Depeche Mode on Letterman Mon March 11

[namnibor]

Originally Posted by MBTC

I read somewhere that song (Heaven) is very different from the rest of the album. I personally wasn't that taken by that particular song; I always thought Alan Wilder was such an important part of the group that things weren't the same after he left. But still, given a choice between a broken Depeche Mode versus a lot of stuff out there..... well you know

Yes, I saw that too and being originally from Indiana, I have fervently watched Letterman for years as well! Depeche Mode's last release, 'Songs of The Universe' is very good and have learned to never judge ANY particular release by anyone I may be a fan-boy of by their "single', as more often than not, I tend to love most of other music that never reaches the airwaves. That's where Amazon is great in you at least can peruse a couple minutes of each song on album. Did that with Garbage's new release, "Not Your Ordinary People" and it's brilliant like their first two albums!
I think big name groups have gotten smart about not advertising in hiding their synth's manufacturer's name because after all, if they are not getting paid to advertise said synth but rather their music, it makes sense in this litigious world.

[MBTC]

Originally Posted by namnibor

I think big name groups have gotten smart about not advertising in hiding their synth's manufacturer's name because after all, if they are not getting paid to advertise said synth but rather their music, it makes sense in this litigious world.

Yeah, I personally would put tape over it if I were them and not being paid to promote, but I've also noticed that lots of folks don't do that anymore, at least on Letterman (honestly other than a once or twice a year live concert I go to with the girlfriend, I typically don't see what's going on at live shows outside watching Letterman or Kimmel). Oddly enough though most of the type when you see a larger more established band on Letterman, they are usually using a workstation or sample based synth from Yamaha, Roland, etc. if they are R&B, or if they are a newer pop band you tend to see something like a Nord lead or just a MIDI controller (Novation, MAudio etc) plugged into a laptop. Very rarely a Virus. Very rarely modulars either for that matter unless its Radiohead

[namnibor]

Yeah, you are right. However, I know in saying this, it is just my personal taste and opinion but Radiohead's lead singer gives me a headache. It is just MY opinion and sardonic humor in saying a goat connected to electroshock therapy could replace Radiohead's lead singer and not many would notice difference. However, I think the instrument playing musicians do some interesting stuff, but without the goat. Being originally an Indiana farm-boy, feel qualified to make that assessment. HA!

[MBTC]

Originally Posted by namnibor

Yeah, you are right. However, I know in saying this, it is just my personal taste and opinion but Radiohead's lead singer gives me a headache. It is just MY opinion and sardonic humor in saying a goat connected to electroshock therapy could replace Radiohead's lead singer and not many would notice difference. However, I think the instrument playing musicians do some interesting stuff, but without the goat. Being originally an Indiana farm-boy, feel qualified to make that assessment. HA!

There was always something about his appearance that reminded me a little of Martin Short playing his Ed Grimley character, but then again a band's appearance, and the impact on music sales from looks since the advent of music videos have really been one of the downfalls of modern music, IMO. Prior to MTV, bands were judged on their sound rather than visual style. I always thought Radiohead was one of those bands that brought back the importance of substance over style. It would have been challenging for a lot of folks to pull of a role of front man with such a prominent birth defect (drooping eye), and I think a lot of folks react negatively to that when they see him. But, some of their tunes became instant classics the moment they hit the airwaves.

One of my all time favorites: (might want to listen rather than watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKd06s1LNik

[namnibor]

Thanks for sharing that. Please know I was not commenting on the lead singer's 'appearance' , as am way too open-minded to judge anyone by their outward appearance, beauty, defects, et al; it's more of his voice BUT that song was more melodic than what I 'listened to' when they were live on Saturday Night Live late last year. Thanks again! How's it going with the Ultra Nova? Been away for a bit and am in last few weeks of some intense dental work that military quacks did shoddy job of and have taken a $1300. hit to my savings, as Medicare nor the VA **never** pay for dental anything!
I too have been highly influenced by Depeche Mode and to this day I still love "Fly On A Windshield" from 'Speak and Spell'. However, was never a fan of the band 'Erasure'...once had a roommate that played that and MADdonna way too much...eeek!