Permanent Record Podcast

Depeche Mode - Speak & Spell (1981) Part 4

Permanent Record Podcast

Show Notes

Episode 187: Depeche Mode – Speak & Spell (1981) Part 4

Brian & Sarah are back for a Martin Gore-focused look at "Speak and Spell" as they shine a spotlight on the three middle songs on side 2 of Depeche Mode's 1981 debut. Up till now, this has been the Vince Clarke show; however, with these three tunes, we get the first song written by Martin, the first of many Martin instrumentals, and the first lead vocal by Martin! And to believe that we recorded this one on Vince's birthday!!

Along the way, talk turns to a pair of old movies, a ranking of Depeche Mode instrumentals, the history of the Big Muff effects pedal, Falco, classic 1980s "HWUH"s, and, of course, posh clobber!

Songs discussed in this episode: Tora! Tora! Tora! Big Muff Any Second Now (Voices)

Read more at http://www.permanentrecordpodcast.com/ Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/permrecordpodcast You can also find us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@permanentrecordpodcast Check out some pictures at https://www.instagram.com/permanentrecordpodcast/ Join the ever-growing crowd on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/permrecordpod.bsky.social Leave a voicemail for Brian & Sarah at (724) 490-8324 or https://www.speakpipe.com/PermRecordPod - we're ready to believe you!

More from Permanent Record Podcast

Oct 21, 2026

10th Anniversary Heads-Up

Oct 12, 2026

Episode 208: Pet Shop Boys – Please (1986) – Part 4

Sep 18, 2026

Episode 207: In Conversation with Colours of Ever (Jason Beil and Brian Linnen)

Sep 6, 2026

Episode 206: Concert Memories Roundtable (with Mr. K's Super Show and I'm In Love With That Song Podcast)

Aug 24, 2026

Episode 205: Pet Shop Boys – Please (1986) – Part 3

See all episodes →