DEPECHE MODE - STRIPPED

FROM DEPECHE MODE 101
The 80's brought on a ton of self loathing, emotionally stunted musical genius frontmen. Morrissey being one of them -- David Gahan being the other. There was something so dark about Depeche Mode that behind all those smiles it was hard to accept this as happy music. "People are People" made them popular on the radio but they were a lot darker than what they appeared to be. Yet, they were fascinating too.

And.... no it never surprised me when Gahan tried to take his own life. I was somewhat surprised though at the amount of drugs he took. Its amazing to see what kind of effect they had over their audience.

Posted by Cantu on Oct. 11, 2007 at 10:54 PM

DEPECHE MODE - STRANGE LOVE

This was recorded during their height. I heard every version of this song when it first came out. It was super popular. There was a 12" mix, a dance mix, a club mix, you get the idea. There was a ton of different versions and some had just a little differences to set them apart. But I really thought they all sounded alike. I couldn't wait for the day when I could listen to this song and not hate it.

And that day is today.

There is a video of footage being shown on the sides of buildings that is great. This black and white version is nice too and it works on several levels. The confrontation of the word love appears in the palm of their hands. They laugh like schoolboys but the overall look is stark and startling. It worked wonders on me as I saw this brief clip shown on a commercial for SPIN magazine. I remember that entire sequence..... To me, that took balls. To confront an emotion in such a way.

... It was is there was some attempt to meet the emotion halfway. Yet on the other hand it was wearing ones heart on its sleeve. Still, I thought it was amazing.

I saw them around this time.

Posted by Cantu on Oct. 11, 2007 at 10:44 PM

FEMALE TROUBLES - CHA CHA HEELS

Ah yes... this brings back sordid memories. This movie is horrific. Its Tragi-Comedic. And on the other hand it just plain sucks. But it does have some pretty good moments. These movies resurfaced in the late 80's where they were much appreciated.

The 80's were an amazing time. You could release just about anything on video tape and it would get rented. Thats where I first ran into this John Waters classic. Waters was an interesting fellow until he decided to turn into Walt Disney. Its amazing what a little money can do to some people. This new thing, "HairSpray" is just depressing and high budget. I prefer Waters when he had nothing to show in his stable but this morose heap of an actor, Divine.

Cantu posted this on Oct. 11, 2007 at 10:25 PM