Depeche Mode "Get The Balance Right!"

I know that Depeche Mode is a well-established band with over 100+ million in record sales and admission into the Rock'N Roll Hall of Fame back in 2020, so they don't need any help from me.

And sure, if you know Depeche Mode you probably know the hits, but for today I wanted to highlight a track that is probably only well-know if you're a fan of Depeche Mode.

For Depeche Mode this was a time of transition. Right after their first album, founding member and chief songwriter, Vince Clarke, left the band, presumably because he no longer wanted to tour. He then promptly formed the group Yazoo (Yaz in the US), and thereafter Erasure.

The four was now three: Martin Gore, Andrew Fletcher, and Dave Gahan. Losing a member meant that Martin became the primary songwriter in the group, but as they were missing their fourth side their second album was called A Broken Frame.

While touring off that album they employed Alan Wilder, and by the time they recorded their third album he had joined as the fourth member, thus the album title Construction Time Again as the band was rebuilding itself.

Though a little wobbly on the last album, Gore was become more steady on his songwriting legs by this album, as seen by his cycnical take with this song.

When you think you've got a hold of it all
You haven't got a hold at all (all)
When you reach the top
Get ready to drop
Prepare yourself for the fall (the fall)
You're going to fall
It's almost predictable

Again, part of the point of this blog is grant exposure to some songs that I love that perhaps did not get the consideration that I feel that they should have. Most people know the hits from Depeche Mode, but this is a personal favorite of mine that I really wish I could have seen performed live at some point.

Enjoy!

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Nine Inch Nails "Closer" (B Stage Remix w/Boys Noize)

At 30+ years old I think we can all agree that "Closer" was a hit that was about as perfect as it could have been, and has since become a classic. But ever since I saw NIN in Detroit, and even before, thanks to YouTube, I have been obsessed with this remix of the track. I thought maybe that would fade, but here we are weeks later and I am still impressed with not only the audacity to rework such a well-known, iconic song, but I'm equally astounding as to how well it works. And now, with the Coachella lineup announced (see above as well), it's obvious that this NIN/Boys Noize collaboration is going to continue as Nine Inch Noize. Personally, I love it, and am hopeful to get an official release of this version so I can buy it and listen to it to my heart's content. Welcome to Monday! Enjoy!

Boys Noize feat. Rico Nasty "Girl Crush"

I saw Nine Inch Nails for what I believe is my fifth time on Friday, and Boys Noize was not only the opening act, he was also on the "B Stage" playing with Trent/Atticus for four songs in the middle of the set, delivering a remixed/retooled version of "Closer" that I absolutely love. You can check out that part of the set below (starting with "Vessel" and moving into "Closer"): While all of that is certainly impressive, Boys Noize is no slouch when it comes to his own music. If I am being completely honest, I was torn as to which track of his I should post here, either "Close" or "Girl Crush," but as I listened to them both, man, it was a hard decision because they are both so good, but I had to go with my heart. That Gesaffelstein-esque, synth bassline just appeals to me in a way that is difficult to put into words, so I won't. I'll let Boys Noize's music speak for itself. Enjoy! Happy Monday! +/- by Boys Noize

Black Sabbath "War Pigs"

Sadly, just a bit ago, Ozzy Osbourne passed , having only recently staged his farewell concert with the other surviving members of Black Sabbath. While I admit that I am far from a metal-head, I certainly respect Ozzy's contribution to music in general, and metal in particular. They were the marred and tarnished flipside of the coin to their peers, Led Zeppelin, and yet, no one else was like them. No one else could be Black Sabbath, and certainly, no one else could have been Ozzy Osbourne. Rest in Peace, Ozzy. Note: I typically post links to music Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, but made an exception this morning for a programming note to highlight Bandcamp Friday. Tomorrow I will continue posting links to music you can find there, but if anyone deserved to be part of an exception, it was definitely Ozzy.

This Track Is Fire!

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