Visual History Of Discography And Style From Bands Of The Past!!!!!

[Synth-Fox]

Hi there!!! .... I know, I know!!! the title of the thread is a bit long.... ah well.... its sure to catch some fur's eyes      So.. let me give you the big picture of what I'm gonna be posting here in the future!!    This is basically an archive of past music and style from old bands... Ill start with a bands first debut album or single and then write a little about works.. post pictures and give links as well so you can hear and see what I'm talking about too! ... I may have little breaks from one band to look at another just to make sure it doesn't get too monotonous.... apart from that ill also be showing pictures of how bands styles change visually, from the way they dress to the artwork on their albums and singles!   .....  So!! with out further ado, lets begin!!     

Post Merge: July 09, 2016, 06:30:22 PM
Depeche Mode
Ok.... yeah..... this is probably very predictable! I'm starting with Depeche Mode.... my favourite band of all time!!     ... Depeche Mode originated from the Basildon music scene and started performing in 1980 with live gigs at small clubs like the Art Centre Bar in Basildon town centre (a popular place for young students and a proving ground of sorts for new acts like Yazoo... 


the original line up was, Dave Gahan (Lead singer) Martin Gore (Synthesizer, backing vocals) Andy Fletcher (Synthesizer) and Vince Clark (song writer, backing vocals, Synthesiser) 

Post Merge: July 09, 2016, 06:53:53 PM
The bands initial appearance upon their debut was very Futurist/ New Romantic inspired, with all the members wearing layered clothing and even using hints of make up.. this and there smart hairstyles yet over worldly look was all signatures of the fashion movements in London and Birmingham at the time.. London of course being the place that New Romanticism originated from as a back lash to Punk and Anarchist influences... 

Post Merge: July 09, 2016, 07:02:36 PMNew romanticism and Futurism were movements that spawned from the styles of David Bowie, specifically from his time as his alter egos Ziggy Stardust, the thin white juke and the clown from ashes to ashes....

Post Merge: July 09, 2016, 07:34:55 PM
styles changed constantly with the band through out 1981, how ever it was their attire in the music video for "Just cant get enough* that was the most notable, as it shows their use of leather jackets, leather trousers and boots, all in black.. which soon would become Depeche Mode's signature look for its timeless appeal and "biker" looks....


Here's a link for the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6FBfAQ-NDE

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[Synth-Fox]

After many gigs at bars, clubs and university campuses, Depeche Mode finally managed to get signed with a record label that wasn't focused on money... Mute records promised the band they'd help release an album for them and promote their image to the public.
 
And so, sure enough Depeche Mode's Debut album Speak and Spell was released on October 5th 1981 with positive reception. Several tracks were also performed by the band pseudo-live on TV shows like Top Of The Pops and Swap Shop..






Post Merge: July 10, 2016, 10:03:18 PM

The album was unique both visually and auditory, with the cover showing a stuffed swan wrapped in cellophane, very Avant-garde.. And the music was a nice contrast between the more serious almost machine like serious style of synth, and the melodic lighter style..   


here is a link to the full album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrK5oxdGYXQ     


also, below are pictures of the back and front cover of my copy of the album..

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[Synth-Fox]

After great success with their first album, in a surprise move Vince Clark leaves to start a new band called "Yazoo" with Alison Moyet. With no song writer, responsibility is put on Martin Gore's shoulders to create music unique and bold, to captivate the new wave scene. 


thankfully, the gap that Vince had left was quickly filled by a talented young musician by the name of Alan Wilder, he had been taught the piano from a young age which made him perfect for playing more complex piece on the synthesizer.


Vince Clarks fears of the band splitting up were put to rest when Depeche Mode's new line up released "See You" on the 29 of January 1982. The new single was a big success and was performed on Top Of The Pops as well.


The bands appearance was still constantly changing also, New Romanticism was slowly fading away and futurism seemed to be the prominent style... The band stuck to wearing formal suits, wool cardigans, checked shirts, leather trousers and other various smart attire for most of 1982 in a similar style to older bands like "Kraftwerk" and "Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark" (OMD)   


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[Synth-Fox]

Later that year Depeche Mode released their second album,  "A Broken Frame" was partly inspired by soviet style artwork and symbolism, an excellent example is the front cover showing a women cutting wheat with a sickle in traditional Russian clothing.


The songs on the album contrasted a lot from one another, some were very cheerful and upbeat like "The Meaning Of Love" or "A Photograph Of You" where as songs like "Leave In Silence", "Monument" and "My Secret Garden" were much darker and serious...


Link to album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcx121YDjgw

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[Synth-Fox]

1983 saw Depeche Mode take another change of direction, there music was now using samples of industrial works and machine noises.. There was also a massive use of percussion and drum machines to keep the beat of the songs and add greater depth to the music..


There style in clothes was toned down a little this time... more casual and a bit more bold, they tended to wear short sleeve dark shirts and baggy jeans or trousers...


The Album released by the band that year was titled "Construction Time Again" .. The cover has a very powerful image of a man holding a sledgehammer, standing on a cliff face...    The picture suggests that he is chiselling the mountains into shape, which would feel like a massive task.. its almost as if the man is thinking the name of the album title in a remorseful or disappointed way...


 The majority of the songs seem to have a similar foreboding style to each other, as if each song is warning of something that's happening or going to happen.. an excellent example of these are "The Landscape Is Changing"  : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjKZl1uA0u4  and "Told You So" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Bj6hhwWYA   


The music had returned to its earlier roots of "Speak And Spell" In a way... The was a much bolder and strong background to the music now, but it was the melodys that had improved the most.. tending to be short, sweet and simplistic, so as not to overwhelm the song..   The use of loud, almost jagged or machine like lyrics was used in great effect additonaly..  A perfect example of this is the Album's main single "Everything Counts" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugnXYG3HUNA   .. The music video was also interesting as it used multiple frames of camera footage overlapping one anouther whilst rotating... Layering became standard practice for special effects in the 1980's and was used for many TV shows, Movies and Music Videos...


Hairstyles of the band had also changed too, all the members had gone for a more edgy kind of look, using gel and hairspray to have sliked back styles or crazy spikey hair.. long gone were the days of floofy ligh hair, that looked way to timed and watered down for Depeche mode... Martin Gore even shaved the sides of his hair to look more outstanding, and not fall in line with all the boring curly haired people!


Here is a link to the full Album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm_FJlFbL2I




Also below, there are two examples of the fashion Depeche Mode wore circa 1983


And even further below them are the back and front of my copy of the album

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[Synth-Fox]

Depeche mode's fourth studio album, "Some Great Reward" certified their position as the most advanced all synthesized band of the decade.. Constantly avoiding the mainstream pop sounds,  Taking the underground and experimental sounds and giving them their own melody, bringing the unique sounds they recorded to listeners around the world..


The groups style of clothing was slowly changing back to the biker look that had been used briefly in 1981.. The use of leather jackets, studded belts and biker boots would slowly become the signature look for Depeche Mode around this time, even though they wore casual shirts and blazers for the majority of the time..


The album its self was quite similar to "Construction Time Again" in regards to the sound of the music, slowly getting darker, but always retaining a decent melody and beat..


The use of industrial sounds being sampled was also used on many of the albums songs, in order to sound unique and standout from the other bands of the time, who were mostly just using basic style drum machines with factory settings..


Artwork on the album was again, visually striking.. painting an appropriate industrial/factory scene, but with a human touch in the form of the two figures in the foreground..


There were two main singles released from "Some Great Reward" the first being "People Are People" and the second being "Master And Servant"..  both songs have a way of addressing the past styles of the band, and the direction they would head in as well.. People Are People for instance is a more aggressive feeling song, that seems dark, yet has a very pronounced melody.. However, Master And Servant combined the styles of previous songs and took them in a different approach, the track was fast paced, with a striking tempo, yet it felt more upbeat, similar to songs like "The Meaning Of Love" and "New Life" but was more of a dance song to enjoy..


Here are the links for both singles: "People Are People" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGnX-MbYE4
                                                        "Master And Servant" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsvfofcIE1Q


And here is the link for the full album: "Some Great Reward" (1984) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPBGeyB2MkU




And finally below, two examples of Depeche Mode's visual style circa 1984.. and below that, the front and back cover of the vinyl I own  

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[Synth-Fox]

In 1985 Depeche Mode slowed their pace down a little, since they had released one album each year, made remixes and performed live constantly for the past four years..  even though they were technically taking a break, the band was still very active.. 


Performing live was an excellent way to get people motivated and exited, whilst promoting the bands sound and style.. gigs like Warsaw and West Berlin were perfect for the band to show off altered or reworked tracks from previous albums. By doing this the band showed how it could go back to its roots and still progress quickly..


The band reluctantly printed a compilation album entitled "Catching Up With Depeche Mode 1981-1985" this album was mainly comprised of singles from albums and a side 7" records. However this move was risky as it could have been enterpreted as the end of the band and that this compilation album would simply be a summery of their work..


Thankfully this was not true as Depeche Mode released two new singles later that year, "Shake The Disease" and "It's Called A Heart" were both very interesting stand alone records that had mixed results from the band it self and the listeners..


Lets start with "Shake The Disease"... The single was quite unusual for Depeche Mode at this time, It was certainly the most successful track of 1985 though.. the song is much more slower and has a decent mix between melody, bass and percussion.. with samples of corrugated metal being struck being used to great effect.. the song seems to be more romantic and may have been intended to be a slow dance track..   The B-Side to the single, called "Flexible" was the complete opposite on the other hand, very up beat for the band at this time.. and the very last upbeat sounding song that Depeche Mode recorded..


Here's a like to the single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbIF-VZMU8Y
Also here is the link for the music video of "Shake The Disease" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_0sL_SQYvw


As for the second single "Its Called A Heart". The band had mixed emotions about it.. Martin Gore and Alan Wilder were both displeased with the A-Side "Its Called A Heart" as they thought it was far too generic pop sounding.. something they were purposely trying to steer clear of..  Though it was criticised by Martin, Alan and even some of the fans, it is still a good track, that is very catchy and would be excellent to dance to.. A music video for the song was also produced in rural Japan, where Depeche Mode had visited for part of the year... Even though the A-side to the single had its critics, it was the B-Side to the single was the most intriguing, "Fly On The Windscreen".. A return to Depeche Mode's darker and more Avant Grade side, it was purposely put on the B-Side as it was seen to be too dark for an A-Side single, and there were fears it wouldn't sell if it was done differently.. Much to the disappointment of Martin and Alan.. most interestingly moreover, the track was slightly reworked and featured on the bands next album in 1986...


Here is a link to the full single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeU_xZ5NG3Y
And also here is a link to the music video for "Its Called A Heart" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sBow29ROdI


The bands style of clothing was still quite varied at this time, for live gigs were it would be very hot, they tended to wear things like short sleeved shirts, tank tops and in Martin's case bondage gear... In both the music video "Shake The Disease" they mainly wear black leather clothes, which was a nod to their future, and in the video for "Its Called A Heart" they wore slightly less formal attire, since it was still very hot in Japan at the time of filming.. A notable point would be Martin's Australian outback inspired look, where he donned a Stetson and a brown leather jacket without a shirt... Hairstyles of the band had changed a lot additionally, with both Dave Gahan and Andy Fletcher dyeing their hair bright blonde, and most memorable, Martin's braid down the right side of his neck..


Below are two examples of the fashion of Depeche Mode circa 1985..


And further down are pictures of my copies of the two singles I mentioned earlier.. (note that my copy of "Shake The Disease" is actually the 12 inch single with a remixed version of the song and different artwork on the sleeve, there is also a 12 inch single of "Its Called A Heart" that is also an extended remix of the A and B side, this also has alternative artwork to the 7 inch version, the links to the 12 inch singles and "catching Up With Depeche Mode 1981-1985 are below)


"Shake The Disease 12 inch single" A-Side: "Shake The Disease Extended Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I3fJMk4csk
                                                          B-Side: "Flexible Extended Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlGx_gktKU0


"Its Called A Heart 12 inch single" A-Side: "Its Called A Heart Extended Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqECpdrs8s
                                                         B-Side: "Fly On The Windscreen Extended Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsLiAT5HfMI


"Catching Up With Depeche Mode 1981-1985 full album" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAFXzyOtetU&index=1&list=PLjIuADMrDKIZGL6OpcWdibknVfQbxSgym


Hope you enjoy the music! 



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[Synth-Fox]

Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys were a duet that began in the mid 80's, their style was artistic than most bands at the time. Combining poetry with synthesized music was not really a new idea however, it was Neil Tennant (lead singer) who defined the musical prowess for the band.. 


Debut: The Pet Shop Boys debuted in 1984 with their first single "West End Girls" a powerful and bold track.. the tempo and rhythm slow paced with very detailed lyrics. Most people would normally shy away from more experimental music in the mid 80's... despite this, they managed to pull it off in spectacular fashion and both the 7inch and 12inch versions became big hits in clubs and bars both in the UK and the USA... it also reached number 1 in both the UK and US charts..


Style: Neil Tennant (lead singer, Synthesizer) and Chris Lowe (Synthesizer) could alternate quite effortlessly between both casual and very smart.. though in later years their image became a divided to Neil wearing very smart suits and coats and Chris wearing much more formal clothes like jeans bomber jackets and flat caps...


The 1985 version of the single "West End Girls"  focused a lot on Neil and Chris posing in stark black and white, with very bold imposed writing down the side... the 1984 version of the single was lighter and showed the duo in colour, though it was mainly them wearing white T-shirts on a white background, inside a square on a purple cover again with large writing down the side..


Here is a link to the singles: "West End Girls Dance Mix" 12 inch single:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOjKkcI7kCA


                                              "West End Girls" 7 inch single: A Side https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km7cKmsudfk
                                               "A Man Could Get Arrested" 7 inch single: B Side  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex4VM6GupAc


Also below are two pictures of the Pet Shop Boys circa 1984/ early 1985 and also a picture of my copy of "West End Girls" 7 inch single and an additional picture of the 1984 version of the single..
                                                       

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[Synth-Fox]

Debut Album: "Please" 1986

After their hit single in 1984, the Pet Shop Boys signed on to the "Parlophone" record company and released their first album "Please" on march the 24th 1986. 


Album artwork:  As a backlash of sorts, instead of a large painting or photo of the duo, a tiny little picture of Neil and Chris was placed in the centre, surrounded be a white background. The same style was also used on the cover of their single "Always On My Mind" circa 1985 (A cover of the song by Elvis Presley) . This minimal style of artwork was used throughout the rest of the pet shop boys discography.


Style: Similar to the past two years the duo had a smart casual look, but it was Neil who focused on wearing smart clothes and Chris who wore casual respectively... Chris also seemed to have an obsession of wearing hats all the time, this became a prominent part of the duos signature look.


Sound: Not very big differences from their first appearance in 1984 in this regard.. However it was at this time that the band started working on their own remixes and extended versions of songs.     The single west end girls was re-recorded and featured on the track list of the album..  there were several hit singles on the also on the track list, these included: "West End Girls" "Love Comes Quickly" "Suburbia" and "Opportunities (Lets Make Lots Of Money)"


Here is a link to the full album "Please" (1986):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkkLGfyq2mI


Also A link to the aforementioned single "Always On My Mind" (1985) A Side: (Dance Mix)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykFVuK5SFiM
                                                                                                         
                                                                                                         B Side: (Always On My Mind Original Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2aMaMkDwTA
                                                                                                                      (Do I Have To) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAOLL1jpp4s


Below Are two examples of the style of the pet shop boys circa 1986, and also two pictures of my copy of the album "Please"

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