Depeche Mode Announce SPIRIT 12” Singles Collector’s Edition
Depeche Mode fans and vinyl collectors alike have reason to celebrate as Sony Music Entertainment continues the band’s acclaimed 12″ vinyl singles project with the release of Spirit | The 12” Singles. This highly anticipated collector’s edition box set will be available from 20 September 2024, offering an exclusive deep dive into one of the band’s most compelling eras.
Track Listing
Disc One and Disc Two – Where’s The Revolution (12BONG 47)
A Where’s the Revolution (Autolux Remix)
A Where’s the Revolution (Pearson Sound Remix)
B Where’s the Revolution (Algiers Click Farm Remix)
B Where’s the Revolution (Simian Mobile Disco Remix)
B Where’s the Revolution (Pearson Sound Beatless Remix)
C Where’s the Revolution (Simian Mobile Disco Dub)
C Where’s the Revolution (Terence Fixmer Spatial Mix)
D Where’s the Revolution (Patrice Bäumel Remix)
D Where’s the Revolution (Ewan Pearson Kompromat Dub)
Disc Three and Disc Four – Going Backwards (12BONG 48)
A Going Backwards (Chris Liebing Mix)
B Going Backwards (Solomun Club Remix)
B Going Backwards (The Belleville Three Deep Bass Dub)
C Going Backwards (Chris Liebing Burn Slow Mix)
C Going Backwards (Point Point Remix)
D You Move (Latroit Remix)
D Poison Heart (Soulsavers Re-Work)
Disc Five and Disc Six – Cover Me (12BONG 49)
A Cover Me (Ellen Allien U.F.O. RMX)
A Cover Me (I Hate Models Cold Lights Remix)
B Cover Me (Nicole Moudaber Remix)
B So Much Love (Kalli Remix)
C Cover Me (Erol Alkan White Light Rework)
C Cover Me (Texas Gentlemen Remix)
D Cover Me (Warpaint Steez Remix)
D Cover Me (Josh T. Pearson Choose Hellth Remix)
Disc Seven – The Highline Sessions (12BONG 50)
A Going Backwards (Highline Sessions Version)
A So Much Love (Highline Sessions Version) – previously unreleased
A Poison Heart (Highline Sessions Version) – previously unreleased
B The Worst Crime (Highline Sessions Version)
B Heroes (Highline Sessions Version)
The Spirit | The 12” Singles box set is a deluxe collection featuring seven 12” vinyl discs, which include custom replicas of the original three double 12” singles from Spirit, The band’s 14th studio album. These include “Where’s the Revolution” (originally released on 3 February 2017), “Going Backwards” (released 23 June 2017), and “Cover Me” (released 6 October 2017). Each disc has been meticulously crafted to replicate the original releases, giving fans an authentic experience of Depeche Mode’s iconic work during this period.
One of the standout features of this box set is the inclusion of a bonus seventh disc, making Spirit | The 12” Singles the first in the series to offer previously unreleased material. This disc features the first-ever 12” vinyl pressing of Depeche Mode’s legendary Highline Sessions, recorded live in New York City on 3 August 2016. Fans will be treated to the most complete recording of these sessions ever released, including the band’s powerful cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes”—originally recorded to celebrate the anthem’s 40th anniversary in 2017—and two previously unreleased performances of “So Much Love” and “Poison Heart” from the Spirit album.
The deluxe box set is presented in a numbered, limited edition slipcase that houses seven 12” 180g vinyl discs. Each disc is adorned with stunning artwork that reinterprets the original album covers, and the set also includes a replica poster and a download card for added convenience and value.
The Spirit album, recorded between April and August 2016 at Sound Design in Santa Barbara, California, and Jungle City in New York, marked a significant moment in the band’s evolution. It was the first time they worked with producer James Ford, known for his work with acts like Arctic Monkeys and Florence + The Machine. Released on 17 March 2017 through Columbia/Mute, Spirit is also notable as the last studio album to feature founding member and keyboardist Andy Fletcher before his passing on 26 May 2022.
Spirit pushed Depeche Mode into bold new directions, both musically and lyrically. The album’s content directly addressed global societal issues, with music that hit emotional and intellectual targets with laser precision. The themes of the album, reflecting the band’s concerns and views on the world, remain as relevant today as they were at the time of its release. The release of Spirit also continued the band’s long-standing tradition of issuing monumental 12” singles, each serving as a powerful supplement and complement to the album itself.
Depeche Mode has always been a band that championed the 12” vinyl format, using it not just as a medium for music, but as a canvas for sonic exploration and artistic expression. The format allowed them to experiment with remixes, B-sides, and exclusive performances, all while maintaining a consistent and sophisticated visual design that has become a hallmark of the band’s identity.
The Spirit | The 12” Singles box set is the latest addition to Sony Music Entertainment’s ongoing Depeche Mode 12” singles series, which began in August 2018 with the release of Speak & Spell | The Singles and A Broken Frame | The Singles.
Subsequent releases have included Construction Time Again | The 12” Singles and Some Great Reward | The 12” Singles in December 2018, followed by Black Celebration | The 12” Singles and Music For The Masses | The 12” Singles in May 2019.
In 2020, Violator | The 12” Singles and Songs Of Faith And Devotion | The 12” Singles were released, continuing the series’ momentum.
More recent releases in the series include Ultra | The 12” Singles (September 2021), Exciter | The 12” Singles (June 2022), Playing The Angel | The 12” Singles (November 2022), Sounds Of The Universe | The 12” Singles (August 2023), and Delta Machine | The 12” Singles (September 2023).
Each collection is a meticulously curated tribute to the band’s enduring legacy, with each box set designed to replicate the experience of the original releases.
For fans of Depeche Mode and vinyl collectors alike, Spirit | The 12” Singles is more than just a collection—it’s a celebration of the band’s innovative spirit, their commitment to artistic integrity, and their unwavering connection to their audience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the band’s work, this box set offers a unique opportunity to explore Depeche Mode’s rich musical history in a format that honours their legacy.
About Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode is one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of electronic music, known for their innovative blend of synth-pop, new wave, and alternative rock. Formed in Basildon, Essex, England in 1980, the band originally consisted of Dave Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Andrew Fletcher (keyboards), and Vince Clarke (keyboards, songwriter). Over the years, Depeche Mode has evolved from their early synth-pop roots into a darker, more complex sound, becoming pioneers in electronic music and influencing countless artists across multiple genres.
Formation and Early Years
The band was formed after Vince Clarke, who had been working with Martin Gore in a band called Composition of Sound, invited Dave Gahan to join as the lead vocalist. The name “Depeche Mode” was inspired by a French fashion magazine, roughly translating to “Fashion Dispatch” or “Fashion News.” The band quickly gained attention in the UK with their debut single, “Dreaming of Me,” released in 1981.
Their debut album, “Speak & Spell” (1981), was heavily influenced by the burgeoning synth-pop scene. It featured catchy melodies and electronic rhythms, epitomised by the hit single “Just Can’t Get Enough,” which became one of their most recognisable songs. However, shortly after the release of “Speak & Spell,” Vince Clarke, the primary songwriter, left the band to form Yazoo and later Erasure.
Martin Gore took over as the principal songwriter, leading the band in a darker and more mature musical direction. This transition marked a turning point in Depeche Mode’s career, as they began to develop a more distinctive and influential sound.
Evolution and Breakthrough Success
With Gore at the helm of songwriting, Depeche Mode’s music began to incorporate darker, more introspective themes. Their second album, “A Broken Frame” (1982), hinted at this shift, but it was with their third album, “Construction Time Again” (1983), that the band truly began to establish their signature sound. The album featured the use of industrial sounds and political themes, most notably on the track “Everything Counts.”
Depeche Mode’s fourth album, “Some Great Reward” (1984), was a critical and commercial success, producing hits like “People Are People” and “Master and Servant.” The band’s willingness to explore themes such as social injustice, sexuality, and existential angst set them apart from their contemporaries and began to build their reputation as pioneers of the darker side of synth-pop.
The band’s fifth studio album, “Black Celebration” (1986), further cemented their status, showcasing a more atmospheric and brooding sound. This was followed by “Music for the Masses” (1987), which featured the hits “Strangelove,” “Behind the Wheel,” and “Never Let Me Down Again.” The success of “Music for the Masses” led to a sold-out world tour, culminating in the legendary “101” concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, in 1988. The concert was documented in the film “Depeche Mode 101” and is considered one of the most iconic live performances in alternative music history.
“Violator” and Global Stardom
Depeche Mode reached the height of their commercial success with the release of “Violator” in 1990, often regarded as their most important work. The album blended dark, atmospheric production with catchy hooks, resulting in some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “Personal Jesus,” “Enjoy the Silence,” and “Policy of Truth.” “Violator” was a critical and commercial triumph, earning the band their first top 10 album in the United States and solidifying their global stardom.
“Enjoy the Silence,” in particular, became one of Depeche Mode’s signature songs, winning a BRIT Award and reaching the top 10 in multiple countries. The album’s success also expanded Depeche Mode’s fan base, bringing their music to a broader audience beyond the alternative and synth-pop scenes.
Challenges and Continued Innovation
The early 1990s were both a period of great success and significant turmoil for Depeche Mode. The band released “Songs of Faith and Devotion” in 1993, which debuted at number one in both the UK and the US, a testament to their enduring appeal. The album featured a more rock-oriented sound, incorporating elements of grunge and gospel, and produced hits like “I Feel You” and “Walking in My Shoes.”
However, the band faced personal and professional challenges during this period. Dave Gahan struggled with drug addiction, which led to several near-fatal incidents, and tensions within the band escalated. The “Devotional Tour” supporting the album was gruelling, and by the end of it, the band was on the verge of collapse. Despite these difficulties, they managed to regroup and continued to innovate with their sound.
The late 1990s and 2000s saw the band release a series of well-received albums, including “Ultra” (1997), “Exciter” (2001), “Playing the Angel” (2005), and “Sounds of the Universe” (2009). These albums showcased Depeche Mode’s ability to evolve with the times while maintaining their core sound. Tracks like “Barrel of a Gun,” “Precious,” and “Wrong” demonstrated that the band could still produce music that resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners.
Recent Work and Legacy
Depeche Mode continues to be a relevant and influential force in the music industry. Their more recent albums, including “Delta Machine” (2013), “Spirit” (2017), and “Memento Mori” (2023), have been met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The band’s willingness to address contemporary issues in their music, such as political unrest and social alienation, has kept their work fresh and resonant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
Over the course of their career, Depeche Mode has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has influenced a wide range of artists across genres, from electronic and alternative to rock and pop. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, a recognition of their enduring impact on the music industry.
Conclusion
Depeche Mode is a band that has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music, evolving from their early synth-pop days into pioneers of a darker, more complex sound. With a career spanning over four decades, they have become one of the most influential and successful bands in the world, known for their innovation, longevity, and ability to resonate with multiple generations of listeners. The band’s legacy is marked by their commitment to artistic evolution and their influence on countless musicians who have followed in their footsteps.