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Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: Depeche Mode – Momento Mori (2023)

Depeche Mode in 2023 was definitely not on my Bingo Card, but lets see how it fairs in the JAR!

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There was a gap in the reviews last week, because, I really didn’t know what to cover. Nothing really stuck out, and I found myself feeling similar this week. So, I started thumbing through the albums that came out earlier in the year and completely missed a new Depeche Mode album. This band needs no real introduction, Violator (1990) put them on the map with singles like Enjoy the Silence, Policy of Truth and Personal Jesus. If you don’t know the original, you’ve probably heard covers.

One of the bigger Electro/New Wave bands of the 80s that are still making music. While nothing ever quite caught fire like Violator did, lets see how their most recent album fairs; especially following the death of their founding member, keyboardist, Andy Fletcher.

Depeche Mode is: Dave Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keys, guitars, backing vocals)

  • Artist: Depeche Mode
  • Album: Momento Mori (2023)
  • Label: Columbia Records
  • Total Track Time: 50:25

After the first few songs its really mind-blowing in a way to realize this album is 33 years after they broke big and it still contains that same wave of electric melancholy that so easily pulls people in. Another thing to note is that Gahan still sounds impeccable. His voice hasn’t dropped off, unlike some of his 80s contemporaries; David Coverdale and Geoff Tate come to mind. A lot of the themes of the album are typical dark, gothic and emotional with loss, drug addiction, and different iterations of sadness; which we should expect from Depeche Mode. Given the name of the album being Latin for “reminder of death”, the songs hovering around mortality, loss and forlorn determination really ring clearly through all of the songs.

Some may find it unexpected, that there are a few songs that border on a more upbeat tempo. Nothing is ever frivolous or carefree, but there are enough tempo changes and melodic wrinkles to keep everything fresh and not depression the musical. New Wave, Industrial, Brit Pop and Electro elements all play their parts to mold a pretty amazing album.

1. Caroline’s Monkey – 4:16

This might be the most left field song on the album, but its beautiful in the metaphors and the harkens to Policy of Truth. A song about the monkey on Caroline’s back, it could be drug addiction, could be depression, but the interesting aspect of this song is that it doesn’t come to a sad grind. The chorus of; “Fading’s better than failing, Falling’s better than feeling, Folding’s better than losing, Fixing’s better than healing“, adds a level of hope to the song. That even though the monkey on her back is tormenting her, she’s fighting to get through it. Also as a personal note, this song definitely gives me vibes of like Repo! The Genetic Opera, so that might be influencing my enjoyment a bit more than others.

2. Soul With Me – 4:15

Slows things down with a mixture of a church hymnal and a Duran Duran style ballad, with maybe a touch of Frankie Avalon. Lyrically it explores dying, leaving this earthly plane and ascending somewhere to “take my soul with me”. So the song is beautiful with bittersweet lyrics of wanting to leave the world’s problems and strife behind as they ascend to a better place. Its definitely a little unique for Depeche Mode, but that makes it all the more beautiful. A style not totally within their wheelhouse, they still knocked out of the park.

3. Ghosts Again – 3:58

The first single for the album, and it definitely screams more radio friendly than a few of the other songs. But with the very 80s electronic bass drum kick and interspersed keys, it feels familiar and being a song about loss, that odd familiar feeling is an interesting artistic touch. Its fairly catchy too, if I’m being honest. Unlike some radio fodder songs, this just feels like a solid 80s Pop song that you might not search for on the radio; but you’ll let it play out if it comes on.

While the three highlights aren’t exactly me gushing, that’s purely because the entire album is solid. There’s about 7 of the 12 songs that I could’ve easily made an argument for Top 3. If you’re a fan of Violator, Music for the Masses, or any of the other peak Depeche Mode albums; this album makes an argument to be placed right up there with them. Even with the themes not being varied, they approach most of the songs from different angles and the music coupled with fantastic vocals makes it a very enjoyable listen.

I really never expected Depeche Mode to be weighing in for Album of the Year in 2023, but I’m pleasantly surprised.

Final Judgment: 9/10

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Bandwagon Nerds #284: Mission Unlikely

The Nerds break down a tremendous Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again. Plus, the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness and the return of the Trailer Park!

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Bandwagon Nerds Mario

This week, the NERDS are back in full force, and there is no shortage of topics to discuss. Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again was filled with drama, surprises, and a stunning ending that left all the Nerds wondering what will happen next. After a few weeks’ absence, the Trailer Park returns to look at upcoming releases such as F1, a wild-looking sequel for M.E.G.A.N., another great-looking series on Apple TV (Murderbot), and the finale of the Mission Impossible series. Plus, we get to the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness! Which ultimate bad guys/gals punched their tickets to the Elite 8? All that and, of course Whatcha Watchin”?

  • @AttitudeAgg
  • @WrestlngRealist
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  • @ViolentAesop
  • @TheMindlessPod
  • @therealcplatt
  • @ChairshotMedia
  • @BandwagonNerds

PROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/TheChairshot – Makes a GREAT GIFT!!!

About Bandwagon Nerds

Join Patrick O’Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd, and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It’s the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

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About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/10/25)

It’s gonna be May!

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There’s been a slight change in the forecast…

There may not be a storm on the horizon, but when Wrestling Is Life, every day is unpredictable! What does HPW have planned for May Day?

 

HPW prepares for the storm ahead…

Blood & Thunder still beckons, and the Faces of Evil need to defend their HPW World Trios Championships. Therefore, Wrestling Is Life will see two qualifying trios matches! After the controversial nature of losing the titles at HyruleMania, Arrow Club is given a spot in these qualifiers. And they will be facing familiar foes in TSDQ! The Studly Don’t Quit, but will they make it through to ThunderStruck? As for the second qualifier, Los Taros Locos will return in hopes of stampeding up to the top of HPW, but they’ll be up against quite the mysterious team. Cia represents the OG Dark Forces expelled from the group, and she’ll bring her sister, Lana, with her!

But who is their third partner? They didn’t name them, so who could it be? Volga? Kevin Gibdo? Or even Wizzro? Will keeping it an unknown be the key to winning?

 

Igos du Ikana speaks.

From inside his shadowy throne room, The Ruler of Ruin looks at the HPW Death Mountain Championship on a pedestal. “The HPW Death Mountain Championship. A championship created not just to commemorate one of Hyrule’s greatest landmarks, but also to commemorate one of Hyrule’s greatest wrestling promotions. Death Mountain Wrestling was a vital part of wrestling history, where legends would pave the way for a new generation, and inspire many more. Not unlike Termina Championship Wrestling.”

Igos walks past the pedestal to look to a trophy case. Igos looks to his copy of the classic TCW Championship, and even of the High Noon Championship. There are also poster sized pictures of Igos’ greatest moments, such as the first time he won the TCW title, and the last time he held it while TCW was still active. Igos continues by saying, “I say this not because you don’t know. Of course you know this. I say this so that you might understand. I say this because I need you to understand. You have great aspirations, and strong ambition, but I don’t think you understand what you’re attempting to achieve.

“You stand at the foot of a mountain, it’s shadow upon you. That mountain’s name is legacy. You want to climb the mountain. You want to reach the top and plant your own flag at the summit. You want everyone to see you, to look up to you, to acknowledge you. But this climb is more challenging than you know. This climb is more challenging than you can handle. These belts may only be ten pounds, but they weigh so much more once you put them on. You are not ready for the climb. You are not ready to carry that weight. You are not ready to push yourself, step after step, inch after inch, as the mountain only grows steeper and steeper. And you never will be.

“So I tell you this not because you do not know. I tell you this so that you may understand. You must turn back now, find another path forward, before it is too late. Before you fall… to ruin.” It is clear who this message is for, but will young Yunobo heed this grizzled warrior’s warning?

 

HPW Deep Dive: Wisdom VS Power.

The Princess of Hyrule visits Hero of Hyrule, Link, now that he’s home from the hospital. He still needs bed rest, given everything Ganon did to him. He has bandages around his head, and his sister, Aryll, checks his stitches. 13 stitches all along the hairline. They’re holding well, no bleeding. Zelda sits with Link and holds his hand. She apologizes for what happened, but Link shakes his head. Aryll agrees, Zelda’s not to blame, Ganon and his Dark Forces are. They ruined her moment, they beat Link down, so they they have to be stopped. Ganon’s coming after the title anyway, so Zelda can get payback at the same time.

Ganon says, “Like I give a damn.” The Gerudo Ace lounges in his manor, The Dark Forces all around him. That now includes Shabonne & Tali, sporting new ensembles to reflect joining up. The Faces of Evil have their HPW World Trios Championships while Ganon has the Triforce Tournament trophy in hand. Ganon then mockingly says, “YoU dEsErVe It~! YoU dEsErVe It~!” Audio from the Triforce Anniversary event is interspliced here, as well as flashes of Zelda being emotional as she has the title belt put on.

“Isn’t it strange that Zelda takes the fall at HyruleMania, but I’m the one relegated to the tournament? And she clearly has that pointy eared little simp wrapped around her finger, or else he wouldn’t have even agreed to the match. But hey, what do I know? I only beat Link one-on-one in his first defense, then beat Zelda one-on-one in my first defense. I’m the Triple Crown Champion, I beat legends of TCW, and I’m this year’s Triforce Tournament winner. No one is more deserving of that title, of whatever title there is, than me! Isn’t that right?” The group all say, “Yeah!”

Ganon says, “The Dark Forces will be golden!” The group again shouts, “Yeah!” Ganon says, “The Dark Forces RUNS HPW!” The group again shouts, “YEAH!!” The Dark Forces all raise a glass to drink it up, while Link rests his head on Zelda’s shoulder and she rests her head on his. The Princess of Hyrule may reign, but will she fail to trump the Gerudo Ace? The countdown is on until May 1st, when Wrestling is Life!


 

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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