FOR THE MASSES is a tribute album to Depeche Mode.
Producers include: Ted De Bono, Gary Dobbins, Robert Smith, Jack Dangers, Matt Mahaffey.
Engineers include: Palli Borg, C. Hawkes, Paul Corkett, Jeff Moleski, Bobby Dufresne, Jr.
As one of the prime innovators of synth-pop, Depeche Mode has influenced an entire generation of knob-twiddling, mousse-wearing devotees. Since 1981, their dark, scientific sound has defined the genre, moving the synthesizer into edgy, aggressive realms. FOR THE MASSES finds that generation paying overdue tribute to the men in black, combining a wide variety of bands who've followed in their footsteps in one way or another (with the exception of the Cure, whose recorded output predates DM's but who contribute a sonically rich version of "World In My Eyes" nonetheless).
FOR THE MASSES sticks to Depeche Mode's more aggressive and mostly later work--the soft pop of "New Life" or "See You" is eschewed for more hard-edged themes. Some of the covers show a very direct lineage to the band--Rammstein's gut-wrenching "Stripped" and Meat Beat Manifesto's breakneck "Everything Counts" inject an over-the-top element of aggression, while Hooverphonic's "Shake the Disease" displays this band's talent for giving a song breathing room without compromising its intensity. Smashing Pumpkins even deliver an inspired, beefed-up take on "Never Let Me Down Again."
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