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Permanent Record Podcast

Brian and Sarah are your hosts for this look back at albums from the New Wave and Classic Rock genres-- albums which have earned a permanent spot in their record collection. The hosts start the discussion with a history of the album, followed by their personal history with it. Over the course of two episodes, they do a track-by-track review of the album and the videos that accompany the singles. They conclude by each giving the album a final review and rating of zero to five record adapters. Join Brian and Sarah in this fun look back at the hits-- along with some misses-- of the 70s and 80s!
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  2. Depeche Mode - Speak & Spell (1981) Part 3

Jun 14, 2025

Episode 186: Depeche Mode – Speak & Spell (1981) Part 3

In this episode, Brian and Sarah resume their look back at Depeche Mode’s debut album. As a reminder, they’re using the US track listing as they talk about the album, but for the songs contained in this episode, the track listing is the same on both sides of the pond. 

The next songs up for discussion aren’t singles, but that doesn’t stop our hosts from finding plenty of things to talk about. Here are just a few examples:
•    Sarah’s phrase ‘Erasure gallop’ is changed to ‘Vince Clarke gallop’ due to one of these songs
•    Brian’s favorite ‘one-two punches’ of Depeche Mode album tracks—one of which is found on this album
•    The probable origins of the song “What’s Your Name?” and whether or not it’s actually a bad song. 
•    DJ Stevo competing with Daniel Miller to work with Depeche Mode, and the compromise that was reached
•    The last live performance of “Photographic” and who was there for it

Additionally, our hosts are thrilled to share recordings from two listeners who provided Speak & Spell memories, and there are three reviews to read as well. And here’s a friendly reminder that you too, can use the phone number or link below to record your own memories for use in a future episode!

Songs discussed in this episode: 
Nodisco
What’s Your Name?
Photographic

Depeche Mode performing on “Something Else” TV show, October 23, 1981

“Photographic” performance from The World We Live In and Live In Hamburg

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