DEPECHE MODE Remixes 81-11

In Larger Amounts

"The handshake seals the contract - from the contract there's no turning back - the turning point of a career..."

So with the release of the new Remixes 2 (81-11) set, The Electricity Club's resident DEPECHE MODE expert Steve Gray looks at the best reworkings of DM material from the two Remixes collections and one to avoid, plus another that really should gain official recognition and release.

BEST REWORKINGS

Never Let Me Down Again (Split Mix) - from Remixes (81-04)

This was the original 12" mix of Never Let Me Down Again, combining the best elements of the song and the bombastic Aggro Mix. It has become the definitive live version over the years, giving rise to mass euphoria in stadiums worldwide and many thousands of waving arms. A true classic.

Photographic (Rex The Dog Dubb Mix) - from Remixes (81-04)

A glorious reworking of this seminal Speak and Spell track, featuring Rex The Dog's distinctive choppy beats and frenetic production. A version using the original vocals was attempted but this was shelved as the neo-instrumental dub version sounded much better. This is probably the best contemporary update of an early DM tune.

Personal Jesus (Pump Mix) - from Remixes 81-04

Personal Jesus has been heavily remixed over the years, with the new Stargate Mix providing the lead single from the Remixes 2 album. However, this 1989 mix by Francois Kevorkian still leads the field. It stays true to the spirit of the original track whilst making it essential for the dancefloor.

Walking In My Shoes (Random Carpet Mix) - from Remixes (81-04)

When William Orbit was commissioned to remix this single in 1993, his star was in the ascendant. DM meanwhile were arguably at the peak of their creative powers with the classic Songs of Faith and Devotion. No wonder, then, that this is a wonderful remix. Play it at high volume and watch out for the key change at 5:20 which will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!

Lie To Me ('The Pleasure Of Her Private Shame' Remix By LFO) - from Remixes (81-04)

This moody opus from Some Great Reward is given a deliciously dark twist by LFO whose Mark Bell worked on the Exciter album. A brooding backing track sets the scene before clattering synths and percussion kick in halfway through. A delight for anyone who enjoys 'the dark side of the Moog'.

Wrong (Trentemöller Club Remix) - from Remixes 2 (81-11)

The pedestrian album mix gets a meaty, stuttering dance workout courtesy of the Danish producer Trentem¦ller, which far outstrips the original. Almost like syncopated techno, just because a song rises above 110 bpm doesn't mean it has no artistic merit. Pain and suffering at faster tempos, this is something Mr Gore could learn from...

Happiest Girl (The Pulsating Orbital Vocal Mix) - from Remixes 2 (81-11)

Something of a rarity and a welcome addition to Remixes 2, this is the much loved B-side to World In My Eyes remixed by Alex Paterson and Kris Weston, aka The Orb. Whilst the sound was very much of the time, it still sounds fresh today.

Puppets (R¦yksopp Remix) - from Remixes 2 (81-11)

All credit to R¦yksopp for originality, as they use their Scandinavian pop sensibilities to take this Speak and Spell album track in a completely different direction. This version is upbeat, unashamedly poppy and almost unrecognisable from the original.

In Chains (Alan Wilder Remix) - from Remixes 2 (81-11)

The much anticipated Alan Wilder mix of In Chains lives up to expectations. Dark and brooding, whilst showcasing Gahan's voice and Gore's melody to maximum effect, it offers a fascinating insight into what DM might sound like now if they still had Wilder on board. The other most eagerly awaited offering in this collection was that of former bandmate Vince Clarke, who chose Behind The Wheel to rework. That end result is an enjoyable, if unremarkable, dance mix

ONE TO AVOID

Peace (SixToes Remix) - from Remixes 2 (81-11)

Peace was hardly DM's finest moment, peaking at No 57 in the UK Chart. The song itself, with its uncharacteristically cheerful lyrics and chorus like a Gregorian chant, confused the fanbase. They didn't take too well with the idea of what John Lennon would have sounded like had he been weaned on Kraftwerk. This remix attempts to make it work with an orchestral treatment and ultimately fails. Not even SixToes can help this one stand up.

BEST UNOFFICIAL REMIX

A Pain That I'm Used To (Marsheaux Remix)

Greek electro goddesses Marsheaux breathe 'new life' into this single from Playing The Angel, with layers of catchy synth hooks and superb production. Crafted with love, this is the finest remix never to have appeared on a DM release.

DEPECHE MODE Remixes (81-04) and Remixes 2 (81-11) are released by Mute Records

www.depechemode.com

Text by Steve Gray
13th June 2011