The Singles 81>85 cover

The Singles 81>85

Released

Initially released as Catching Up With Depeche Mode, a handy summary of their singles up to that point, the retitled Singles 81-85 compilation, fleshed out with an extra track or two, remains a perfect entry point for the band’s early work, not to mention a clear demonstration of just how quickly and commandingly they came into their own. Besides a slew of stellar singles drawn from various albums, there’s the striking standalone “Get The Balance Right” as well as a couple of then-new songs, including the wonderful moody groove of “Shake the Disease.”

Ned Raggett

Suggestions
Toward the Within cover

Toward the Within

Dead Can Dance
Junk Culture cover

Junk Culture

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Gift cover

Gift

The Sisterhood
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark cover

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Pleasure cover

Pleasure

Girls at Our Best!
Gothic Halloween cover

Gothic Halloween

Various Artists
The Hurting cover

The Hurting

Tears for Fears
Killing Joke cover

Killing Joke

Killing Joke