The title 101 comes from the the fact that the Rose Bowl concert, on June 18th 1988, was the 101st and indeed final concert--attended by 60,453 fans--of their 'Music for the... more
(The War Room,Down from the Mountain), focusing on backstage realities of art and business during the synthesizer band's 1988 American tour. We see managers worrying...
(The War Room,Down from the Mountain), focusing on backstage realities of art and business during the synthesizer band's 1988 American tour. We see managers worrying...
The tracklist features 'Master And Servant' 'PIMPF' 'Behind The Wheel' 'Strangelove' 'Blasphemous Rumours' 'Stripped' 'Somebody' 'Black Celebration' 'Ple...
101 - Depeche Mode
A live album and a greatest-hits album all in one,101proves that Depeche Mode are just as ... more
capable of performing on stage as they are working in a studio. The listener is easily swept up in the hysteria of the fans screaming in the audience. From the...
101 - Depeche Mode
A live album and a greatest-hits album all in one, 101 proves that Depeche Mode are just ... more
as capable of performing on stage as they are working in a studio. The listener is easily swept up in the hysteria of the fans screaming in the audience. From t...
Depeche Mode - 101
Disc One:101 - a film by D. A. Pennebaker, Chris Hegedus, David DawkinsDisc Two:Live At ... more
The Pasadena Rose Bowl June 18th 1988;Master And Servant - Pimpf - Behind The Wheel - Strangelove - Blasphemous Rumours - Stripped - Somebody - Black Celebration - ...
A review by a-true-ben on 101 [SACD] - Depeche Mode November 26th, 2003
Author's product rating:
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money
Advantages:
Well, the live show's quite good
Disadvantages:
But music DVDs are only really for devoted fans, right?
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
The product: Just to clarify (though it should be clear from the category) Depeche Mode originally released 101 both as a live CD and video back in the 1980s. This review refers to the re-release of the video (and some extra material) on DVD in November 2003.
For all their detractors, Depeche Mode have not only lasted out over twenty years in the music business, but done a lot better at cracking America than most British artists since (with notable exceptions perhaps only of Bush and the Spice Girls). Not as experimental as earlier synth pioneers like Gary Numan or Cabaret Voltaire, yet always retaining a touch more sophistication than more pop-oriented contemporaries such as Duran Duran and (post-Dare) Human League, the ‘Mode somehow found a magic formula between the two. In their early days of Vince ‘Erasure’ Clarke inspired synth-cheese they were almost the 1980s’ Blazin’ Squad. By 1988, when this video was originally filmed (on the Music For The Masses tour), the band had noticeably grown up a lot - Martin Gore had taken over the song-writing following Clarke’s departure and the band were tapping darker themes.
101, now being reissued on DVD, charts the band’s tour across the USA. America had been raised on 1960s/70s rock n roll, and for a band to throw away their guitars and embrace keyboards and synths was revolutionary. ‘Depeche Who?’ when they arrived, playing in front of thousands of fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl (June 18th 1988) cemented the band’s arrival.
The main documentary feature is a fore-runner of the MTV-style ‘real world’ rock-umentary that we’re now so used to, and bored of. Groundbreaking in its day perhaps, now we’ve seen all the fly-on-the-wall backstage with the roadies before. Eight fans were lucky enough to win a radio competition and accompany the band on tour. For them, no doubt, this DVD is a brilliant memento. Otherwise only the most ardent DM fan is likely to enjoy sitting through this. The original version has no narration, just various band members and assorted hangers on gooning around, doing make up and occasionally giving not particularly interesting insights into their lives in response to questions from behind the camera. There is a commentary track on the DVD, but I couldn‘t be bothered to sit through the whole thing again - it still wasn‘t very interesting.
Far more exciting, for me and probably most others, is the live set on the second disc (with surround sound or stereo sound options, naturally). Hordes of screaming fans, the light show and the band themselves - somewhere between dark and gothic and 80s camp - on stage, it’s all there for twelve songs. Granted, several later hits are obviously absent (‘Enjoy The Silence’, ‘Personal Jesus’) but plenty of older favourites are present. ‘Master And Servants’ could almost have come from Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine, but for all the oh-so-dark-and-moodiness of this and ‘Blasphemous Rumours’, you can tell the band are enjoying themselves from the way they smile through ‘Strangelove’.
Anyone who saw Dave Gahan at Glastonbury last summer will no doubt be shocked how much younger he looks - but then this was fifteen years and a lot of drug problems ago. Clearly enjoying being both a pin up and centre of attention, he dances around the stage revelling in the attention. For any fan of early ‘Mode it’s a great set - rounded off with the superb climax of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ (the only Vince Clarke number, with that infectious catchy baseline), ‘Everything Counts’ (the live version with crowd singing along that appeared on their Singles 1986-98 CD) and ‘Never Let Me Down’.
The other treat for fans (particularly for those who own the original video) is the inclusion of recently filmed exclusive interviews with the band and some of their entourage - including three of the fans reminiscing about the tour, meeting Axl Rose, their vinyl collection and clothes. I have to say, it’s hardly gripping footage, and only reinforces my view that these DVDs are only really aimed at hardcore fans.
I’d consider myself a ‘casual fan’. I own both singles collections (81-85 and 86-98), and I can‘t honestly say I thought much of this package. Admittedly I came to the band much later - thereby missing the nostalgia value some may feel for this - and I prefer the later stuff too. Maybe therefore my judgement’s not as positive as what some fans would say, but I certainly don’t think this would have much appeal for someone who wasn’t already quite a DM fan.
Contents summary: Disc 1: Documentary - 2/5 (but I’d give this to much such products - you really need to be interested in the band) Disc 2: Live show - 3.5/5 (good, but I’d rather capture more of their later hits) Interviews - 2/5 (again fan only really - you’re unlikely to watch most of them more than once or twice) ‘Everything Counts’ video - 3/5
Technical details: All regions DVD Total running time approx 3 hours 38 mins Audio 5.1 surround sound or PCM stereo
Exempt from video classification. Currently £19.79 on Amazon (£21.99 RRP). Going by reviews there, other fans are divided on the documentary and many consider the DVD reissue 'cheap cashing in'
Advantages: Loads of songs, excellent live performance. Disadvantages: Aimed at the fans.
...years ago and was number 101 in a long list of live dates in america to promote the Music For The Masses album. The recording is almost perfect the songs are performed with energy and the crowd really are enjoying every second of every song. There are many classic depeche mode songs here and if you're a DM fan who hasn't got this then you have no idea just how much you're missing out on. One of the highlights of the album is the track "Somebody" ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Interesting, Funny, Good music Disadvantages: Fans Only
...and as such, really enjoyed 101. For the uninitiated or the only moderately interested, I doubt there would be much for you. The 101 film tracks the progress of Depeche Mode crossing the US in 1988. The culmination of the journey is a seminal performance at the Pasadena Rose Bowl to 70,000 fans. There's a lot of reality show style focus on the winners of a competition to travel to the Rose Bowl and a little on the actual band. The folks they chose ... ...the tour is supporting which is the excellent and anthemic 101. DA Pennebaker is an excellent film maker who captures them right at the beginning of their career peak. The DVD also adds additional interviews with the band and fans now, except, notably Alan Wilder. Excellent for completists. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Well, i can say this brings music to my ears, a person jesus to me if you like, something most people would dislike nowadays, but for me, I love them, all over and all around, Depeche mode are a brilliant band for your entertainment and theyre fair in all aspects, unlike some bands, I think due to depeche mode being around a lot longer then some other bands, this is the gears to my ears, keeps me happy when i get down... I hope you all like this ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful
Plot: Features the film '101' and the band recorded live at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in June 1988. The tracklist features 'Master And Servant', 'PIMPF', 'Behind The Wheel', 'Strangelove', 'Blasphemous Rumours', 'Stripped', 'Somebody', 'Black Celebration', 'Pleasure Little Treasure', 'Just Can't Get Enough', 'Everything Counts' and 'Never Let Me Down Again'.
Additional notes
Album Notes: 101 was reissued in Europe under the title TOTAL LIVE. British import is presented anew with Hybrid Super Audio hi-res capabilities. Also comes with a bonus song. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Perhaps the first indication that Depeche Mode's US following had expanded from a small but vociferous cult was the release of documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker's film DEPECHE MODE 101, which showcased a sold-out stadium concert in southern California. This two-disc set is the soundtrack to that film. If the idea of a concert film of a synth-pop band whose live performances are based on pre-recorded tapes and sequencers seems a bit odd, this may not be for you, but Depeche Mode fans often rank this one of their favorite releases. Away from their pristine studio settings, Martin Gore's songs and Dave Gahan's voice lose some of their smooth edges, and the vocally adoring crowd undoubtedly contributes to the general air of relaxed good humor, even on the bleaker tracks. Novices should perhaps start with the studio albums, however.
Manufacturer's product description
The title 101 comes from the the fact that the Rose Bowl concert, on June 18th 1988, was the 101st and indeed final concert--attended by 60,453 fans--of their 'Music for the Masses' world tour. And 101 is also the title that DA Pennebaker (famed for filming John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and the Bob Dylan film DON'T LOOK BACK) gave to his film about Depeche Mode, coupled here with the live coverage of the Mode at the Rose Bowl. A competition was held and the winners were given the chance to follow the band around by bus, and some are interviewed here.
Titles on disc 1
1.: Pimpf, 101 (film by D.A. Pennebaker)
2.: Behind The Wheel, Master And Servant
3.: Strangelove, PIMPF
4.: Sacred, Sacred (Not on LP), Behind The Wheel
5.: Something To Do, Strangelove
6.: Blasphemous Rumours
7.: Stripped
8.: Somebody
9.: Things You Said, Black Celebration
10.: Pleasure Little Treasure
16.: Interviews With The Fans (Where are they now)
13.: Never Let Me Down Again
11.: Just Can't Get Enough
15.: Documentary (interview with the band)
14.: Everything Counts (video)
12.: Everything Counts
Titles on disc 2
1.: Black Celebration
2.: Shake The Disease
3.: Nothing, Nothing (Not on LP)
4.: Pleasure Little Treasure
5.: People Are People
6.: Question Of Time
7.: Never Let Me Down Again
8.: Question Of Lust
9.: Master And Servant
10.: Just Can't Get Enough
11.: Everything Counts
Release details
Studio(s): MUTE FILMS; EMI OPERATIONS, EMI MUSIC
No of Discs: 2
Catalogue No: DMDVD 3
Release date: 10/11/2003
Barcode: 0724349087392
DVD Region: DVD
Languages
Main Language: English
Technical information
Dubbing Sound: PCM Stereo English, Dolby Digital Stereo English
Special Features: Commentary Track By Band Members And The Filmmakers, Interviews With The Band Members, Interviews With Fans, Everything Counts Music Video
Sound: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since : 23/09/2000
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