I hope you enjoy part 2 of my Depeche Mode Violator Album Review Series!! Be sure to watch the previous videos in the series by browsing my video archive !! VG :-)
Vaughn, I am thoroughly enjoying you analysis of Violator. I heard you say that you have particular ideas about why their newer music doesn't hold up to these peaks. It would be great for you to explain your thoughts on this in some future videos!
I'm with you about the haunting nature of Sweetest Perfection, for me a lot of the mood comes from the quiet moments when you can really hear the brushed drums. Gives it a jazzesque, smoky bar feeling. Like you're the last one one to leave the bar, and the band just carries on as you walk out the door. But that's just me 🤔
Violator will never ever get outdated. It is magistic, dark, beautiful , the melodies and sounds are prolific. No electronic band could beat this album ever. I share your passion for this record Vaughn!!
@@VaughnGeorge I'd like to privately share with you the recent 4K restoration of my 16mm B&W film of "Blasphemous Rumours" made just prior to Violator's release in 1990. The reason you may find it interesting is... a Rose was my central image, and none of the Violator artwork had yet been released - a complete coincidence. USC lost the original soundtrack which I'm now rebuilding...but would you care to take a look?
This is their "Dark Side Of The Moon", the way it flows so perfectly and the way the tracks are sequenced. It can only be listened to in full, from start to finish with a bottle of wine.
If you really want to hear how obsessive Francois Kevorkian was in mixing, check out the 12" Beat Box Mix of Policy Of Truth. The intricacies of the multiple hi hat patterns that weave in and out of each other is just astounding. Of course the sounds were put there by Flood and Alan initially, but I think it's this attention to detail on Violator as a whole that makes covering these tracks convincingly so difficult. There may not be that many "parts" as such, but the complexity of sound within those parts makes this album a joy for the ears.
33:08 - don’t know if you read my comment from previous film. I think the early stage of conflict between Martin and Alan was during MFTM album, when Martin was vote-out by the rest of the band and his versions of songs went to the b-sides as remixes and Alan’s version went to the album. As Martin’s songs until MFTM were heavily preprocess as demos Alan had to approach differently by doing two songs with one text (until MFTM album). So when he asked Martin to bring demos as raw as it possible it was sneaky bypass to achieve his targets over Martins in the way how each album after 1987 would look like.
There is rarely an album with all songs that I like. Violator is one of those unique albums in which all songs are so good so you can listen to them every day and you will never get bored of them~ And it is really hard to decide which song is my favourite but I love Halo, The Sweetest Perfection and - classic - Enjoy the Silence.
The "Enjoy The Silence" demo started off as what my sister calls "a funeral dirge". Once Alan and Flood got their talented hands into it, the song became "a Beautiful Composition Of Sound" (nudge, nudge) However, there's a place in my heart for both versions.
VG you gotta reach out to Flood he just did a Netflix series where he discussed The Killers and NIN, I’m sure it’s worth a shot. Also Francois Kevorkian would be super insightful regarding mixes. And you know, Alan ;)
I'm so grateful for your insight into DM. I never get tired of discussing them, listening to intelligent analysis on them, and Violator in particular will never get old. Even just watching you hold the album, itself a work of art, brings me joy. Also -- comment 101!
The Interlude between "Enjoy the Silence" and "Policy of Truth", the sample voice is from Fletch yelling "crucified". Also the bass line from Clean someone ask Alan if it was sample from "One of These Days" from Pink Floyd and he only that it sounds very similar. Greeting from Tijuana.
Maybe you know ...sure you do! ;) the "bendy" sound is a sample from Fleetwood Mac " Black Magic Woman " mixed with some electric guitar. And the hi hat/perc is a sample from Kraftwerks " Man Mashine :)
All of a sudden I imagined anyone listening and watching this without having heard the record previously... " Who is this person? From what institution has he escaped?" But, now we all watch in awe and think, yeah, that's spot-on...
Seriously Vaughan, what you are doing with these album reviews is phenomenal. I love that you are doing these in so much detail. Great great videos. It must be a lot of work, but appreciate it so much.
Hi Vaughn! I'm so glad that Martin You Kinky Bastard and the Off-Topic Chicken are back with a vengeance. 😁 But seriously, the dynamic range explanation you gave was very enlightening, because now I understand why Violator is such a literal pleasure to listen to. Also, when you said "futuristic", I was thinking about the dance and techno influences that were very much around at that time. Brilliant work by all involved!! Take care xx
That album has an unexplainable atmosphere to it, you are spot on with everything you’ve said. Sweetest Perfections rhythm is I think drum brushes, looking forward to all the videos on Violator as this album is very close to my heart!
Great analysis! The production of this album can never be replicated. The programming of this album is bonkers crazy good. Technical genius/ craftsmanship. I think when you mentioned this album being a thorn in Martin's side...I tend to agree...and I think that's why. I feel Ultra had a similar feel in terms of technical genius/craftsmanship as well. To be honest, I think that was the last album that was technically "tight" if you get what I mean. I think in some interviews of one of their last albums (Delta Machine I think), the interviewer asked Martin what album does this remind him of the most from previous albums and he said Violator. IMHO, I believe DM want another album like this. They will never admit it, but I think they do. Strangely enough, I feel their albums now lack a sense of emotion that their older albums had that I can only convey as: youthful emotional turmoil. What I mean by that is...when we are younger..things affect us more because of naivety or inexperience, etc. which means hurt, anger, loss, love, etc. are more dramatic in our youth. I think the closest they reached that level of emotional hurt/ that feeling of loss, etc. was on Playing the Angel. Precious is a well written song that fits with the tone and mood of songs like A Question of Lust. As you get older its hard to feel lustful, or obsessive about things because you've either are mature enough to navigate those feelings...OR you've been in a relationship with the same person for decades and we all know how relationships that are long like that change overtime. Throw kids into the mix and again, your perspective on life isn't quite the same. I feel like I'm rambling, but I feel like their music simply lacks that raw youthful emotion. I mean, what does a mid 50 year old get hurt by emotionally now that they haven't experienced yet? In the moment a bad ending to a relationship, etc. in your 20's is far more dramatic than you being on your 2nd or 3rd wife. :shrug: LOL. I also feel that their drinking and drug usage tapped into some creativity that can't be replicated when you're sober. Your perceptions of the world is different and stuff. Sometimes I joke with my friend and say: Martin's songs came from the heart when he was drinking more. I guess? It's horrible to say...but I hope you get what I mean. Their last album to me tried to hard to be political and fell flat IMHO. I can't wait until you review that album. LOL Break out the armored vests! LOL!.
Brilliant posting this is Erich!! I think what you say about the drugs and booze is sad yet very true !! Being sober has it's downside I guess!! VG :-)
@@VaughnGeorge Thanks Vaughn. I like a lot of their new stuff, but what always bothers me is the lost potential in the final product. You know what I mean? The bones are there...it's just they don't...for whatever reason...put melody as a priority anymore. I feel they don't take as many risks with their sound anymore...or don't push their sound far enough. I don't know if that comes from age, apathy, laziness, or whatever. Not sure. Maybe it's the wrong producers. Who knows. Maybe the producers don't challenge them enough and are yes men. I don't think that it's intentional. I also think, that the dynamic of the band in the last two albums is almost competitive in nature between Dave's songs and Martin's songs. I wonder if they have some sort of agreement on how many of each other's songs are allowed on the "depeche mode" album. Maybe I'm wrong on all of that...but I feel like Dave has taken the drivers seat of the group now. His Soulsavers work definitely crept into both Delta Machine and Spirit...hell they even made a remix for DM. Maybe with this time during the Pandemic, Martin has really written some good stuff. I just hope the potential on the end product isn't lost with bad programming, lazy soundscapes, etc. That's why Violator will always be in my Top 3. The album NEVER gets old and I can listen to it over and over again because the care, craftsmanship, choice of music notes, etc. all works perfectly. It is truly a piece of musical art. It always bums me out that some people never give this album a listen when I recommend it. They are missing out.
@@erichschoenholtz5170 Eric I think your right, its an age thing. As you get older you loose a certain amount of spontaneity and as you said (navigate your way through certain emotions). But as a fan iam always hopeful, when they release an album, that it's going to be the there best album ever. Anyways thanks for your post I really enjoyed it.
I am in heaven ❤️ I'm not a musician, I'm not a producer, just a girl which has so many feelings when I'm listening to that music and I'm really thankful to hear, somebody feels the same. And you make me hear the songs in one more another way to feel much more! Thank you so much to share this with "normal" people ❤️
as you said Vaughn this record was and still futuristic.... and so difficult to choose a favourite song in particular... but recently I've been listening to HALO alot .
Another neat fact re: the Crucified interlude. From what I understand, in addition to Fletch doing the vocal, Dave plays the guitar on it if I’m not mistaken. Not sure if anyone’s already said that.
Spot on analysis. This is my favorite DM album along with Faith & Devotion (a near masterpiece) and of course Black Celebration and Music For The Masses (masterpieces in their own right). Violator is definitely a dry / minimalist album and that’s partly where the genius lies along with the lyrics. The b-sides are amazing as well. I was blessed to see them twice in NY for that tour once in the old Giant stadium (10th row from the stage) and at Radio City Music Hall. Both brilliant performances and at the top of their game.
Violator is an album in it’s own perfection. The nine tracks are sound perfection worked out down to the last detail. How it all kicks, presses and floats at the same time. No details disappear in the hall, everything is present and stands for itself. Martin great songs and of course the work of Alan, Flood & Francois Kevorkian. A masterpiece.
I have a great interview, I would have recommended to add to this Violator review series, but unfortunately it's in Danish. Our national radio here had a 7 hour Depeche Mode marathon show a few years ago, including a visit to Puk Studios and a long interview with one of the sound engineers Peter Iversen (who ended up owning the studio later on). He was there for both the Music for the Masses and Violator recording sessions and had a lot of great stories to tell about the band.
Vaughn, have you seen the RUclips videos of Flood breaking down Personal Jesus & Enjoy the Silence at Mutes Short Circuit Festival? It’s really interesting to listen to how the songs were developed (with some humor).
"Violator", "Black Celebration" and indeed almost all of their albums have a weird uniqueness that no electronic band can replicate. because it's not really "electronic" music. Sure they use synthesizers, sampling, modulars and computers, but at the songs core it's blues, country and rock. Organic, sad, emotional. Like a musical "dirge" that's happens to be produced with modern technology.
Exactly. It’s blues/rock wrapped in a electronic sound. On a side note, I believe 3 out of the 9 songs are not even in a 4/4 time signature. Sweetest Perfection / Blue Dress and Clean are in a 6/8 time signature.
41:38 POT is fantastic my fav song from this album and I think that remixes of this song are top work too - ‘I’m not a Politician… I’m a Businessman’ from The Long Good Friday movie.
I can't wait for the videos of the songs. This video was a good as the first one. I got goosebumps listening to pieces of the songs. The way you break down everything is amazing. Violator is my favorite album since I was 11 and to this date still my favorite. The darkness and mystery of the songs is something that will never be outdated. I think Violator is the perfect album
I was listening to violator the first time and then for round about one month as I made the renovation of my flat as a student of architecture. It was when it was fresh released in 1990. Especially while doing the stonefloor, the room was empty and had much reverb. I sang all the time while working. As I was renovating it again last year (30 years later 😳) to turn it to an AirBnB Apartment, we removed some walls to make the rooms bigger. When I extended the granite floor tiles to the new areas created by merging rooms, I of course put Violator back on....
Vaughn, Your enthusiasm about Violator is what I feel the DM universe needs more of! I just absolutely love every video! Your music speaks volumes in terms of talent also! The world needs more people like you! Thank you for your review series!
Hi Vaughn! Love your channel! You've been a delight to watch and listen to. I really appreciate and admire your love for Depeche Mode. On the topic of sampling, I remember when I first heard "Clean" the first thought that came to my mind was that the bass at the beginning made my think of a song by Pink Floyd called "One of these Days".
Someone I knew gave me their "Enjoy the Silence" cassette single, with "Memphisto" on the b-side. I played it incessantly. It gave me chills to discover this sound and the lyrics that spoke to my soul. Later, my best friend at the time lent me her Violator cassette. It did change me as a thirteen year old. It's hard to put into words how important this masterpiece was in my youth, and how I still appreciate it today.
Those visuals of the dynamic range of Enjoy The Silence vs A Pain That I’m Used To showed very clearly to a zero technically minded person like me just why those later albums sound too overwhelming. I love the space and freedom in Violator and other DM albums of that era. Really enlightening. Thank you, Vaughan. Fascinating as ever.
37:26-37:27 That's actually Fletcher saying "Crucified" at the end of "Enjoy the Silence" (on the first interlude from this album, which is called ... "Crucified")
The opening sound in "Sweetest Perfection" sounds like a printing press to me. (I worked in printing production for many years). Thanks for another great video!
@Vaughn, Playing the angel in CD or digital format sounds awfully mastered. I still maintain though that the 5.1 surround version is also very great to listen to.
The first channel and person on youtube for a very long time that I don't skip/rewind the video every 2-5 sec to find some substantial and interesting stuff. Instead, I catch every single word and melody and waiting for new episodes just like kinds wait for new episodes of Disney cartoons )
I don't know about anyone else but music to "Clean" always feels like the music to a futuristic old-school American Western or even spaghetti Western type film. So one if a kind and brilliant!
You are right, I hear something new every time, a sound, atmosphere, perception, we are all older now and have another perspective. Anyway, magnificent
Wow, that is one of your best videos for my taste! You really did shed new light on this record for me, I've revisited the songs themselves as you went along to grasp more. Thank you very much, and that I am saying as an aspiring artist looking for the finer details of the craft, and, surely, as a fan too - dig your passion, mate.
The interlude that follows Enjoy The Silence is called "Crucified", and that's what the voice (which I believe is Fletch) says. What's interesting is in my sheet music book for Violator, both Halo and World In My Eyes are transcribed a semitone lower than they're played - probably because D minor is an easier chord to play on a synth than Ebm ;)
Clean is definitely on my top-5 of all time DM-songs. So powerful, beautiful, dark, atmospheric, mysterious, add with an brutality and aggressiveness in it´s rhythm. Just love that song, combine with the Flood/Wilder production to it. This is DM when it´s the best.
Hi, Vaughn! I have an off-topic question. Not sure if you can answer this but you're the most hard-core DM fan I know so I thought I'd ask. Question is: How come the old instruments of DM ended up with Alan (which eventually ended up being auctioned)? I've nothing against it or whatsoever. I'm just really curious. Including Martin's iconic green Gretsch guitar, which I thought was the same one he used on the latest tours. Were they not owned by the band? Or were those Alan's property in the first place? I believe all the proceeds went to him only, which again, I have nothing against. I'm just genuinely curious.
Sitti hi!!! That is good question and I often wondered that myself!! Why did Allan have Martin's lime green Gretsch guitar and many other pieces of gear?? Perhaps after the tour, the gear all went into Storage and I guess Alan probably asked if he could keep the gear as to which the other band members probably agreed to?? I am speculating here but like you, I would love to learn the real reason !! VG :-)
@@VaughnGeorge I’ve heard that they’d split the gear when Alan left and they actually had two of the green Gretsch guitars - correct me if I’m wrong...
Another great review! This really is a perfect album. The only thing for me that could of made it even better (if that's even possible haha) is including the song "Dangerous" on the actual album. I think it would of fit quite nicely and in my opinion is one of their best songs. But yea, this album is a masterpiece 10/10 :)
I heard that interview of AW speaking over the loudness war, and I must say that some records tend to be "too much" in that way, even when listened to at lower volume, they still kinda "saturate" the ears... This dynamic range story would deserve some deeper analysis imo... With AW (🚨) as guest consultant of course ! 🤤
Excellent discussion and observations. Where do I begin?? The obsessive attention to detail is ever-present, as well as those Martin Gore hooks / change-ups. I just love how this album breathes, nobody is rushed and feels confident and poised. The intros could go on forever before the vocals start. Also, there are lots of John Barry Bond moments/turns on this album with dangerous mystery and intrigue. Thank you Sir for taking us on this trip around the world and back, cheers
Enjoyable video again. Regarding EtS, I haven't read all the comments but it got to number 6 in the UK charts so People are people was still their highest chart position at number 4. Then BOAG got to number 4 in 1997 but in terms of sales numbers, would have been a fraction of a people, EtS and others.
Hey Vaughn, just a thought on the individual song videos: one may want to label them part one in case there are new discoveries, interviews or information that would require an additional video. I, as a fan of yours and Depeche Mode would always look forward to them. Thank you for all you do
I'm right there with you when you go off on a tangent, I know exactly what you mean and I'm sure there's a lot of us who do. What an album and I'm sure you had a difficult decision just thinking where to start. And the sounds used, how do you describe them. The answer to all of this is simple, it's unique. There is no comparison and even the samples DM used have been tweaked out of recognition with time stretching/reducing shifting up/down scale joined with other found sources. As you say "where to begin" I've always loved the sneaky Kraftwerk samples used in World In My Eyes. Violator surprised everyone when it was released, it is a masterpiece woven together with such attention to detail that even today, you can hear something you've never heard before which has always been there under the layers which makes this the onion of all albums in it's straightforward appearance which is so deceiving. I love this album and when I hear a track in isolation I'm always expecting the waving into the next track which digitally can be a bit brutal in it's cutoffs. You can put this album on and from the first be taken on a magical journey or should I say trip.
17:00 tremendous exposure screwed by the MUTE records and the band. They could easily milk the album by releasing Halo / Clean next singles, record and release live album and video, extend the tour next year to visit the world all round and back. Look what G’n’R or U2 did at that time with Use Your Illusion, and Achtung Baby, Metallica or Faith No More. Of course we know how hard such a long touring had the influence on these bands, but for sure they’d have sold out the locations touring spring and summer of 1991.
Don’t know if anyone else, here, has listened to Violator on the LSD, but I believe it’s one of the greatest psychedelic records ever made! It takes you on a trip around the world and back, and you don’t have to move, you just sit still...
Sunday morning in my living room with a coffee in hand taking this all in. :) What a great start to my lazy day. :) Also. What I love most about DM is that they have intellectual property. We’re never really gonna know how they developed some of their sounds. :)
I agree, this album is as perfect as it can get. My favourite DM album. I often use it as a reference for mixing and mastering. In my teens I would play along those songs on my little Casio keyboard. And I remember I was quite dissapointed that I could not reproduce just a single sound like it was on the record. When you listen to it there are many parts where you wonder if it really originated on this planet, because the sonic structures therein are so strange and unreal, but appear natural at the same time.
Enjoy the Silence was my first real introduction to DM. I was hooked from there. So, I still admit it's my fave DM song. BTW, the interlude between Enjoy the Silence and Policy of Truth is called Crucified, I believe. That's what they say in that part, anyway.
I bought Playing the angel from a recycled record store. Didn't know how it was going to start. Imagine walking from the store, sticking the 💿 in my portable player. I was walking with my mom in a wheelchair and almost falling off the sidewalk because that song scared me because it was that loud. Makes a great alarm sound.
Great video Vaughn! I really enjoyed going through all the tracks. I have to say, like most of the DM fans out there that I love all the tracks on this album (there are only a select few DM songs that I don't care for on the albums Songs Of Faith And Devotion to Speak & Spell [A different story going from Ultra to Spirit] it just seems to me that it all came together with Violator really well, musically and lyrically... and all of the in-between track's music is so cool (I wish they would have blended all the tracks like that, but still very cool!). Looking forward to the next part and the play-through on Patreon!
Policy Of Truth should be featured in the books about mixing and mastering. I’m no expert, but the attention to details, how everything sounds, just... I have no words to explain that. Also, I enjoy the single version more, just because I like that awesome, haunting light-pad intro, I was very pleased, when they started playing this song with this intro live. Moreover, I was always curious if that longing sound in the backgroundat the end of the song is Ebow put though various filters or if it’s something else. Nevertheless, great analysis (as usual) 👍🏼
Really enjoy your channel, Vaughn. Always nice to hear your take on something you love yourself. Keep up the good work 👍🏻🎹 Btw - Violator is DM’s finest hour without a doubt! 🎹
I did a laaawwwwt of acid, a load of acid to this album and listening to it with cans on just takes it to another level. Waiting for the night is one of my favourite launch songs and on acid I was able to pick up on subtle sounds and effects that I wasn't able to sober. WFTN and Clean were the two heavy hitters where the sound would travel through your head. The two different tracks running left and right was some of the best production I have ever heard. The funny thing was that I'd be able to pick out the sounds again when I was sober. Once I caught them while under the influence, there was no erasing them from my brain. This album hasn't aged a day. Nothing about it says 1990. Nothing about DM from 86 to 94 sounds dated. I cannot say the same since Alan's departure. Still such bitterness about him leaving. Andy shouting out Alan was meant to antagonize and I will fight anyone that says otherwise. I digress. This album sounds as fresh today as it did the first day I brought it home from the record store. While it's not my favourite album, that title goes to Black Celebration, it's the one that got a lot of people into DM. That was a good and bad thing for long time fans. We are deeply protective of "our" band. This was "my" band and suddenly every asshole who ripped on me for being a fan was singing enjoy the silence like DM was "their" band. A lot of people jumped on the bandwagon then and I always kinda sneer at people who say Violator got them into DM. The only good thing about that, is that once they were on the wagon, they never really fell off. Not until Alan was forced out by Andrew...this album is an important one for the band and important for the late bloomers. This was also the first your to see Anton doing their set and screens and Holy shit, I wish they had recorded that instead of SOFAD. Nobody wants to watch Smacky Brown do his thing for 90 minutes. I'd much rather have a world violation dvd than a SOFAD one. You mentioned the amount of sampling that was done for this album, but you also need to remember that Violator is the most samples album they've done. Janet Jackson sampled it and many other bands. I can respect the use of a DM sample here or there.
I've seen some RUclips clips where Flood is talking about the development of Enjoy the Silence and it seems he was the one who really made the song, including as u say, sampling from other artists songs....
Nice part 2 VG...Enjoyed it... And a shame if you can't secure Flood for an interview, that would be amazing. The starting points of all those sounds eh, always wondered, especially the WIME "snare" effect - loved it then and love it now... Another sound unique to DM Roll on part 3 😎🎹 RP
What I dont understand about Enjoy the silence is that they NEVER released video version of it anywhere, that version is the best by far, they cut off fabulous intro of video version, which is melodically absolutely brilliant, it still puzzles me, why this proper full version of Enjoy the silence was never released
@@VaughnGeorge This is the full version, the best one and never released anywhere, the album version actually starts 00:17s in the video and the first 17 seconds with extra melody are gone ruclips.net/video/aGSKrC7dGcY/видео.html
I used to extract and compare the wave forms of some of my original issue CD's versus their remasters. I would say DM remasters up to SOFAD is very good and not much brick walling. I don't have CD's from "Ultra" up to "Spirit" anymore, I find them hard to listen to then. Now I saw the brick wall on the wave form of "Barrel of A Gun", it was a Eureka moment hahaha. Thanks Vaughn! A 5 star review again! ;)
Violator had some amazing B sides!! Dangerous, Happiest girl, sea of sin- I wish they would have found a way to get those on an album. Amazing songs… any chance of reviewing some of their great B sides?!?
Great review! As for the rocky sounds of Violator and even more so, SOFAD, that's what I love about DM. They are always different, each album is like no other, and the rise of grunge of course heavily influenced their music too. Some of the songs from these two albums remind me of my other favorite band - Alice in Chains, but that's of course another story after all😃
I hope you enjoy part 2 of my Depeche Mode Violator Album Review Series!! Be sure to watch the previous videos in the series by browsing my video archive !!
VG :-)
Vaughn, I am thoroughly enjoying you analysis of Violator. I heard you say that you have particular ideas about why their newer music doesn't hold up to these peaks. It would be great for you to explain your thoughts on this in some future videos!
I'm with you about the haunting nature of Sweetest Perfection, for me a lot of the mood comes from the quiet moments when you can really hear the brushed drums. Gives it a jazzesque, smoky bar feeling. Like you're the last one one to leave the bar, and the band just carries on as you walk out the door. But that's just me 🤔
Violator will never ever get outdated. It is magistic, dark, beautiful , the melodies and sounds are prolific. No electronic band could beat this album ever. I share your passion for this record Vaughn!!
I feel you brother !! Cheers to you !! VG :-)
Well said. It's electronic perfection.
@@VaughnGeorge I'd like to privately share with you the recent 4K restoration of my 16mm B&W film of "Blasphemous Rumours" made just prior to Violator's release in 1990. The reason you may find it interesting is... a Rose was my central image, and none of the Violator artwork had yet been released - a complete coincidence.
USC lost the original soundtrack which I'm now rebuilding...but would you care to take a look?
This is their "Dark Side Of The Moon", the way it flows so perfectly and the way the tracks are sequenced. It can only be listened to in full, from start to finish with a bottle of wine.
Agree. A G R E E
If you really want to hear how obsessive Francois Kevorkian was in mixing, check out the 12" Beat Box Mix of Policy Of Truth. The intricacies of the multiple hi hat patterns that weave in and out of each other is just astounding. Of course the sounds were put there by Flood and Alan initially, but I think it's this attention to detail on Violator as a whole that makes covering these tracks convincingly so difficult. There may not be that many "parts" as such, but the complexity of sound within those parts makes this album a joy for the ears.
Yes. But I think it's much more easy to heat that in WORLD IN MY EYES (OIL TANK MIX). The way the hihats sound in that song is just extreme.
Vaughn, at the end of the Enjoy the silence they arent saying Set point. It is actually Fletch saying Crucified 😇 37:23
Thank you , I shall listen again !! VG :-)
It was years before I figured out what that was. Used to bug me so bad!
33:08 - don’t know if you read my comment from previous film. I think the early stage of conflict between Martin and Alan was during MFTM album, when Martin was vote-out by the rest of the band and his versions of songs went to the b-sides as remixes and Alan’s version went to the album. As Martin’s songs until MFTM were heavily preprocess as demos Alan had to approach differently by doing two songs with one text (until MFTM album). So when he asked Martin to bring demos as raw as it possible it was sneaky bypass to achieve his targets over Martins in the way how each album after 1987 would look like.
There is rarely an album with all songs that I like. Violator is one of those unique albums in which all songs are so good so you can listen to them every day and you will never get bored of them~ And it is really hard to decide which song is my favourite but I love Halo, The Sweetest Perfection and - classic - Enjoy the Silence.
Your words are so true !! I love this album !! VG :-)
Every time I hear any song from Violator I get chills...Sweetest perfection
Not a musician but it's always interesting listening to you explaining the technical aspects of the tracks. As always,well done! Thank you 🙏🌹
I have Violator playing in the background while watching this album review 🌹
I find it ironic that this album ends with Clean, leading to SOFAD......
Very true James!! VG :-)
I dont think that Dave was so clean back then.
Interesting point of view!
The "Enjoy The Silence" demo started off as what my sister calls "a funeral dirge". Once Alan and Flood got their talented hands into it, the song became "a Beautiful Composition Of Sound" (nudge, nudge) However, there's a place in my heart for both versions.
VG you gotta reach out to Flood he just did a Netflix series where he discussed The Killers and NIN, I’m sure it’s worth a shot. Also Francois Kevorkian would be super insightful regarding mixes. And you know, Alan ;)
Every time I hear Policy of Truth I will think of Vaughn's 'nodding dog' impression! Great video, looking forward to the others.
I'm so grateful for your insight into DM. I never get tired of discussing them, listening to intelligent analysis on them, and Violator in particular will never get old. Even just watching you hold the album, itself a work of art, brings me joy. Also -- comment 101!
That was such a great comment to read!! Thank you so much !! VG :-)
37:27 actually it’s ‘Crucified’ and this is the name of this Interlude.
and its Fletch saying it as far as I know
@@freezer02 it is...
The Interlude between "Enjoy the Silence" and "Policy of Truth", the sample voice is from Fletch yelling "crucified". Also the bass line from Clean someone ask Alan if it was sample from "One of These Days" from Pink Floyd and he only that it sounds very similar. Greeting from Tijuana.
Hello Enrique and welcome !! VG :-)
Maybe you know ...sure you do! ;) the "bendy" sound is a sample from Fleetwood Mac " Black Magic Woman " mixed with some electric guitar. And the hi hat/perc is a sample from Kraftwerks " Man Mashine :)
All of a sudden I imagined anyone listening and watching this without having heard the record previously...
" Who is this person? From what institution has he escaped?"
But, now we all watch in awe and think, yeah, that's spot-on...
Hahhaha cheers Dan !! You absolutely get it Bro!! Cheers !! VG 😎🎹👍
It'll be nice to review "Behavior" by PSB after since Pet Shop Boys were highly influenced by "Violator" when they were making their album
Great idea! Another musical masterpiece!😎
Seriously Vaughan, what you are doing with these album reviews is phenomenal. I love that you are doing these in so much detail. Great great videos. It must be a lot of work, but appreciate it so much.
Thank you Neal!! VG 👍😎🎹
Hi Vaughn! I'm so glad that Martin You Kinky Bastard and the Off-Topic Chicken are back with a vengeance. 😁 But seriously, the dynamic range explanation you gave was very enlightening, because now I understand why Violator is such a literal pleasure to listen to. Also, when you said "futuristic", I was thinking about the dance and techno influences that were very much around at that time. Brilliant work by all involved!! Take care xx
Allegra Cramb thank you for your constant support!! I really appreciate you !! VG :-)
That album has an unexplainable atmosphere to it, you are spot on with everything you’ve said. Sweetest Perfections rhythm is I think drum brushes, looking forward to all the videos on Violator as this album is very close to my heart!
Thank you and keep watching !! VG :-)
Fletch shouts "CRUCIFIED!" between Enjoy The Silence and Policy Of Truth.
Okay! Now I can't un-hear the pressure cooker valve. Thank you for the emotion and feelings. It's what music does.
Great analysis! The production of this album can never be replicated. The programming of this album is bonkers crazy good. Technical genius/ craftsmanship. I think when you mentioned this album being a thorn in Martin's side...I tend to agree...and I think that's why. I feel Ultra had a similar feel in terms of technical genius/craftsmanship as well. To be honest, I think that was the last album that was technically "tight" if you get what I mean. I think in some interviews of one of their last albums (Delta Machine I think), the interviewer asked Martin what album does this remind him of the most from previous albums and he said Violator. IMHO, I believe DM want another album like this. They will never admit it, but I think they do. Strangely enough, I feel their albums now lack a sense of emotion that their older albums had that I can only convey as: youthful emotional turmoil. What I mean by that is...when we are younger..things affect us more because of naivety or inexperience, etc. which means hurt, anger, loss, love, etc. are more dramatic in our youth. I think the closest they reached that level of emotional hurt/ that feeling of loss, etc. was on Playing the Angel. Precious is a well written song that fits with the tone and mood of songs like A Question of Lust. As you get older its hard to feel lustful, or obsessive about things because you've either are mature enough to navigate those feelings...OR you've been in a relationship with the same person for decades and we all know how relationships that are long like that change overtime. Throw kids into the mix and again, your perspective on life isn't quite the same. I feel like I'm rambling, but I feel like their music simply lacks that raw youthful emotion. I mean, what does a mid 50 year old get hurt by emotionally now that they haven't experienced yet? In the moment a bad ending to a relationship, etc. in your 20's is far more dramatic than you being on your 2nd or 3rd wife. :shrug: LOL. I also feel that their drinking and drug usage tapped into some creativity that can't be replicated when you're sober. Your perceptions of the world is different and stuff. Sometimes I joke with my friend and say: Martin's songs came from the heart when he was drinking more. I guess? It's horrible to say...but I hope you get what I mean. Their last album to me tried to hard to be political and fell flat IMHO. I can't wait until you review that album. LOL Break out the armored vests! LOL!.
Brilliant posting this is Erich!! I think what you say about the drugs and booze is sad yet very true !! Being sober has it's downside I guess!! VG :-)
@@VaughnGeorge Thanks Vaughn. I like a lot of their new stuff, but what always bothers me is the lost potential in the final product. You know what I mean? The bones are there...it's just they don't...for whatever reason...put melody as a priority anymore. I feel they don't take as many risks with their sound anymore...or don't push their sound far enough. I don't know if that comes from age, apathy, laziness, or whatever. Not sure. Maybe it's the wrong producers. Who knows. Maybe the producers don't challenge them enough and are yes men. I don't think that it's intentional. I also think, that the dynamic of the band in the last two albums is almost competitive in nature between Dave's songs and Martin's songs. I wonder if they have some sort of agreement on how many of each other's songs are allowed on the "depeche mode" album. Maybe I'm wrong on all of that...but I feel like Dave has taken the drivers seat of the group now. His Soulsavers work definitely crept into both Delta Machine and Spirit...hell they even made a remix for DM. Maybe with this time during the Pandemic, Martin has really written some good stuff. I just hope the potential on the end product isn't lost with bad programming, lazy soundscapes, etc. That's why Violator will always be in my Top 3. The album NEVER gets old and I can listen to it over and over again because the care, craftsmanship, choice of music notes, etc. all works perfectly. It is truly a piece of musical art. It always bums me out that some people never give this album a listen when I recommend it. They are missing out.
@@erichschoenholtz5170 Eric I think your right, its an age thing. As you get older you loose a certain amount of spontaneity and as you said (navigate your way through certain emotions). But as a fan iam always hopeful, when they release an album, that it's going to be the there best album ever. Anyways thanks for your post I really enjoyed it.
I am in heaven ❤️ I'm not a musician, I'm not a producer, just a girl which has so many feelings when I'm listening to that music and I'm really thankful to hear, somebody feels the same. And you make me hear the songs in one more another way to feel much more! Thank you so much to share this with "normal" people ❤️
as you said Vaughn this record was and still futuristic.... and so difficult to choose a favourite song in particular... but recently I've been listening to HALO alot .
World In My Eyes has always been the stand out track for me and Clean is my bathtime song.
Halo is superb the greatest bassline ever
Another neat fact re: the Crucified interlude. From what I understand, in addition to Fletch doing the vocal, Dave plays the guitar on it if I’m not mistaken. Not sure if anyone’s already said that.
I heard the last bit of "Enjoy The Silence" was Fletch saying C R U C I F I E D!
Yes, I have only learnt that myself !! VG :-)
Spot on analysis. This is my favorite DM album along with Faith & Devotion (a near masterpiece) and of course Black Celebration and Music For The Masses (masterpieces in their own right). Violator is definitely a dry / minimalist album and that’s partly where the genius lies along with the lyrics. The b-sides are amazing as well. I was blessed to see them twice in NY for that tour once in the old Giant stadium (10th row from the stage) and at Radio City Music Hall. Both brilliant performances and at the top of their game.
👏👏👏Enjoy the silence with your own personal Jesus! 👏👏👏👍🇬🇷❤️
Violator is an album in it’s own perfection. The nine tracks are sound perfection worked out down to the last detail. How it all kicks, presses and floats at the same time. No details disappear in the hall, everything is present and stands for itself. Martin great songs and of course the work of Alan, Flood & Francois Kevorkian. A masterpiece.
There is not a bad song on Violator. It is a masterpiece. My fave of theirs
I have a great interview, I would have recommended to add to this Violator review series, but unfortunately it's in Danish. Our national radio here had a 7 hour Depeche Mode marathon show a few years ago, including a visit to Puk Studios and a long interview with one of the sound engineers Peter Iversen (who ended up owning the studio later on). He was there for both the Music for the Masses and Violator recording sessions and had a lot of great stories to tell about the band.
Where can you find this?
Yes we need a link 😁
Here you go www.dr.dk/radio/p7mix/p7-maraton/p7-mix-maraton-depeche-mode
Thx Vaughn. BRILLIANT! Many thx to those who named the interlude 'Crucified'. The day the album came out I have only heard 'Juicy Bite'. Annoying.
Vaughn, have you seen the RUclips videos of Flood breaking down Personal Jesus & Enjoy the Silence at Mutes Short Circuit Festival? It’s really interesting to listen to how the songs were developed (with some humor).
Hello Ray !! Yes I have!! Interesting stuff!! Flood is such an inspiration to me!! VG :-)
"Violator", "Black Celebration" and indeed almost all of their albums
have a weird uniqueness that no electronic band can replicate.
because it's not really "electronic" music. Sure they use synthesizers, sampling,
modulars and computers, but at the songs core it's blues, country and rock.
Organic, sad, emotional. Like a musical "dirge" that's happens to be produced with modern technology.
Exactly. It’s blues/rock wrapped in a electronic sound. On a side note, I believe 3 out of the 9 songs are not even in a 4/4 time signature. Sweetest Perfection / Blue Dress and Clean are in a 6/8 time signature.
Well said👌
41:38 POT is fantastic my fav song from this album and I think that remixes of this song are top work too - ‘I’m not a Politician… I’m a Businessman’ from The Long Good Friday movie.
The voice and word used in the transitional piece between ETS and POT is Fletch saying “Crucified”. Rammed through an pitch effect of course 👌
I was at that appearance. Warehouse Records. My friend got his arm broken during the melee. It was great!!
Wow, amazing to hear from someone who was there !! VG 👍😎🎹
DM gave away "Something to Do - Metal Mix" on tape from KROQ as an apology. My friend got one.
I can't wait for the videos of the songs. This video was a good as the first one. I got goosebumps listening to pieces of the songs. The way you break down everything is amazing. Violator is my favorite album since I was 11 and to this date still my favorite. The darkness and mystery of the songs is something that will never be outdated. I think Violator is the perfect album
Thank you and I am glad you liked the videos !! Standby for more...... VG :-)
I was listening to violator the first time and then for round about one month as I made the renovation of my flat as a student of architecture. It was when it was fresh released in 1990. Especially while doing the stonefloor, the room was empty and had much reverb. I sang all the time while working. As I was renovating it again last year (30 years later 😳) to turn it to an AirBnB Apartment, we removed some walls to make the rooms bigger. When I extended the granite floor tiles to the new areas created by merging rooms, I of course put Violator back on....
Vaughn, Your enthusiasm about Violator is what I feel the DM universe needs more of! I just absolutely love every video! Your music speaks volumes in terms of talent also! The world needs more people like you! Thank you for your review series!
Bless you Jess!! Thank you so much for your kind words!! VG :-)
Hi Vaughn! Love your channel! You've been a delight to watch and listen to. I really appreciate and admire your love for Depeche Mode. On the topic of sampling, I remember when I first heard "Clean" the first thought that came to my mind was that the bass at the beginning made my think of a song by Pink Floyd called "One of these Days".
Thank you so much that is so good to hear !! Thank you for being here !! VG 😎👍🎹
@Trianerito I can see that as well :)
Someone I knew gave me their "Enjoy the Silence" cassette single, with "Memphisto" on the b-side. I played it incessantly. It gave me chills to discover this sound and the lyrics that spoke to my soul. Later, my best friend at the time lent me her Violator cassette. It did change me as a thirteen year old. It's hard to put into words how important this masterpiece was in my youth, and how I still appreciate it today.
Those visuals of the dynamic range of Enjoy The Silence vs A Pain That I’m Used To showed very clearly to a zero technically minded person like me just why those later albums sound too overwhelming. I love the space and freedom in Violator and other DM albums of that era. Really enlightening. Thank you, Vaughan. Fascinating as ever.
37:26-37:27 That's actually Fletcher saying "Crucified" at the end of "Enjoy the Silence" (on the first interlude from this album, which is called ... "Crucified")
It's 1:11am and I am settling in to watch this! 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Do enjoy!! VG :-)
The opening sound in "Sweetest Perfection" sounds like a printing press to me.
(I worked in printing production for many years).
Thanks for another great video!
The dynamic range visuals is fascinating. Never too much Violator. Why not just make 2021 all about Violator? :)
Yes all year!
@Vaughn, Playing the angel in CD or digital format sounds awfully mastered. I still maintain though that the 5.1 surround version is also very great to listen to.
your imagination and retorics are divine, Vaughn...just go on forever
the way you hug that album says it all, you crave to touch them in a way
Unrelated to this but have you thought about doing a version of Violence by Alan Wilder. I think it was unreleased so it would be good to try.
Interesting idea!! VG :-)
The first channel and person on youtube for a very long time that I don't skip/rewind the video every 2-5 sec to find some substantial and interesting stuff. Instead, I catch every single word and melody and waiting for new episodes just like kinds wait for new episodes of Disney cartoons )
I don't know about anyone else but music to "Clean" always feels like the music to a futuristic old-school American Western or even spaghetti Western type film. So one if a kind and brilliant!
You are right, I hear something new every time, a sound, atmosphere, perception, we are all older now and have another perspective. Anyway, magnificent
Wow, that is one of your best videos for my taste! You really did shed new light on this record for me, I've revisited the songs themselves as you went along to grasp more.
Thank you very much, and that I am saying as an aspiring artist looking for the finer details of the craft, and, surely, as a fan too - dig your passion, mate.
Songs that do not get Depeche Mode recognition, Clean, One Caress and Insight. Can’t wait to hear you discuss the last 2 favourites of mine. Cheers
Your impression of Anton is on point.
The interlude that follows Enjoy The Silence is called "Crucified", and that's what the voice (which I believe is Fletch) says. What's interesting is in my sheet music book for Violator, both Halo and World In My Eyes are transcribed a semitone lower than they're played - probably because D minor is an easier chord to play on a synth than Ebm ;)
In the 'Singles 86 - 98' sheet music book it is back to Eb minor :)
Clean is definitely on my top-5 of all time DM-songs. So powerful, beautiful, dark, atmospheric, mysterious, add with an brutality and aggressiveness in it´s rhythm. Just love that song, combine with the Flood/Wilder production to it. This is DM when it´s the best.
Hey Vaughn! Would love to hear a cover of Violator, where you do all the instruments with your voice!
OMG I WAS LISTENING TO HALO IN THE BACKGROUND AND YOU AND THE MELODY SYNCED PERFECTLY AT 23:56
Hi, Vaughn! I have an off-topic question. Not sure if you can answer this but you're the most hard-core DM fan I know so I thought I'd ask. Question is: How come the old instruments of DM ended up with Alan (which eventually ended up being auctioned)? I've nothing against it or whatsoever. I'm just really curious. Including Martin's iconic green Gretsch guitar, which I thought was the same one he used on the latest tours. Were they not owned by the band? Or were those Alan's property in the first place? I believe all the proceeds went to him only, which again, I have nothing against. I'm just genuinely curious.
Sitti hi!!! That is good question and I often wondered that myself!! Why did Allan have Martin's lime green Gretsch guitar and many other pieces of gear?? Perhaps after the tour, the gear all went into Storage and I guess Alan probably asked if he could keep the gear as to which the other band members probably agreed to?? I am speculating here but like you, I would love to learn the real reason !! VG :-)
@@VaughnGeorge I’ve heard that they’d split the gear when Alan left and they actually had two of the green Gretsch guitars - correct me if I’m wrong...
Another great review! This really is a perfect album. The only thing for me that could of made it even better (if that's even possible haha) is including the song "Dangerous" on the actual album. I think it would of fit quite nicely and in my opinion is one of their best songs. But yea, this album is a masterpiece 10/10 :)
I agree with you, I have always felt it could have been included on the album proper, even as a "bonus track."
I heard that interview of AW speaking over the loudness war, and I must say that some records tend to be "too much" in that way, even when listened to at lower volume, they still kinda "saturate" the ears... This dynamic range story would deserve some deeper analysis imo... With AW (🚨) as guest consultant of course ! 🤤
Hey Vincent bro!! I will contact Alan Wilder and get him to come and discuss this with us !! VG 👍😎🎹
@@VaughnGeorge DO IT !
If you need some behind-the-scenes information about the so-called "Wherehouse-Riot", I recommend you the biography-book of Richard Blade
Thank you Mike !! Much appreciate bro !!VG :-)
Spot on Vaughn!! I love all the sounds you make with your mouth!! We don’t really need all the synths and technology, do we...??🤓
Hahahaha cheers !! VG :-)
Excellent discussion and observations. Where do I begin?? The obsessive attention to detail is ever-present, as well as those Martin Gore hooks / change-ups. I just love how this album breathes, nobody is rushed and feels confident and poised. The intros could go on forever before the vocals start. Also, there are lots of John Barry Bond moments/turns on this album with dangerous mystery and intrigue. Thank you Sir for taking us on this trip around the world and back, cheers
Enjoyable video again. Regarding EtS, I haven't read all the comments but it got to number 6 in the UK charts so People are people was still their highest chart position at number 4.
Then BOAG got to number 4 in 1997 but in terms of sales numbers, would have been a fraction of a people, EtS and others.
Hey Vaughn, just a thought on the individual song videos: one may want to label them part one in case there are new discoveries, interviews or information that would require an additional video. I, as a fan of yours and Depeche Mode would always look forward to them. Thank you for all you do
I'm right there with you when you go off on a tangent, I know exactly what you mean and I'm sure there's a lot of us who do. What an album and I'm sure you had a difficult decision just thinking where to start. And the sounds used, how do you describe them. The answer to all of this is simple, it's unique. There is no comparison and even the samples DM used have been tweaked out of recognition with time stretching/reducing shifting up/down scale joined with other found sources. As you say "where to begin" I've always loved the sneaky Kraftwerk samples used in World In My Eyes. Violator surprised everyone when it was released, it is a masterpiece woven together with such attention to detail that even today, you can hear something you've never heard before which has always been there under the layers which makes this the onion of all albums in it's straightforward appearance which is so deceiving. I love this album and when I hear a track in isolation I'm always expecting the waving into the next track which digitally can be a bit brutal in it's cutoffs. You can put this album on and from the first be taken on a magical journey or should I say trip.
17:00 tremendous exposure screwed by the MUTE records and the band. They could easily milk the album by releasing Halo / Clean next singles, record and release live album and video, extend the tour next year to visit the world all round and back. Look what G’n’R or U2 did at that time with Use Your Illusion, and Achtung Baby, Metallica or Faith No More. Of course we know how hard such a long touring had the influence on these bands, but for sure they’d have sold out the locations touring spring and summer of 1991.
Don’t know if anyone else, here, has listened to Violator on the LSD, but I believe it’s one of the greatest psychedelic records ever made! It takes you on a trip around the world and back, and you don’t have to move, you just sit still...
Love your comment!
@@ninawildr4207 Love your comment of love!
Violator is one of my all time favourite albums, not only when speaking about Depeche Mode or electronic music in general.
Thank you Vaughn!!!!
Anytime Eric!! VG :-)
Sunday morning in my living room with a coffee in hand taking this all in. :)
What a great start to my lazy day. :)
Also. What I love most about DM is that they have intellectual property. We’re never really gonna know how they developed some of their sounds. :)
I agree, this album is as perfect as it can get. My favourite DM album. I often use it as a reference for mixing and mastering. In my teens I would play along those songs on my little Casio keyboard. And I remember I was quite dissapointed that I could not reproduce just a single sound like it was on the record. When you listen to it there are many parts where you wonder if it really originated on this planet, because the sonic structures therein are so strange and unreal, but appear natural at the same time.
Remember flood and alan sampled the guitars and added filters
That is correct!! VG :-)
Maybe influenced by Ministry or it was the last thing to sample next to the kitchen sink
Enjoy the Silence was my first real introduction to DM. I was hooked from there. So, I still admit it's my fave DM song.
BTW, the interlude between Enjoy the Silence and Policy of Truth is called Crucified, I believe. That's what they say in that part, anyway.
I bought Playing the angel from a recycled record store. Didn't know how it was going to start. Imagine walking from the store, sticking the 💿 in my portable player. I was walking with my mom in a wheelchair and almost falling off the sidewalk because that song scared me because it was that loud. Makes a great alarm sound.
Great video Vaughn! I really enjoyed going through all the tracks. I have to say, like most of the DM fans out there that I love all the tracks on this album (there are only a select few DM songs that I don't care for on the albums Songs Of Faith And Devotion to Speak & Spell [A different story going from Ultra to Spirit] it just seems to me that it all came together with Violator really well, musically and lyrically... and all of the in-between track's music is so cool (I wish they would have blended all the tracks like that, but still very cool!). Looking forward to the next part and the play-through on Patreon!
Policy Of Truth should be featured in the books about mixing and mastering. I’m no expert, but the attention to details, how everything sounds, just... I have no words to explain that. Also, I enjoy the single version more, just because I like that awesome, haunting light-pad intro, I was very pleased, when they started playing this song with this intro live. Moreover, I was always curious if that longing sound in the backgroundat the end of the song is Ebow put though various filters or if it’s something else. Nevertheless, great analysis (as usual) 👍🏼
Really enjoy your channel, Vaughn. Always nice to hear your take on something you love yourself. Keep up the good work 👍🏻🎹 Btw - Violator is DM’s finest hour without a doubt! 🎹
I did a laaawwwwt of acid, a load of acid to this album and listening to it with cans on just takes it to another level. Waiting for the night is one of my favourite launch songs and on acid I was able to pick up on subtle sounds and effects that I wasn't able to sober. WFTN and Clean were the two heavy hitters where the sound would travel through your head. The two different tracks running left and right was some of the best production I have ever heard. The funny thing was that I'd be able to pick out the sounds again when I was sober. Once I caught them while under the influence, there was no erasing them from my brain. This album hasn't aged a day. Nothing about it says 1990. Nothing about DM from 86 to 94 sounds dated. I cannot say the same since Alan's departure. Still such bitterness about him leaving. Andy shouting out Alan was meant to antagonize and I will fight anyone that says otherwise. I digress. This album sounds as fresh today as it did the first day I brought it home from the record store. While it's not my favourite album, that title goes to Black Celebration, it's the one that got a lot of people into DM. That was a good and bad thing for long time fans. We are deeply protective of "our" band. This was "my" band and suddenly every asshole who ripped on me for being a fan was singing enjoy the silence like DM was "their" band. A lot of people jumped on the bandwagon then and I always kinda sneer at people who say Violator got them into DM. The only good thing about that, is that once they were on the wagon, they never really fell off. Not until Alan was forced out by Andrew...this album is an important one for the band and important for the late bloomers. This was also the first your to see Anton doing their set and screens and Holy shit, I wish they had recorded that instead of SOFAD. Nobody wants to watch Smacky Brown do his thing for 90 minutes. I'd much rather have a world violation dvd than a SOFAD one. You mentioned the amount of sampling that was done for this album, but you also need to remember that Violator is the most samples album they've done. Janet Jackson sampled it and many other bands. I can respect the use of a DM sample here or there.
My God, what a gem Enjoy the silence is.
Great for us nerds:-)
What version of Enjoy the Silence is that playing in the beginning of the video (the intro part)?
Hello Klaus !! I produce all the music for my album review series. I call that track "A Remix Violation". I am glad you like it !! VG :-)
I've seen some RUclips clips where Flood is talking about the development of Enjoy the Silence and it seems he was the one who really made the song, including as u say, sampling from other artists songs....
Wait, I’m a diehard fan and my favorite song by Depeche Mode is Enjoy The Silence.
Fletch says Crucified after Enjoy The Silence
I think that I'm going to watch this video many many times !!!
Bless you Oliver !! Full respect and thanks to you Sir!! VG :-)
Loving this series!
The stompy beat is reminiscent of Marc Bolan and Garry Glitter . So it’s Glam rock
Nice part 2 VG...Enjoyed it... And a shame if you can't secure Flood for an interview, that would be amazing.
The starting points of all those sounds eh, always wondered, especially the WIME "snare" effect - loved it then and love it now... Another sound unique to DM
Roll on part 3 😎🎹
RP
"The Set Point!" ??? I've always heard "Crucified" !! Have I been wrong for 31 years ?
Nope, you're right.
@@kryptych yeah, yeah
What I dont understand about Enjoy the silence is that they NEVER released video version of it anywhere, that version is the best by far, they cut off fabulous intro of video version, which is melodically absolutely brilliant, it still puzzles me, why this proper full version of Enjoy the silence was never released
Interesting !! I don't think I have actually seen the "full version" which you were on about ? I'd love to see it!! VG :-)
@@VaughnGeorge This is the full version, the best one and never released anywhere, the album version actually starts 00:17s in the video and the first 17 seconds with extra melody are gone ruclips.net/video/aGSKrC7dGcY/видео.html
I used to extract and compare the wave forms of some of my original issue CD's versus their remasters. I would say DM remasters up to SOFAD is very good and not much brick walling. I don't have CD's from "Ultra" up to "Spirit" anymore, I find them hard to listen to then. Now I saw the brick wall on the wave form of "Barrel of A Gun", it was a Eureka moment hahaha. Thanks Vaughn! A 5 star review again! ;)
Violator had some amazing B sides!! Dangerous, Happiest girl, sea of sin- I wish they would have found a way to get those on an album. Amazing songs… any chance of reviewing some of their great B sides?!?
Great review! As for the rocky sounds of Violator and even more so, SOFAD, that's what I love about DM. They are always different, each album is like no other, and the rise of grunge of course heavily influenced their music too. Some of the songs from these two albums remind me of my other favorite band - Alice in Chains, but that's of course another story after all😃