Catching Up W/ Depeche Mode

We're only a month away from "Delta Machine" the new and eagerly awaited  Depeche Mode cd.
It seems like forever since "Sounds Of The Universe" came out when it's actually only been four years ago,forever ago would be their stunning debut cd "Speak And Spell" which came out almost thirty two years ago in 1981!!!
I remember my introduction to the lovable foursome from Basildon the infectious debut single "Dreaming Of Me" in Feb 81 it not only launched Depeche Mode but was a huge part of the "synth pop" era that would follow w/ the likes of Human League,A Flock Of Seagulls,Soft Cell and still entertain us be it on our ipods or the 80's dance clubs we frequent.
When I fell in love w/ the b side of 'Dreaming Of Me" the haunting "Ice Machine" it began a now thirty two romance w/ Depeche that shows little or no sign of going away.

I feel fortunate to have caught Depeche on their debut tour to promote "Speak And Spell" period but also beacause it was the only tour w/ Vince Clarke who left the band b4 their sophmore effort "A Broken Frame".
Listening to "Speak And Spell" as I often do{I rate as one of the omni imprtant 80's debut albums along w/ the likes of "The Hurting" by Tears For Fears and the first Duran Duran album to name but two} I can't help but wonder what direction Depeche Mode would have continued had Vince Clarke stayed,while I loved Yazoo I never really felt the same way w/ Erasure,meamwhile Martin Gore took over the song writing duties w/ Depeche Mode and the bands sound and lyrics took a darker turn,there was no hint of "I give in to sin because you have to make this life livable"on ''Speak And Spell" but as each Depeche album arrived the tone grew a little darker,if you go back to "Speak And Spell" the darkest track on their is "Tora! Tora! Tora!'' one of the two Martin Gore songs, an indication of what was to come.

Depeche Mode continue to evolve but their early material is guaranteed to fill a dance floor in a heartbeat so why not enjoy the ride as "Delta Machine" will no doubt continue to swell the ranks of Depeche Mode fans both old and new and "let your mind do the walking and let my body do the talking" the next time a dj plays "World In My Eyes"