Performance: Sonics: Depeche Mode's '101' has always been a fan-only record. I bought it on vinyl when it came out and was never really happy with the mix - being not really a live band, I always felt Depeche Mode tried too hard to make their live album sound 'live'.
There is too much audience noise, and the mix is too dense for my taste; all subtility is gone and it's like listening to a heavy metal mix of a syth-pop band. I bought the normal CD edition some years ago, hoping it would sound better than the vinyl, but alas - same thing (but at least I could play it in the car now.) I still like Depeche Mode's music, especially their 80s and early 90s material, and with only '101' available in SA format, I thought I should give the album another try. There's definately more dynamics in the SA version compared to the regular CD and vinyl, but I cannot say that I'm impressed by what the album does in SA format. I still hear too much going on at the same time without being able to actually hear what is going on. Let's hope some of DM's regular albums will be available on SACD soon and that they get a proper treatment - the music is definately right for a MC format.
![Depeche Depeche](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125500108/963355907.jpg)
Was this review helpful to you? Review by October 1, 2004 (3 of 3 found this review helpful). Performance: Sonics: Depeche mode has been a favourite of mine during the 80’s and 90’s. And having experienced them live means a live album is a must.
Depeche Mode's '101' has always been a fan-only record. Let's hope some of DM's regular albums will be available on SACD soon and that they get a proper. 101 is a live album and documentary by English electronic band Depeche Mode released in 1989 chronicling the final leg of the band’s 1987/1988 Music for the Masses Tour and the final show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena which was held on 18 June, 1988.
Now I must admit no live album can actually give you anything even close to the real thing. But it is still a lot a great way to bring back some memories. Well now I get down to this album, this one I love. I already owned the normal CD version, which is now in the car, so I wasn’t really going to need another copy.
Well I bought it anyway (had a chance to pick it up cheap). And I don’t regret it for a minute. To be honest the normal CD version sounded quiet good already but this SACD gives it a bit of an edge. This just sound a bit better overall, no huge improvements though. On the other hand the music is great. And that’s what it is all about, isn’t it? Was this review helpful to you?
Review by October 3, 2005 (3 of 4 found this review helpful).