Depeche Mode’s classic ‘Violator’ released exactly 20 years ago today

[DJ Saint]

For you old schoolers to remember. To educate the young whippersnappers who don't know...

(Been a casual fan of the band -actually like New Order more- but I thought it was noteworthy to mention and got me wondering, what other CD's from 20+ years ago still have an impact on you? For me Ministry's "Twitch" is still amazing since it's 1986 release and Nitzer Ebbs "That Total Age" remains groundbreaking to me!)

Depeche Mode’s classic ‘Violator’ released exactly 20 years ago today

RELEASE: Depeche Mode, Violator

RELEASE DATE: March 19/20, 1990

PERSONNEL: Dave Gahan (vocals), Martin Gore (keyboard, guitar, vocals), Alan Wilder (programming, drums), Andrew Fletcher (keyboard); co-produced with Flood.

SINGLES: “Personal Jesus” (No. 13 on UK singles chart, No. 28 on U.S. singles chart, No, 3 on U.S. modern rock chart), “Enjoy the Silence” (No. 6/No. 8/No. 6), “Policy of Truth” (No. 16/No. 15/No. 2), “World in My Eyes” (No. 17/No. 52/No. 6)

BACKSTORY: Depeche Mode’s seventh album sealed the deal, turning an increasingly popular cult act into global superstars. The buzz started early, with DM issuing the record’s first single — the thumping, guitar-driven “Personal Jesus” — nearly seven months ahead of the album. By the time Violator arrived, “Enjoy the Silence” also was a worldwide smash (it remains the band’s only Top 10 single in the U.S.). The peak of DM mania came 20 years ago Saturday, when the band’s appearance at a Wherehouse record store in Los Angeles on the day of Violator’s U.S. release sparked a near-riot.

THE MUSIC: As for the record itself, it’s a near-perfect effort; concise, at just nine tracks, Violator is deliberately paced, hitting on cold, precise electronics (”World in My Eyes,” “Halo,” “Clean”), soaring pop (”Enjoy the Silence”) and dirty electro-rock (”Policy of Truth”) while still managing a dark intimacy (”Waiting for the Night”). It’s an artistic peak that Depeche Mode hasn’t been able to replicate since.

REISSUED? Yes. In 2006, Mute Records released a remastered edition of the album in CD/DVD and vinyl formats; for the CD sets the bonus DVD featured the entire album mixed in 5.1 surround, Violator-era B-sides such as “Dangerous” and “Memphisto,” and a short documentary.

[phee]

Wow... one of the first concerts I saw.... The Violator tour at Pine Knob.

[StormKnight (1)]

Way to date us, Saint.

I kid.

Though I can see this being the acid test for age though. Kind of like seeing Star Wars in the theater on their original releases of 77, 80, and 83.

*crotchety voice* "I was there when Depeche Mode came out with Violator. Where were you, youngin?"

[Guest Megalicious]

I can remember the first time I ever heard "Blue Dress"...... One of my mothers drag queen friends was in love with it ... and after about 20 seconds into the song... so was I..... and still am....

[DJ Nocker]

*Wishes he was 20 in the 80s*

...

*cries*

[phee]

*Wishes he was 20 in the 80s*

...

*cries*

Ironic... most people who were 20 in the 80's wish they were 20 now!

[DJ Nocker]

Ironic... most people who were 20 in the 80's wish they were 20 now!

yea I know, im just wierd like that. I hate everyone my age, not many people share my taste in things that are under the age of 30