Category Archives: Musically Inclined

Never Let Me Down Again

I’m going to be on this Alan Wilder high for a little while longer. I’m sorry if my blogs posts have become so Depeche Mode/Alan Wilder centric, but I guess I have to confess about how the fandom started in order for anyone to understand why this weekend was so important to me.

I remember when I first heard Depeche Mode. I was in CCD class when I first heard about the station 91X back in 1983. Someone had told me about this station because of my taste in music, so I started listening to it. The first song I ever heard by Depeche Mode was “Everything Counts” and I thought it was a great song. I saw the video and I really enjoyed their music. When “People are People” came out the following year, I started to pay attention more and more. I found out that they were an all synth band, and as a classically trained pianist, it was a band I could relate to because they played the same instrument that I did. A whole band, all on keyboards? Could it be true?

The fandom really didn’t kick in until the next album “Some Great Reward”. It’s ironic that I had heard about 91X and Depeche Mode in CCD class because I really was trying to figure out what role religion was supposed to play in my life. At the tender age of 13 going on 14, I had started to struggle with my relationship with God and Catholicism. Then I heard “Blasphemous Rumours” and for whatever reason it spoke to me. It let me know that I wasn’t the only one wondering about what it all meant. There in lyrical and musical form was my struggle. From then on, I had found my band.

Luckily the following year, Depeche Mode toured to support “Some Great Reward”. By some miracle, my friend Eileen and I were able to snag these incredibly hard to come by tickets. They only opened up about a third of the San Diego Sports Arena because they were unsure of how well the tickets would sell. We already purchased our tickets when they opened up a few hundred more seats, then those sold out almost instantly. I didn’t realize then that this was the first time Depeche Mode had ever played in San Diego (April 1, 1985). I still have the ticket stub that says the tickets were a mere $13.75. My how times have changed!

I went on to see Depeche Mode eight more times, only missing “Tour of the Universe” last year because it was cancelled here in San Diego. The only other member I had seen solo prior to seeing Alan Wilder this weekend was Dave Gahan for his “Paper Monsters” tour. My biggest regret was missing the 1988 Rose Bowl concert that turned into the “101” movie. I did see a show for the “Music For the Masses” tour, but the Rose Bowl concert was the one that almost any fan who was in the Southern California area was in attendance, except for me (it seemed at the time).

Through it all, my favorite member had always been Alan Charles Wilder. The oldest of the group, he is the only classically trained musician, so I related instantly with him. I taught myself how to play “Somebody” on piano, among a number of other Depeche Mode songs. I bought myself a drum machine and a Korg keyboard to write songs. Much like people followed the Beatles, I followed Depeche Mode. And much like people liked Paul McCartney or John Lennon, I liked Alan Wilder. I had followed his career from all the way through Depeche Mode, and now to Recoil.

As you can see, this weekend was very important to me because it marked such a milestone in my fandom. I had never tried too hard to try to meet Alan or any member of Depeche Mode because it was always an elusive idea. When the opportunity presented itself the way it had this past weekend, it felt like fate. This weekend was meant to happen, exactly the way it was supposed to, and it did not disappoint.

So please pardon the interruption while I let this weekend’s experience sink in.

Photos 1, 2, and 3 are courtesy of the official Recoil Facebook page

Strange Hours: The Alan Wilder Experience

Sometimes one doesn’t have to plan for a spectacular event to happen. Sometimes it just happens because of synergy or karma. Sometimes it’s just pure luck, and sometimes it’s all about timing and opportunity. Sometimes, it’s all of the above.

I had an unbeliveable day with my sister in meeting Alan Wilder and seeing his show “A Strange Hour” with Recoil and friends. It started off with being the very first person in line at the M-Theory Music store signing (we got there and met up with my friend Rob and his friend, Todd at 2:30pm), winning the “dance-off” judged by Alan Wilder himself (music by DJ Edgartronic), then chatting with him briefly while getting many of my Depeche Mode and Recoil rarities signed. The dance-off was quite funny because five people signed up, but I was the only who danced. Alan remarked that I won not only because of the dancing, but because I was the only brave one to go up there and actually do it!

Winning the contest afforded me two tickets to the show, so I took my sister. While still at the signing, Alan said that I need to be there because Anthology is such an intimate venue that he wanted to make sure I got up and danced to get the crowd going. I said that since I won the contest that I had tickets, I would definitely be there. After waiting for my sister, Rob and Todd and their signings, we exited M-Theory.

Later that night, my sister and I went to the show at Anthology. Because I won the contest, our seats were just five feet from the stage. I’d never been to Anthology before, and it’s a very beautiful venue. The night started with Conjure One, who did a pretty good set (this was my first time seeing them). Then Alan Wilder himself came out to check out the crowd. He scanned the front to see if there was any one he recognized, and pointed me out and said “I remember you from earlier!” I got a couple of high-fives for the “shout out” from Alan, which just brought out the 16-year old in me all over again. He then introduced Daniel Myer of Architect. Alan encouraged people to please come down to the floor, as this set up was just too “sophisticated” and wanted to see people dance. He also mentioned that the Architect set was cut short at the show the night before, so we would get the privilege of enjoying Daniel’s entire set (a little over 30 minutes long). The Architect set mixed in some Depeche Mode samples which really got the crowd going. It was a very strong proggy/industrial set, which I enjoyed.

Of course, last but not least was Paul Kendall and Alan Wilder, who did a magnificent set from their new “Selected” album, which is a selection of classic Recoil songs that are remastered. What surprised me the most about the set was just how much Depeche Mode was mixed in. Songs that I remember the snippets of were “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Behind The Wheel”, “Walking in my Shoes” and the encore song that included “Personal Jesus”. I guess I expected it to be strictly Recoil music, but one can never forget where Alan spent a big part of his musical career.

I felt that Alan was also so much more relaxed and grooved the entire concert, something I don’t recall seeing when he was with Depeche Mode (who I’ve seen at least eight times in concert since 1985). Maybe it was the dynamics of the group at the time he was there, but Alan was in his element last night, enjoying every single moment of this musical journey he started well before he left Depeche Mode. Additionally, Alan is just such a nice person. He was so gracious judging the dance-off and so very sweet during the signing. One always hopes for a great experience with someone they have admired and followed for so long, so the moment is even better when that person is as wonderful a person as Alan Wilder is.

All in all, it was a spectacular day. I was so pleasantly surprised throughout the day by all the events that it made the day even better than I hoped it would be. My inner-teenager was so thrilled to have had this opportunity to fulfill what seemed to be a lifelong dream. I want to thank my sister, my friends Rob and Todd, M-Theory Music, Anthology, DJ Edgartronic and most of all, Alan Wilder for making this an experience I will not soon forget.

Two Day Warning

I’m a big fan of indie-record stores and M-Theory Music is as indie as they come. I love their selection of older vinyl records and CD’s mixed in with new and independent artists. They even have 45’s, which is a rare find these days. Located in Mission Hills, this award-winning store has listening stations which makes it a great place to listen before you purchase. Since it’s near Hillcrest, one can head on over to grab a bite to eat or get a cup of coffee close by after a little music shopping.

It’s Thursday and the Alan Wilder signing will be in two more days. My husband and I went to M-Theory Music to scope out the area and see how this highly anticipated signing may play out. I got a chance to chat with Rick, the manager at M-Theory, who stated that this is going to be a very popular event, with people coming down from LA and elsewhere (I know someone coming from Riverside). There’s even going to be a dance off to win Recoil tickets. Overall, it sounds like they are going to do what they can to make this a fun event for everyone.

I’ve already called my friend Eileen and my sister to let them know that we may have to get to the signing a bit earlier due to the size of the store and the location. Either way, my excitement is starting to grow. Friday will be spent thinking about what I’m going to bring for Alan to sign and what I’m going to wear. Although I want to bring practically my whole collection, I’m going to have to narrow it down. I’m taking lots of deep breaths for the next two days…*sigh*

Outfit: Trilogy jacket; Tucker for Target dress; Zac Posen for Target belt; Jessica Simpson suede boots; Louis Vuitton Palermo PM purse; vintage cameo necklace, Old Navy tights

Photos by Deon Chen

(Note: The title of this post is a play on the song entitled “Two Minute Warning” written by Alan Wilder when he was with Depeche Mode. I’m sure some of you new that, right?)

The Ideal Copy

I am a very avid listener of music, especially of the era I grew up in as a teenager: The Eighties. From the title of my blog, to what’s playing in my car and on my iPod, it’s almost all eighties all the time. I was such a die hard fan of music as a teen and was lucky to have many outlets to make my purchases. I frequented Tower Records, Liquorice Pizza, Sam Goody, The Warehouse and a couple of local places in San Diego (Lou’s Records and Blue Meannie).

Although I physically live in San Diego, England was the direction to which I genuflected and prayed to my musical gods: Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and New Order, just to name a few. The amount of time and money spent at Blue Meannie searching through their imports section for all things relating to the 80’s British Invasion would have easily paid for a trip to London, which I so longed for as a teen (and have lived out that dream with two trips there since then). Not only did I buy 45’s and 12″ vinyl records (remember those?), but shirts, buttons, badges, patches and imported magazines. As you can see, the desire to be British came to me at a very young age. One of my classmates went on a trip to London with his parents and I nearly died of jealousy. He bought me a couple of Depeche Mode items (a shirt and record), but that just made me all the more forlorn.

Most of the time, it’s so difficult for me to locate the groups that I love to listen to. A friend of mine had a 12″ single of “Have in Mind” by a group called Cetu Javu. I found the group on My Space, but couldn’t find them anywhere else to make a purchase. I tried Amazon, iTunes, Tower Records (online site) and even tried to physically go to Lou’s Records to find anything, but my search yielded nothing.

One last place I tried was a place where I had made several purchases in the past. I was only reminded of the website because I’m on their email list. The Ideal Copy (named after Wire’s 1987 album) is my site of choice when it comes to my favorite era. I’ve bought CD’s by the Red Rockers, Joy Division and Aztec Camera from this site. When I can’t find it on iTunes, I go to The Ideal Copy.

Now, the reason for this post is because I have found a CD that I have been dying to locate as badly as “Southern Lands” by Cetu Javu. It’s an album called “Rites of Passage” by Vitamin Z. I received an email alert of updates from The Ideal Copy and lo and behold, who do I see in their “Recent Additions” section but Vitamin Z! I quickly clicked on the link and one of my musical white whales has been found. If you are looking for the ultimate versions of your favorite artists (past and present), The Ideal Copy is the place to go. Their service is surprisingly quick and their selection is nearly unmatched.

To Recoil in Shock: Alan Wilder to Appear at M-Theory Music

Words cannot describe when I read on Facebook that Alan Wilder (formerly of Depeche Mode, currently of Recoil) will be appearing at a local music store on October 23, 2010 called M-Theory Music. My husband wondered why I was staring at my computer slack-jawed in a stunned silence. I called my sister. I invited friends on Facebook. Out of the dozens of Depeche Mode items I own (which includes some Recoil, vinyl, CDs, tour programmes and rarities), I don’t even know what to bring for him to sign.

This will be one of the biggest musical moments of my life.

Fashion Rocks

Ian Curtis Dress – Idil Vice

In my search for Joy Division memorabilia on Ebay earlier this year, I stumbled upon a dress that was probably one of the coolest items of clothing I had seen in a long time. It wasn’t a concert/band t-shirt that someone somehow manufactured into a dress. This was a dress with the actual print on it.

I searched the designer and found out her name is Idil Vice, a Swiss native who is designing in Manhattan. This Joy Division/Ian Curtis dress is from her Fashion Rocks line, which she calls, “a very stylish alternative to the printed rock t-shirt!”

Of course, seeing the Joy Division section prompted me to look for other bands that I like. I found that Sex Pistols skirt, as seen in my “Net-a-Poseur” entry and a very nice Billy Idol skirt. There is even a picture of Gwen Stefani wearing a Specials vest.

I started to look for anything Depeche Mode, and I found it! She created a dress and skirt from the “Violator” album, one of my favorite Depeche Mode albums ever. I needed to ask a question about the sizing, and Ms. Idil Vice

Depeche Mode “Violator” skirt – Idil Vice

wrote back to me herself (I’ve had very good luck with that lately, check out my “About” section). I’m still deciding which one I want: If I get the dress, I can throw a cardigan, blazer or denim jacket over it; and if I get the skirt, I can wear whatever top I want with it. Decisions, decisions!

Idil Vice has created items from so many different bands like The Ramones and The Beatles, to current artists like Lady Gaga. She also includes television shows, movies, actors and pop culture icons (like Popeye and Elvira). Her collection does not stop at skirts and dresses. She has created jackets, hoodies, pants, sweaters, accessories and even baby clothing. Here’s an amazing plus: If you can’t find what you want, you can request it and it can possibly be made into a piece of clothing!

So if you want something other than the rock t-shirt, check out Fashion Rocks by Idil Vice. Your inner rock star will thank you.

Update: Please check out her blog (link in my blog roll). Idil has added me to her “cool related blogs” section. Thanks Idil!

Divisional Leader

When I was on maternity leave last year, I spent many a night up late after Dominic’s feedings. When my husband went back to work after being home for about 2 weeks, I took over all late night feedings for the duration of my leave so that he would be able to function at work.

Those late nights afforded me time to watch some interesting television. It was at that time that my “obsession” with Joy Division began.

I saw “Control” at around 2am one late night/early morning, which is a film directed and produced by Anton Corbjin about the band Joy Division. If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s because he directed quite a few Depeche Mode videos. When I saw the film, I recognized the style and was not surprised at all that Corbjin directed it. It stars Sam Riley as Joy Division’s singer, Ian Curtis. What a find Sam Riley was because he is a singer as well as actor (he was in a band), which allowed the use of Riley’s actual singing voice in the movie (and the actors who played the band really played their instruments). I really thought his vocals were remarkably similar to Ian Curtis, and gave another dimension of authenticity to the film.

I knew that New Order was born out of Joy Division, but I didn’t know all of the history behind what happened. I only knew that they had a different lead singer that died somehow before Bernard Sumner, but again, I didn’t know the circumstances. I didn’t realize that Ian Curtis committed suicide until I saw the movie.

I’m always drawn to music based biopics, but I think this one really grabbed my attention because it happened right at beginning of my musical discovery back in the 80’s. Depeche Mode paved the way for my dark and gothic electronic path, and New Order infused a little alternative light to that darkness.

But Joy Division was something else. There was an energy that was tinged with sadness in their music. I only knew “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, but I set out to discover all of their music quickly after the movie. Since Dominic spent most of his days of those first 4 months sleeping, I took that time to really delve into all things Joy Division. I bought a “Best of” Joy Division CD, the “Control” DVD and CD. I spent hours on the internet reading about them and bought 3 t-shirts (which I talk about in my “Net-A-Poseur” entry). I also read the book “Touching From a Distance” by Deborah Curtis, Ian’s wife. That definitely put things into perspective about what was happening in and around Ian during the rise of Joy Division.

Like those around him, I didn’t realize how self deprecating Ian Curtis’ lyrics were (from “Isolation”):

Mother I tried please believe me

I’m doing the best that I can

I’m ashamed of the things I’ve been put through

I’m ashamed of the person I am

Isolation, isolation, isolation

Sad, right? Members of the band themselves didn’t even realize that Ian was going down such a dark path. His epilepsy exacerbated the situation, along with making his marriage work, his affair with Annik Honore, and the birth of his daughter. All of this while trying to become a successful band. He was only 23 at the time, which was just enough to put a young man into a tail spin.

So when I really listened again to “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, I hear the anxiousness and regret in not being able to make things work. I felt like Ian was saying, “Look I’m trying, ok?” Yet, there was this energy in the actual music, and maybe that masked the lyrics a bit. It was expressed physically in Ian’s spastic, epileptic-like dancing, but also in songs like “Transmission” and “Digital”. It wasn’t always dark I guess, but it was definitely out of control.

Take a listen. You may not become the fan that I did, but it’s worth going back to rediscover and revisit what was there before New Order.

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Net-A-Poseur

Never Mind The Bollocks skirt from Idil Vice

Ever since my teens throughout the eighties, I have made sure that I could never be considered a poseur. Even now, I would hate for someone to think that I was trying to be something that I’m not, just to fit in. I’ve always prided myself on the fact that I am unique and that my tastes are that of my own and the influence was directly from the source and not because I was needing acceptance into a group or by an individual.

I had a discussion with my husband about concerts and bands that we’ve seen throughout the years. I really like tour shirts, and my inner punk rocker enjoys mixing in these shirts with my regular wardrobe. There is a designer named Idil Vice who does a great job of giving an alternative to the musical t-shirt by making dresses, skirts and jackets of bands and artists that I love. I have my eye on a Depeche Mode dress, Joy Division and Sex Pistols skirt.

In my discussion with my husband, I mentioned that I just can’t wear a shirt of a band or artist I haven’t actually seen in concert. He says that it shouldn’t matter, that if you like a band then you should be able to wear their shirt. But when someone says “Cool shirt, have you seen them in concert?” I would feel like a complete poseur if I said “No, but the shirt is cool…”

As justification, I’ve come up with “work-arounds” for the shirts I have of artists and bands that I’ve seen in some incarnation (solo or group). Here is a list so far:

1. Joy Division – I have 3 shirts that I wear proudly. Although I was too young, not living in England during their initial rise, and had no way to see them because of Ian Curtis’ suicide, I wear them because I have seen New Order in concert. New Order is essentially Joy Division with Bernard Sumner as the singer, right? Yes.

2. Sex Pistols – I have seen PiL in concert, for which Johnny Rotten is the singer. He was in Sex Pistols, so I can wear their shirt should I choose to do so. I don’t have one yet, but now that I have made that justification, I will now wear one.

3. Bjork – I saw The Sugarcubes in concert, for which she was the singer for before venturing into her solo career. Enough said.

I make these mental justifications so that I can escape being a poseur. Now if I can just come up with a work-around for The Beatles shirt I have…

My life according to Depeche Mode

I posted this on my Facebook “Notes” last year. I liked it so much, I thought I’d share it here. The first paragraph includes instructions, but I think it’s pretty obvious what you need to do. Feel free to grab it and share it, for a little silly fun.

My favorite band is Depeche Mode, as you can tell by my blog name, so I chose the same for this “exercise”. Enjoy!

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to people you like and include me. You can’t use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It’s a lot harder than you think! Repost as “my life according to (band name)”

Pick Your Artist:
Depeche Mode

Are you Male or Female?
Happiest Girl

Describe yourself:
Precious

How do you feel:
I Feel Loved

Describe where you currently live:
Home (that’s really a DM song!)

If you could go anywhere where would you go:
In Your Room

Your favorite form of transportation is:
Behind The Wheel

Your best friend is:
Personal Jesus (lol!)

You and your best friends are:
Dreaming of Me (haha)

What’s the Weather Like?
The Sun and The Rainfall

What is your favorite time?
It Doesn’t Matter

If your life was a TV show what would it be called?
Get The Balance Right