Tag Archives: Depeche Mode

Enjoy the Lullaby: Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star

When purchasing on Amazon.com, I always check their recommendations based on my recently viewed and purchased items because I make very insteresting discoveries from their selections.  I have several Duran Duran items in my “Save for Later” section, so one of the recommendations was Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, Lullaby Versions of Duran Duran.  How cute, right?  Of course, seeing that version prompted me to look for a Depeche Mode version, and I found one (see it here).  I took a quick listen, definitely expecting to hear a slower version of all of their songs.  I actually found them to be quite relaxing.  Their official site says that these albums are “Perfect for babies, yoga, massage or relaxation”, which was exactly what I was thinking.  I could definitely fall asleep or do yoga to this music, and I would love it if I went to get a massage and soothing versions of Hungry Like the Wolf or People Are People came on in the background.  If I had know these existed, I would have filled Dominic’s crib with the plinky-plonky sounds of Radiohead or The Smiths in addition to Duran Duran and Depeche Mode.  Needless to say, I will buy the Depeche Mode version and enjoy the lullaby.

Images courtesy of Amazon.com

(Edited to add:  Thank you Paul from TTLRS for my very own downloaded copies of the Depeche Mode and Duran Duran lullaby albums, I love them!)

FTC Disclosure:  This review was written prior to receiving the downloads, and I was not asked to write a review.  The opinions in this review are strictly my own.

Keep Calm & Listen to Depeche Mode

Ah yes, I’m still on my European vacation high.  I have a couple of “Keep Calm and Carry On” catch phrase items that I brought back with me in the form of a magnet and tumbler.  I found the above image through Google on Red Bubble (click the picture to buy the shirt, I’m going to buy one). I know it’s how I definitely keep calm!

Here are a few pictures that show just a bit of my Depeche Mode collection, which includes Recoil and solo projects by Martin Gore and Dave Gahan.  I sometimes use them as subjects for the “Photo a Day Challenge” themes on Instagram because the themes have words that appear in their lyrics or song titles, and that album or single will be the first image to pop into my head (if you want to join in on the “Photo a Day Challenge” meme, go to Fat Mum Slim for details).  Some day, I’ll do some kind of photo essay of everything I own that is Depeche Mode related.  Until then, I’ll continue to share photo collages of selections from my collection. 

August 26: Dream (Dreaming of Me, 7″ UK imported single)

August 31:  Hidden (Hidden Houses by Dave Gahan from the album Paper Monsters)

September 16: Strange (Strangelove 7″ and 12″ domestic singles; Strange & Strange Too on VHS; A Strange Hour in Budapest on Blu-ray DVD and USB by Recoil)

September 18: Price (Early Depeche Mode song called Price of Love on Live at Crocs vinyl album from Amoeba Music)

Dave Gahan & Soulsavers: More Secret Concerts?

I have been trying to keep up on Depeche Mode news, but I have admittedly been more pre-occupied with Alan Wilder and Recoil lately.  This is probably why I missed out on scoring free tickets to an incredibly intimate concert with Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan and Soulsavers.  I only found out about it very late in the afternoon on Friday July 20th because of a post on Dave Gahan’s Facebook page, and missed the Twitter contests where tickets were given away by Amoeba Music and KCRW to the show that played to about 150 people at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles on Saturday July 21st. 

Dave Gahan does lead vocal duties for Soulsavers’ most recent album called The Light The Dead See, which was released in May of this year.  If you are unfamiliar with Soulsavers like I am, they are a production and remix team from England.  The music I’ve heard from the latest album is much more organic and rock sounding than what I thought it would be, having read that they are more “downtempo electronica”.  Their sound on this album is soulful and melancholy and Dave’s voice truly lends to this style.

I’ve read on Slicing Up Eyeballs that there may be more one-off shows like this, and that this recent show was recorded and will be put out in some capacity soon.  In the meantime, click on the previous link for Slicing Up Eyeballs to see a clip from the concert and here’s to hoping for more intimate shows with Dave Gahan and Soulsavers!

(Top image courtesy of The OC Register; second image courtesy of Mute.)

All I Ever Wanted: Dior's "Secret Garden – Versailles"

I absolutely love it when my worlds collide in such a fabulous way.  I subscribe to email updates from many fashion lines, and one of them is Dior.  I hope to one day own a Lady Dior purse of my own, and seeing this clip just makes me want one even more: Beautiful models Daria Strokous, Melissa Stasiuk and Xiao Wen Ju sashay among equally stunning interior and exterior shots set to none other than Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence”.  Click here or on the picture to view the video. Veuillez apprécier la vidéo, merci!

(Note: Apparently there is also a new Depeche Mode album due in November 2012 and tour in the works for 2013, according to David Gahan here.  Hopefully all goes well and they come back to San Diego!)

(Image and video courtesy of Dior)

Random iPhone Pictures: Listen to This

February 29 – something you’re listening to #joydivision

As stated in a previous post regarding the “Photo a Day” meme from Fat Mum Slim (March’s photo theme list seen here), I’m more inclined to post musically themed pictures, and here are a few recent ones from March.  I’ve also recently gotten into hash-tagging my pictures (all of these were marked with a hash-tag of #marchphotoaday).  It’s interesting to see just how many people are trending the groups I’m listening to, especially Joy Division. 

March 1 – up #depechemode #thompsontwins

March 5 – a smile #depechemode #seeyou

March 7 – something you wore #duranduran

Depeche Mode/Recoil Updates

New Life:  VCMG – Remember when I reported that Vince Clarke and Martin Gore were going to collaborate (post here)?  They’ve gone and done it!  Depeche Mode’s official site has announced that EPs will be released first by the end of November 2011, followed by a full album (full article here).

Cover Me – Depeche Mode have covered “So Cruel” for the AHK-Toong BAY-Bi Covered album, which consists of covers of songs from U2’s Achtung Baby.  It also features artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Garbage and The Killers.  It’s available for download exclusively on iTunes with proceeds benefitting Concern Worldwide.  If you were one of the lucky ones, you would have received a copy with your Q Magazine back in October (full articles here).

Added to my Collection – I received my “Collected” DVD last week (my actual copy is pictured above).  I’m always reminding those of you who are also fans, like myself, to get these rare items when they become available because of the limited stock, and this is a must have.  The entire “Collected” series is on one DVD, along with extended footage and photos.  Click here for the Recoil store to get your copy, while it lasts!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a great weekend!

(Photos 1 & 2 courtesy of depechemode.com)

Randomness: Happy Friday!

By the time this posts, I will be finishing up a few wonderful days in Palm Springs with the family.  We decided to take a mini-break so that Deon could get in a few days of golf while Dominic and I lounge around the pool, sleep in and do a little shopping.  While we relax a bit, here are some random items to take you into the weekend.  Happy Friday!

Fantastic fashionable find

I’m always glad to turn others on to sites that will help make their lives more fashionable.  My friend Andrea turned me onto this great site for gals to find boots with just the right fit.  Wide Calf Boots City is a site with links to different places to get boots with wider shafts to properly and comfortably fit your calf.  Sites include Zappos, Endless and Shoe Mall.

Come and knock on our door!

Last week, my friend Kimberly, who is in town for the month asked a bunch of us to meet her at The Regal Beagle.  I asked, “Like the bar in Three’s Company?!”  Sure enough, there it was, tucked away on India Street in Mission Hills, next to El Indio and Shakespeare Pub, up the street from Lucha Libre.  I had to take a picture of the sign, but I’ll do a more robust post on it at a later time because the atmosphere was fun, the beers were cold and the food looked great.

Was that REALLY 26 years ago?

A reader named David emailed me and asked if I could scan my ticket from the Depeche Mode concert I went to in 1985 because he collects ticket stubs.  I thought it would be cool to include the image here.  Check out the price of the ticket.  If only concerts cost that much now!

Hello to a new sponsor!

Cheap prices on hot titles like these every day.

I’d like to say a quick hello and thank you to a new sponsor:  ValueMags.com and MagsDirect.com.  Periodically, you’ll see little mini ads like the one above on my posts.  When you click on the ad, you can check out great deals on subscriptions to your favorite magazines.

Mode of Inspiration: FTF Blog Event for 8/17/2011

This month’s Full Time Fabulous August blog event is all about inspiration. Kristy Elena asked that we think about what inspires us and explain why. My recurring theme is and will always be Depeche Mode. I connected with their music at a very young age and have always identified with them because of their dark but hopeful lyrics. As I got older, I learned to appreciate the irony of their sexual and religious themes. Their inspiration is evident in the titles of many of my posts, and more importantly in the name of my blog. I can be mentally fighting for a title to an outfit post or an article. Then suddenly a lyric to one of their songs will pop into my head and I’m inspired.  To see evidence of how much they have influenced me, check out posts here and here, including outfit posts here and here.
But really, I derive much of my inspiration for everything I do in my life from the loves of my life: my husband Deon and son Dominic.
What inspires you? Check out what inspires other bloggers in the Full Time Fabulous Community.

Limited Editions

I wanted to post some news about a couple of “limited editions” related to Depeche Mode.  First, I read on The Quietus that Martin Gore and Vince Clarke are teaming up on a new techno album (article here).

Speaking to Billboard, Gore said “Out of the blue I got an e-mail from [Vince Clarke] just saying, ‘I’m interested in making a techno album. Are you interested in collaborating?’ This was maybe nine months, a year ago. He said, ‘No pressure, no deadlines,’ so I said, ‘OK,’ and that’s what we’ve been doing the last six months.” – The Quietus

As you have seen from previous posts, Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder both recently produced mixes on Depeche Mode’s 81-11 Remix album.  Could this new collaboration mean other ones are in the works?  Oh, one could only dream that they would also include Alan!

Speaking of limited editions, look what popped up in my mailbox recently.  Yes, it’s true.  It is the Record Store Day, four song, limited edition “Personal Jesus” 12″ single, and it’s MINE (seen here).  When I called Lou’s Records June 7th, I thought I had missed out on this extremely rare piece of vinyl (see original post here).  But I think Neil at Lou’s (who answered the phone at the time), must have heard the disappointment in my voice as he said “The last one literally walked out the door about 10 minutes ago!” and remembered how much I wanted it.  Even when I received the Paypal invoice stating “Depeche Mode 3CD w/ promo 12” I still didn’t believe it.  It wasn’t until I saw the large album shaped box that it finally dawned on me that I now own it.  I called Lou’s back and they said that someone had canceled their order so they sent it to me as soon as I paid the invoice.  I consider myself very lucky to have this.  I am now going to play the Lotto.

(Photo of Martin Gore & Vince Clarke from The Quietus.  

Photos of the Depeche Mode Remixes 81-11 CD & Promo 12″ single are from my living room!)

Randomness: Music for the Masses

I see that I have a few new followers, so firstly I would like to say “Welcome to my blog!”  Although this blog is heavier on personal style and fashion, I definitely have a keen interest in music.  Be forewarned that my musical interests are mainly tied to 80’s alternative, especially Depeche Mode, Recoil, Joy Division, OMD, Duran Duran and bands in the same genre.  This means that most of the music news that I report on will be centered around these groups and this type of music.  If you want to get to know more on my musical taste and interest, the “Musically Inclined” category is a great start.  In the meantime, here are some musical tidbits that I’ve either received an email about, found on Facebook or have received a Tweet about.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Independence (Record Store) Day – With the release of Depeche Mode’s Remixes: 81-11 on June 7th came several exclusives.  One I nearly had in my hands, had I gotten myself together earlier in the day.  On Depeche Mode’s official site, they posted several independent record stores that would have a very rare and exclusive 12″ single as a gift when purchasing the 3 CD or 6 LP Remixes release.  Pictured on the left, it was a four song, promo only 12″ single of “Personal Jesus”.  This is how I discovered “Record Store Day“.

The gist of what I understand this to be is that artists create special and exclusive products for their new record/album releases, and distribute these items to only independently owned record stores.  These stores cannot be corporate chain stores and truly celebrates the indie record business.

I think this is a great endeavor because I have almost exclusively patronized independent record stores my entire life and I only go to the bigger chains when I have no alternative.  Since I was a teen, I have gone to local stores like Licorice Pizza before they were sold to a large chain, and Blue Meannie before they became exclusively a store for the metal genre.  The only “large chain” music store I frequented before their demise in 2006 was Tower Records because of the music they stocked and the awesome people that worked there.  Music stores that I shop at now include CSL, Lou’s Records, M-Theory and Amoeba (they all participate in Record Store Day).   I firmly believe that all music enthusiasts should do their part and support independently owned music stores and I’m excited to know that artists feel the same way by driving sales towards these types of stores.

(Image courtesy of Record Store Day)

Alan Wilder Auctions His Goods – I’m now on Twitter more and more, and I discovered that this is also a great place to get news as it happens.  Through Recoil (@recoilofficial and @Recoilboss), it has been announced that Alan Wilder has decided to sell some of his beloved equipment, vinyl and memorabilia that he has collected over the years.  The items range from Depeche Mode rarities, instruments that he’s held on to, and even clothing he has worn to pictorials and videos (although I find it odd to purchase his pants).  You can browse through the items at  The Alan Wilder/Depeche Mode Collection website.  One of my friends stated that he spent 2 hours looking through everything and reading Alan’s comments because it’s like a history lesson Depeche Mode and Recoil.  The actual auction takes place on September 3, 2011 in Manchester, England and online.  If you are a die-hard fan, you will not want to miss this fantastic opportunity.

(Image courtesy of Shunt)

“Girl Panic” Video Shoot – I follow John Taylor of Duran Duran on Twitter (@ThisIsTheRealJT and @duranduran), and there was Tweets galore regarding the new video for the song “Girl Panic” from their album “All You Need is Now”, filmed earlier this week.  Yasmin Le Bon was reunited with her model friends Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, and Helena Christensen for this video.  I’m excited to see the new video, but still worried about Simon Le Bon, who is recovering from a throat ailment that has sidelined their tour in the UK and Europe.   In the meantime, here are some shots from the video shoot on Fashionologie here.

(Image courtesy of Record Store Day)

It’s Time to DANCE with DJ Lance Rock!  If you have kids, you definitely know about the phenomenon that is Yo Gabba Gabba!  It’s a show about four crazy characters (Brobee, Toodee, Foofa, Muno and Plex) and their adventures with their ringleader, DJ Lance Rock aka Lance Robinson.  What I love about the show is that they feature so many good sing-a-long songs that teach lessons in an incredible fun and catchy way.  But the best part of the show are their musical and celebrity guests.  Past performers and guests include The Faint, The Shins, Jimmy Eat World, Chromeo, The Ting Tings, The Roots, Jack Black, and Elijah Wood.

I received a Tweet from @amoebamusic that you can see DJ Lance Rock up close and personal because he performs a DJ set on June 25, 2011 at Hollywood Amoeba location (details here).  Maybe he’ll do a little “Dancey-Dance” with his Gabbaland pals!

(Photo of Dominic dressed as DJ Lance Rock for Halloween last year)