Depeche Mode - 1981-82.
The Groove | Boston, MA | 04/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over a decade ago, Depeche Mode released three limited edition box sets of all their singles from 1981-87. Being the huge Depeche Mode fan that I am, I immediately purchased all of them, and then, for reasons unexplained, I sold them at a used record shop. It was one of the dumbest mistakes I made as a music lover, and I lived to regret it for years. So when I heard that the box sets were going to be re-released (with an additional three more), I was the happiest camper, and I wasted no time buying them again. "Singles Box 1" covers the Mode from 1981-82, and it has their first six singles "Dreaming of Me," "New Life," "Just Can't Get Enough," "See You," "The Meaning of Love," and "Leave in Silence." Each of these singles is featured in its original artwork with the b-sides and/or remixes. I won't comment much on the singles, which are already familiar to many DM fans, but I will comment on other tracks such as the Vince Clarke-penned "Shout!," the frigid "Ice Machine," and the extended version of "The Meaning of Love." The first two songs present a more dark and hard-edged Depeche Mode, and they're a far cry from later mainstream hits like "Enjoy the Silence." As for the booklet, don't expect liner notes or a ton of photos of the band; it only has the tracklisting. Even so, this box set, and the remaining five, are must-own purchases for any fan of the Mode."
Music is good, however
Lord Deonast | Australia, NSW | 02/21/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like early Depeche Mode the music is great each single is pretty much a collection of the various single tracks released in the UK and US. I actually bought this after already having the 1991 release of the UK edition singles box. I'd thought this might have been a remastered release. It isn't, this is the 1991 release music reissued in 2004 there is no discernible difference in Audio quality to the 1991 release which is a shame as you can hear in the Box sets 4-6 that they did remaster those.
This US us release also when you compare it to the UK release has a much cheaper looking and feeling box, it is much more flimsy. So if you have the choice I'd pick the UK release but keep in mind you are not getting a remastered sound for your money."