Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode on vinyl: albums, 12-inches and remixes

In short: Depeche Mode from Basildon in England are one of the most successful synth-pop bands. From 1981 their records came out on Mute in London, in the US on Sire. The Vinyl Room currently has 65 Depeche Mode records, including many 12-inch singles from England, Scandinavia and Germany.

What makes Depeche Mode special?

After the debut “Speak & Spell” (1981), Vince Clarke left the band; from then on Martin Gore wrote most of the songs. With Alan Wilder, a member from 1982 to 1995, the sound became darker and more layered: “Some Great Reward” (1984), “Black Celebration” (1986), “Music for the Masses” (1987) and finally “Violator” (1990) with “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence”. Among the albums that followed are “Songs of Faith and Devotion” (1993), “Ultra” (1997), “Exciter” (2001), “Playing the Angel” (2005) and “Sounds of the Universe” (2009).

12-inches, BONG numbers and countries of pressing

With Depeche Mode the 12-inch is worth it: almost every single came out as a 12-inch with remixes, often with additional limited versions. In England they carry catalogue numbers such as 12BONG, the limited ones L12BONG. In Germany many records came out under licence on Intercord, in the US on Sire – often with different mixes or sleeves. Catalogue number, runout matrix and label together tell you whether you have a first pressing. You’ll find more about the label on our page Mute.

From our stock

First pressings

Synth-pop

Remixes: house & electro

New in

→ Mute · Electronic on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained · Plattenparty on YouTube

FAQ

Which label are Depeche Mode on? Mute from 1981, Sire in the US. Since “Delta Machine” (2013) new albums have come out on Columbia.

What do 12BONG and L12BONG mean? Catalogue numbers of the UK Depeche Mode 12-inch singles on Mute. L12BONG stands for limited editions, often with extra remixes.

Which Depeche Mode album is the best known? “Violator” (1990) with “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence”.

Who writes Depeche Mode’s songs? After the first album mostly Martin Gore. The songs on “Speak & Spell” were largely written by Vince Clarke.