'Little 15' is a slow and very beautiful song, with lots of sampled
violins and piano that builds into a powerful orchestrated finale.
This description may sound like just another cheesy
ballad to you, but believe me, it's not. Check out what I had to say
about Depeche Mode ballads in my comments to
A Question Of Lust.
'Stjärna' is one of those sad, instrumental songs, kind of like
Christmas Island. Sounds a bit
like a classical piece too; it's quite similar to track 3.
The title 'Stjärna' is actually Swedish, and
means 'star'. Rumour has it Martin had a Swedish girlfriend at the time.
However, the title was misunderstood or misprinted (at least on my
copy of the single), and it says 'St. Jarna' instead. I guess this would
make more sense to a non-Swede, but since I'm not a non-Swede I'm a bit
picky about these slightly amusing details.
(Ref: Depeche Mode FAQ.)
Now, if Route 66 was a perfect first cover,
what should be the second? Well, to call it a cover is perhaps a bit of
a stretch, but at least it's not an original DM song - the 'Moonlight
Sonata' was in fact written by no other than Ludwig van Beethoven, and
Alan is here playing it with his own hands; not a sequencer in sight!
After all, he is a classically trained musician.
