Permanent Record Podcast: Depeche Mode – Some Great Reward (1984) Part 1

Depeche Mode – Some Great Reward (1984) Part 1

Jul 29, 2019

Episode 87: Depeche Mode – Some Great Reward (1984) Part 1

The summer is still in full swing, and it has kept Brian and Sarah rather busy and without a lot of time to discuss an album in depth. But our hosts have made time to discuss a very important album in their lives— Depeche Mode’s fourth effort, Some Great Reward. The 35th anniversary of Some Great Reward’s release will be coming up soon, so it seemed like a good time to do an exploration of this classic record.

Part 1 - Album History
This is the third Depeche Mode album without founding member Vince Clarke, and the second for which at least some of it was recorded at the famous Hansa studios in Berlin. Brian talks about where the band was in their development at this time, and both Brian and Sarah go into the process of recording the album, which included shaking buildings, “construction time again” (but not what you’re thinking), and a trip to a toy store. Of course, the usual release and chart information is also provided, although not without some confusion on the part of both hosts, due to conflicting information on various websites, including Depeche Mode’s own page!

Part 2 - Personal History
In this section of the episode, Brian explains that he has, in fact, already told the story of how he first came to know about this album. If you’ve listened to other episodes of this show and are wondering why you don’t remember hearing that tale, well, Brian explains that too. Sarah’s story for this album is very similar to ones she has told before, although she does add in some information about hearing the song “People Are People” on the radio back in 1985.

Part 3 - Track by Track
After a quick break to share some important voicemail messages, Brian and Sarah get down to covering the five tracks on Side One, which includes one of the most recognizable songs by Depeche Mode, and perhaps even of the 80s. The hosts once again come up with interesting and sometimes amusing descriptions of the sounds they hear in the various songs, and they talk about how both Dave’s vocals and Martin’s lyrics have matured. Brian also mentions his initial confusion regarding band members and their roles, and in one case, even their appearance. And finally, how does Bruce Springsteen make his way into this episode??

Something to Do
Lie to Me
People Are People
It Doesn’t Matter
Stories of Old

See the videos discussed here:

People Are People

Stories of Old - Bare