Beth Bessmer's Amazon review is the first one I've ever read that did not feel like it was written by a real scholar of rock music. This one sounds like it was written by someone who can't like a song if it doesn't have a guitar solo. All her premises are just wrong. Catching Up was an American release, Singles 81-85 British. Catching Up was just what it says--an opportunity for Americans to catch up with them. And the Men from Mode's sense of HUMOR is completely lost on Bessmer. They included negative reviews of their songs because they were _funny,_ not to fend off the specter of "where are they now." Bessmer talks about this compilation like it came out last year--it came out in '85! How could they be lamenting their obscurity at the height of their popularity? Depeche Mode only sounds "dated" to someone who thinks Mtv "alternative" grunge music is timeless. Depeche Mode wasn't "a" synth band, they were THE synth band, and their music from '81 to '85 is still better than about anything made in the last 10 years. 4 stars because this isn't the place to start with DM. Their albums are always better than their singles. Start with Some Great Reward.

This is probably Depeche Mode's most consistent album, which should come as no surprise since the band's early albums contained a lot of filler. While this album is similar in content to Catching Up with Depeche Mode, it adds a few essential singles that were omitted from that US only compilation (the fantastic "Get the Balance Right," "Everything Counts," "Leave in Silence," and "People Are People") and deletes a couple of relatively poor tracks ("Flexible" and "Fly on the Windscreen," which sounded more at home on Black Celebration). Also, it contains an early mix of Speak & Spell's finest track, "Photographic," that is significantly more spirited but just as enjoyable as the album version. I normally don't recommend greatest hits packages, but The Singles contains nearly every essential song from Depeche Mode's early cannon. As a bonus, the CD's liner notes include some (occasionally) hilarious old review snippets for each song. Get this and add Black Celebration, the uneven but historically noteworthy Music for the Masses, and Violator for a fairly comprehensive collection of the most important synthesizer pop band of the 80s.

Depeche Mode is one of my favorite bands; I don't think I've even gone a full week without listening to VIOLATOR or SONGS OF FAITH AND DEVOTION since acquiring them. They're interesting, creative, philosophical and experimental -- everything I look for in worthwhile music.

Yes, of course, the technology of 81>85 was primitive and today sounds rather cheesy, but other bands (Duran Duran comes to mind) managed to combine synth sounds with excellent songwriting that enhanced the range of New Wave, instead of displaying their synthesizers' limitations.

However, as far as I'm concerned, the DM that began to emerge with SOME GREAT REWARD bears little or no resemblance to the DM of "Just Can't Get Enough", or (God forbid!) "Dreaming of Me". Vince Clarke definitely could write a catchy pop song, but nothing is more annoying than a "catchy pop song". Clarke's departure after SPEAK & SPELL cleared the way for Martin Gore to emerge as one of the premier composers of our times -- it took him a few years to develop, and even SGR is evidence of a work-in-progress. By the time MUSIC FOR THE MASSES came out, the band's transformation was complete.

On the other hand, this album takes you through a whirlwind tour of tremendous growth of talent and message by Martin, Dave, Andy and Alan.

The album's beginning, the annoying teenybop/pop of "Dreaming of Me", "New Life", "Just Can't Get Enough" and "See You" (it's hard to believe it's Dave Gahan's voice on these tracks!) only makes the album's closing tracks that much better.

"Shake the Disease" and "It's Called a Heart" (neither of which were released on albums) are truly fine songs that I hadn't had the privilege to experience until I bought this CD. In particular, I'd recommend purchase of this CD just for "Shake the Disease" alone if it weren't also available as a CD-single.

I rate this album only three stars because it pales in comparison to their later work; but for those interested in history of their favorite bands, it represents a special treat.

Also: I strongly recommend Dave Thompson's book DEPECHE MODE: SOME GREAT REWARD (which I bought here at Amazon.com). Truly enhances the musical experience.

Seriously, this (re-released and re-mastered) compilation of DM's early singles is every synthlover's dream. Contrary to Beth Bessemer and her utterly subjective and baseless objections to this collection of tracks, I find it appealing and startlingly new. "Dated," indeed! It all sounds fresh to these ears that are so jaded and numbed to the constant barrage of derivative and monotonous hip-hop and "alt"-pop that's been spewing forth from so-called "artists" these past few years! Filled with hooky melodies and often witty lyrics, many of these songs are sure to delight anyone with an ear for the '80s--or good music, for that matter. My mother, who absolutely hates most '80s pop that's even a little strange, actually warmed up to "Everything Counts" and "Somebody"--with good reason! There are so many classic songs found here aside from "People Are People," which almost everyone has heard: my favourites include "Get the Balance Right," "Love, In Itself," "See You," and "Shake the Disease." Strangely enough, I had purchased all the albums *before* I bought the singles, and I was instantly amazed with the clarity and beauty of the re-mastering. If any of you have any of the old albums and aren't sure whether to buy or forego the singles, I say, "Buy!" The sound is that good. Some of the single cuts are even BETTER than the album versions ("See You" and "Leave in Silence"), and the bonus tracks are rather neat, especially the mix of "Photographic." If you're a DM fan and don't have this yet, be sure to shake the disease and go out and buy this here at Amazon (who can beat this LOW price?) or at your local record store. I hope I haven't sounded like some corny Home Shopping Network person, but I can't help but be enthused over this collection--I just can't get enough!

Depeche Mode's "Singles 81 - 85 was the first Depeche Cd I've ever bought. The first reason I got it was because I heard the track "Just can't get enough" after that I was hooked. I was probably thinking there were a few good songs on the album. But I was definetly Impressed. Every single song is good. Some of the first songs which are the earlier Depeche Mode songs are really beaty and Poppy, Which is good music to dance too. As more tracks pass, The music becomes more depressing and more mature. Its an amazing way to start and end a cd. Theres loads of variety. Plus the cd comes with a booklet which tells some interesting info on the song, when it was realeased, What people think of it and how high did it go on the chart. This Cd is a must buy.