DM

Oh god. I've been having a deep craving for Depeche Mode's Black Celebration, Violator, and Music for the Masses.

I've been putting together videos and images for a "musical icons" project in my 101 class and, of course, I had to go there. I pulled up my favorite videos: "Halo," "World in My Eyes," and "Policy of Truth," which were staples in my pubescent diet. I love Anton Corbijn's art direction (he also did U2's videos): dark, gritty, and nostalgic---just like my boys.

If you knew me in high school, you knew that DM was my number one musical priority. One of the crowning moments of my adolescence was my first DM concert, where I screamed, got my panties in a bunch, and acted a fool. I loved them. Worshiped them. I swore I would lose my virginity to an Englishman. Ah, well....

Angela and I used to sit and obsessively watch 101 and the Violator videos on VHS (I think I actually still have that 101 video somewhere). We watched 101 so many times that each curl of smoke was familiar to me (and still oddly is). It formed the backbone for many of our "isms" in 10th grade. I'd say, "I said Elvis, I said BORING!" or "Oliver!," which would instantly trigger a cascade of giggles form Angela (a cascade that is unique and endearing, even to this day). I think the band also gave us an aesthetic of masculinity that would form (at least on my part) my sometimes peculiar taste in the opposite sex, as did the "characters" in 101, especially Oliver, who was (from what we could tell) straight but decidedly punk rock meets femme.

Watching them takes me back, and it fits like a really well-loved, threadbare shirt, the one you tuck into a drawer and only pull out when you need comfort and familiarity. It's ratty and faded but delightful. Oh wait! That's my Violator tour t-shirt....

"Halo":



"Policy of Truth" (when I was 14, I used to fantasize I was the girl Dave Gahan is making out with):



"Stripped" (live):