Depeche Mode - 'One Night In Paris' (Mute)
5/5
By: Toby L
Deemed by the UK's high-brow 'Observer' newspaper as 'one of the best live acts on the planet', is it really any wonder that Depeche Mode's latest live DVD is one of the most extravagant you'll find in stores for 2002?
Content >>>
Disc one is, of course, the main event: a huge arena show in front of 16,000 fans. DM certainly don't seem awestruck at such an audience to entertain; instead, legendary frontman Dave Gahan parades around the stage topless (for the most part of it at least), dripping with sweat and oozing charisma as he belts out the act's greatest hits and selected tunes from their most recent LP, 'Exciter'.
Indubitably, it's the classics that make for the mouth-dropping moments: 'Personal Jesus', with all of its hillbilly riffery and bouncing bass; the shuddering dark-pop of 'It's No Good'; and the touching beauty of new tune 'Freelove' as well as haunting 'Enjoy The Silence'. Also amongst the highlights is a spectacularly-well performed rendition of 'Home', featuring chief-songwriter Martin L Gore as singer for a change - to a moving result.
The second disc, meanwhile, is the warts 'n' all presentation of 'how to stage a bit of a massive Depeche Mode show, man' set of features. On offer, there is a short documentary on the band's pre-production of their gig - including the horrifying workload involved in constructing their elaborate set - as well as band-interviews conducted prior to their successful performance, and additional bonus-tunes well worth a look. (There's even an intimate sing-song from ole' Gore in his dressing-room.)
Sound & Vision >>>
Shot vividly and distinctively by Anton Corbijn - a long-time collaborator with the band - all two hours of the stunning performance are encapsulated perfectly, thanks to Corbin's completely spotless direction and innovative ideas. The picture itself, as a consequence, seems clearer than real life itself, supplemented triumphantly by digital stereo sound that's so rich in clarity, the overall effect is that what you hear is more like an album-recording as opposed to an account of a live-show. Quite simply, exhilarating.
Depeche Mode are an act that have stood the test of time, ensuring consistent quality and originality in their output throughout - therefore, it's only fitting that their latest DVD-release features the same attributes. Fans, believe us - you're in for one of a hell of a treat.
Artists in this article: Depeche Mode
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