Episode 180: Depeche Mode – Speak & Spell (1981) Part 1 – Second Half

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL!! We wanted to get this episode to you on Black Friday, but in order to do that, we have to get chintzy with these show notes. I'm just re-using Sarah's notes from last time, and I will mention here that this episode includes the following items of interest:

1. Our personal histories with "Speak & Spell"
2. Discussion on the first two songs of the US tracklisting
3. Your voicemails on Depeche Mode's debut
4. Follow-up info on some of the topics from last time

Now, here's the recycled stuff from last time.....

Brian and Sarah are back, and they’re ready to talk about Depeche Mode. And talk they do! This episode was about three hours long when they finished recording, so they decided it would be best to break it up into two separate episodes—but they’re both considered Part 1 of the Speak & Spell album discussion.

Since this is the debut album by Depeche Mode, this first half of Part 1 covers things like the formation of the band, their early days of performing, their quest for a record deal and their eventual partnership with Daniel Miller. The hosts also discuss the typical album-related subjects such as the making of the album, the chart positions, and the release—and there’s a surprisingly lengthy discussion about the album’s release date.

This episode wraps up with Brian and Sarah sharing a lot of reviews, some of which come from the time of release, and some that are more contemporary.

It’s a fun look back at the early days of the boys from Basildon, with a lot more to come!

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