this on my birthday VG My day just keeps getting better and better.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Happy birthday to you my bro!! VG :-)

[@tgwindu1203]

Hey Vaugh... Very interesting to talk about F. Kevorkian. This guy really know how to mix indeed. To me Violator is one of the best album of pop/rock/electro history... Period... At every level... Songs, ambiance, mix, sound design... Any person involved in this project did an awesome job !

[@georgerobos6570]

One more second with that dancing and you'd turn into a pink flamingo!

[@mus31]

Oh gloriaaaa!!!!!

[@erichschoenholtz5170]

The Hands and Feet mix of Enjoy the Silence is my favorite remix of EtS. It's amazing.

[@jameskimball8159]

Another great video. Francois Kevorkian is brilliant for sure and does an outstanding job at mixing even Gloria's stuff (BTW I spit my coffee out twice during your Gloria moments lol). I look forward to the next part Vaughn!

[@ttora]

Gary Numan said that about Song of Faith & Devotion, not Violator.

[@terrykendell]

Vaughn you make me laugh loved the Gloria Estefan reference and dance routine while i was listening to the detail about FK working on a hi hat for 2 weeks awesome , well worth the result :)

[@joseca7509]

That Gloria Stefan bit fucking killed me hahahaha

[@VaughnGeorge]

Lets' dooo da congaaaa!!! VG :-)

[@stanislav182000]

I have a vinyl of Violator as well, one of the best produced album in their career.

[@VaughnGeorge]

For sure, without a doubt!! VG :-)

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Even it is a different subject, but Jesus, Songs of faith and devotion, I have just completed listening of whole CD, and what the story it is....How it works with Violator... I'm blown away

[@mus31]

Yeessss. Been waiting for u VG!❤❤❤

[@VaughnGeorge]

Enjoy and please share it if you can!! Thank you!! VG :-)

[@srfnma6813]

Perfect review... can’t wait to watch the next ones about SOFAD.....

[@VaughnGeorge]

I’m glad you liked it !! VG 😎🎹👍

[@user-pn9po6bc3v]

Thank you for doing these!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

You’re Welcome!! I’m glad you are enjoying the series !! VG 🎹😎👍

[@ninawildr4207]

My lord...more of Gloria 🤣🤣🤣and Mrs Norris ...

[@stanislav182000]

In Steve Malins book about DM is written: " A quick glance at the credits reveals that the album's mix is credited to Kevorkian, with exception of 'Enjoy the Silence' which Daniel Miller vetoed. 'He made us recreate the way it was on the rough mix', says Flood, who worked with the Mute boss on the final version of the track. Nothing said about the person who did the rough mix of ETS. Personally, I think it could be a work of Wilder .

[@ninawildr4207]

Yep agreed its Alans baby!

[@Esperluet]

7:08 Thank God, it's Friday

[@violator906]

Gloria Estefan🤣🤣🤣💃, i laughed out loud Vaugh, brilliant😉. Must say though, i really like that Gloria Estefan track🙈. I prefer the Flood/Miller version of Enjoy the Silence. Great upload as usual, thanks🥰

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you !!VG :-)

[@andyry1269]

Thank you for sharing, Sir. -Never heard the name before. The Pump mix and the Hands and feet mix are two of the best 12" mixes this band has released. -Andy Ry Denmark.

[@Morse___]

Amazing video - thanks Vaughn. The mixing on this album is second to none - whilst we can all imagine different versions of the songs from Violator (the Goldfrapp version of Halo is equally immense) the Francois versions (including his mixes of Enjoy the Silence) are standout. Seminal mixing.

[@calle68]

You have to talk with Pino Pischetola, the sound engineer at Logic Studio hired by Flood. He has a bunch of anedoctes on the recording of Violator, including the amazing session of Personal Jesus Pump Mix Session with FK. An amazing story teller, fluent in english. Contact him and you will be surprised!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hi Alberto. I have already interviewed Pino. VG :-)

[@calle68]

@@VaughnGeorge , oops, sorry. I go for the video! Thanks a lot for your effort! Definitely one of my preferite channels, together with the one from Rick Beato.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@calle68 bless you brother !! I appreciate that!! VG :-)

[@stephan8472]

I prefered the hands and feet mix in when it was released. Great work

[@raymondpenalver7095]

Great moves there Vaughan 👌 !!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

I won't be quitting my day job but thank you!! VG :-)

[@henningnielsen9907]

Coming up: Dancing with Vaughn 😉🤣

[@davidwestbrook1437]

The Gloria Estefan "Conga" dance you did was THE GREATEST. It was so fun (and funny) to see your sense of humor come out like that. Your wife must have been cracking up laughing when she saw that. 🙂 p.s. By the way, you are a pretty good dancer. 🕺💃

[@HectorsDolphin1977]

... “Enjoy the Silence” was originally a slow track, a ballad almost, as a demo but I think Alan and Flood really believed that there was something else to get out of that track as an uptempo number. Martin was definitely against the idea because it was his song and that’s how he’d heard it, but he said, “Okay, you do it and we’ll see.” I remember coming to visit them in the studio and Fletch and Martin being very excited, saying, “Dan, we’ve got to play you this track!” We went to one of the little rooms to the side of the studio, they played me “Enjoy the Silence”, which was half-finished and I just went, “This is going to be huge.” It was just a perfect pop song, absolutely great. This was the version, by the way, that Martin had written and Alan and Flood had worked on to make it what it was. Then François mixed the record in London-he’s a great guy, I love him, and he’s one of the most intense people I know. He would work for 18 hours a day and I think he got through at least three different engineers because they couldn’t take it. He’s so obsessive and so brilliant, and made a great record in Violator. The only thing about that was that, while the record was great, I wasn’t happy with “Enjoy the Silence” as it was. I had real demo-itis about it. I’d heard this rough version which they’d done, and in my head, that’s how it had to sound. So I said, “Look, I love the album, but I’m not feeling the way “Enjoy the Silence” is at the moment. Can I go off and mix it with somebody else just to try it?” So, I went off with a guy called Phil Legg, who was an engineer I’d worked with, and did it the way I’d always heard it. I think they were so burned out by the end-it took a long time making that record-that they said, “Okay, whatever you say,” and they used that version..." - Daniel Miller, www.electronicbeats.net/daniel-miller-depeche-mode-catalogue/

[@Lofote]

06:55 you forgot Jean-Michel Jarre on REVOLUTIONS. Never forget the Jarre ;).. And how can one forget listing the OIL TANK MIX of WIME, which is -bar none- the most genius remix ever done - and I studied LOOOOOOOTS of remixes of MAAAANY artists. By the way, that remix shows his passion for high hats.

[@michaelhurly6137]

Vaughn, Gary Numan's comments came after he heard Songs of Faith and Devotion, not Violator.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Vaughn, is there any chance to get to Daniel Miller? I think we would all faint if that happens...

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I have to say, Gloria Estefan act was amazing ❤

[@TFHats]

I find the Daniel Miller mix of Enjoy the Silence more coherent, while the Hands and feet mix is probably more DJ friendly. Though I like the delay on Martin's guitar in Kevorkian's version better. It's more pronounced.

[@Betodiasc]

Nice video!! Are you gonna make a video showing the arrangements and what each one plays in the songs? It would be great!!

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

Vaughn...your suh a Dork...lol the Gloria Esteban fits are hillarious. This one is hillarious.

[@StenSturesKanal]

Just wanted to point out that Violator's melodies are very low, most of them are sung in a low baritone voice. A lot of producers often raise the pitch to get a higher melody because: ppl want to sing along when it's in a higher pitch and the melody is easier to remember. It seems like a lot of the things we're told about music is bullshit. I sing along to every song on Violator so does millions of ppl in the audience.

[@ericlavallee]

20 parts! Yassss! Danke VG! Thanks for the homework assignment. Francois' version feels sectioned off -- one too many riff elements or layers. Miller for the win. Make sure to give us the World in My Eyes hand gesture in #6.

[@robmiranda7120]

You sounded just like my neighbor here in Florida You said “Get out of here”

[@Lofote]

Story 2 about ETS mixing is unlikely, since Daniel and not Flood is credited for mixing it. I am sure it is story 1.

[@55tranquility]

I think it was Neil Tennant who said that when Violator came out they were deeply jealous of it and it completely raised the stakes for electronic music - it was so good

[@audiolego]

Can we interview Flood? Btw I had a dream that you were interviewing Alan.

[@gagoftak]

He also worked with moloko and goldfrapp.

[@MartinidM]

Another topic related to ETS is why there are so many version of this song released commercially - single, album and video version. The last one was never released on any vinyl or cd. And as you mention some of the remixes are actually dropped-out final versions that didn’t pleased enough the band. Similarly same story of Strangelove - single, album and single.

[@vnvmode]

The video version of ETS have never been released officially.

[@MarcinZwir]

I think Gary Newman said this about SOFAD 🙂

[@ГеоргийКурганов-у7у]

Nope, he was inspired by that album,not depressed ;)

[@stanislav182000]

@@ГеоргийКурганов-у7у SOFAD is darker and heavier than Violator, in my opinion.

[@ГеоргийКурганов-у7у]

@@stanislav182000 по мне так наоборот, Вентилятор более мрачный/депрессивный/психоделичный (подчеркните нужное) и интроспективный, в то время как софад более душевный и открытый (если не брать в расчет In your room). Взять ту же Condemnation или Get right with me - очень светлые треки, переполняющие надеждой и эйфорией. Такого на нарушителе нет.

[@stanislav182000]

@@ГеоргийКурганов-у7у Я бы в Violator назвал депрессивной только Clean, a под World in my Eyes и Enjoy the Silence танцевать даже можно.

[@michaelglynatsis9159]

Yes Marcin. Pretty sure it was SOFAD that Gary Newman commented on.

[@PatheticoMorbid]

I'm an Aspie (Aspergers) , I can relate to those comments. 👍

[@VaughnGeorge]

Good to see you here as always PM!! VG :-)

[@OBKUT]

I'm an Aspie as well 🤣

[@ninawildr4207]

Or is it that im just german🤔😆

[@mjg1544]

Didn’t Francois mix the Pavlov’s Dub and Capitol Mix of Policy of Truth as well? The man is a musical mixing genius.

[@jeshkam]

Any chance you could ask François to have a little chat with you? Not just DM-related, but many of us are curious about his work with Kraftwerk I suppose, though I don't know whether he's allowed to reveal any Kraftwerk stories etc...

[@dezb1]

The single mix is my favourite mix of Enjoy the silence - the album mix seems slightly darker (or something, not as open sounding definitely different) I take it there was some tweaking to get it to sit well on the album.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are right !! It was tweaked corn continuity I guess . VG

[@plutostube]

heard again now the "hands and feet" mixes of enjoy the silence and the problem is that the arrangements are to Dj friendly, bringing sounds one by one and thats not helping the track to have an impact from the first seconds like the original version did (mixed by Flood and Daniel) BUT sound wise quality is better on the Kevorkian mix, more depth and clarity when all the sounds come in, so the supreme version in my opinion should be the version from the video (with that amazing intro and arrangement) and with Kevorkian sound quality processing made on the "hands and feet" mixes

[@karaloca]

Christ I could’ve listened to violator by the time the video really starts.

[@tudoracid1812]

Really interesting discussion, my take on it is that the Francois Kervorkian mix has a greater depth to it than the album version. A similar example for me is when I directly bounce a track down out of hardware vs mixing it in Logic X with all the SSL modelling plug ins etc. I often find myself A/B ing things a lot but finally preferring the original rougher mix. It's an article of faith (And indeed, devotion) that tracks always sound better properly mixed/and EQ's with nice plugins but it can often sound too pro. TL;DR- sorry Francois, your mix was too polished for them.

[@video2000_TV]

let's not forget he also mixed the original definitive 12" versions of Crocket's Theme and Miami Vice Theme

[@VaughnGeorge]

I was not aware of that !! Thank you for letting me know !! VG :-)

[@jeshkam]

Really? That means Jan Hammer and Francois knew each other or it was arranged via their record companies?

[@video2000_TV]

@@jeshkam I guess they didn't know each other personally before, but MCA Records employed Kevorkian to create extended mixes for a few other artists of theirs as well, like Jody Watley or Charlie Sexton.

[@antoniabermudezann4233]

Thanks For Sharing such a GREAT Piece of Information!! 🙏🏻🌹🌹👌🏻💯🙏🏻🌹🌹👌🏻😁😁

[@NicosCrew]

I think Violator is a record for the "Masses". New generations became fans of DM.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Right you are!! VG :-)

[@NicosCrew]

@@VaughnGeorge thank u George. 😉

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

Looks like at around seven minutes the lockdown madness set in, you did well to last a year. I know many who fell at the first hurdle 🤔

[@stanislav182000]

I am going to call Martin Gore right now and ask who mixed Enjoy the Silence)) .

[@VaughnGeorge]

Please do!! I'd love to put the story to bed !! VG :-)

[@Morse___]

I always assumed it was an edit of the Francois K Hands & Feet mix. I can’t naturally assume why Daniel Miller would suddenly step in and take over - unless he happened to do a guide mix and it sounded amazing

[@srfnma6813]

Fletch??

[@alexgalaktionov9952]

Martin would not have a clue as he spent most of recording time in the club partying. Call Alan or at least Flood.

[@stanislav182000]

@@alexgalaktionov9952 I am 99% sure Wilder did it.

[@JackHekler]

Awesome "Mrs Norris" callback! It would be fun to see if she is still alive and get her on a phone interview for us. If not, I would love to hear you improvise that conversation.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Mrs Norris is receive cult like status !! VG :-)

[@beatatomaszewska5009]

The best is ....Depeche Mode Personal Jesus/ a Francois Kavorkian Holier Than Thou Approach / my favourite always is Pump Mix !!!!!!!!!!Gloria .... A shot in the dark ;))))

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I'll sign for 30 right know

[@ellilechtman820]

Howzit boet. Was SOFAD that Gary Numan referenced

[@VaughnGeorge]

Ahh thank you for correcting me bro !! VG :-)

[@federicofestino3247]

The right pronunciation is something like Pino Piskétola 😊

[@pjohan74]

According to Flood (about here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXSVXpWio5aBeKs), it was Daniel Miller who rejected Francois version and made them make a new version based on Flood's original rough mix

[@Nephilim-81]

Oh my god I lost it with the Gloria Shit. Lol.

[@eancurtis9333]

Gloria Estefan!

[@paulmansell2693]

Thanks Vaughan, for your excellent analysis of Gloria Estefan... sorry, Francois K 👌

[@Substance242]

I was afraid you are becoming less silly Vaughn, but all is fine. :-) And comparing Enjoy the Silence side by side... I prefer "hands and feet", it's more "digital", crystal clear, bassline is more Recoil-like and nicely jumps around, it's less poppy, almost like something from Black Celebration. Album version is more rounded, analog, safe. But all are great of course. :-)

[@Tomversal]

I think lockdowns gotten to him

[@tweedtalk5107]

NERDY CORRECTION! Um, excuse me, but you are wrong about what Gary Numan said. (pushes up glasses) He was actually talking about Soft of Faith and Devotion, thank you. I have an interview on one of those album review DVD's, remember those? Also, there's a rare mix included on "Remixes 81--04" by Daniel Miller of World In My Eyes from that time, so it's a nice way to contrast Francois's approach to someone else's. Daniel's is fine, but a little dry. Keep up the great work, you South African freak! If you moved to the US and became a citizen, you know what you'd be right? An African-American.

[@VaughnGeorge]

My nerdy friend, I thank you for correcting me on that that !! I love the passion of the community here!! As for me moving to USA and being called “an African American” I say bring it on brother !! Being born and bred on the greatest continent on the planet I have often referred to myself as “an African man”. People will often say “but Vaughn you’re white, you’re not African”. My answer to them is , “Being African is a way of life that runs through your blood , not a skin colour”. Full respect to you by the way bro, I hope you have subscribed to the channel ? VG 😎🎹👍

[@tweedtalk5107]

@@VaughnGeorge Hey man, where we're born is such an integral part of who we are as human beings. I'm not Swiss, but I was born there, and I still have a have piece of my heart that lives there. Go Federer! Also, my fav author was born in S. Africa. (think fantasy, nerds in cloaks at comic cons)

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@tweedtalk5107 Amen to that brother !! VG :-)

[@mathiashalle2832]

Hey! I really like your videos and have watched them for a couple of years now. But if I have to be honest, I think you're dragging the Violator Review a little too far. Its all most like every episode doesn't really tell us anything, and when it does it's the same thing for 15-20 min. Keep in mind I'm not saying this to be rude, but just because I miss some of the older reviews, where everything in the video had meaning and was exciting to hear about. :)

[@antoniabermudezann4233]

I honestly don't know if I should say Good Evening or Good Morning, hahaaa cause it's 1:51am!! Just to show & let you know I Really wanted to watch This so hard!! But I have to stop right now if I don't fall asleep I'll see it again👌🏻🙏🏻 later... Why? Well, I'm charging the battery so I shouldn't do This at all the battery's burning my hand on the back side? Or backside?of the phone! Gosh my English's getting Worse day by day... Alright I'll be back as soon as possible! Big laugh with Gloria Stefan!! 😁😁🤣🤣

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you are enjoying it Antonia !! Thank you for all your support !! VG 😎🎹

[@mr-robot-2.099]

i have the francois mix, it's more a dance club mix.

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

I have a theory about modern music. Just as a pendulum swings instinctively both ways, I feel production will start to go backwards. There can only be so much scope in prefabricated, samey, autotuned drivel. The time will come when you'll see studios pop up, doing hands on old school nuts and bolts production. For music's sake it needs to happen, if not for the rescue of the humble song, then to rescue our young from not knowing that feeling we all had, when good bands made good music in organic surroundings. You can't wrap a hot coal in cling film, it will out. Music is a fire that will not be contained. 👍🔥

[@lukehunnable]

Great comedy haha!

[@maxonwax6172]

François Kevorkian is the best. If you never saw, you should check at least his interview with redbullmusicacademy, that he did years ago(kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ3CiYOAhJubd7s). Shame he that he did'not work with Depeche mode more. His other work in the house/disco/deep house world untouchable.

[@anderslarsson6149]

Is it covid look down taking its toll…? 😝

[@s1ddo]

Can you stop dropping the I in his surname, it's surely pronounced ke-vork-ian isn't it?. You Australians and dropping the i in a surname just like Daniel Ricciardo everyone says Riccardo even if the guy says it that way to me it's wrong, my surname would sound stupid if I left the I sound out.