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Exciter (Depeche Mode album)

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Exciter
Studio album by
Depeche Mode
Released14 May 2001 (2001-05-14)
RecordedJune 2000 – February 2001
Studio
Genre
Length56:40
LabelMute
ProducerMark Bell
Depeche Mode chronology
The Singles 86–98
(1998) 		Exciter
(2001) 		Remixes 81–04
(2004)
Singles from Exciter
  1. "Dream On"
    Released: 17 April 2001
  2. "I Feel Loved"
    Released: 30 July 2001
  3. "Freelove"
    Released: 5 November 2001
  4. "Goodnight Lovers"
    Released: 11 February 2002
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic65/100[2]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
Alternative Press4/5[4]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[5]
The Guardian[6]
NME8/10[7]
Pitchfork5.5/10[8]
Q[9]
Rolling Stone[10]
Spin5/10[11]
USA Today[12]

Exciter is the tenth studio album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was first released on 14 May 2001 in the United Kingdom by Mute Records and a day later in the United States by Reprise Records. The album was produced by Mark Bell, and was supported by the Exciter Tour, one of the band's most successful tours.

Exciter debuted at number nine on the UK Albums Chart and number eight on the Billboard 200, selling 115,000 copies in its first week in the United States.[13] It was the only Depeche Mode album to debut higher in the United States than in the United Kingdom. As of April 2006, Exciter had sold over 426,000 copies in the US,[14] and has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA);[15] it has also been certified gold in Canada for shipments of 50,000 units.[16]

The plant that appears on the cover is the Agave attenuata, a species of agave sometimes known as the "lion's tail", "swan's neck", or "foxtail" for its development of a curved stem, unusual among agaves.

Background and composition

Lyrically, the album covers many different subjects. Martin Gore said that "The Dead of Night" was inspired by a club in London where there were a lot of drugs and mayhem. Gore told MTV Europe that "I Feel Loved" is about when you "feel absolutely like shit, and you feel the worst you've ever felt in your life. Then somehow you think: 'the universe must like me, for making me feel like this'".[citation needed]

Musically, Exciter can be described as a very atmospheric and electronic album. Gore had stated that he had been listening to more abstract electronic music in the lead up to recording Exciter, which could have influenced some of the more experimental soundscapes on the album. The group also often cited producer Mark Bell as a major inspiration in the making of Exciter as Gahan states that Mark Bell helped make him a more confident vocalist.[17] The band also worked with Paul Freegard and long-time collaborator Gareth Jones, who were involved with pre-production and programming.

On top of the electronic soundscapes, Depeche Mode also added elements of traditional blues, retro funk, progressive rock, and orchestral pop to its arrangements.[1] Bell told Keyboard magazine that they treated the acoustic and electronic sounds on the track "Dream On" the same. Gore felt that many songs of the album including "When the Body Speaks" have a 1950s or 1960s sound to them. "Comatose" was massively stripped down from the original demo since the band wanted a more minimalistic arrangement. "Freelove" was one of the final tracks to be completed on the album. "The Dead of Night" features a harsher sound compared to other tracks on the album, making heavy use of analogue synths such as the EMS Synthi AKS; the practice of largely using analogue synths would become common on later albums by the band.

Bell found working with the group fun but strange, stating he had listened to the group when he was 12 and found the band asking him for days off or "what they should eat".[18] According to an interview with Gahan in 2003, Gore's lack of involvement with the production led to Bell feeling frustrated and that he was essentially creating the album for the band.[19]

Reception

Exciter received generally positive reviews. While many critics praised the album's experimental and digital soundscapes, many felt it was one of the weakest Depeche Mode albums.

In a positive review, NME wrote that "Not many long-running groups could make an album this fresh and confident in their 20th year, never mind one which bridges timeless soulman crooning and underground techno". Rolling Stone complimented the album's minimal arrangements, comparing them to early Kraftwerk. The A.V. Club complimented Mark Bell's production on the album, stating that "Bell's subtle, inventive knob-twiddling pairs perfectly with Martin Gore's new batch of somber, subdued songs".

In contrast, Q Magazine was much more negative in their interpretation of the project, writing: "This time it's Martin Gore who's out of puff. No amount of fashionable tweaking can hide the flimsiness of his offerings".

Despite some mixed reviews, Exciter still appeared on several EOY 2001 lists such as Magic, MusikExpress, Rocksound, Rumba, Visions, and Woxy.

Accolades

Publication Accolade Year Rank
Magic Top Albums of 2001 2001 10[20]
Musikexpress Top Albums of 2001 2001 32[21]
Rocksound Top 50 Albums of 2001 2001 47[22]
Rumba Top Albums of 2001 2001 19[23]
Visions Top Albums of 2001 2001 15[24]
Woxy Top Albums of 2001 2001 34[25]

Re-release

On 2 October 2007 (3 October in North America), Exciter was re-released as a two-disc set, along with Ultra, in the fourth and final set of Depeche Mode reissues. The first disc was a remastered version of the original, on an SACD/CD hybrid (only a CD in the US). The second disc is a DVD which features the album in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM Stereo. The B-sides from Exciter as well as the single version of "Freelove" are included. There are also audio versions of all the live Exciter tracks played during the One Night in Paris film.

Like the other reissues, there is a documentary on the making of Exciter titled Depeche Mode 1999–2001 (Presenting the Intimate and Delicate Side of Depeche Mode). The documentary begins with the talks of Gore's writer's block and what they did about it. It also discusses the first three singles, the recording, the cover art and the Exciter tour (including one of the opening acts, Fad Gadget). The documentary is around 30 minutes long. The three members of the band are interviewed along with Daniel Miller, Christian Eigner, Peter Gordeno, Anton Corbijn, and Mute label representatives. The documentary ends with a "To Be Continued..."

Producer Mark Bell does not appear, and although they discuss the fact that the band decided not to have Corbijn direct Exciter's music videos, they do not interview the two who did direct them. However, John Hillcoat, who directed "I Feel Loved", "Freelove" and "Goodnight Lovers", is mentioned in passing.

Track listing

All lead vocals by Dave Gahan, except where noted.

All tracks are written by Martin L. Gore

No.TitleLead VocalsLength
1."Dream On" 4:19
2."Shine" 5:32
3."The Sweetest Condition" 3:42
4."When the Body Speaks" 6:01
5."The Dead of Night" 4:50
6."Lovetheme"instrumental2:02
7."Freelove" 6:10
8."Comatose"Gore3:24
9."I Feel Loved" 4:20
10."Breathe"Gore5:17
11."Easy Tiger"instrumental2:05
12."I Am You" 5:10
13."Goodnight Lovers" 3:48
Total length:56:40

2007 Collectors Edition (CD + DVD)

  • Disc one is a hybrid SACD/CD with a multi-channel SACD layer.
  • Disc two is a DVD which includes "Exciter" in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM Stereo plus bonus material
  1. "Dream On" – 4:19
  2. "Shine" – 5:32
  3. "The Sweetest Condition" – 3:42
  4. "When the Body Speaks" – 6:01
  5. "The Dead of Night" – 4:50
  6. "Lovetheme" – 2:02
  7. "Freelove" – 6:10
  8. "Comatose" – 3:24
  9. "I Feel Loved" – 4:20
  10. "Breathe" – 5:17
  11. "Easy Tiger" – 2:05
  12. "I Am You" – 5:10
  13. "Goodnight Lovers" – 3:48

Live in Paris, October 2001 (in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM Stereo):

  1. "The Dead of Night"
  2. "The Sweetest Condition"
  3. "Dream On"
  4. "When the Body Speaks"
  5. "Breathe"
  6. "Freelove"

Bonus tracks (in PCM Stereo):

  1. "Easy Tiger" (Full Version)
  2. "Dirt" (cover of a song written and performed by The Stooges)
  3. "Freelove" (Flood Mix) [not listed on the back cover]
  4. "Zenstation"
  5. "When the Body Speaks" (Acoustic)

Additional material:

  1. Depeche Mode 1999–2001 (Presenting the Intimate and Delicate Side of Depeche Mode) – 30:00
  2. End Credits – 2:23

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Exciter.[26]

Depeche Mode

Additional musicians

Technical

  • Mark Bell – production
  • Gareth Jones – engineering, pre-production, additional production
  • Paul Freegard – pre-production, additional production
  • Steve Fitzmaurice – mixing
  • Boris Aldridge – engineering assistance
  • Andrew Davies – engineering assistance
  • Andrew Griffiths – engineering assistance
  • Nick Sevilla – engineering assistance
  • Lisa Butterworth – engineering assistance
  • Jonathan Adler – engineering assistance
  • Alissa Myhowich – engineering assistance
  • James Chang – engineering assistance
  • Mike Marsh – mastering at The Exchange (London)

Artwork

  • Anton Corbijn – photography, cover art, art direction
  • Form – design

Charts

Certifications and sales

Certifications and sales for Exciter
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[64] Gold 20,000*
Belgium (BEA)[65] Gold 25,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[16] Gold 50,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[66] Gold 15,450[66]
France (SNEP)[67] Gold 100,000*
Germany (BVMI)[68] Platinum 300,000^
Italy — 150,000[69]
Poland (ZPAV)[70] Gold 35,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[71] Gold 50,000^
Sweden (GLF)[72] Gold 40,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[73] Gold 20,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[74] Gold 100,000*
United States (RIAA)[15] Gold 500,000^
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[75] Platinum 1,000,000*
Worldwide — 3,000,000[69]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Depeche Mode In Classic Form On 'Exciter'". Billboard. 17 May 2001. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Reviews for Exciter by Depeche Mode". Metacritic. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  3. ^ Raggett, Ned. "Exciter – Depeche Mode". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  4. ^ Pettigrew, Jason (June 2001). "Depeche Mode: Exciter". Alternative Press. No. 155. Cleveland. p. 67. ISSN 1065-1667.
  5. ^ Morgan, Laura (8 July 2001). "Exciter". Entertainment Weekly. No. 599. New York. Archived from the original on 15 April 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  6. ^ Simpson, Dave (11 May 2001). "Cut to the quick". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  7. ^ Dalton, Stephen (14 May 2001). "Depeche Mode: Exciter". NME. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  8. ^ Tangari, Joe (15 May 2001). "Depeche Mode: Exciter". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  9. ^ Grundy, Gareth (June 2001). "Reconstruction Time Again". Q. No. 177. p. 107. ISSN 0955-4955. Archived from the original on 3 January 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2011 – via Sacred DM.
  10. ^ Walters, Barry (14 May 2001). "Exciter". Rolling Stone. New York. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  11. ^ Wolk, Douglas (June 2001). "Depeche Mode: Exciter / Echo & the Bunnymen: Flowers / The Go-Go's: God Bless the Go-Go's". Spin. Vol. 17, no. 6. p. 155. ISSN 0886-3032 – via Google Books.
  12. ^ Gardner, Elysa (15 May 2001). "Depeche Mode: Exciter". USA Today. ISSN 0734-7456.
  13. ^ Whitmire, Margo (26 October 2005). "Simpson Strikes Back: Ashlee Scores 2nd No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  14. ^ Caulfield, Keith (5 April 2006). "Ask Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
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  16. ^ a b "Canadian album certifications – Depeche Mode – Exciter". Music Canada. 24 July 2001. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  17. ^ "Depeche Mode: 'Exciter' Interview Transcript". Mitch Schneider Organization. 15 April 2001. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  18. ^ Brewster, Bill (16 December 2008). "LFO". Warp. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  19. ^ "Gahan expresses doubts on future Depeche Mode". Side-Line. 30 April 2003.
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  21. ^ "Top Albums of 2001". MusikExpress. 2001. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  22. ^ "Top 50 Albums of 2001". Rocksound. 2001. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
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  29. ^ "Ultratop.be – Depeche Mode – Exciter" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  30. ^ "Ultratop.be – Depeche Mode – Exciter" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  31. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  32. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 24. 9 June 2001. p. 11. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
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  34. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Depeche Mode – Exciter" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  35. ^ a b c "Hits of the World". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 23. 9 June 2001. p. 41. ISSN 0006-2510 – via Google Books.
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  37. ^ "Lescharts.com – Depeche Mode – Exciter". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  38. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Depeche Mode – Exciter" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
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  42. ^ デペッシュ・モードのアルバム売り上げランキング [Depeche Mode album sales ranking] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  43. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Depeche Mode – Exciter". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  44. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  45. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  46. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Depeche Mode – Exciter". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  47. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Depeche Mode – Exciter". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
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  49. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  50. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  51. ^ "Jahreshitparade Alben 2001". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  52. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2001 – Alternative Albums" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
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  57. ^ The first list is the list of best-selling domestic albums of 2001 in Finland and the second is that of the best-selling foreign albums:
  58. ^ "Classement Albums – année 2001" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
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  60. ^ "Classifica annuale 2001 (dal 01.01.2001 al 30.12.2001) – Album & Compilation" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  61. ^ "Årslista Album, 2001" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
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  63. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2001". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  64. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Depeche Mode – Exciter" (in German). IFPI Austria. 25 June 2001. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  65. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2001". Ultratop. Hung Medien. 25 June 2001. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  66. ^ a b "Depeche Mode" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
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  70. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Złote płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2002 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. 7 October 2001. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  71. ^ Salaverrie, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (PDF) (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. p. 958. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  72. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2001" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. 8 May 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  73. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Exciter')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  74. ^ "British album certifications – Depeche Mode – Exciter". British Phonographic Industry. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  75. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2001". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
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