Favorite Depeche Mode era?

[scottcsmith]

Over the years, DM have gone through some changes. Those changes can be grouped into three distinct phases of the band's development:

1) Vince Clark era. This covers "Speak and Spell" and any other singles released during that time, approx. 1980-1981. Clark left DM and eventually formed Yaz and Erasure.

2) Martin L. Gore/Alan Wilder era. From 1983-1993.

3) Post-Alan Wilder era, 1993-present.

While Martin L. Gore received the bulk of the credit for Depeche Mode's songs, it was Alan Wilder that took Gore's lyrics and music and turned them into Depeche Mode songs. It was Wilder that created the musical palette and the signature Depeche Mode sound. Alan left DM following "Songs of Faith and Devotion" as he felt he was not getting the credit he deserved for his role in DM. Alan focused his energies on his side project, Recoil, and has released several Recoil albums.

[KissMyAsscroft]

1. Favorite Album...

is Ultra, followed by Violater.

[Scottie72]

2. I would have to say

It is the Alan/Gore era... but during that era the band went through so many different incarnations. The developed as a band from their album (Pre-Alan but post Vince) "A Broken Frame". My favourite album has to be "Black Celebration". It is just a gorgeous album. This is where I consider that DM really found themselves.

The Post Alan years 1995 onward.. Has seen DM release two albums: Ultra and Exciter. (of course their double CD singlesl complimation). Ultra is just a Amazing album... unfortunately I believe Alan's departure really began to show with their latest release. Exciter is a good album but not what I would call up to par. I really think the song writting was really lacking on this album.

My feeling is that DM has probably one more album in them. Martin and Dave have released solo material in the recent past. I believe that they are suppose to be getting together sometime early this year to discuss where things are and what to do.

My dream would be to see the band reunite with Alan for one final album and tour and retire with a great album and tour. That might be a long shot but hey one never knows.