Martyr - Depeche Mode

Until the imminent release of 'Wrong' in April this year, 'Martyr' is still Depeche Mode's last single release. It came out on November 13, 2006 in support of a new compilation album, 'The best of Depeche Mode volume 1'. Originally titled 'Martyr for love', the song was recorded during sessions for Depeche Mode's previous album 'Playing the angel'. It was considered as the first single from that album, but was subsequently dropped from the album because it was considered to be 'too poppy'.

Released as their 45th single, it was their 35th top 20 hit in the UK. The single was released as a numbered limited edition on a picture disc 7" vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3592
Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, March 5, 2009
Cost: 4,5 euro
Tracks: 'Martyr' / 'Never let me down (Digitalism remix)'

Everything counts - Depeche Mode

While the original version of 'Everything counts' was released as a single in 1983, this 10" single and associated releases appeared in 1989 in support of Depeche Mode's live double album 101, a recording of their live appearance at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in 1988 in America. This 10" single was the only release at the time that didn't feature the live version, but rather three remixes of 'Everything counts' plus an American 7" edit of the album track 'Nothing'.

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1989
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'Everything counts (Absolut mix)' / 'Everything counts (original 1983 remix)', 'Nothing (US 7" mix)', 'Everything counts (Reprise)'
Download: here

People are people - Götz Alsmann and the sentimental pounders

Depeche Mode have written many great songs that have stood the test of time. One of them is 'People are people' (1984). Having heard the original countless times, sometimes I get curious how other bands would perform this track.

My curiosity was finally satisfied when I found this single by Götz Alsmann and the sentimental pounders. Contrary to Depeche Mode, this band worked entirely with acoustic instruments to create a very 'cosy' version of the song. It always makes me happy when I hear this version.

My collection: 7" single no. 2820

Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1997

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'People are people' / 'Lonesome Pine'

Download: here