For whatever reason, the last few days I've been listening to a lot of Depeche Mode. I don't keep my mp3 player very full most of the time (in fact, I purposefully try to keep it down to 2-3 CDs worth of songs for the most part; it makes it easier to find and play what I want and then change it out when I'm ready to move on.) So lately, I loaded the three CDs of Depeche Mode's "Early Maturity" period: Some Great Reward, Black Celebration and Music for the Masses. Wow, y'know, sometimes you forgot how good that stuff really is until you go back and hear the songs in context and in order right off the CD.
I'm sure many disagree and think Depeche Mode is simply pre-emo emo; overwrought teenage angst. I can see that. But I disagree. I think they really hit on some timeless, ageless emotional leverage here; stuff that still resonates with me, doesn't sound dated over twenty years later and just plain rawks.
Other stages of Depeche Mode have much to recommend them too, especially the next phase: "Mainstream Popularity" with Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion but for me, the three listed earlier are as good as synthpop ever got. Still.
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