1998
Articles,
reviews of concerts and releases, and band member interviews from
magazines and newspapers.
Single:
'Only When I Lose Myself'
Albums: 'The Singles 86>98', 'The Singles 81>85' (re-issue)
Videos: 'The Videos 86>98', 'Some Great Videos' (re-issue)
Depeche Mode complete a triumphant world tour, their first in four years.
Depeche Mode, Wembley Arena, London
[Melody Maker, date unknown, 1998. Words: Carl Loben. Picture: Stephen Sweet.]
A unappreciative and often mocking review of a performance on The Singles Tour. However, don't take the remarks too seriously as the author, despite professing himself quite into their earlier stuff, drops clanger after clanger and didn't even recognise Enjoy The Silence when he heard it.
[337 words]
Unsound
Recordings
[Sound On Sound, January 1998. Words: Words: Bill Bruce. Pictures:
Uncredited.]
An
immense, studio-oriented article examining Alan Wilder's work, especially
in the light of the Unsound Methods album being released at the time. Alan
talks intelligently and in detail about his recording practices and
general musical outlook as well as some technical talk. To his and the
author's credit, his time in Depeche Mode is discussed from a personal
viewpoint rather than becoming swallowed by general band history. Porno
for musos.
[5414
words]
Contemplating
New Life
[The Source, date unknown (September 1998). Words: Uncredited.
Picture: Marina Chavez.]
Fairly ordinary piece advertising the Singles 86-98 tour and album along with the obligatory recap of Dave's difficulties. The content may be nothing special, but thanks to the writer's flashes of humour it's more pleasant to read than some of its kind.
[511 words]
Magic Mode Put Sins Behind Them
[Daily Mail, 25th September 1998. Words: Adrian Thrills. Picture: Anton Corbijn.]
An upbeat and thorough review of the Gothenburg concert on The Singles Tour. The writer is very familiar with the band's previous work and, refreshingly, sticks to reviewing the concert itself rather than digressing into a band history as many reviewers do. Plenty of description, and no fluff here.
[539 words]
Basildon
Bondage
[NME, 26th September 1998. Words: Victoria Segal. Picture:
Marina Chavez.]
Short review of
The Singles 86>98. The author is largely unimpressed by the Depeche
Mode style: she considers them to be rock-stars-by-numbers only toying
with their subject matter rather than genuinely meaning it. A
well-written article, but many readers will be seething...
[433 words]
Depeche
Mode The Singles 86-98
[Record Collector, October 1998. Words: J.R. Blandford.
Pictures: Anton Corbijn / Various.]
History of the band, with less of a rigid focus
on the releases than Record Collector's 1989 article. Releases
are looked at but this time in conjunction with the band's views on
their development and changes of style over their career. A good
detailed starting point for someone fairly new to the band. Also has a
detailed discography (scanned, but not transcribed here).
[2974 words]
Autogahan!
[NME, 3rd October 1998. Words: Stephen Dalton. Pictures: Roger
Sargent.]
Anyone who goes into this review foolishly expecting it to be just a
review will be disappointed, as half of it is the career roundup that
seems obligatory for Depeche Mode press. On the other hand, the piece is
witty, fluid and balanced, with the author's understanding and
appreciation of the band showing through. Quality journalism!
[674
words]
Cleaning
Up
[Q, November 1998. Words: Nick Duerden.
Pictures: Chris Taylor.]
Combination of concert review and backstage interview with Dave Gahan.
The author isn't the first to be caught between awe and confusion at
the sight of so many gothic types in collective rapture at such
seemingly miserable songs, but he clearly had a grand old time. Dave
is perky and past his confessional stage and the author is struck by
the evident glow around him. This article will put a smile on your
face.
[1287 words]
[Australian Daily Telegraph, 24th December 1998. Words: Ben Wener. Picture: Anton Corbijn / Uncredited.]
A fairly run-of-the-mill short article, aimed at the general public in a daily newspaper, promoting the Singles Tour and using the opportunity to recap the band's and especially Dave's recent troubles. Perfectly serviceable, but nothing fans won't be familiar with.
[811 words]
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