Depeche Mode The Big Question (NME Originals, 2005)

[demoderus]

The Big Question
[NME Originals, Volume 2, Issue 1, 2005. Words: Steve Sutherland / Simon Scott / Mat Snow / Patrick Humphreys, ed. Steve Sutherland. Pictures: Veigue / Dulle-Idols, Redferns, Jon Blackmore.]

Over the years, NME have published some excellent material on Depeche Mode. Sadly, the editor of this selection of reprints has chosen a couple of good ones from 1981, a couple of bad ones from 1982, and nothing else, giving the impression that Depeche Mode were a New Romantic flash in the pan. Each article is perfectly decent in its own right, but combined they are completely un-representative of Depeche Mode's career. A wasted opportunity.
"Whatever it is that makes people shell out hard-earned money to watch this band, in pursuit of enjoyment, is totally lost on me. By the way, which one’s Vince Clarke?"
NME took over Melody Maker in (?) 2000, which is why the majority of articles here are from Melody Maker despite this magazine being an NME edition.

I've deliberately listed every NME or Melody Maker article I have for 1981-1986, which is the period being covered by this edition of NME originals, to demonstrate what they could have picked from, if only as abridgements. With a couple of exceptions, every article here is up with the best of them.

Contents:

1. "Fast Fashion In Basildon" [Melody Maker, 9th May 1981]

Depeche Mode - Fast Fashion In Basildon (Melody Maker, 1981)

Fast Fashion In Basildon [Melody Maker, 9th May 1981. Words: Steve Sutherland.] God, what a year it’s been. Not half over yet and every week they’re coming – great new bands bragging, bruising, begging for attention. It’s getting so I can’t tell me Scars from me Spandaus, but listen to this...

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2. "The Perfect Fantasy" [Melody Maker, 26th September 1981]

Depeche Mode - The Perfect Fantasy (Melody Maker, 1981)

The Perfect Fantasy [Melody Maker, 26th September 1981] I’m biased… some six months ago I was lucky enough to corner four funny kids, whose collective denomer was little more than a buzz about town, for a chat in the Lyceum changing room. The results prompted some nirk – one of the...

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3. Review of Just Can't Get Enough [Melody Maker, 12th September 1981]

Depeche Mode - Just Can’t Get Enough (Melody Maker, 1981)

Just Can’t Get Enough [Melody Maker, 12th September 1981, Words: Patrick Humphries.] Depeche Mode Just Can’t Get Enough Mute I can, you will. Catchy, disposable. Percussion and synths and repetition. Modes and Rockers. Product for an all-too-easily satisfied market, and empty reverberation...

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4. "Depeche Mode - Birmingham Odeon" [Melody Maker, 23rd October 1982]

Depeche Mode - Depeche Mode - Birmingham Odeon (Melody Maker, 1982)

Depeche Mode - Birmingham Odeon [Melody Maker, 23rd October 1982. Words: Simon Scott.] Some people reckon that Gary Numan has a lot to answer for. Some even feel it might be worth remobilising the Task Force to prevent his re-entry to this country. Almost single-handedly he made computer...

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5. "Depeche Mode - A Broken Frame" [Melody Maker, 25th September 1982]

Depeche Mode - A Broken Frame (Melody Maker, 1982)

A Broken Frame [Melody Maker, 25th September 1982. Words: Steve Sutherland.] What a difference a year makes. The Depeche Mode of ‘81’s “Speak And Spell” seduced their way into our hearts and into the charts with unblemished innocence; the synthesized soul brothers of cartoon punks, the...

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6. Review of People Are People [NME, 24th March 1984]

Depeche Mode - People Are People (NME, 1984)

People Are People [NME, 24th March 1984, Words: Mat Snow.] Depeche Mode People Are People Mute Another plea to the world along the lines of Timmy Thomas’ “Why Can’t We Live Together?”, which compensates with sincerity for what it lacks in verbal grace. “People Are People” marks time before...

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