Search - Depeche Mode :: Enjoy Silence 2004 3

Four strong remixes

Erik R. Olson | Dublin, CA, United States | 04/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Everyone's favorite Depeche Mode song has been released on three new singles since its remix showed up on DM's latest release, the Remixes 81-04. And it appears that this is the best of the three CDs since all four of these remixes are not available anywhere else (that I know of).



Track one is the Richard X extended remix. ETS has of course been remixed many times, and this take is built on a midtempo beat with a little less thump than the album version found on Violator. The choral samples and synth-strings are mostly absent. Dave Gahan's voice receives a subtle echo treatment here to good effect. The last minute and a half or so is a nice wind-down, forgoing the drum loop in favor of a warm, fading conclusion. Overall a pretty good version of a great song.



Track two is another variation on ETS: the Ewan Pearson extended remix. This one employs most of the expected elements of the song, but includes some twinkling synth flourishes which fit in nicely with the rest of the song. Like the previous remix, this one ends gradually rather than with a bang.



Track three is a scarcely recognizeable rendition of World in My Eyes: the Cicada Mix. Not much tips off the remix's origins besides Dave Gahan's vocals, which remain intact. The Cicada Mix is basically a club-thumper with a simple beat and a warm, ensconcing feel. Not the best remix of WIME available (that would be either the Mode to Joy mix or the Holy World mix), but still a nice variation on the song.



The last track is also the biggest surprise: the BRAT Mix of Mercy in You, an album track from Songs of Faith and Devotion. I've always enjoyed this song and wondered why it was never released as a single. This remix strips the original beat in favor of an a capella intro, followed by a menacing trip-hop grind. Of the four remixes on this CD, this one comes closest to equaling its respective original in terms of overall quality. For any true Depeche Mode fan, this CD is worth purchasing just for this very slick reinterpretation of Mercy in You.



You don't have to be a DM completist to enjoy this CD. All four tracks are worth having, though track 4 is probably the best."

Better than getting the Special Edition CD

James V. Shrode | Philly | 12/11/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Ewan Pearson Remix of "Enjoy The Silence" and Cicada's remix of "World In My Eyes" are very much worth the price of the import. You can get it domestic (and why Amazon isn't selling the cheaper domestic release is beyond me) and you will be pleased. These mixes get DM fans on the floor fast."

Richard X delivers

Simon Mall | 12/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd single ROCKS!!! This cd is a must for all DM fan's and for any D.J.'s that enjoy good remixes. I have been a "modee" for 15 year's and have to say that the quality remixes this single deliveres blew me away. The first track is a mix of "silence" re interpretted by the renowned D.J. Richard X, who of course is also from the UK. His style of eighties electronica and a slow smooth beat allow the listner to enjoy the melody without going crazy over too much "noise". Richard keep's the original flavor of the song without disturbing it too much. The second track is also a remix of "Enjoy the Silence" re done by someone I am not familiar with, Ewan Pearson. This mix is much more danceable and as a D.J. would not hesitate to throw it down on a crowded dance floor. It also keep's the same toneage of the original with all the lyric's intact. The crowned jewel on this single to my suprise is not the title track but one of the two bonus track's on the album. It is the "cicada mix" of "World in my eyes". This track hits hard and deep with the dark, brooding vocal styling's of Dave Gahan beckoning the listiner to see the world in his eyes. A touch of guitar riffs within this revamping give it a tougher edge than the original. Flood did this mix and it is hella good. It makes you want to hit the dance floor once the first beat is dropped. However you do not hear Martin's back up vocal's at all and I know to some that might dissapoint. The final track of "Mercy in you" from "Songs of Faith and Devotion" appears as "The Brat mix" was slow and dark, but that is it. "Devotion" was not one of my favorite album's but fan's of it might like this mix. This single was an import from England and did not dissapoint with a touch of the engllish flair. Yes these are all remixes but they are damn good ones.

Spreading the news around the world, Love and Peace."