Depeche Mode and The Pet Shop Boys? Where do I start? I really know nothing about Depeche Mode but I do like a lot of the hits from Pet Shop Boys. Help!!

I'm a DM fanatic, so I might be able to help. PSB, I really only know the hits.

With Depeche, I would suggest starting with their Singles collections 81-85 and the double disc 86-98. You'll get many of their great songs and you'll have an idea of how they've changed over the years and what eras you'd like to explore more. If you want to just pick up a single album, you can never go wrong with Violator. It's one of the best albums of the 90's and really set the stage for electronic music of that decade.

TRON said:

Thanks for the tips. Which album has personal jesus? is that a good cd over all?

dancerella said:

That would be Violator. And yes, it's fucking fantastic. I'd recommend dropping what you're doing right now, going to your local wrecka stow and picking this gem up. You will be in dark, sexy, gorgeous electronic heaven for weeks! Seriously.

TRON said:

cheers! i'm leaving work in about 20 minutes so i'm gonna do just that!

I'm not as well versed on Depeche Mode, but I can say I do like The Pet Shop Boys. In fact last month I got the Double album "Pop/Art" Which has all 35 of the hits. It's remastered and I got it from Tower records for 12.99 (CD). If you try to track down the regular albums on CD it will get expensive and confusing since there are several albums that have been remixed and rereleased many times.

dancerella said:

Very very cool! Let me know whatcha think.

love both... haunting voicals for both bands.

is martin gore family?

ehuffnsd said:

dunno. don't know much about him other than he's biracial.

TRON said:

It's true. I first heard that album 48 years ago when I was 16-years-old, and I still love it!

TRON said:

really?

RipHer2Shreds said:

ehuffnsd said:

Yeah. Not sure on the specifics, but I know he's partially black.

TRON said:

learn something new everyday.

i think my favorite song sung by him is Home

ehuffnsd said:

That's a good one. Actually, most of the songs sung by him are among my faves of theirs.

Somebody
It Doesn't Matter
A Question of Lust
Blue Dress
One Caress
The Bottom Line
Home

All wonderful. I say he should do more.

cant offer any help w/Pet Shop Boys, But as for Depeche:

Violator
Some Great Reward
Black Celebration
Music For the Masses

You'll find some real gems on all of these.

Avoid Playing the Angel like the plague. Worst album of '05 IMHO

RipHer2Shreds said:

I'm a huge fan of both groups. I'd probably also agree that Greatest Hits are the easiest ways into their respective catalogs. The second Depeche Mode Singles collection (86-98) is definitely stronger, IMO, than the first. If you're looking for Depeche albums to start off with, I'd go with Violator, and then Black Celebration, Music for the Masses, or Songs of Faith and Devotion.

If you're looking for a Pet Shop Boys studio album to start with, Behavior would be my starting point. After that, I'd go with Actually, Introspective, and Very.

The great thing about both bands is that they haven't released a bad album yet. There might be weak spots on some CDs (Exciter, Nightlife), but there are enough high points on these discs to make them necessary.

Enjoy jumping into these catalogs. They're diverse and rich.

TRON said:

So last night I bought Actually by the PSB and Violator by DM! They're both great from what I heard. I have to say i'm really diggiging Actually a lot. I'll need more time to listen to both but thanks for the recomendation!

If you dig Violator, then you should also pick up Black Celebration and their latest, Playing the Angel.

Axchi696 said:

I think another band that fits into this category would be Soft Cell. I already have one of their cds and it's cool. I love the song Frustration. does anyone else know it?

dancerella said:

Which songs have grabbed you so far on those discs?