Depeche Mode - Master and Servant [From Singles Box #2]

Title: Master and Servant [From Singles Box #2] Artist: Depeche Mode Release Date: 1991 Re-Released On: 7/15/1999 Label: Sire/Reprise, Mute Records Album Type(s): Single UPCs: 093624029922, 5016025630066 Genre: Rock Styles: Synth Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock, New Wave, Post-Punk, Club/Dance, Alternative Dance, Alternative/Indie Rock, Punk/New Wave, Dance-Rock Moods: Brooding, Detached, Dramatic, Austere, Cathartic, Intimate, Melancholy, Nocturnal, Ominous, Plaintive, Reflective, Somber, Sophisticated, Angst-Ridden, Bleak, Cold, Gloomy, Hypnotic, Insular, Literate, Provocative, Refined/Mannered, Stylish, Tense/Anxious, Wintry, Confrontational, Paranoid, Searching, Sensual, Sexy, Slick, Theatrical, Wistful, Yearning, Bittersweet, Cynical/Sarcastic, Sad, Sexual, Sparse, Bitter Total Copies: 2 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Master and Servant
2. (Set Me Free) Remotivate Me
3. Master and Servant [Slavery Whip Mix]
4. (Set Me Free) Remotivate Me [Release Mix]
5. Master and Servant [Instrumental]

Year Type Label Catalog # 1999 CD Mute Records 6 1991 CD Sire/Reprise 40299

Master and Servant [#1]

Even more of an industrial anthem than its predecessors, "Master and Servant" doesn't merely codify the implicit bondage/domination doings of said perceived scene in its lyrics but brings them to total life via the powerful rhythm attack. That it could also be a pop hit is part of Depeche Mode's unique, powerful appeal, from the opening call-and-response vocals to David Gahan's heavily treated vocals and the combination of softer tones and harsher screams, noises, and drumming. The "slavery whip" mix, with Gahan's call "Treat me like a dog!" looped and fed through even more treatment used as the song's start, finds the group starting to stretch their wings more with the remixes, just enough. It's still essentially a longer version of the original, but more curious stops and starts scattered throughout, plus an amusing, end-of-the-evening lounge ending. The B-side this time around shows the band aiming more for the lighter feeling of earlier numbers -- "(Set Me Free) Remotivate Me" is a good enough rhythm pulse and punch, with horn-section styled synth stabs and some fun falsetto from Gahan here and there. It's light and breezy in its own way, a fun throwaway with enough of the usual Depeche quality in it to make it worth a look, while the "release" mix adds further fun and games to the original piece. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide

Name Credits Brian D. Griffin Sleeve Photo Brian Griffin Sleeve Photo Daniel Miller Producer Depeche Mode Producer Gareth Jones Producer Martin L. Gore Composer