Depeche Mode 'Playing The Angel' 2005

"Pain and suffering in various tempos"

SONG LYRICS by ALBUM

Depeche Mode

"Playing The Angel"

Playing The Angel album: October 17th (UK / Europe), October 18th (USA), October 13th (Japan).

Playing The Angel tracks: "A Pain That I'm Used To", "John The Revelator", "Suffer Well", "The Sinner In Me", "Precious", "Macrovision", "I Want It All", "Nothing's Impossible", "Introspectre", "Damaged People", "Lillian" and "The Darkest Star"

Released album in UK as a Standard Version (CD), as well as a Deluxe Version (SACD + DVD) and double LP.

Depeche Mode "Playing The Angel"

An astonishingly fresh and exuberant release, this album boasts a lyrical and musical progression for the band as it marks the 25th anniversary of the band.

‘Playing The Angel’ was recorded in Santa Barbara, New York and London. It began recording in California, January 2005 with producer Ben Hillier (of Doves and Blur fame) at its epicentre. “We are all feeling incredibly positive about the album. Ben Hillier has brought a whole new dynamic to the group which is quite inspiring,” says Dave Gahan.

‘Precious’, the first single, is quintessential Mode - all cyber pulse and glorious chorus. ‘The Sinner In Me’ perfectly balances the organic and synthetic, and climaxes, as do most of the tracks, with staccato blasts of noise and FX. On ‘Suffer Well’ Dave's voice is more powerful than ever. ‘Macrovision’, sung by Martin Gore, is hi-tech pop with an enormous hook while ‘John The Revelator’ is one of many potential hit singles.

‘Playing The Angel’ is the first album to feature Dave Gahan on composition credits - three of the tracks (‘I Want It All’, ‘Suffer Well’ and ‘Nothing's Impossible’) were written by the singer.

Depeche Mode

This October, Depeche Mode release their first album since 2001's two million-selling Exciter. "I really felt, before we started this album, that there was unfinished business," says Dave Gahan of their 11th studio album, Playing The Angel. And so it is that the world's foremost subversive electronic pop group have reconvened to, as the singer puts it, "make the best record we can." They just can't shake the disease.

Playing The Angel is an astonishingly fresh, exuberant release from the band who have, over 25 years, sold upwards of 50 million records worldwide and amassed a staggering 38 hit singles in the UK and no fewer than 13 Top 10 albums. And yet they sound like a new group, not one halfway through their third decade together. "Precious", the first single, is quintessential Mode, all cyber pulse and glorious chorus. "The Sinner In Me" perfectly balances the organic and synthetic, and climaxes, as do most of the tracks, with staccato blasts of noise and FX. On "Suffer Well" Dave's voice is more powerful than ever. "Macrovision", sung by Martin Gore, is hi-tech pop with an enormous hook. "John The Revelator" is one of many potential hit singles. "I Want It All" is one of the slower tracks with its minor-key menace, like trip hop from hell. "A Pain That I'm Used To" kicks off what would have been Side 2 in fine, furious style with its savage bursts of guitar.

The title for the album was taken, according to Fletch, from the lyric of a track called "The Darkest Star". The LP was recorded in Santa Barbara, New York and London. Recording began in January 2005 in California, with producer Ben Hillier at the helm providing a sense of challenge. "You have to work hard at reinventing yourself," admits Dave, "so you have to choose new people who push you." Playing The Angel is faster-paced than the last two Mode albums, heightening the sense of urgency and vibrancy. Ben's fondness for analogue synths over digital ones helped shape the sound.

It is also the first Depeche album to feature Dave Gahan credits - three of the tracks ("I Want It All", "Suffer Well" and "Nothing's Impossible") were written by the singer, who was encouraged by the reaction to his debut solo album Paper Monsters (2003). Martin was responsible for the remaining nine tracks. As usual, he was unflinching in his depiction of the dark side of the human condition. In fact, he jokes, the back cover of the LP sleeve may well feature the subtitle: Pain And Suffering In Various Tempos. "Dave said I've made a 25-year career out of one subject. I disagree: it's two!"

When asked what the broad, overarching themes of this record are, Martin smiles: "Anything that appeals to really dysfunctional people." It would be wrong, however, to dismiss Depeche Mode as harvesters of sorrow. "I never see our music as over-dark. There's always an element of hope. And I hope that comes over in the music."

A sense of optimism, of renewed vigour, of pleasure at what they've achieved, can be discerned from Playing The Angel. It's also obvious from the sheer delight Dave, Martin and Andy feel at being back with Depeche Mode, on the eve of the release of a brilliant album and a mammoth, sell-out world tour that confirms the enormity of their global audience.

Dave counts his blessings that he's still actually here to do this. "That we've achieved so much in 25 years, and survived so much... Of all the bands, this is the one I'd have put money on not still being around!" he laughs. "I see ourselves alongside U2 and R.E.M. more than any of the bands we came up with, although really we don't fit in and we never have, and I've come to embrace that - there's no one like Depeche Mode. I might have lost some of my drive in the mid-'90s, but now I've got it back. It's better being in Depeche Mode now than it has been for 15 years."

Depeche Mode about the album's songs

"A Pain That I'm Used To"

Martin Gore: "The analog bass in the intro was one of the most difficult things to get right."

Andrew Fletcher: "That song did start in Santa Barbara. It went through lots of stages. We were settled on the basic arrangement — the 'siren' intro, then pulsating bass, then Dave comes in with the opening line — the rhythm just never seemed to groove properly. Otherwise, this may have been our easiest album to make other than Speak and Spell."

"John The Revelator"

Martin Gore: This song is inspired by a traditional tune. It talks about faith in God, no matter what. It also denounces the belief in a God who punishes and damns. In the 'Book of Revelation,' John describes his visions of these seven angels descending, blowing into their seven trumpets and causing plagues, epidemics, and floods that gradually exterminate a large part of humanity. Only the true believers remain. I do not believe in all that. "'John the Relevator' is a cover of a song by Blues singer Son House. I own an old Shellac single from the 1930s with the original song on it." "I've been listening a great deal to a six-CD set of traditional gospel music called Goodbye Babylon, which is just phenomenal. 'John the Revelator' is a heavily re-interpreted old gospel tune about the author of the Book of Revelation, but our lyrical take on it is, “Armageddon? Gee, thanks.”"

"Suffer Well"

Dave Gahan: "There's a song I wrote on the new album called 'Suffer Well'. When it started out, it was a much slower song and we just decided to go in a really pop way with it. Which is a contrast to what it’s saying lyrically, which is: Suffer well, because whatever it is you’re suffering, if you suffer well enough, you won’t have to suffer anymore. It’s something that was said to me a long time ago, which I did not understand. A guy who was sitting with me and had a lot more experience in life – an older gentleman – said, 'You know, David, suffer well.' And I was like, 'What the fuck are you talking about? Thanks a lot, man!' It came back to me a few years ago, what he was really saying: Suffer well, and if you suffer well enough, you can move on." "I really like 'Suffer Well' actually, the music video is fun. And that was was quite a challenge to make, there. The song is about, in, what you believe to be suffering, is where you grow and learn about yourself. Sometimes it's difficult, if you really wanna grow. So once a friend of mine said to me years ago, when I was complaining about life or whatever, my life, he said to me very calmly, "You know David, just suffer well." And I was so angry, I was like... But years later, it made sense, it made a lot of sense."

"Precious"

Martin Gore: "Well, my private life is pretty crappy. I'm about to divorce my wife, the situation has been going on for sixteen months. My life is certainly not a walk in the park. I also have three children. And 'Precious', the single, is a song that describes exactly this situation. But there are other divorce songs on 'Playing The Angel'. 'Precious' is about how my children cope with the divorce - which isn't very well. But the song ends with the verse "I know you learned to trust / keep faith in both of us". All of our songs, even the most depressive ones, contain hope." "The main piano motif that goes throughout 'Precious' was on the demo, and remained intact for the version on the record."

"Nothing's Impossible"

Dave Gahan: "I think my songs are different than Martin Gore's, a different character, wilder. Nevertheless, they fit better this time in the album than in 'Playing The Angel'. 'Nothing's Impossible' went into another direction than what I had as a demo."

"Introspectre"

Martin Gore: "It's a nice atmospheric piece of music that leads really nicely into 'Damaged People'."

"Lilian"

Martin Gore: "You really don't wanna know who Lilian is."

Andrew Fletcher: "I do not know either. But nevertheless the song is great for waking up at eight in the morning while heating up a plate of pasta."

2 x 12" (stumm260) EU

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Label Code:   LC5834

Barcode:   0094634020114

Rights Society:   bel biem

Runout etching side A:   STUMM260 A 5 MPO

Runout etching side B:   STUMM260 B 5 MPO

Runout etching side C:   STUMM260 C 4 MPO

Runout etching side D:   STUMM260 D 4 MPO

Recorded at Sound Design (Santa Barbara, California), Stratosphere Sound Studios (New York City), Whitfield Street Studios (London) / Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice, Whitfield Street Studios (London) Assisted by Devin Workman and Kt Rangnick / Produced by Ben Hillier / Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris / Original Programming an tracks 3,7 and 8 by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott / Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris / All tracks mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, New York. Assisted by Sarah Register / Art direction, photography and cover design by Anton Corbijn / Design by Four5one.com

Piano an "I Want It All" Dave McCracken / "John The Revelator" inspired by the traditional work of the same name

Tracks 1,2,4,5,6,9,10,11,12 written by Martin L Gore / Tracks 3,7,8 written by Gahan/Eigner/Philpott

Special thanks to - Daniel Miller, Mike Heneghan, Fred de Jong, John McGrath, Donna Vergier, Paul A. Taylor, Shaun Connon, Lucy Boughton, M.J., Anna Schulte, Howard Corner, Sarah Orhan, Tom Whalley, Diarmuid Quinn, Phil Costello, Eric Fritschi, Seymour Stein, Michael Goldstone, Anne Hoffmans, Tina Funk, Morvan Boury, Anton Corbijn, Ronnie "Chopper" Harris, Andrew Thompson, Ted Goetz, Keith Drinkwater, John Gianquitto, Jeannine Mansour, Mitch Schneider, Barbara Charone, Nicki Kefalas, Caroline Paulton, Marek Liberberg, Carole Kinzel, Andrew Sweck, Daniel "The Brat" Barassi, Debb Hanks, Mary Campbell, Karina Berry, Ros Earls.

NOTE: Gatefold matte cover with printed inner sleeves (which contain generic die-cut inner sleeves with rounded corners). The inner sleeve mistakenly credits Dave McCracken as the piano player on "I Want It All". However, there is no piano on "I Want It All". He really should be credited for the piano on "The Darkest Star". Labels sides A and C have bel beim instead of the correct bel biem. Track times are not stated on the release.

CD (cdstumm260) UK

1 •   "A Pain That I'm Used To" 4:11

2 •   "John The Revelator" 03:42

3 •   "Suffer Well" 03:50

4 •   "The Sinner In Me" 04:55

5 •   "Precious" 04:10

6 •   "Macro" 04:02

7 •   "I Want It All" 06:10

8 •   "Nothing's Impossible" 04:21

9 •   "Introspectre" 01:42

10 •   "Damaged People" 03:28

11 •   "Lilian" 04:46

12 •   "The Darkest Star" 06:55

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Label Code:   LC5834

Barcode:   094634057523

Runout:   WWW.MEDIAMOTION.COM 3405770 @ 1 010104-NL

Mastering SID Code:   IFPI LW03

Mould SID Code:   ifpi AAH12

Rights Society:   bel BIEM

Recorded at Sound Design (Santa Barbara, California), Stratosphere Sound Studios (New York City), Whitfield Street Studios (London) / Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice, Whitfield Street Studios (London) Assisted by Devin Workman and Kt Rangnick / Produced by Ben Hillier / Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris / Original Programming an tracks 3,7 and 8 by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott / Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris / All tracks mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, New York. Assisted by Sarah Register / Art direction, photography and cover design by Anton Corbijn / Design by Four5one.com

Piano an "I Want It All" Dave McCracken / "John The Revelator" inspired by the traditional work of the same name

Tracks 1,2,4,5,6,9,10,11,12 written by Martin L Gore / Tracks 3,7,8 written by Gahan/Eigner/Philpott

Special thanks to - Daniel Miller, Mike Heneghan, Fred de Jong, John McGrath, Donna Vergier, Paul A. Taylor, Shaun Connon, Lucy Boughton, M.J., Anna Schulte, Howard Corner, Sarah Orhan, Tom Whalley, Diarmuid Quinn, Phil Costello, Eric Fritschi, Seymour Stein, Michael Goldstone, Anne Hoffmans, Tina Funk, Morvan Boury, Anton Corbijn, Ronnie "Chopper" Harris, Andrew Thompson, Ted Goetz, Keith Drinkwater, John Gianquitto, Jeannine Mansour, Mitch Schneider, Barbara Charone, Nicki Kefalas, Caroline Paulton, Marek Liberberg, Carole Kinzel, Andrew Sweck, Daniel "The Brat" Barassi, Debb Hanks, Mary Campbell, Karina Berry, Ros Earls.

NOTE: Came in a standard jewel case with clear tray and 16-page booklet containing credits, lyrics and photos. The booklet mistakenly credits Dave McCracken as the piano player in "I Want It All". However, there is no piano in "I Want It All". He really should be credited for the piano in "The Darkest Star." The two cat.#(cdstumm260 0094634057707) are indicated on back cover and inside booklet. Subtitle on the back cover: "Pain and suffering in various tempos". Track times are not stated on the release.

UMD (UMDSTUMM260) EU

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Label Code:   LC5834

Barcode:   0 094633 691292 >

Other Side a and Side c:   MADE IN AUSTRIA

Runout:   A0100653901-A911 16 A1

Runout:   A0100653901-B911 17 A1

Barcode UMD:   0094633 691292

Recorded at Sound Design (Santa Barbara, California), Stratosphere Sound Studios (New York City), Whitfield Street Studios (London) / Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice, Whitfield Street Studios (London) Assisted by Devin Workman and Kt Rangnick / Produced by Ben Hillier / Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris / Original Programming an tracks 3,7 and 8 by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott / Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris / All tracks mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, New York. Assisted by Sarah Register / Art direction, photography and cover design by Anton Corbijn / Design by Four5one.com

Piano an "I Want It All" Dave McCracken / "John The Revelator" inspired by the traditional work of the same name

Tracks 1,2,4,5,6,9,10,11,12 written by Martin L Gore / Tracks 3,7,8 written by Gahan/Eigner/Philpott

Special thanks to - Daniel Miller, Mike Heneghan, Fred de Jong, John McGrath, Donna Vergier, Paul A. Taylor, Shaun Connon, Lucy Boughton, M.J., Anna Schulte, Howard Corner, Sarah Orhan, Tom Whalley, Diarmuid Quinn, Phil Costello, Eric Fritschi, Seymour Stein, Michael Goldstone, Anne Hoffmans, Tina Funk, Morvan Boury, Anton Corbijn, Ronnie "Chopper" Harris, Andrew Thompson, Ted Goetz, Keith Drinkwater, John Gianquitto, Jeannine Mansour, Mitch Schneider, Barbara Charone, Nicki Kefalas, Caroline Paulton, Marek Liberberg, Carole Kinzel, Andrew Sweck, Daniel "The Brat" Barassi, Debb Hanks, Mary Campbell, Karina Berry, Ros Earls.

NOTE: Includes small foldout poster/booklet with lyrics. PlayStation Portable (PSP). Track times are not stated on the release.

CD/SACD + DVD (lcdstumm260) EU

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Label Code:   LC5834

Barcode:   0094634243124

Barcode CD:   0094634243025

Runout CD Outer Ring:   VS343-L1 3424312

Runout CD Inner Ring:   VS343-L0-PV1.3 3424312

Mastering SID Code CD Outer:   IFPI L042

Mastering SID Code CD Inner:   IFPI L048

Mould SID Code CD:   IFPI EV49

Mould SID Code CD:   IFPI EV48

Barcode DVD:   0094634243094

Runout DVD Outer:   WWW.MEDIAMOTION.COM 3424309 PAL @ 3

Runout DVD, mould code area (white):   010108-NL

Mastering SID Code DVD:   IFPI LW04

Mould SID Code DVD:   IFPI AAH02

Recorded at Sound Design (Santa Barbara, California), Stratosphere Sound Studios (New York City), Whitfield Street Studios (London) / Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice, Whitfield Street Studios (London) Assisted by Devin Workman and Kt Rangnick / Produced by Ben Hillier / Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris / Original Programming on tracks 3,7 and 8 by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott / Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris / All tracks mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, New York. Assisted by Sarah Register / Art direction, photography and cover design by Anton Corbijn / Design by Four5one.com

Piano an "I Want It All" Dave McCracken / "John The Revelator" inspired by the traditional work of the same name

Tracks 1,2,4,5,6,9,10,11,12 written by Martin L Gore / Tracks 3,7,8 written by Gahan/Eigner/Philpott

DVD Credits: 5.1 mixed by Ben Hillier for 140dB at The Instrument. Additional engineering by Kevin Paul and Richard Morris. 5.1 mastered by Sinon Heyworth at Super Audio Mastering. Devon. SACD mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, New York. Co-mastered by Sarah Register at The Lodge. SACD authored by Bastiaan Kuijt at BK Audio Amsterdam.

Special thanks to - Daniel Miller, Mike Heneghan, Fred de Jong, John McGrath, Donna Vergier, Paul A. Taylor, Shaun Connon, Lucy Boughton, M.J., Anna Schulte, Howard Corner, Sarah Orhan, Tom Whalley, Diarmuid Quinn, Phil Costello, Eric Fritschi, Seymour Stein, Michael Goldstone, Anne Hoffmans, Tina Funk, Morvan Boury, Anton Corbijn, Ronnie "Chopper" Harris, Andrew Thompson, Ted Goetz, Keith Drinkwater, John Gianquitto, Jeannine Mansour, Mitch Schneider, Barbara Charone, Nicki Kefalas, Caroline Paulton, Marek Liberberg, Carole Kinzel, Andrew Sweck, Daniel "The Brat" Barassi, Debb Hanks, Mary Campbell, Karina Berry, Ros Earls.

Sticker on the front jewel case saying: "DELUXE EDITION Including bonus DVD featuring 5.1 version of Playing The Angel, Making The Angel documentary, Precious video and exclusive performance of Clean" 0094634243025

NOTE: DVD contains the entire "Playing The Angel" album in either LPCM Stereo, DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and has a running time of 52:40. DVD tracks 2 to 4 are in LPCM Stereo. All Photos in the Photo Gallery taken by Ben Hillier. Official release date is Monday the 17th October 2005, but available via Mute Germany on Friday the 14th October 2005. The booklet mistakenly credits Dave McCracken as the piano player in "I Want It All". However, there is no piano in "I Want It All". He really should be credited for the piano in "The Darkest Star." Track times are not stated on the release.

VIDEO ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM

TV ALBUM (France)

Clean (Bare)

Release 17 October 2005

Written by Martin L. Gore

Video produced by Dave McCracken

Video Ross Hallard, Devin Workman, Kt Rangnick

PRODUCTION DETAILS ALBUM

"A Pain That I'm Used To" 4:11  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"John The Revelator" 03:42  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Suffer Well" 03:50  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Original Programming by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"The Sinner In Me" 04:55  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Precious" 04:10  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Macro" 04:02  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"I Want It All" 06:10  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Original Programming by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris. Piano by Dave McCracken.

"Nothing's Impossible" 04:21  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Original Programming by Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Introspectre" 01:42  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Damaged People" 03:28  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Lilian" 04:46  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"The Darkest Star" 06:55  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice and Ben Hillier. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Free" 05:14  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Newborn" 05:34  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris.

"Better Days" 02:28  •  Produced by Ben Hillier for 140dB. Mixed by Ben Hillier and Steve Fitzmaurice. Programming by Dave McCracken and Richard Morris. Engineered by Ben Hillier and Richard Morris. Written-By Martin L. Gore.

THE 11th STUDIO ALBUM

discussion album

2005