Later this month, Depeche Mode will launch a series of box sets collecting the band's 12-inch singles. On August 31, the first two boxes, Speak & Spell and A Broken Frame, will be released. All audio in this series has been newly remastered from the original tapes and cut at Abbey Road Studios.
The first box, Speak & Spell: The 12" Singles, collects all of the singles around the era of the British electronic band's 1981 debut Speak & Spell. It kicks off with a replica of the rare flexidisc containing "Sometimes I Wish I Was Dead" b/w Mute Records labelmate Fad Gadget's "King of the Flies," and continues with three 12-inch singles headlined by "Dreaming of Me," "New Life," and "Just Can't Get Enough." The original single versions of both "New Life" and "Just Can't Get Enough" reached impressive peaks in the U.K. at No. 11 and No. 8, respectively. Despite their success, however, Speak & Spell proved to be Depeche Mode's only album with founding member Vince Clarke.
The second box set, A Broken Frame: The 12" Singles, addressed the period of the band's 1981 sophomore album. This box has three 12-inch singles, with the A-sides "See You (Extended Version)," "The Meaning of Love (Fairly Odd Mix)," and "Leave in Silence (Longer)." All three songs placed in the U.K. top 20, with "See You" reaching the top ten.
Depeche Mode commented in the press release, "Our 12-inch singles have always been incredibly important to the band. It's great to be able to re-share these songs with old and new fans in the way they were originally intended to be experienced. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do." The cover of each box set features street art iconography inspired by the original albums, while the sleeves of the actual 12-inch singles are replicas of the originals.
Look for the first two box sets from Rhino and Mute Records on August 31! You'll find full track listings and pre-order links below!
Speak & Spell: The 12" Singles (Mute/Rhino, 2018) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)
Flexidisc (released as Flexipop 011, 1981)
- Sometimes I Wish I Was Dead - Depeche Mode
- King of the Flies - Fad Gadget
Dreaming of Me 12" (released on 7" as Mute Records 7 MUTE 013, 1981)
- Dreaming of Me
- Ice Machine
New Life 12" (released as Mute Records 12 MUTE 014, 1981)
- New Life (Remix)
- Shout! (Rio Remix)
Just Can't Get Enough 12" (released as Mute Records 12 MUTE 016, 1981)
- Just Can't Get Enough (Schizo Mix)
- Any Second Now (Altered)
A Broken Frame: The 12" Singles (Mute/Rhino, 2018) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)
See You 12" (released as Mute Records 12 MUTE 018, 1982)
- See You (Extended Version)
- Now This Is Fun (Extended Version)
The Meaning Of Love 12" (released as Mute Records 12 MUTE 022, 1982)
- The Meaning Of Love (Fairly Odd Mix)
- Oberkorn (It's a Small Town) (Development Mix)
Leave In Silence 12" (released as Mute Records 12 BONG 1, 1982)
- Leave In Silence (Longer)
- Further Excerpts From: My Secret Garden
- Leave In Silence (Quieter)
elektrolad says
I've been a Depeche Mode fan for more than 35 years. I still have many of the original Mute 12" pressings.
These new sets are in the $50 range. $50 for three 12" singles and a box? Not sure even the diehard collector will fall for this. (you can get a comprehensive box set from many others for the same price)
Is Sony trying to cash in because of the lackluster performance their past two albums have provided?
I've not been impressed with theIr output for about twenty years. DM still release some good singles, but most of those are highly remixed and the music bears little resemblance to the original version.
There are still loads of Depeche Mode singles available. Many in mint or near mint condition.
Personally, I would take a good Mute or Intercord 12" pressing.
Joe Mac Pherson says
Depeche Mode, are you serious??
Duran Duran certainly knew how to Get The Balance Right.
They released 3 separate box sets, containing multiple 12" singles, in dated, chronological order. All titles were remastered on CD, and each CD 12" single featured the appropriate A sides/B sides with gorgeous, perfect reproductions of the original 12" vinyl sleeves. I own all 3 box sets. The price of each set, featuring so many singles, was a bargain when I bought them.
I can't say that about what Depeche Mode are offering. I'll pass and Leave In Silence.
Christophe says
Hi Joe, I guess you're talking about "The Singles 81-85" and "The Singles 1986-1995", but what is the third one ?