Could anyone please let me know what album is "FREELOVE" from? Was it released as a single as well?

That was from "Exciter" I think.

And as far as I know, I think there's a two part import single.

Exciter

Yes, I think so. Amazon has a couple of import CD singles for the song. Probably wasn't released as a CD single domestically though.

Just an FYI (in case you didn't know this), the single/radio edit. has been remixed by Flood and sounds *nothing* like the album version.

Buy the entire album! It's one of DM's best IMO.

I absolutely disagree with this opinion. It is by far one of DM's worst efforts to date. The only album I consider worse than this one is "A Broke Frame" - but I blame that lacklustre affair to the fact that it was Martin's first gig at the helm (as Vince had just left).

Anyway, even though I think it sucks compared to the likes of mega-albums like "Violator", "Black Celebration", "Songs Of Faith And Devotion", etc. I still think it's worth the purchase.

-matt (uber Mode fan)

Thank's guys. I do have the album however the remix a friend of mine gave me is nothing like the original(as posted above). Looks like the cd-single which is British import is something I should get.

Does anyone know what is the deal with the 42.00$ Depeche Mode singles boxset that CDNOW.COM sells? Does it include everything they have ever released(singles/remixes) or not(there are 3 sets)?

You're absolutely right that the album as a whole is "lackluster," but the tracks Shouldn't Have Done That and The Sun & the Rainfall (one of my favorite DM tunes) are awesome.

They should include the CD maxi-singles for all albums up to Black Celebration. There are six CD singles in each boxed-set.

Check out these links for what I believe CDNow is trying to sell to you:

Boxed-set #1

Boxed-set #2

Boxed-set #3

I completely disagree that this ranks up there as one of Depeche Mode's worst albums. Especially compared to "A Broken Frame". That's just wrong. It's not my favorite DM album, not by a long shot. But it's not a bad album either. It's just not their best or most exciting. And it was clear they were going for a more mellow sound by choosing producer Mark Bell. There are quite a few good tracks on this album. And finally after years of people complaining that DM have become TOO mellow, they do a full out dance track ("I Feel Loved") and even that got ripped apart by many of the fans. I just don't get it. Anyway, "Excitor" is definitely their most mature effort to date. Still, if I had to select three DM DID's, this wouldn't be one of them. They would be "Black Celebration", "Violator" and "Ultra".

I can't believe any DM fan would admit to liking A Broken Flame, much less to say it's better than Exciter.

Thank's Gilbertr76.....these are all good but I am looking for the newer ones the ones like the Ambient mix of "Walking in my shoes")......

"The Sun And The Rainfall" is easily one of DM's best tracks from the early years. "Leave In Silence" is also decent, but my other favourite track from this period is the b-side, "Now This Is Fun".

Who in this thread said that "A Broken Frame" is better than "Exciter"? That being said, I am a HUGE Mode fan, and yes, I do enjoy all of their albums. "Exciter" and "A Broken Frame" just happen to be at the bottom of the list (ABF being my least favourite).

And btw, check out alt.music.depeche-mode - you'll find quite a number of DM fans who appreciate "A Broken Frame".

Don't get me wrong, I don't think that "Exciter" is a "bad" album - it just pales in comparison to other efforts, IMHO. I also don't think it's necessarily their most mature album either. Too often I think that mellowness is equated to maturity - it's hard to call a song like "The Dead Of Night" or even "Goodnight Lovers" mature. The former is kitschy, silliness - the latter is almost ridiculously simple in content (a grade schooler could have written the lyrics).

YMMV of course, but I feel that "Violator", "Songs Of Faith And Devotion" and "Ultra" all contain material that is far more daring, edgy and relevant. I really feel that lyrically, Martin has been much more interesting. Not only that, but "Exciter" has a very "bare bones" feel to it - which is of course, a trademark of Mark Bell - but the point here is that it certainly isn't more "mature" in terms of musical skill or production. In my humble opinon of course...

Once again, I think the new album is decent - but it lacks the hooks and spirit of past efforts. It's almost as if they were excited to get back together again, but forgot to lay down some killer ideas. Four years off - we should see something more than this...

"I Feel Loved" is the closest thing to a dance track since perhaps "Enjoy The Silence" (though I find myself grooving to "It's No Good" quite a bit) - but it feels like something left over from the New Order catalogue - circa 1986.

-matt

Bingo - those're almost my thoughts exactly. It's not that "Exciter" was unlistenable. It just wasn't what I expected in terms of technical progression from the band. I wanted something with a harder edge, with maybe a more retro, synth-based feel. "Exciter" at times felt like Mode's stab at the "adult contemporary" market. And the resulting tour was severely lacking in energy and surprise.

When I go to see Mode, I want a nostalgia trip. Sure, I'll listen politely through the new tunes (and might even hum along if they're up to snuff as far as their classic material). But truthfully, I just want to sing-a-long with a stadium to "Everything Counts" or "Stripped."

I, for one, am not yet ready to resign them to Celine Dion and John Tesh territory. This last tour they certainly seemed headed in that direction - quite on their own.

raithen,

Thanks for the credit, but I can only claim ownership of the first quote in your post.

I too was expecting more from Exciter. I had doubts after Alan Wilder left that Ultra would be good, but they did an amazing job on that album and followed it up with a great non-album single "Only When I Lose Myself". I was hoping that Exciter would continue this trend, but I agree that most of the album is so minimalistic and slow that I can barely get through some of the tracks. Hell, my favorite track on the CD is not even one that ever gets mentioned. "I Am You"

You da man! I Am You is by far the best track on the album. Lot of bass too.

I totally agree with you. Exciter is one of DM's best albums. Rank right up there with Violator!

Exciter is by far one of the worst CDs Depeche Mode has released. The first time I
listened, it sounded rushed and uninspired. A major disappointment from track to
track. I hope they take their time and release something of quality again.

Damn cut and paste job!!! My apologies!!!

-matt