There was a time when you could walk into your average record store and find the singles section by spotting the big block of black rows. These rows signaled the whereabouts of the Ds and tended to eat up a disproportionate space of the singles section. In 2004, the Mute label condensed all of these releases into Remixes 81-04, which itself was ironically (or fittingly) presented in multiple versions. This particular version is a triple-disc set that attempts to function as a representative sampling of Depeche Mode's innumerable remixes. It does an admirable job, making a point to highlight glorified extended versions and radical reworkings alike.
A stronger release than Taylor's previous EP, this hook-laden record shows much in the way of maturity and growth as an artist. It's still very political, but this time leaning a bit further to the left, discussing such issues as racism in the church ("We Don't Need No Colour Code") and human rights violations worldwide ("Over My Dead Body"). The songwriting is killer overall…
Remixes 2: 81–11 is a remix compilation album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 6 June 2011 by Mute Records. The album is the band's second remix collection, following Remixes 81–04 (2004). It spans the band's entire career and includes new arrangements by former Depeche Mode members Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder. The compilation concludes the band's recording contract with EMI…