DEPECHE MODE DMBX 1-6 SINGLE BOXES MUTE, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: MARCH 29, 2004 REVIEW: APRIL 2, 2004

The first three Depeche Mode singles boxes was released back in 1991 and then re-pressed 1999. Now, they're delivered for a third time.
And better late than never, box 4, 5 and 6 are finally released for the first time. The boxes contain all singles released up until "Dream on", one of the band's weakest singles.
It gives me a nerdy kind of kick to watch my six boxes standing proud side by side. Here we have six times six equals 36 (!) singles. And of course each single has been released in more than one edition; here most official tracks are put together on one disc per single. The releases span 20 years (from 1981 to 2001).
Depeche Mode is the best singles-band ever to walk this earth. They are also famous for the often album-class B-sides, like "Fools", "Dangerous" and "But Not Tonight". Depeche Mode release more than most, but we still haven't seen a compilation with (the best?) B-sides. So I simply made two playlists in my PC with these and also my favourite alternate takes on each song. Like Garbage's Zephyr single mix of "In Your Room", the long Combination mix of "Get the Balance Right!", the EBM-like Aggro mix of "Never Let Me Down Again" and the Pump mix of "Personal Jesus".
But many other, mostly late remixes, I can do without. They come in all shapes, including a whale mix with, hmm, recorded whales. And of course we are force-fed with dance mixes, including several you actually can't dance to. And strange remixes for and by people who probably don't even like Depeche Mode. Extended versions made by the band itself - we miss you.
Six boxes of pure music history.

MIKAEL KAHRLE