Depeche Mode’s newest release, Playing the Angel, was available to the masses on October 18th, 2005. If you’ve been reading my blog you know that I pre-purchased the album in order to gain access to the presale of concert tickets. Also…I’ve waited so long for new DM music that I just wanted to get my hands on it as soon as humanly possible.

Now I’ve been teased about liking this band. Many people refer to them as “Depressed Mode” and jest though they may, these people have a point, to an extent. DM’s sound is rather dark…but their music does anything but make me depressed. Playing the Angel is no exception.

My favorite song on the album is “John the Revelator” with the single “Precious” in a close second. Their last two albums have not had the dance tracks that I’ve loved on previous albums but Playing the Angel sounds like the Depeche Mode I fell in love with when I was 9. Don’t misinterpret this as me saying that these songs sound dated. I simply mean that the magic is there again.

As a whole I like the album. I love the first 5 tracks but there are two songs that I just can’t seem to sit through; Metro and Damaged People. These are both sung by Martin Gore (a coincidence since I usually like him) and seem to lack something. He’s trying way too hard in my opinion. The rest of the album is good but I didn’t instantly love it as much as I did the beginning songs.

In support of the album and tour, they’ve been giving interviews and can be seen on various television spots. For a fan, it’s great to see them up close and personal…well…as personal as you can get through the glass (insert picture of me kissing my tv set). *wink*

TiVo was kind enough to record a few shows for me. VH1 Classic had an hour devoted to Depeche Mode videos and also featured the band on “Hanging With…” an interview show that mingles talk with videos. Terrible host, but the format is great. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw them as musical guests on one or more talk shows too…just hopefully not the Martha show! Can you imagine?

I’m anxious for the concert next Tuesday. From the reviews, it won’t disappoint…but I wouldn’t expect anything less from this great band.