Ready for a reemergence of two iconic cornerstones of ‘80s new wave albums? Depeche Mode has rereleased two of their best, 1981’s Speak and Spell and ‘87’s Music for the Masses.



The first track off Speak and Spell, “New Life” is a time warp back to the 1980s, with its crazy synth-pop beats and keyboard solos that are reminiscent of the early days of electronic music. Also worth a nod is “Just Can’t Get Enough,” Depeche Mode’s first Top 10 U.K. single that propelled the band to international fame. An essential for any diehard fan, the two-disc set includes a video and additional tracks which include “Shout” and “Any Second Now.”



Music for the Masses signified the beginning of the band’s evolution from the geometric sounds of the new wave movement into an ‘80s icon. With hits such as “Strangelove” and “Never Let Me Down Again” — staples at every ‘80s party, no doubt — to “Behind the Wheel,” which has been covered by several artists since its debut, Music for the Masses paved the way for a darker world of music by combining dance tracks with the eerily slower, yet mesmerizing vocals of Dave Gahan. The two-disc set also includes a video,
bonus mixes and rare additional tracks exclusive only to this collection.



Look out Juliette Lewis and The Licks, there’s a new girl on the scene from the southern gypsy lands of Russia.

Singer-songwriter Angelina Moysov moved to the San Francisco Bay area 11 years ago, where she met her collaborator, guitarist Tom Ayres. The two have been making sweet music together ever since, comprising two of the four members of the band named for the Greek goddess of the underworld, Persephone’s Bees. Their debut album, Notes From The Underworld takes a fresh and airy detour into where pop meets edgy post-Soviet punk.



Perfect for driving with the top down on a summer day, “City of Love” and “Paper Plane” are sure to set your toes a-tappin’. And for those of you in the mood to dance, check out the various remixes of “Nice Day,” especially the Wamdue People Remix and Pete Heller’s Concise Club Mix.