Oh dear! in the Australian version of the TV series 'Pop Stars' there was a set of twins that got voted out - they were two guys from Sweden, and have managed to get themselves a record deal anyway!?
They are going under the name 'Twins' and their first single? a cover version of People Are People by Depeche Mode - and what a sad version it is too! - they sing the enire song though a 'vocoder' machine (which is becoming quite popular lately with R&B) thus causing the song to 'sound' very R&B and theres WAY too much of R&B in the music scene at the moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe they were given permission by the boys in the Mode to totally screw up one of their anthems!

Eek! I hope that I'm not forced to listen to that version of People are People. I also hope all of these international versions of Pop Star stop polluting the airwaves in short order.

MDC: Official Stalker of DD86 :D

I think you should be pretty safe MDC :) unless it takes off in the UK (which is likely, being Australian) and then there may be a chance you migh hear it (god forbid!)

Hmm...now you made me curious... :D

I have a fair number of DM-covers, and so far, none of them was so bad that I´ve started to hurl. Of course, there are good ones and some which had better be refined for, say, 3 - 4 weeks in the studio before being mastered. ;)

Guess we´ll soon get a taste of this, too - if it becomes a hit in the UK, it won´t take long until it´s also aired here.

If you want to hear a really interesting version of "People Are People", check out the 12" of the Caspar Brötzmann Massaker. I have to admit that I don´t like it that much...but as I said, it´s interesting. :D

That does sound interesting - a Caspar Brötzmann Massaker german 12" version!
I must admit they have great taste in their selection of band to cover, but I don't think it can be done right until it sounds 'exactly' like Depeche Mode - and that sort of defeats the purpose of a cover version.
I was pretty disapointed with Music For The Masses (the DM tribute) it just didn't have the drive and get up and go beat of the 80's - it was all subdued with a 90's edge.

I hope no one took offense at what I said in my earlier post! I was just saying that the American version of Pop Star "produced" Eden's Crush, a rather lack-luster girlie-pop thing, and I just assumed that the same show in other countries would produce similar results!!!

MDC: Official Stalker of DD86 :D

NNNNOOOOO!!! Not another one of these new groups trying to desicrate a classic 80's song! What is wrong with these groups? They always have to either sample 80's songs or make remakes.

I agree with Retro, there is too much R&B on the charts. I'm not against R&B, I just don't like all this sound-the-same music. As for "Popstars", why don't they make a season where they try to put together a metal band. THAT would be interesting!

what a FANTASTIC idea Iluv80S! a metal popstars show, I didn't even think of that. can you imagine the auditions? it would be insane!! now, I WOULD WATCH THAT!!!!

Yes, I'm totally with you on the R&B thing, I don't hate R&B, but then there is too much of it on the radio I quickly start to!

Yeah, I think there people who do 80's covers and lift samples for 80's tunes are trying to cash in on the success of 80's music. They want something instantly recognisable, to gain quick success - it's pretty clever & smart when you think about it (especially for a debut) but it never fails to upset all us 80's loving people. I'm surprised no one has used a sample loop from Adam & The Ants 'Ant Music' yet!!! ha ha!

Originally posted by wavemaster:

I have a fair number of DM-covers, and so far, none of them was so bad that I´ve started to hurl.


I know how you feel Wave. I felt the same way about Prince. I have tons of remakes of his songs from Joe Cocker to The London Symphony Orchestra but none ever made me wanna hurl, that is, until I heard Leann Rimes cover "Purple Rain". *gag* see... I gag just talking about it. It was worse then the Hollies version where they pronounce it "pop-le rain".

Originally posted by RetroMan:
<STRONG>
I must admit they have great taste in their selection of band to cover, but I don't think it can be done right until it sounds 'exactly' like Depeche Mode - and that sort of defeats the purpose of a cover version.
I was pretty disapointed with Music For The Masses (the DM tribute) it just didn't have the drive and get up and go beat of the 80's - it was all subdued with a 90's edge.</STRONG>

First...the guys of DM were the last to be asked if anyone can use their songs or samples.
Although MUTE Records is - measured on others - a quite liberal label, all rights are in their hands. Generally, if you ask, you can cover/sample it, it´s all a matter of the royalties.
BTW, 'People Are People' and 'Master And Servant' belong to the most sampled songs ever!

Personally, I think that some of the remakes are very interesting. The 'Music For The Masses'-tribute wasn´t overall good (ironically, more known bands like The Cure blew their covers IMHO :D ), but the versions of Gus Gus or Deftones (examples) added a new twist to the originals which I liked at least.

Most of the DM-tributes are what they meant for - a bowdown to one of the most influential groups of Synthpop history ever.

About the 'Samplemania'...I agree with most of you. Many tracks wouldn´t have had such a success if they hadn´t featured a well-known sample, especially in the R&B sector. In the 80´s, it was considered as innovative, but now, it´s nothing more like milking the cash cow.

I agree with Retro, there is too much R&B on the charts. I'm not against R&B, I just don't like all this sound-the-same music. As for "Popstars", why don't they make a season where they try to put together a metal band. THAT would be interesting!

I don´t want to aggravate you, Stacy, but...Metal won´t sell anymore to the masses, especially on TV. That´s the reason why there´s no more 'Headbangers Ball' here on MTV, and in the meanwhile, you can count the numbers of metal video clips aired by any music station on the fingers of two hands.
Besides...do you really want a Metal-Spice Girls version? ;)
Most of the metal (and any other) bands formed through talent and should not be formed by calculation - another humble opinion of mine.

Originally posted by wavemaster:
<STRONG>

I don´t want to aggravate you, Stacy, but...Metal won´t sell anymore to the masses, especially on TV. </STRONG>

Part of the reason it won't sell is because it never gets a chance. The airwaves are dominated by boybands and Britney Spear clones. Then this new rock stuff. I know lots of people who love metal. The "Popstar" thing was really a joke, I didn't mean it literally. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion.


Originally posted by wavemaster:<STRONG>
Most of the metal (and any other) bands formed through talent and should not be formed by calculation - another humble opinion of mine.</STRONG>

I agree, metal, rock, synth, or any other kind of music doesn't need to be put together by some record company. They get together and make music because there is a good working formula between the members. I just hope that soon music can go through another change and bring back the days of some real talent on the radio and into the mainstream.

Originally posted by Iluv80s:
<STRONG>

Part of the reason it won't sell is because it never gets a chance. The airwaves are dominated by boybands and Britney Spear clones. Then this new rock stuff. I know lots of people who love metal. The "Popstar" thing was really a joke, I didn't mean it literally. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion.</STRONG>

Don´t give them new ideas... ;)
If that what is generally described as 'Metal' would be successfully exploitable of label and TV station execs, you can be sure they would set up a similar format like 'Popstars', probably named 'Rockstars' then.
It´s just sad that most of the 'special interest' programs were flattened by the big $ in the eyes of the entertainment and other "hip" industries.

Originally posted by Iluv80s:
<STRONG>
I agree, metal, rock, synth, or any other kind of music doesn't need to be put together by some record company. They get together and make music because there is a good working formula between the members. I just hope that soon music can go through another change and bring back the days of some real talent on the radio and into the mainstream. </STRONG>

100% agree. Period. :)

I just bought yet another Depeche Mode Tribute album. This one's called, "Sweetest Temptation" and it has mostly modern synthpop bands on it. Most of the songs are okay, nothing special or too interesting, but 2 of them are great.

New Concept - New Dress (this is an amazing cover)

and...

Yendri - Behind the Wheel (they do a pretty decent cover of this)

I am a DM fan(going to see them in concert this Saturday), covers of DM songs are OK if they are done in a different way. The DM tribute album 'For the Masses' was good because the bands did the songs in a different, often more rock-orientated style.

xistenza, that's sounds more like what I would like - could you please give me the catalog number (should be on the right hand side of the CD spine) I'll track it though my import company, I want it!!
Graham, can you please come back here and post a set list from the DM concert - i would love to know what they play. i'm so jealous of you! last time the Mode was here (1994) I couldn't make the show, and I've been regretting it ever since! :(

I do not mind cover versions if they can add something else to the song. I really like Tori Amos' version of Enjoy The Silence from her new album. She does it very well and her voice is tormented enough to make it sound "right".

Originally posted by RetroMan:
<STRONG>xistenza, that's sounds more like what I would like - could you please give me the catalog number (should be on the right hand side of the CD spine) I'll track it though my import company, I want it!! :(</STRONG>

SPV 085-81132

Enjoy!!

Flix - about time your got your Depeche Moderator butt in this topic!! :eek: :p ;) :D :)

Hello RetroMan, the planned set list for the Exciter Tour will be ,'Dream On', 'The Dead of Night', 'The Sweetest Condition, 'Halo', 'Walking In My Shoes', 'When The Body Speaks', 'Waiting for the Night', 'The Bottom Line', 'Breathe', 'Freelove', 'Enjoy The Silence', 'I Feel You', 'In Your Room', 'It's No Good', 'I Feel loved', 'Personal Jesus'. Encores include, 'Home', 'Clean', 'Black Celebration', and 'Never Let Me Down Again'. I will let you know after the show on Saturday.(P.S Have left you a message)

Thank you very much Xistenza :) I think I will really enjoy it (being synthpop)

Thanks Graham! do you realize how lucky you are? I squirm every time I think of you going to see DM this weekend! I WANNA GO!

I'm surprised no one has used a sample loop from Adam & The Ants 'Ant Music' yet!!!

So am I Retro! I'm surprised a lot of the early 80s stuff hasn't been sampled.
I have recently heard Alien Ant Farm's version of 'Smooth Criminal' though. I don't like Michael Jackson's new song either. A few 80s remakes going around lately huh??

I have to confess I enjoy the Alien Ant Farm version of Smooth Criminal quite a bit! I also have to agree with Sheree that Michael Jackson's new single, Rock My World, is very lack-luster as well. And that video... Michael looks just hideous, with his surgically contorted face...

MDC: Official Stalker of DD86 :D

The Tori Amos cover version of Enjoy The Silence is one of the best cover versions I have ever heard.

Thank you Wave and Xistenza for letting me know about these Depeche Mode cover songs.

I have to admit some people or groups do amazing covers, but I just hate when it's a girl/boy group, it cheapens the original song for me! Madonna has like 4 or 5 tribute albums and there is some good stuff on it, but it would never be as great as the original! :thumb:

I noticed Destinys Child do a little 'Tarzan Boy' bit by Baltimora at the start of their new single

Okay, it's not DM anymore, but...the German dancefloor scene is currently digging up coverversions faster than you can actually say "Depeche Mode"... :


DJ's @ Work - Time To Wonder
DJ Quicksilver - Always On My Mind
Hot Coffee presents Pink Coffee - Another Brick In The Wall
Jan Wayne - Because The Night
Mad'House - Like A Prayer (I've heard that there are two more versions from different artists out)
Mad'House - Holiday (guess who had performed the original version...)
Safri Duo feat. Michael McDonald - Sweet Freedom
Sandra (yes, she's back!) - Such A Shame
Scooter - Nessaja (this one's probably unknown outside Germany, the original was written and performed by Peter Maffay)
Tiga & Zyntherius - Sunglasses At Night

Now, most of the tracks are the standard German techno stuff...the only two tracks I can recommend from this list are "Sunglasses At Night" and "Sweet Freedom" (haven't heard Sandra's version so far).