Depeche Mode - 8/1-4/09 - AC / NYC

So I have been completely remiss in updating my blog over the last two months due to outside issues. I know the 4 people who are "following" me on here are now rejoicing, thanking the heavens my nubby little concert reviews are back. Glad to be of service.

First up, Depeche Mode in Atlantic City at the Borgata Resort on August 1. As always, this band live can do no wrong in terms of song selection, quality of presentation, and general nerdy moments for me to scream "YEAAAHHH" at as I'm trying to take video. Coming off of a ho-hum last album (Sounds Of The Universe), DM wisely favored older, more esoteric tracks in their setlist (4 nuggets alone off Black Celebration = Hell To The Yes!!). The concert was cut a full encore short due to Atlantic City's infernal curfew and the venue was more than likely over 100 degrees plus at certain points in the show (thank you Gahan and your delicate voice). Minor complaints compared to the opportunity to see a band of this magnitude in a 2500 capacity ballroom. We sang, we danced, we did waving wheat arms. The world became a better place.

Next up, DM in NYC at MSG on August 4. Not much else to add here with the exception of a full set (inclusive of Master and Servant, Strangelove, and Waiting For The Night. Thank you baby Jesus. Thank You!). I'm still not exactly sure why Madison Square has the reputation it has as the #1 destination venue in the world to see shows. Based on your seat location, the sound can be atrocious. Entering and exiting the place is like maneuvering around the snow covered maze in the Shining (with Nicholson clutching ax chasing you included). Seeing 20,000 New Yorkers lose their shit and sing along to Enjoy The Silence though is something that can always be appreciated, regardless of venue.

AC Setlist:
1. In Chains

2. Wrong
3. Hole To Feed
4. Walking In My Shoes
5. It's No Good

6. A Question Of Time
7. Precious
8. Fly On The Windscreen

9. Jezebel
10. Question of Lust
11. Come Back
12. Policy of Truth
13. In Your Room
14. I Feel You
15. Enjoy The Silence

Encore 1:
16. Stripped
17. Personal Jesus
18. Never Let Me Down Again

MSG Setlist:

1. In Chains

2.Wrong

3. Hole To Feed
4. Walking In My Shoes

5. It's No Good
6. A Question Of Time
7. Precious
8. Fly On The Windscreen
9. Jezebel
10. Question of Lust
11. Miles Away/This Truth Is
12. Policy of Truth
13. In Your Room
14. I Feel You
15. Enjoy The Silence

16. Never Let Me Down Again

Encore 1:
17. Stripped
18. Master And Servant

19. Strangelove

Encore 2:
20. Personal Jesus
21. Waiting For The Night