Depeche Mode - All the Producers 1981-2016 

I think 'Some great reward' is Depeche Mode"s most underrated album. It set the scene for the next 3 albums.

This made my day. Thank you Vaughn!

I do not have a real opinion about your questions except for one: Alan Wilder should produce the next album.

Great video!! Loved it

Thank you Vaughn for your honest and useful reviews as usual. It would be interesting to know how much a band like DM spent in studio for each album. I understand not many would be interested in this question, but just curious. To answer your question, I don't think it really matters if a producer is a fan or not because each producer has a personality and how this personality is able to bring the best of each artist that really counts. I always thought how weird would be to have Moroder into the production :) WHo knows maybe he still got it.

Off course the producer should be a fan..no daubt..and off course it would not change a thing because Alan the force behind sound is not there!

1) Daniel Miller 2) Tim Simenon 3) I don't understand what producer actually does. 4) Alan Wilder

Bricked Walled.

Again ;-) I totally agree with you! In the first 7-9 albums I know 100% order of songs and all titles... Last 3 albums... Hmm.... Don't know numbers or even titles... The band is not producing such "advanced" titles like in the past. They just record and release while previously they were perfecting them to the level of psychosis I guess :D BTW: Love your channel and... ...the next producer HAS TO BE... ALAN WILDER :-)

Here's my All-star Team Alan Wilder, Daniel Miller,Gareth Jones and Flood Anymore questions?😉👍

Flood, no question

The next DM album should be produced by Alan Wilder, it would be a great success ...

1) Alan + Flood (there is no "just Flood") 2) Ben Hillier (but Flood saved Delta Machine) 3) A fan..because a fan will understand the Bass and use less "real" drumming 4) Alan Wilder return as co-producer with Flood, but not joining as a band mate or touring member (unless he wants to) 5) If DM really want to make something special that would also cash in like mad, the next studio line up would be : Martin, Dave, Fletch, Alan, Vince. Producers: Gareth and Flood. That would be insane and it's something within their grasp as all members appear willing and have reunited several times in recent years. If they don't do something like this before their last album... it would be an enormous waste and missed opportunity for themselves and the fans. This has been one of the main reasons the cancellation of the rock and roll hall of fame has been so disappointing, because even the slight chance of seeing all 5 of them together is beyond words.

I want Alan Wilder fan allert t-shirt. Now....

1 Favorite - Flood 2 Least favorite - Mark Bell (only as a DM producer I love other albums he's produced) 3 they should know the bands legacy but not be a too big a "fan" that they feel they can't criticise. 4 Next - Alan Wilder (his in chains remix was the last thing that sounded like Depeche Mode).

Favourite is Flood, least fave is Hillier, it pays if producer is a fan (think Simenon) and Alan Wilder should produce the next album as I feel that, since Ultra, each album has suffered from a lack of musicality in that we are subjected to lots of electronic effects (bombarded by them on Playing the Angel) and the lovely melodies are overshadowed somewhat. Love your work @Vaughn.

I always found it interesting that starting with Ultra “Depeche Mode” were never credited as producers anymore. All the previous albums were co-produced. It’s obvious Vince was very hands-on and then, I guess, Martin had to step in and assert himself, but then for MFTM, Violator and SOFAD we hear from their respective producers that the guys except Alan were not exactly interested in production. Sounds like once Alan was gone no one in Depeche Mode wanted to step into that role as the band’s representative who would stay until 4 am mixing an album, lol. Really makes you wonder whether crediting all of Depeche Mode as co-producers was fair. Also, I’m one of the younger fans and I was obsessed with Dream On when it came out which is funny because I was 10 years old LOL. So even Depeche Mode’s duds brought them a few fans! (Sorry for the retroactive comments, I’m binge watching your vids!)

A suggestion, what about an interview with Alan Wilder?????

Favorite: Flood. Least : Ben Hillier. Flood and Tim were fans and their albums were great, so there might be some truth in that topic. Next producer: Flood & Brian Eno together. They obviously worked many years together for U2. With Floods understanding of the band’s strong points and Eno’s atmospheric sounds, the skies the limit.

Not sure what the average age of this joyous community is but I guess that I am one of the older members!! I was born in the same year as Fletch and Martin, a year after Alan and before Dave. So I have lived this band. I was hooked from the Broken Frame tour (been there...couldn't afford the t-shirt!!) and saw them as a relief from the oppressive raaawk of my long haired idiot older brothers. They along with Kraftwerk OMD Human League Ultravox The Associates..etc. represented nothing less than OUR generation's music. So the absence of guitars, drums, long hair, raaaewwk n roll was more than just music...it was liberation. Thus..Dave's progression to Rock God in SOFAD was for me a betrayal. Am I in a minority of fans who hated and hates the band's rock friendliness which started with SOFAD...and which is now in a death spirald...with a few exceptions since then. I just feel that no matter how potent the birth...everything turns into McDonald's...so now you know how teen idealism ends...thanks for reading this far.

Q1: Alan Wilder Q2; anyone who isn't Alan Wilder Q3: neutral, but be familiar with catalogue Q4: Alan Wilder or Nick Rhodes (I couldn't resist)😜

And if the next album was produced by Alan Wilder?!

A personal favorite of mine is Simenon. Considering the band didn't play a big role in the Ultra production, Simenon was able to capture their essence as a group and helped them transition into their later half of their career. The production on the second half of Ultra is on point with songs such as Sister of Night and The Bottom Line, some of their most dynamic production! 1. Favorite: Simenon, Flood, and Ford 2. Least Fav: Mark Bell 3. Not necessarily a fan but someone who understands their message 4. Ford

Although flood is a great producer. He did did produce depeche when Martin was at his peak at song writing . Definitely get Alan back and do one last album with depeche. Get there sond thickend up again. And maybe as a bonus ,Alan can do Live drumming .rather than the rock drummer.

1: Alan Wilder 2: Andy Fletcher 3: Neutral 4: Alan Wilder

My Fav DM producer was Alan 😉

Playing the Angel is far better on vinyl or SACD! listen this album only on vinyl. Ben hillier has nothing to do with the horrible "loudness war" mastering .He was the producer not the mastering engineer.It was Emily Lazar from wikipedia:"The Red Book(CD) version of the album is considered by numerous fans to be poorly mastered,[14][15] relying on heavy compression to intentionally and artificially boost the output, especially when compared with the vinyl version that was mastered differently." cheerz George ! thanx.

1) Flood. Flood together with Allans ideas made the perfect DM sound. 2) M Bell/ B Hillier. The sound of Exiter was a disappointment, and Hilliers analog stuff is cutting away the edge of the DM-sound. It´s to stiff and lack of rhythm and atmosphere. - Listen to the difference between Hillers "In chains" and A Wilders version. Wilders version is the DM-sound symbolized - even though "In chanis" is a quite week song. 3) A fan is probably better than an "outsider". 4) Allan Wilder

1. Flood & AW. 2. Mark Bell. 3. On the fence on that one. 4. Trent Reznor.(Fantastic at creating space and atmosphere)

1. Flood + Alan 2. Hillier on SOTU (PTA was great! and Delta Machine was ok) or Ford... 3. Not a fan. Someone who challenges them has always worked..comfort zone makes albums like Spirit or SOTU 4. Alan + Flood...(but if you are nearly 60years old..do you want to do something that is nice and easy..or do you still want to push yourself and face confrontation? I'm afraid DM are on the first zone these days)

1. Flood is most favorite. 2. Daniel Miler is probably my least favorite (mainly because I haven't listen to the newer albums). 4. The Producers should be neutral. And 5. I think they need a producer like Trent Reznor, or or maybe Rob Zombie, to bring them back to a heavier darker and metalic sound.

Favourite: Gareth Jones & Daniel Miller Least favourite: Ben Hillier Should produce the next: If Gareth Jones & Daniel Miller are still in form, let them produce a last great DM album, to complete the circle. The best producer has great respect for the band and enjoy their style of music, but are not necessarily a fan.

1 - Flood/Alan Wilder 2 - James Ford 3 - Not a fanboy, but someone that knows, likes and understands their music 4 - Me..!! (Or failing that, Alan Wilder)

The next producer has to identify with Depeche Mode. If you are neutral, you could not give any inspiration, which comes from your heart. A neutral producer just wants to finish the work. Remember the time, Alan was in the studio...? He was a band member, an insider and the result was brilliant. But i´m afraid, he will never work with them again.

I don’t understand why everyone is writing about Flood! Many fans criticized exciter and were very disappointed with this album. Flood said himself that it was hard for him to work without Alan! Ben hillier made the great PTA, the following albums are not worth talking about. That is why Tim Simenon is my favorite, he is a fan of the band and he made Ultra sound closely to the original sound.

I actually was so disapointed when songs of faith and devotion came out, beacause it was way to "rocky" to my taste. Didnt like that David tryed to be a rockstar with drugs and rock and roll, instead of beeing a great vocalist in a Superband. The sound suited Gahans lifestyle. I allways liked Depeche for the synth-sound and dark synthpop, in retrospective like it a bit more than the time it came out. The best album ever must be Black Celebration. That is my opinion :-)

No question - Flood all day. Great video!

If you are 20 and making music and drinking vodka in UK and now making hopping grasshopper in Santa Barbara drinking vegan fruits...there never going to be dark and beautiful album from that

Dave Bascome was a perfect " Producer" who wasnt a fan and was so easy going Alan ran the boards and created the end product..and he was tot sass lly cool with it. Many could Produce Sounds from the Big Chair..and call it a day...he went on to help with Masses...hes Golden in ky book.

And Vaughn what a great guy you are respect to and I always have to watch your videos and I always agree you 98.7% hehe

I was recalling what you said in video about AW and yiu were right, it's probably because we grew up with them as a quartet, I was born in 1975 and it's logical for me to feel more nostalgia for those times. Not that I don't like newer stuff, but, for me, when I hear Stripped, Nothing, Blasphemous rumours, Violator, that's when all the emotions come out. And, don't we all love to feel love...

1st! Interesting to learn about all the various DM producers. Flood will always be a favorite of mine. What's that new background screensaver you've been using?

I whole heartily agree about your reaction to exciter. I do not care for this album at all. Never have never will. Lmao!! I might get eaten alive for the comments!! Playing the angel and sounds of the universe are listenable compared to exciter. I have no issues with Ben hillier I think he gave them some direction that they had lost with exciter

1) Alan and Flood made history and we know, no further questions needed (I love Garteh too) 2) Ford 3) Fan or not, someone who's smart enough to do a good job 4) A miracle, to make me forget about the bad memories Spirit has left (I've tried to give this album lots of possibilities...No way) 5) Alan (WARNING! WARNING!), I hope from my depths you are doing well (how much I love you, Alan). If you have some free time to spend, please, open RU-vid, read some of these comments and think about something... 6) I love this channel as hell ❤❤❤

I’m a bit split when I have to name a favorite producer. It is the collaboration between Alan and Gareth Jones with Black Celebration or the collaboration between Flood and Alan on the Violator. My least favorite is probably James Ford. I am just not happy with the Spirit album. Even Exciter I like better, it has Freelove 😁 For future producers, as Alan said, diversity is probably a good thing. So, although my soul cries for a second Black Celebration, it’s probably important that they find new source of inspiration.I like the songs Dave is bringing to the table. I like those he has written with Kurt Uenala. My favorite songs from Delta Machine is Broken and Happens all the time. Maybe you could interview Kurt. He lives on Iceland, as far as I remember. You also asked whom they should produce the next album with, and I say Alan Wilder. 😋

Thank you Vaughn for this Video! Great Job 😎👍🏻🎹 Tomorrow the 101 will be 32 years old ! ... Greetings from Saarlouis

Very interesting discussion, Vaughn. I've been very busy of late and am Catching Up With Depeche Mo---I mean, Vaughn George! That said, my answers are as follows: 1). Favorite Producer: Flood. 2). Least Favorite Producer: Ben Hillier. 3). Importance of Producer Being Fan/Neutral: In general, I feel that being neutral/objective is probably the best approach. However, my caveat is that ideally, the chosen producer should have at least a familiarity with Depeche Mode's body of work going into the project. 4). Who Should Produce Next? My pipe dream would be Brian Eno, but I love the work that Pete "Sonic Boom" Kember (Spacemen 3, Spectrum, etc.) has done for himself and other artists, such as Panda Bear. He understands vintage synths and he generally has a layered, psychedelic approach that I feel would suit Depeche Mode's sensibilities.

But love you man everything you say I feel the same way with DM

most DM fans don't agree with this but to me playing the angel and delta machine are as good as their classics ... i just love almost every song on those two albums .

A 1) D.Miller 2) Ford 3) Fan....or at least admire their past and know what they’ve done and what band is capable of 4) Anyone who can help them craft better songs and sculpt a unique sound(s) for each song

-Favorite: FLOOD -Least Favorite: FORD -I think that for the next album they should get the biggest fan of theirs to produce and, hopefully, try to get them back to their roots. -Next Producer: see previous answer.

Announcement for a new DM album had already been made back in January a few weeks before the coronavirus crisis broke up. Set to be released next year🤞... if a new producer was to be revealed soon, I just hope it would be Alan Wilder even though I deeply think it s definitely impossible. Alan has withdrawn from public life and Martin wouldn't let him anyway... Shame...

let's make a petition to bring Alan as producer for the next DM album, maybe the DM members and their management will put fans first and also they will see the marketing potential of this move :)

At 50 years old, I’m with u with “Sounds of the Universe, Delta Machine, and Spirit”. I couldn’t name u the songs and/or Order. 👍🏼. They should try to bring Alan back, they really should.

I choose peter simenon for ultra/it was really well produced the basslines ,the drumbeats

Trent Reznor and/or Alan Wilder for production. Atticus Ross for mixing 😎

1) Gareth Jones & Flood... they produced the albums that got me into Depeche Mode. 2) Mark Bell... he was great for Bjork but not so much for Depeche Mode. 3) The producer should know their body of work but not be a fanboy. 4) Alan Wilder with Gareth Jones & Daniel Miller... Martin should reach deep and write the best songs of his adult life for this album.

Alan Wilder to produce the next album!

My least favorite is tom ford,what is his relatioship with electronic music?he was not innovative in spirit for example the basslines are so simple and smooth and just a few melodies and arppeigo in cover me,no more was interesting/for next album why do not they use producers like brian eno or a group of producers with different point of view ?and i know it sounds ridiclous but alan wilder can be the best producer...

Terrific vid as always Vaughn! Totally geeking out. 👍. Oh boy.. gonna try to keep this as short as I can (difficult). 1. Flood, Miller/Jones then Simenon 2. Hillier 3. I think they should choose people who are fans of their work. Without Alan being involved, Gore and Gahan have to carry the creative load. Neither of them are as interested in the production. This translates to the new Producer’s default presumption that “We should use bubbly analog sounds from the billion synths available” methodology and completely ignore the foundations of their sound (sampling). The reason Ultra worked was because Simenon was a fan and understand the sonic complexities of their previous records. He followed that tradition and it showed. 4. They should work with Alan Moulder, Dean Garcia, Butch Vig, Nigel Godrich or Will Gregory. I strongly believe they should choose people who know them and their catalog, who can restore the sonic edge so lacking in the last three records. Someone seasoned instead of trendy. The newer generation of producers lack the nuance needed for a DM record (IMHO). I think they make great records, but the typical finished outcome ends up being a “techno pop” record for today’s music consumer as opposed to something more complex and rich.

Hi Vaughn! Interesting video. I really liked Spirit, probably the best production of the last 5 records, I've always thought it's the closest to Alan's production style (fan boy alert!). Backwards, Cover Me and Fail are good examples. 1. Flood. 2. Hillier (But both PTA and Delta are good records). 3. Its more interesting to be neutral. 4. I'd like Ford again, or someone who they've never worked with.

As always, you read my mind. I am completely agree with everything you said. It is like you are inside my mind. Fav: Flood and Jones Least: Ford Producer should be a little fan, not so much. He should push the limits but he should keep DM soul. Next producer: Alan Wilder

1) Gareth Jones 2) Ford 3) Neutral 4) Alan Wilder ¡ Gracias por tu saludo en español ! Hasta la próxima . (see you next time )

All your efforts in documenting this incredible band, is very much appreciated 👏

I too like ‘Dream on’...do you have the ‘Dream On’ stem tracks from the Acid remix contest (circa 2001)? So inspiring to hear the raw stem tracks that make up the textures of this song.

I'd like them to team up with Eno again... his IFY mix was a sinister monster of a track

Ultra is my favourite album, it was my first contact with Depeche mode. For me it is their “hidden” master piece. When I first listened to Dream On I really liked the guitar song and the acoustic atmosphere but the rest of the album was really disappointing.

I love the reverb, that must be why mid 80s music is my favourite era ;) Great video, super excited for the Violator reviews, congrats on reaching 12k subscribers.

I like all your reviews but you have to speak from your heart man

To answer the three questions my favourite external producer was Flood , my least favourite is a toss up between Mark Bell and Ben Hillier , I may almost dislike Hillier more and as far as using a fan or neutral person I don't think it matters . I do however think it matters that they use a producer who is also a musician . When Alan was in the band this was not as important because he would do all the musical arrangements but now that he is no longer there they need someone who understands music structure and arrangements and I feel that is one of the main things that was lacking in their last few albums .

I don't really agree with you. The official producers for DM on their "classic" albums aren't truly the "producers". As Alan said, what's written on the album sleeves aren't the reality. Let's see: - Speak & Spell: the real producer was Vince Clark. The sound of the album is Vince's, it sounds a lot like a Yazoo or Erasure album, not just the melody, the sound in itself too. - A Broken Frame: I think it's the only one album truly produced by Daniel Miller. And you can recognize his minimalist sound from The Normal, etc... - Construction Time Again ->Black Celebration: Alan Wilder/ Gareth Jones were obviously the producers. - Music for the Masses: The only real producer was Alan. Dave Bascombe was only an engineer as he said himself. - Violator/ SOFAD: Flood and Alan. The next albums are pretty obvious.

Bonus points for being honest Vaughn. This was the first time I've heard you really talk about Exciter, to my surprise you were quite positive about the record. For the longest time I thought you hated that album. Yes I agree with you, 'Shine' is a excellent tune. Beautiful example here that repeated listens reap rewards! Cheers mate 🎹🎼

Really enjoyed this one VG, interesting and engaged as always🥰. 1. Fav: Jones and Flood 2. Least fav: Hillier 3. A little bit of a fan is a good thing, at least someone Who understand what DM is about 4. A. Wilder... Not going to happen, so i say Jones😎

1- Gareth Jones / Flood 2- Ford / Hillier 3- Simenon was a fan and his work was great 4- Maybe Flood

Really nice video, man! My answers to your questions: 1 - Flood (combined with Alan) as producer. François Kevorkian and Mark "Spike" Stent as mixers. 2 - John Ford (besides being awesome as Simian Disco Mobile) 3 - Guess it was never about that sort of choice for them, rather the body of work each one has and trying to figure out he's up the challenge. 4 - James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem), Sascha RIng (Apparat) or Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) Small corrections: Tim Simenon and Mark Bell: both (huge) DM fans Tim Simenons' meatball restaurant was in Prague (already closed) :)

when Alan left in 1995, the quality of production left with him

.My 3 cents to your statements: 1. You didn't mention Alna and Martin as standalone producers of depeche MODE. I think they require the same approach. This band has 3 main/permanent producers - Daniel Miller - S&S, ABF, CTA, Alan Wilder - SGR, BC, MFTM, V, SOFAD, Martin Gore - U, E, until now... Martin took over partly the position of Alan in the post-Alan band. 2. Gareth Jones wanted to produce Music For The Masses, but the band didn't want to. Watch Synth Britania. 3. In 1987 when the tour started many fans saw dM for the first time live many, many people reaction was "WTF is that!!!" It was blasphemy, it was a betrayal. Event today from time to time you can hear that last real (pure electronic album) is BC. 4. If you want to listen to how Exciter would sound under Flood listen to the Flood's remix of Freelove. There were times when Freelove was as overplayed as Enjoy The Silence. 5. SOTU - look on this album as XXI century response on (reinterpretation) of '80s fashion. On the other hand, SOTU is a complete negation of theirs "never use the same sound twice, never use presets" The whole album was done on base sounds of '80s instruments, which in 1st decade of XXI century was a discovery, but to be honest in the past it would never happen. I can talk about this for a long time... 6. SOFAD - I don't like a term that this is a rock album. It is not. The rockier album is Ultra, not SOFAD. dM used guitars and drums on Violator and no-one is calling it a rock album. Same producer, a similar approach. On both albums, they used sounds or effects of guitars or drums for further reinterpretation, electronic production. When you listen to Ultra - this album has pure acoustic, straight, raw rock and country sounds. This for me means rock album not rock-god look and because of that many called SOFAD as a rock album. Wrong-way. 7. Exciter, as you said, is very clean. Very good production, Dave vocally on his pick - one of the cleanest, best-sounding vocal ever, the problem with this album is that load to the furnace is crap. The weakest part of this album is demos.

Great discussion Vaughn - For me, The Flood/Wilder combo produced the best of the band’s material, although I do think Tim Simenon would have been a good fit with the band for more than one album, had things worked out differently. In terms of worst production, I’d certainly say I was very unimpressed with Spirit. I’d quite like them to have a go at recording with Alan Moulder...

Mute and Factory records...they were my 80s Soundtracks...back before I cared and just bough what I liked...I noticed the company after the fact. 90% of my tapes and records were SIRE, MUTE, FICTION and then FACTORY ...Who had a FAC number that categorized the group, the songs, the versions(mix) of songs, or video LP, tape, dvd, cd, 8track(yes im ancient).

dM has been a 'every second' album since Ultra, where 'every second' album has been good and vice versa 'not so good'. Ultra - Good, Exciter - Quite lame, and so forth. I actually really like Delta Machine, both production wise and song wise. I think it's a concept album (dealing a lot with religious toxic sects) that has a thread running right through it. The every second album rule makes me hope for a really good album next :)

helllo - where i don't have a favorite producer. but the one of sound of the universe, his work is ok. but there was no oef, or no real meat to the sound. i love ULTRA and delta machine. producer for the next album was be already working. DM is busy recording behind closed doors. with heavy security outside the studio. i would like to have alan wilder for a album producer, because he is older now, and maybe have something bring DM back to alive. PS - I MISS TOPICS ON VG GROUP, I LEFT BECAUSE, THE "CLOSING" - but i still waiting for the admin. to put me back again.

1. Answer has to be Flood + Alan. Gareth Jones and Tim Simenon close 2nd and 3rd (love Black Celebration and Ultra). 2. Mark Bell (the production itself of Exciter is not bad of course, but the whole sound doesn`t fit to DM in my mind) 3. Not sure if it really makes a big difference as long as you can keep focussed and open minded 4. Difficult question, I just realized I do not know many producers.... I think James Ford did a very good job on Spirit (once again I have to say "so much love" has such a enourmous sound, and in comparison to SOTU that really sounds warm, analog, dirty), and I often thought that Norah Jones "little broken hearts" had something that I always also liked about DM (yeah, call me crazy), no idea who produced that one... Anyway - keep up your cool channel, thanks for all the work you put in there!!

Very interesting subject!! 1. Favourite - Gareth Jones, 2. n/a as I haven't listened to DM from Exciter to Delta Machine. I think Spirit is a good album if it wasn't DM. 3. Neutral, but someone who appreciate their back catalogue up to Ultra. 4. Holger Hiller (!!) who'd been a producer for Mute records and also credited on 'Enjoy the Silence' single (I can't remember which version). Ideally, DM could do a 'Best of / Violator 30th anniversary tour' with Alan Wilder (without their current keyboard player & drummer).

Vaughn...great video. They used the right producers for the right albums in the 80ˋs and 90ˋs. Gareth Jones & Flood did an excellent job and they had with Alan a great producer in the band. I liked Mark Bellˋs work for Björk, but you’re right Vaughn, the exciter sound was to clean and superficial. Tim Simenon made also a good job on the last really good DM Album. Ben Hillier....hm the things he did on PTA are good and sometimes i don’t know what i can say about to their last 3 Album. The producer on their next album ? I hope they don’t release any other new album, because they’ve long exceeded their zenith. I’m a fan since 83 and so thankful for their amazing songs, but they missed the right moment to stop.

Great video Mr. George. In my opinion, all the producers are correct, except that Hillier should not have repeated with Delta Machine since repeating a third time in a row can have consequences, especially after the weak album Sounds of the Universe, just what happened, Delta Machine came out and it's extremely horrifying except for 6 songs. They change producer for Ford. Spirit is another weak album. It would give Ford another chance, but it would also be nice for the band to look at other producers or repeat with Flood after so many years. Yes it would be a third time, but 27 years have passed. I don't see anything crazy that Wilder produced for them either but we all know when Wilder produces for other bands, he feels tied down. Depeche Mode should have producers like Fridmann, Pearson, Congleton, Alan Moulder, Atticus Ross. Also DM should look for pictures and album covers, count on Rezvani, (Editors) Nadav Kander or Hingston studio (Massive Attack, Jehnny Beth) and leave Corbijn alone for the stage design. Sorry my English. Kind regards everyone. Ana.

Great Video again,i liking it!I have the same feelings about Exciter,now i liked more,now i dont think its a terrible album,thanks to the 5.1 mix on the remaster series dvd disc.sounds the best in surround,it brings out the hidden little things,which i always loved in Depeche,i recommend it for everyone,give it a go! 1-flood 2- 3-should be some kind of fan,not necesarry to be a big fan 4-ALAN WILDER +flood

I have never understood the connection between "warmth" and analog equipment. If SOTU is so "cold", maybe that means that it is because of the atmosphere of the songs themselves? Anyway, I will wait for that review in due course and back on topic: 1. Favourite producer: Gareth Jones 2/3. I honestly don't know. I would say Ben Hillier, but then again, I liked that he was a pretty neutral producer who was not a massive fan, but who I feel does highly respect the band's work (answering Q3 ahead of time) and so, he just let the band just project whatever they wanted and could not really detract from it. Plus, you have to consider the influence of other programmers like Christopher Berg who Martin said in an interview was one of the first to suggest to strip the songs down in the studio. The neutrality created by fandom had a slightly more negative result. One could argue that Mark Bell was the worst producer, considering the interview with Alex Fernandes who said that Mark was "starstruck" to be working with DM. Therefore, this perhaps limited what could have been explored by this album - which I do sincerely love, Martin's writer's block aside, especially for the fact that it IS still Mark Bell who was producing. 4. Dave Bascombe - some of my TFF fanaticism plays a part in this (You can probably tell that I will be buying the off-topic t-shirt). What should count above all, is that I love the epic sound of MFTM. The reverb takes me to another planet and is so not overused on this record.

Vaughn, thank you for the comprehensive video and I share your feelings on the albums and producers chosen to make them. Flood was the best producer IMHO, however, I think that Alan was instrumental to the sound of both Violator and SOFAD. Depeche Mode really ended when Alan left the band. Martin wrote some great songs for Ultra but the album itself is all over the place sonically (For example compare It's No Good with Useless or Jazz Thieves). It sounds as if the band had no identity and it was looking for it. Anything after "Only When I Lose Myself" is pretty much a forgettable experience even though I admire the band for trying, I support them by buying their albums and going to their live performances. If DM wants to return to their greatness Alan must be a part of it. Just my 2 cents.

Favorite: Mark Hilliard, Least Favorite: Spirit guy. I have segments of my brain, moods to be served and until Spirit I found immense satisfaction in every album that would satisfy the different segments of my musical moods and needs. I found this really interesting because I just have all my Depeche Mode (every song, every single ever as far as I know - except Spirit stuff) on my Ipod mixed with other musicians - when I hear different songs they are roughly categorized in my head by the Producers without my having paid much attention to the producers. If it matters, I find a Broken Frame to be the one "old" album that sounds most contemporary among the other '80s albums all having a very '80s (absolutely amazing still) sound... thoughts?

Haven't seen whole video yet, but I believe that Exciter were their first album made with a DAW. Perhaps that's the reason for the very clean sound. I've always liked Exciter, although it's one of their lamest ones :)

You forgot to mention that James Ford is the mastermind behind Simian Mobile Disco and Martin is a HUGE fan of them. Plus All his Arctic Monkeys productions are TOP Class. Absolutely nothing wrong with Spirit IMHO

Personally I don't care about the producer, I only do about the song quality and overall homogeneity of the album. I hope they will go for some fresh blood in their next production. Outside musician could be a new "wave" for them, a new input. I don't think they can replicate their greatness. Also to be noted that today Dave's voice and the way he sings are terrible. You have made a great video. Congratulation.

Holy Crap - Didn't see this one coming ........What an utter utter unexpected surprise

1) Flood 2) Ford 3) Must be a fan as 1) the next one is probably going to be their last chance to come up with sthg that sounds like DM: it is better to end on a "high note" than on something so horrible as Spirit and 2) we, devoted fans, truly deserve a "happy ending" after 23 years of... mediocrity and disappointment. Our money is what made them millionaires after all. 4) Andy McCluskey.

Amazing Vaughn, helps to get along till we’ll get some new songs. Many thanks for your effort with those beautiful reviews. Waiting for your next one on SONGS🍦

1.Flood 2. Ben Hillier - I have a problem with some of the horrible sound effects on those albums and hollow feel of SOTU 3. I think the producer should like what they've done. I'm only a hobbyist but I wouldn't want to produce a death metal band - I believe you have to like the music in order to do a good job 4. Stephen Hague.

Thinking about the actual sound of Shout's snare and NLMDA,s snare are almost identical👀.Alex did comment on FB about Mark Bell and Shine from Exciter.👍

1. David + flood 2. Ben (sound of universe bad lazy production) 3. A producer who understand music n can gv direction on latest production techniques n technology 4. Go ask Daniel Miller

40:57 ....I always asked myself the same. Me too, nothing against Ben Hillier (I actually like many albums he produced, also with other bands like Blur for example). But why use him for 3 consecutive albums, especially considering that each was released with a 4 years interval one to the other(!), and without having any significant evolution nor change of direction... It tastes like a waste of time and lack of courage in actually trying new routes. With him, they sat down in a kind of "Comfort Zone".

I think their two masterpieces are SGR and Violator. I think Alam Wilder should absolutely come back as Producer only. Especially if this next record is their Swansong.