Ranking Depeche Mode Albums - Emotion Vs. Science*

What's your favorite Depeche Mode album? Chances are, when asked that question, you have an easy answer. You may even be able to rattle off your top five albums with ease. 

But what goes into choosing a favorite album? Usually, it's emotion. We love the songs. The music, the lyrics, the production - they all move us in ways that other albums don't do. They might also be our favorites because of the time in our life when we heard them. Maybe it was our first album. Maybe it's because of the B-sides and remixes available. Maybe it makes us think of the relationships in our life - friends, family, romantic partners. Maybe it was the album that prompted your first or favorite concert. 

What if you put all that aside and focus on the songs. How do you feel when you listen to the albums without emotional ties or preconceived ideas? And is that even possible? 

It's something I tried to challenge myself to do. Are the albums I list as my top five really my top five? Are the albums I consider my least favorite accurate? Do I think of them as my least favorite because I don't, or haven't, listened to them much? Or is that why I don't listen to them that often?

For this experiment, I listened to all 15 studio albums, from the first release to the latest release. I used a super scientific method for rating the songs. Then, on a scale of 1-5, based on my super scientific* method, I calculated the average rating for each album and found my ultimate Depeche Mode album ranking. How would my emotion-based ranking compare to my science-based ranking? Would they be similar? Or would they be drastically different? Let's take a look.

First, the Super Scientific Method Rules I Followed:

Basic Studio Album Releases Only. No B-sides. No Remixes. No Live. No "Best of"/Singles Compilations. 
Each song to be ranked by the following category:
Love 

Like 

OK

Meh
NO

Love = 5; Like = 4; OK = 3; Meh = 2; NO = 1

Songs could fall in half categories - i.e., it falls between Like and Love or Meh and OK, etc. 

The total score is added and divided by the number of songs on the album. 

Here we go...Remember, this is purely for my scientific (entertainment) purposes only. 

My Top 5 Ranking:

Super Scientific Top 5 Ranking:

The top 3 are the same, which does not surprise me. ULTRA and BC actually tied with the same score in my scientific ranking. The bottom two on the super scientific list kind of took me by surprise. I love both albums, but I typically think of them in my second-tier 5 albums. 

Super Scientific Final Ranking for all 15 Albums:

This feels about right to me. I think the emotional ranking side of me would maybe put some of them in a different order, but they essentially fall into similar groupings of 5 if I were to list them on my own. The instrumentals on some of these albums dropped their final rankings lower than I think they would have had without them.

Taking emotion and preconceived ideas out of listening and ranking each song was difficult. But I did my best to listen to each song with a new perspective, open mind, and clear thoughts. 

Think about doing this yourself. See where the differences are and if you can figure out why. It's a challenge. But it's worth it. 

And remember - your rankings, emotional or scientific, are YOUR rankings. And it's OK for them to be different from everyone else. The beauty of art, in all of its forms, is that it's subjective. What moves you might not move someone else. And that's how it should be. If we all liked all the same things, what a boring life this would be. 

Thanks for reading!

*Super Scientific is being used here lightly. This was all just for fun because sometimes I can be a bit nerdy like this. 

Gene Kelly: A Life in Music - a Review

Gene Kelly.

Director.

Choreographer.

Dancer.

Actor.

Singer.

My all-time favorite entertainer. 

Writer, actor, and comedian Brett Goldstein hosts a podcast called "Films to be Buried With" in which he asks his guests about the pivotal movies in their lives. One question is, "Objectively, what is the best movie ever made?" Objectively, or unobjectively, my answer is, was, and will always be "Singing in the Rain." 

I don't know what the first Gene Kelly movie I saw was. It may very well have been "Singing in the Rain". But it could have been "On The Town" or "An American in Paris". I just know he's been a figure in my life since I was a very little girl. How many 8 or 9 year old girls do you know that were more excited about seeing "Xanadu" because of Gene Kelly than Olivia Newton-John? I could write paragraphs about my love, admiration, and respect for this talented man. But the point of this is to review his wife's incredible dedication to her husband and his career by putting together the show "Gene Kelly: A Life In Music". 

Patricia Kelly, along with conductor Neil Thompson and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, filled Benaroya Hall with so much joy, love, humor, fun, and even - for me at least - a few tears.

I have followed Patricia on social media for awhile with the Gene Kelly The Legacy Facebook and Instagram pages. She shares many wonderful stories and photos there, that I have enjoyed reading and learning from. When I heard that this show was coming to Seattle and I would be able to see her and hear her stories in person, I jumped at the opportunity. 

Seeing Gene Kelly perform on a big screen with a live orchestra playing the music he so gracefully moved to? YES PLEASE! 

The opportunity to hear these stories in person? YES PLEASE!

To be able to meet this beautiful and giving woman, as well? I'll be honest, I fan-girled a little bit. 

I've heard Patricia say that she likes to treat these events like friends gathered in the living room just talking. And she succeeded. As much as I loved watching the movie and show clips and hearing the music, I could have easily sat with her for hours listening to the stories, asking questions, and just hanging out in that 'living room'. 

But let me get to the task at hand - the show!

Guests at Gene Kelly: A Life in Music were treated to a brief introduction to who Patricia Kelly is, by the woman herself. She shared about how, as someone who spent more time in libraries than movie theaters, she did not know who Gene was and wasn't familiar with any of his movies. As other women at the event they were both at swooned over him, she was put to work with him because she didn't. Their professional time gradually became personal time, and 5 years later they were married. 

Throughout the evening we were regaled with personal stories, behind the scenes anecdotes, and more bookended by glorious music and Gene's smiles, footwork, and passion for bringing out the very best in himself and those he danced with - including the stunning Cyd Charisse, and lovely Leslie Caron. 

The show started with "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?" from the 1959 Gene Kelly television special. Followed by a beautifully touching montage to "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael. We were then treated to clips from "Anchors Aweigh", "It's Always Fair Weather", and the classic "An American in Paris". The 17 minute "An American In Paris" ballet took us in to intermission. 

After a brief intermission, we were welcomed back to the show with a drummer and bagpipers playing "Entrance of the Clans" from "Brigadoon" while making the journey from the back of the theater to the stage. It was incredible! We then got to hear "Heather on the Hill", also from "Brigadoon", followed by another selection from both "An American in Paris" and the 1959 television special, as well as moments from "Summer Stock", "Les Girls", and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". "Singing in the Rain" made an appearance with the gorgeous "Broadway Melody" dance numbers with Cyd Charisse. Then we were treated with the most emotional part of the night for me - Gene on "The Muppet Show". 

Yes, Gene and the Muppets made me tear up. Maybe it's because I remember watching it and loving it so. Maybe it was the story from Patricia about it being hard for her to watch because it's how Gene looked and sounded when she met him. I don't know. But that particular moment touched me in a way I didn't quite expect. 

The night ended with the forever iconic, forever important to the history of music, dance, and cinema - "Singing in the Rain" from, of course, "Singing in the Rain". I have been fortunate enough to see this movie on the big screen before. Seeing a larger than life version of this moment with live orchestral accompaniment, however...well, that was just a level of special I can't describe. 

After the show was over, there was an area in the lobby of the hall where Patricia held a meet and greet. I was able to get there quickly and was the 3rd in line (5th with there being two groups of two in front of me). She is even lovelier and more gracious in person and with the people that adore her husband, and her, so very much. A quick chat, a photo, and a signed show program later, and we were off for the journey home. On the hour and half, or so, trip home I found myself feeling a physical version of lyrics from one of my favorite Depeche Mode songs - "never want to come down, never want to put my feet back down on the ground."

If you ever see that Gene Kelly: A Life in Music is coming to a venue near you, I HIGHLY recommend going. I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Thank you, Benaroya Hall & Seattle Symphony for being a vessel for this amazing experience.

And THANK YOU, Patricia, for being a curator, story teller, and woman with a such a love not only for her husband and his work, but for the people who have watched, enjoyed, and loved the gifts that his work have given to so many of us. You are a very special light in this world, and I thank you for bringing your living room chat to us here in Seattle. If there is ever an opportunity to meet with you again, I will be there with tap shoes on. Thank you.

Depeche Mode Will Be Ghosts Again

"Wasted feelings, broken meanings. Time is fleeting, see what it brings..."

This is my Depeche confessional - a Depechional, if you will - I was not necessarily excited for "Ghosts Again", the new single by Depeche Mode from the upcoming "Memento Mori" album. 

"Hellos, goodbyes, a thousand midnights. Lost in sleepless lullabies..."

I'll be honest, the passing of Andrew "Fletch" Fletcher straight up knocked the wind out of my sails and I wasn't sure I even wanted DM to continue. How can you remain whole when the glue that holds your pieces together loses its grip and is no longer there?

"Heaven's dreaming, thoughtless thoughts my friends. We know we'll be ghosts again..."

When the brief snippet of the song was released, I wasn't wowed. I actually found it kind of blah and uninspired. I didn't listen to any of the countless brief snippet remixes because a) Why would I want to listen to a bit of music I wasn't into on repeat; and b) I didn't want to get so annoyed with just that one little bit that I'd be turned off the song as a whole once we could listen to it in full.

"Sunday's shining, silver linings. Weightless hours, all my flowers..."

Personally, there has been a lot going on in my world. A lot of stress. A struggle to survive. I did not have it in me to jump at the exact moment the song and video were going to be released. I needed to find the right headspace to listen. I needed to be able to fully listen, take it in, and, if need be, cry. Cry for Andy being gone. Cry for Dave and Martin coming back. Cry for a new volume in the Depeche Mode lyrical soundtrack of my life.

"A place to hide the tears that you cried. Everybody says goodbye..."

I was finally able to hear the song. Then I was finally able to LISTEN to the song. 

Lyrically it is simple and poetic. It has depth and meaning, but it lies under that tender blanket of simplicity and poetry.

Musically it hints at the Violator era melodies and mid-2000s electronica beats. It feels familiar and comfortable. And I think that's what both they needed and we needed. 

Vocally, for me, this is the strongest and clearest I've heard Dave's vocals since the pre-2000s. There isn't the gritty, growly, over-singing that's been a hallmark of recent releases. Again, takes me back to the Violator era and the clean, melodic tones and sounds that are familiar and comfortable. Will the feelings, emotions, and sounds of this song carry throughout the whole of "Memento Mori"? We'll find out on March 24th. Until then...

"Faith is sleeping. Lovers in the end. Whisper we'll be ghosts again."

Welcome to my World (of Design)

I've been in the online print on demand world for quite a while. 

What is the online print on demand world? Well...a print on demand site is a place where designers all over the world can upload their photography, paintings, drawings, digital art, and more onto a website that will then print the products that consumers want with that design on it. It's a great way for artists to get their work out there without the added costs of printing and shipping the items themselves. Some popular POD sites include Cafe Press, Zazzle, RedBubble, TeePublic, Teespring, and others.

I've been on Zazzle for 16 years now. I have two shops there:

Rdwnggrl's World and RdwnggrlEquality.

I've been on RedBubble for about 14 years.

And I just recently joined TeePublic. I've purchased shirts from them before, but for some reason didn't start a shop there. But now I'm there and I'm loving it! With that, I wanted to share a few of the items you can find there. Where my Zazzle and RedBubble shops have a variety of art styles and themes, my TeePublic shop is focused solely on love, humanity, equality, and kindness - in other words, POSITIVITY! 

You may even find some odes to my favorite band there...

With the holidays coming up, it's always fun to see what you can find from independent designers. So, even if you don't like anything I have to offer in my shops, you may find something in another shop. Take a look around! You're bound to find something you like!

Thank you for reading!

World Violation - 30 Years Later

In 1988 I got to see Depeche Mode live for the first time on the Music For The Masses tour.
In 1990 they hit the road again in support of the phenomenal Violator album.

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to see DM on this tour. Seattle was to play host to the Goodwill Games that summer, which meant we'd be left off a lot of tour schedules that year. I knew Violator would take the boys to other cities around me, but without having many fellow fan friends, I wasn't sure a trip to one of those cities would be in my future.

30 years later, I am still in awe of that tour and what I got to experience as a result of it.

In 1990, I was a senior in high school. I was getting ready to graduate. I was going to turn 18 that summer. Things were good. A chance encounter with an acquaintance at a school function turned into something that was going to make things even better.

I overheard this acquaintance talking to another schoolmate about how excited she was to go see Depeche Mode over the summer. As a very shy person, it's not in my nature to strike up conversations with people I don't know very well. But there is something about DM that makes that shyness drift away and boldness take over. 
I approached her and asked if I had heard her correctly about going to see Depeche Mode. We started talking and I found out she was planning on trying for tickets for both Vancouver, BC and Portland, OR. I asked if she'd mind an extra guest on these trips. To my surprise and joy, she said sure! We spent time talking, getting to know each other, and making plans.

The shows were going to be on July 16th and July 18th, respectively. My birthday being July 15th, my mom said she would pay for my tickets as part of my birthday present. When tickets went on sale, my friend's mom bought the tickets and we set our firm plans.

Monday, July 16, 1990:

My friend (we'll call her K), her mom (also a DM fan), her friend (we'll call her E), and I hit the road for 3ish hour drive north to Vancouver. K, E, and I gabbed and sang while her mom did the driving. We crossed the border and headed to Pacific Coliseum. We parked and K, E, and I headed off to walk around, then find some dinner before the show. We were parked near the back of the coliseum, and as we walked toward the front, we passed by the back doors where the bands, crews, and employees were coming in and out. We stopped for a bit to see if we could see anyone exciting. Someone from a group of people sitting on the grassy knoll above that area told us we had just missed Nitzer Ebb go in, but we did see a few members of DM's crew mulling about. We left soon after to eat, then headed back to get K's mom and head inside to our seats.
We were situated on the left side of the stage, about as far up to the top of the venue as you could get. We had a giant post blocking part of our view. But we didn't care. We were seeing Depeche Mode. The show was loud, exciting, and magical. Both NE and DM sounded amazing and put on great shows. There was an electricity that was abuzz all night.
After the show, we headed back to the States, stopping for a late night bite at a Denny's just across the border, with what seemed to be an entire restaurant full of very happy fellow concert-goers. Then it was the 3ish hour drive back home.

Wednesday, July 18, 1990:

This show was just going to be K, her mom, and me. This time K did the driving for the 3ish hour drive south to Portland. And this time I took a camera.

As we approached Memorial Coliseum in Portland, we were stopped by a red light. As we sat waiting for the light to turn so we could turn into the parking lot, I looked out the window and saw what looked like Bon Harris from Nitzer Ebb skateboarding in the lot. As I told K, a guy approached him and they started talking. 

The light finally turned green and we turned in and found a place to park. Much like in Vancouver, K's mom was going to read and nap in the car while K and I walked around and found some dinner. As we left the car, we discussed whether we should go talk to Bon, who was alone again by that time. We decided to go for it, so we headed over toward him. We introduced ourselves, told him we'd seen the show two nights prior in Vancouver, and chatted a bit. He was very friendly and let us each take a picture of him. Did we think to ask if we could take pictures of ourselves with him? No. No we didn't. But he happily obliged these two teen girls with their old Kodak 110 cameras. 

After the photos we said our goodbyes and were off to explore.

At one point during our walking around, an older gentleman sitting alone along the side of the venue told us if we go around back, we could listen to Depeche Mode doing their soundcheck. We headed to the back of the venue where there was a small group of maybe 10 people standing around. We joined them and could hear the tail end of the soundcheck through the open door. I vividly remember hearing Martin's vocals carrying throughout the area. All of us standing there were in awe. 
There were crew and security buzzing about, and two boxy limos parked.

As we continued to listen, Bon and Douglas from Nitzer Ebb came out from a bus parked a little bit further out from the back of the venue. As they got closer, we saw Bon say something to Douglas, then they both waved at K and I before entering the venue. Soon after that both limos started up. Were DM on their way out? We weren't about to leave until we found out. Soon after some guys came out followed shortly thereafter by Alan Wilder. He acknowledged the small crowd, smiling and waving at us all before getting into the limo.

Next, Dave Gahan came out, put some things in the trunk of the limo, then also smiled and waved at us. 

Their limo took off and we waited. 
A few minutes later Andy Fletcher made his way out and retreated straight into the limo.

A few more minutes passed. Then a few more. Then the limo backed up even closer to the back door of the venue. I'm not saying that it was because of the sudden "Martin Gore is a God" chants that started...but I'm not saying it's not either. Martin came out, head down and ducked quickly into the limo. Then off they went.

After the excitement of that brush with celebrity we left to grab some dinner. Once back, we grabbed K's mom and found out way to our seats. This time, no nose bleed seats, no obstructed views. We were in the first tier of seats off floor level directly across from the stage. We saw both NE and DM perfectly. And both were incredible. Getting to see the full stage this time, there was an even deeper appreciation of the performances each band put on. Dave was alive with his dancing and movements. The visuals on the screens played perfectly with the songs. It was another magical night.
After the show, as we made our way to K's car to drive home, we passed the same backstage door we were lucky enough to see the boys emerge from after their soundcheck. This time it was FULL of people trying to see the band. We happily made our way to the car knowing that what we got was more special than fighting to see through a crowd of sweaty bodies hoping to catch a glimpse of someone, anyone.
Around 2:30am I made my way into bed with a smile on my face - and wanting the new day to dawn soon so I could drop my film off to be developed. The photos aren't great, but for the time, 30 years ago, they aren't half bad. And they are the perfect photographic reminders of the memories I have held for all these years and will continue to hold for at least 30 more. They're also all I have left from these shows - due to an unfortunate incident, my t-shirts and tour program, along with my MFTM merch, found their way out of my possession, never to be seen again. I miss those programs and tees. But anyway...

I haven't been lucky enough to see Depeche Mode dozens of times. I don't have the means to travel around the U.S., let alone around the world, to see their shows. But I have been lucky enough to have amazing and special experiences when I have seen them. I've seen them in two of the most beautiful venues in the U.S. - the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. I've been in Row 2 and Row 4. I've met them in a pre-show meet & greet. Each show I've seen has been full of energy and life. But if I had to choose my favorite tour/show/experience, I have to go with World Violation. Having the best seats in the best venues doesn't always make for the best show. For me, it's the overall experience. The joy. My joy. The air that I breathe. My joy. The blood in my veins. My joy. Heavenly bliss. My joy...you move me...

May 2 - A 32 Year Black Celebration

On May 2, 1988 I went to my first Depeche Mode show.
On May 2, 2020, I saw Depeche Mode inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

At least, I was supposed to.

I have started and stopped this blog post so many times. This was going to be about my journey to Cleveland and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It was going to include journal entries I made showing the range of emotions I felt from the moment I was lucky enough to buy tickets to the moment the ceremony was postponed due to Covid-19. Now it's going to be musings from my mind and a celebration of May 2, 1988 - May 2, 2020.

It was 1988. Depeche Mode were on their Music For The Masses tour - you know, that one that culminated with the famous Rose Bowl show that would be documented in the D.A. Pennebaker film, 101.
I was so excited to go the show. From the moment the opening beats of Pimpf began, to the last notes of Everything Counts, I was a screaming, dancing, singing 15 year old. It was not my first concert ever, but it was my first experience with the power of a live DM show. And it was incredible.

Fast forward nearly 32 years.

On January 15, 2020, the news I'd waited years to hear came - Depeche Mode were going to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As a fan, I was ecstatic. I started thinking about how I would be able to watch coverage of the ceremony. Would it be aired live? Would I have to wait until after the fact to watch it online? 

The induction ceremony would take place on May 2nd. 
May 2nd? Why did that date feel so familiar to me? 

Look at that ticket price!

It never occurred to me that I might have an opportunity to go to Cleveland to see it happen in person.

*Insert a lot of unnecessary backstory here*

I got tickets! 

Somewhat affordable seats at the back of the venue? Yes.
Did I care that I'd be sitting in the suburbs of Cleveland? No.
I was going to be in the same venue as Depeche Mode, and I was going to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my first Depeche Mode experience by seeing them rightfully inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

*Insert every emotion imaginable coursing through my veins day after day, week after week here*

Once Covid-19 started to spread and events were being postponed and cancelled, I knew deep down the induction ceremony would not go on as planned. Then the news came - it was postponed indefinitely. 
Eventually a new date was set (which could still be postponed again). 
Unfortunately, I will no longer be attending.

*Insert every emotion imaginable again here*

May 2, 2020 may not have gone the way I had planned, hoped, and wanted it to go. But I still spent the evening with other devotees, celebrating the band and their accomplishment, via a Zoom meeting - the new way to hang out with friends while Covid-19 has it's way with the world. I only knew a couple of people in the group, and didn't really say much (which is normal for me even in groups of people I know, to be honest). But it was still a much needed evening spent with people that share of love of this band that has been a soundtrack to all of our lives. 
Much thanks to Rob from Depeche Mode Global Fan Group on Facebook for setting up this Hall of Fame pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-show funk. And to DJ Tony Stewart for providing the tunes after the main chat. 

Congratulations to Depeche Mode and the rest of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020!

We'll see you next time!

Sweetest Perfection - Violator at 30

10 years ago, I wrote a blog about the 20th anniversary of the release of "Violator", Depeche Mode's amazing and groundbreaking album released on March 19, 1990.

Now here I sit wondering how another 10 years have passed and how it's been THIRTY YEARS since this album was released. It's also been 30 years since I graduated from high school, but I think I'm in more disbelief about "Violator" turning 30. 

A lot of albums, at 30 years old, sound dated. You can tell when these songs and notes came into the world. I know I'm biased when it comes to Depeche Mode, but for me, "Violator" sounds as fresh and new now as it did back then. Reading what I wrote 10 years ago, there isn't a lot more I can add. I still love this album. It's still one of the greatest albums ever made. It's still an important piece of my life.

Here is what I wrote in 2010:

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sweetest Perfection - Violator at 20

March 19th and 20th marked the 20th anniversary of the release dates (UK & US respectively) for Depeche Mode's Violator album. For many it was their introduction to Depeche Mode thanks to the success of the songs "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy The Silence." For others it was the next step for a band who had just about 2 years earlier had put on the concert of a lifetime at Pasadena's Rose Bowl with the 101st show on their Music for the Masses tour.
By the time Violator was released in 1990, I had been listening to Depeche Mode for 6 years. My introduction to their music came in 1984 with the song "People Are People." I still remember going to the record store and buying Some Great Reward on cassette. Soon after that came the purchases of Speak & Spell, A Broken Frame, and Construction Time Again, where I learned that I had also heard "Everything Counts" and "Just Can't Get Enough" on the radio long before PAP. I just never knew who sang them and was, I guess, too young at the time to have really formed a deep connection. But I soon became a devotee. Walls that were once covered in posters of Duran Duran became covered in posters of Depeche Mode. My first live show was on May 2, 1988 at the Seattle Center Coliseum on the MFTM tour.
I eagerly awaited the release of the follow up album, but I will confess that the first time I heard "Personal Jesus" I was less than impressed. It took me a few listens to warm up to it, but once I did, I was hooked. When Violator was released I was working at a record store so I was able to buy it right away. I was also able to play it when I worked - over and over. And over and over again I did. I loved this album. From the opening beats of "World In My Eyes" to the closing notes of "Clean" there was something special about Violator. The only song that didn't wow me was "Policy of Truth" - which to this day is still my least favorite song on the album. I don't dislike it, but it doesn't touch me in a way the rest of the songs do. Three of my Top 10 DM songs are on this album (Halo, Enjoy The Silence, & Waiting For The Night) with two others (Blue Dress & Clean) creeping in depending on my mood.
I wish Violator a very Happy Anniversary. It will always be a special album that will fill my life with incredible sounds and fun, exciting, and emotional memories. The subsequent tour found me traveling to both Vancouver, BC and Portland, OR to see them perform, and again, I was not disappointed. They remain, to this day, one of the greatest, yet most underrated (to non-fans) live bands around. And 20 years on, "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy The Silence" remain concert staples - with occasional appearances by "World In My Eyes," "Policy of Truth," and "Halo" - always crowd favorites.

If you want to visit the original blog, you can go here:

https://rdwnggrl.blogspot.com/2010/03/sweetest-perfection-violator-at-20.html

Thank you for reading!