List | D | Diesel Christ | 'Diesel Mode' MCD 1993

'A Tribute To The Masses'

Track:	Name:	Time:
1.	Walking In My Shoes	4:24
2.	Rush	2:25
3.	In Your Room	4:51
4.	I Feel You	4:08
5.	Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?	3:23
6.	Higher Love	4:26
	Total	23:37

Comments:

German synth pop band Diesel Christ released this cover album shortly after Depeche Mode released the original versions on Songs Of Faith And Devotion. The idea was - as I understand it - that since so many old DM fans were disappointed with the new DM sound this band would do cover versions in the style of the old Music For The Masses. I'm not so sure that's exactly how it turned out.

Initially, I liked these versions, but compared to the originals they seem rather flat, stiff, soul-less and boring; not that they're too bad, but nowhere near as excellent as the originals. Still, it's interesting to have alternate versions of those great songs.

In fact, the best song on this mini-album is the only song of their own: 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?'. Naturally, it's a title taken directly from the excellent book with the same name by Philip K Dick, which was later filmed by Ridley Scott and renamed 'Blade Runner' (one of the great sci-fi movies of modern times, although the book is richer in story, moods and complexity). So what's the song like? Well, apart from the compulsory cult-samples from the movie, it's a very nice little synth pop tune, perhaps a little too poppy to fully take advantage of the spooky atmosphere one could use from the movie and/or book. Great tune, but not the true cult song it could have been (only the title).

One thing I wonder a little bit about is a name in the "thank-you" list on the sleeve: the name Jürgen, followed by a Die Krupps logo (the three circles). Did Engler have anything to do with this band?

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