Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe Deluxe Box Set (3 CDs/DVD/2 Books)
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Free Music Notes for Sounds of the Universe Deluxe Box Set (3 CDs/DVD/2 Books)
Free Music Review: How did they fit the Universe in a box?
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been a Depeche Mode fan for seventeen years and have followed the band closely ever since. I have seen them three times and plan to see them two more on this coming tour. The amount of CDs, videos, DVDs, books, t-shirts and frames posters I have that are Depeche Mode related borderlines on ridiculous. In my very humble opinion this band can really do no wrong (other than the song call "Wrong'). I like to believe that this devotion is based more on the quality of music that band has produced over the years and not just because anything Depeche Mode does is wonderful.
I know that many people state that Depeche Mode isn't the same band since Alan Wilder left and this assumption is correct. [Hell, Depeche Mode hasn't been the same band since Vince Clark left.] I was REALLY upset when Alan Wilder left the band in 1995. However, in hindsight it wasn't really a big surprise. There was some tension (I believe) after the recording of SOFAD and the Devotional Tour. Nevertheless Wilder is an amazing musician and he really brought a lot Depeche Mode.
One idea I would like to present is this, perhaps Depeche Mode became stronger once Alan Wilder left? The three remaining members really needed to hold it down if they had any plans of going forward. David Gahan kicked his addictions to drugs/alcohol and has released (so far) two solid solo albums. This has lead to Gahan now sharing song writing duties with Martin Gore. Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher also have some accomplishments since Wilder left the band. The former has released a second solo album and has written some great tunes for DM and Fletch has/had started his own label Toast Hawaii.
"Sounds of the Universe" finds Depeche Mode in familiar territory, with some drops of out of character approaches thrown in for good measure. "In Sympathy" sounds like a classic DM from the 1990's and "Corrupt" sounds like a missing song from "Violator". "Wrong" isn't like anything they have done before, where "Peace" and "Perfect" are more uplifting tunes that haven't been heard by this band in a long time, if ever. The vintage synthesizers and keyboards are force to be reckoned with on this album. The instrumental on this album, "Spacewalker" sounds a lot the score from the 1971 film "Daughters of Darkness". There are also certain songs that sound like they are trapped in an Atari 2600 game, which to me is cool.
Comparisons have been made between SOTU and 2001's "Exciter". The only comparison I see is that both albums are mellow. However, I feel that "Exciter" was much more ambient and mellow than SOTU. Subsequently, "In Chains" would have not been out of place on "Exciter". The songs on SOTU really range in tempo, style and meaning. The first track being "In Chains", more or less a love song and the final track being "Corrupt" which is drenched in sordidness, sexy and masochism.
The one thing I noticed about this album is I needed to listen to it a few times for my appreciation to develop. This is a much layered album that might take more than one listen to truly enjoy. "Come Back" and "Jezebel" both didn't sound that great at first, now I totally love them. Therefore, it might be possible for multiple listens before "you feel a little love".
The deluxe box set of SOTU is a Depeche Mode's fan dream come true. When I was first going through the contents in this box set I felt like it was Christmas morning. Within the box a fan will find three CDS. The first is the standard album. The second is five unreleased songs/B-sides and remixes from the album. The third is a collection of demos that range back to the days of "Music for the Masses". I found that the sound quality on these demos were amazing.
There is also a DVD that has four studio performances, the video for "Wrong", the entire album on 5.1 surround sound, as well as the unreleased songs/B-sides, three documentaries following the making of the album. A poster, post cards, buttons; two hard cover books (one with lyrics/photos, the other with photos of studio production) and a certificate of authenticity. A lot of work went into the production of this box set and a statement has been made. Depeche Mode really loves their fans. However besides hard core DM fans, I don't see the causal Depeche listener getting their grubby little paws on this.
As for the unreleased songs/B-sides, they are mind blowing! "Ghost" is such a throwback to the old Mode days, yet retains a fresh vibe. The lyrics are literally haunting. "Oh Well", is the first song written by Gore and Gahan and it is marvelous. As a matter of fact, Depeche Mode could have used all five of these unreleased songs/B-sides plus maybe two more songs and could have easily made SOTU a double album.
With regards to the response to SOTU, it has been mixed. There has been some praise of this album and some criticism as well. This is common for any type of media. Nevertheless, I would like to take a moment to address the criticism towards SOTU. Under the assumption a person just dislikes this album and hates the way it sounds, that is cool, we are all have different tastes and it is hard to please everyone. In contrast, to report that this album sucks because it doesn't sound like "Violator" or "Songs of Faith and Devotion" (or any of their works) is really asinine. To set oneself up to thinking that every new Depeche Mode album is going to sound like one of their former albums is going to produce only one result........disappointment!!
For instance, REM is never going to make another "Out of Time", Pearl Jam is never going to make another "Ten", Metallica is never going to make another "Master of Puppets", U2 is never going to make another "Joshua Tree", and The Cure is never going to make another "Disintegration" and Depeche Mode is never going to make another "Violator". Everyone one of the following bands has evolved over time and is still around. I believe they do this by staying fresh and doing different things, if a band doesn't shake things up then they become predictable and boring.
Depeche Mode didn't get where they were today by repeating themselves. They keep it fresh and try new things; perhaps some albums are stronger than others but the approach is the same. I am just glad they are still around; there was a point in time where I wasn't sure. Besides think of any band, author, actor or movie director (or whatever) that has been around for almost 30 years. There is going to be some deviation from the mean, just to keep it new and exciting. It is hard to pigeon-hole Depeche Mode because they have touched so many different genres perhaps their strength is also their weakness.
As for criticism about the production of this album being bad I don't know what to say. I can say that I like the way this album sounds and I enjoy the songs. For agreement's sake if I wanted production to be better I wouldn't know where to start. Since I have never produced an album before, yet the criticism states to bring Alan Wilder back. Would Alan even come if requested? In addition, what type of "Depeche Mode Fans" is sitting around waiting to listen for "The Next Violator"? "Violator" is almost 20 years old and Alan Wilder has been away from the band for fourteen years. Depeche Mode has released four albums since Wilder's departure; it appears this longing for a copycat album is a moot exercise. I can think of many other elements in contemporary times to grip about than wishing that Depeche Mode would/will rerecord "Violator".
The one thing I do know about SOTU is I believe it is a solid and great album from a band I love. The theme that this collection of songs presents is a polished, robotic and arcane cacophonies that are mired in emotion.
Andy, Martin and Dave, keep up the good work!!!!!
Free Music Review: Absolutely gorgeous set. A must-own.
Hit: 5 Stars
Having embraced DM only recently, I ordered this Deluxe set with some level of trepidation. But my fears faded to dust as I cut the tape on the shipping box.
The first impression, before even getting at the goodies inside, is how extraordinarily well crated the set-box itself is. Extremely rigid, sharp edges, smooth surface and a brilliant contrast between the black satin finish that bathes the box and the reflective foil used for the SOTU and DM logos.
Upon lifting the cover, in addition to the smell of glue and fine cardstock, the first thing that will pry a smile out of you is the very kitsch Certificate of Authenticity. It contains the specific production number of your set, as well as a message stating the authenticity of the set and printed signatures of Andy, Dave and Martin.
Immediately under the Certificate, you'll see what is arguably the centerpiece of the entire collection; 'Words & Images of The Universe', the largest of the two included 84-page books. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest hardback books I have ever held. The page binding in particular is a treat.
'Words & Images' is the home of SOTU's lyrics, with each song being separated by several pages of very insightful photography of the band from shoots surrounding both the New York and California recording locations.
Moving deeper into the set, you'll find the second 84-page hardback book; 'Making The Universe', comprised entirely of in-studio shots from throughout the production of SOTU.
Underneath 'Making The Universe', you'll find both a small DM SOTU poster and a collection of art-cards featuring artist interpretations of the SOTU logo.
Once removing both the poster and art cards, you will be left with two compartments; one containing two very high quality lapel pins; one of the new DM logo and one of the SOTU logo, as well as two fold-out brochures. The first of which is simply a listing of credits for the album and the set, the other being a two-sided panoramic view, with each side depicting either the New York or California recording studios.
The second compartment houses the meat of the release; four discs, each in its own cardboard sleeve. Disc One is the SOTU basic release. Disc Two is additional tracks plus remixes. Disc Three is demo material spanning most of the band's career. And Disc Four is a DVD featuring various video content, including the music video for 'Wrong' and a documentary. But the most important piece of content on the DVD for many fans will probably be the DTS/Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound mix of the basic SOTU album. Saying that it sounds magnificent if you have the proper equipment would be an understatement.
I would love to review the content of the album itself, but there are many others who have already done it and done it better than I could have. So, in short; this set is a must own that is destined to retain and gain desirability in years to come.
Free Music Review: Must-Have for DM Fans
Hit: 5 Stars
Full of wonderful material, Depeche Mode's Sounds of the Universe Deluxe Box Set (3 CDs/DVD/2 Books) is a must-have for DM fans. The large, sturdy box contains three CDs, a DVD containing music in 5.1 surround sound, two books, art cards with different artists' takes on the album cover, a poster, some pins, and a certificate of authenticity.
First of all, the music is great. I've been listening to DM and collecting DM material since Some Great Reward (and later picked up all their previous releases) and I think all the experimentations in style have finally culminated into a final epic collection of music. From the minimalist suggestions of Exciter to the growling gospel of SOFAD, you can hear it all on Sounds of the Universe. But I think the most interesting part is how all the styles of the past 28 years are now accompanied by analog synths, some of which were probably used on early material. By nature of the way these synths produce sound the results are full and warm, and envelope you with an experience that must be heard in the 5.1 surround sound provided by the included DVD.
My favorite songs are "In Chains", "Corrupt", and "Perfect". I love the way "In Chains" builds throughout the entire song, slowly adding instruments as it goes with small breaks in between. It's nearly hypnotizing in the way it moves. Dave contributes three tunes, and they are very good. The evolution occurring in his songwriting skills are apparent here. For those of you following the YouTube releases during production, there was a release of "Hole to Feed" that I actually like better than the version included on the CD. They are two very different takes on the same song, and both of them are quite enjoyable.
The bonus songs are also very good, "Ghost" being my favorite and "Oh Well" taking second place. For true DM fans, the album isn't complete without this additional material. The demos are very interesting - the musicians in the fan base will love these but they can also serve as quite pleasant background music.
The books were surprisingly impressive. I wasn't expecting the high-quality, attractive packaging and such sturdy hard-cover volumes - and even the photography is impressive. The layout is very professional, and helps tell a story. For DM fans, some of the photos will flood you with memories of everything this band has gone through to finally achieve the peace they now enjoy when working in the studio. It's great to see them all well and working great together. These books are perfect to thumb through with a loved one while enjoying the music.
Free Music Review: Discover the Universe!
Hit: 5 Stars
Sounds of the Universe is Depeche's best album since Ultra, in my opinion of course. Exciter didn't excite me much...there was certainly an element or two missing there. And Playing the Angel is great, except the producer (same producer as SOTU) got a little too experimental and over-saturated the sound.
SOTU however, is very exciting, both creatively and audibly, and very well produced! From the SOTU session photos and blogs I've seen, Martin went a bit ape-crazy with the vintage gear and filled every nook & cranny he could find with it. So then, one *might* expect to hear early DM synth-pop? Not quite. SOTU progresses onward in the 21st century. But the soundscape is definitely remmeniscent of 70's and 80's electronica. You'll get a good taste of this with the opening track, "In Chains", as it opens much like an analogue synth version of an orchestral warm-up session. There is quite a bit less acoustical elements (ala Exciter), and more vintage analogue soundscapes, albeit, Martins guitars are still a main ingredient. Daves vocals couldn't be any better, he just get's better with age. Martin sings lead vocals for one song, Jezebel, for which he does in flawless fashion.
Recently, since writing my initial review, I bought this Deluxe Box set from Amazon for $72. This contains 3 discs, and 1 dvd (along with a bunch of other goodies). Disc 2 contains some bonus tracks, not found on the album. All sound great! My favorites are "Esque", a very ambient sounding track, unlike any DM song I've heard before. And "Oh Well" is also like no other DM song I've heard before - very EBM inspired. Also on disc #2 are six remixes from SOTU. Disc #3 contains 14 tracks of unadultrated demo tracks (quite interesting). The DVD blew my mind! In addition to SOTU and extra tracks mixed in 5.1 surround, there are session videos of the making of SOTU. Included are 5 complete session recordings (on video) of Martin, Dave, Fletch, and engineers/producers playing various songs, mostly from SOTU. I almost like these recordings over the album versions especially "Come Back". I highly recommend buying the box version of SOTU over any other.
I can't say enough good things about SOTU, it's already a timeless favorite of mine! It stirs the spirit, and gets you in a good groove from start to finish. As with any symbious five-star Depeche album, it will take a few listens to really appreciate and discover The Sounds of the Universe.
Free Music Review: Great Box Set
Hit: 5 Stars
Great album. The album keeps much of the darker sound of their later albums, but has the vintage electronic sound of their earlier stuff. It really shows that they went out of their way to get a bunch of retro electronic equipment (the box set even includes a picture showing all the stuff Gore got of ebay).
The bonus songs included on disk 2 are amazing as well, many should be album tracks. They include more trakcs sung by Martin Gore (Jezebel is the only song fronted by Gore on the main album).
The quality of the boxset is outstanding. The box itself is made from heavy-gauge cardboard stock and is rock solid, finished with foil lettering/graphic. Everything fits tightly into the box, so I was at first tempted to turn it upside down to get the stuff out. But they include little ribbons that secure to the bottom of the box that snake through the items. You just pull up on those to get the stuff out. Small detail, but it just goes to show the care they put into it.
The pins are indeed enamel, have a nice quality luster, and were made exclusively for the boxset. There are "5 art cards", interpretations of the Songs Of The Universe logo by various artists in a sealed envelope. The 5 cards are a random sample out of a total set of 14. If you're a completionist, you're going to be annoyed at having to track the rest of the cards down.