Color Theory presents Depeche Mode

**Color Theory** · September 3rd, 2003, 09:35 PM

New album: COLOR THEORY presents DEPECHE MODE

Between diaper changes, I've been working diligently on a new album. The idea came after recording "I Want You Now" for an upcoming Depeche Mode tribute CD by Pop Cult Records. There are plenty of DM tributes on the market, most of them hit and miss. I thought, "Wouldn't it be great to have a tribute CD by a single artist that flows like an album?" Half-jokingly, I'm going to include my song "Ponytail Girl", which has been traded the world over as a Depeche Mode song and even appears on some pressed bootleg CDs. Here's the promotional text I've come up with:

An album-style tribute to Depeche Mode, complete with two new interludes. Eleven of their most underappreciated songs reinvented, plus "Ponytail Girl", the Color Theory original that the world mistook for DM.

I'm worried that "album-style" might confuse people, since it actually is an album (an album-style album?). I have yet to find better words to communicate that the songs flow together coherently as a unit. I'm open to any suggestions!

The album is electronic and sample based - dark, gritty, and upbeat. The songs are being altered at the deepest levels - chord progressions, structures, and sometimes even lyrics. You'll be shocked - in a good way - not only to hear Depeche Mode sound like this, but to hear Color Theory sound like this.

Expect a final tracklist next month, and a release in mid-November.

test · September 3rd, 2003, 09:44 PM

I can't wait to see what songs you chose for your album.

**spi** · September 3rd, 2003, 09:53 PM

Sounds totally awsome Brian. I can't wait for any new Color Theory material. I will definately have to grab this CD once its released.

Keep up the awsome work!
-steve

**jetjaguar15** · September 3rd, 2003, 10:12 PM

Brian:

I've already emailed you an idea for promo text, let me know what you think. This sounds like an awesome idea though, and I am eagerly awaiting it. I'lm glad parenthood is going well for you!

All the best,

JRB

**Color Theory** · September 3rd, 2003, 11:33 PM

Thanks gang! Upon re-reading my announcement, I realized that it sounds like I'm the one whose diaper is being changed. That can't be good for my image.

**side-line** · September 8th, 2003, 07:02 AM

Between diaper changes, I've been working diligently on a new album. The idea came after recording "I Want You Now" for an upcoming Depeche Mode tribute CD by Pop Cult Records. There are plenty of DM tributes on the market, most of them hit and miss. I thought, "Wouldn't it be great to have a tribute CD by a single artist that flows like an album?"

You should add "in Martin Gore style" as your voice is close to his...

**cliffwalk** · September 8th, 2003, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by Color Theory
Thanks gang! Upon re-reading my announcement, I realized that it sounds like I'm the one whose diaper is being changed. That can't be good for my image.

Yeah, that would be more fitting for the Stones or Aerosmith.

So what's the average for a big singleton? We're doing a 24 a day for the twins

Looking forward to hearing your take on DM. I really am. I have a feeling it's going to be refreshing and not clonish...

peace
-dave

**Color Theory** · September 8th, 2003, 09:30 PM

It's anything but clonish. I'd get bored too quickly.

I'm looking into packaging the CD in a Super Jewel Box, like the one Camouflage used for Sensor. No promises though. It's shaping up to be really expensive. I'm also considering using a silver metallic spot ink on the print, which would kind of stand above the artwork.

Oh yeah, and I'm trying to make it sound good too.

**Vertitron** · September 9th, 2003, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by Color Theory

I'm worried that "album-style" might confuse people, since it actually is an album (an album-style album?). I have yet to find better words to communicate that the songs flow together coherently as a unit. I'm open to any suggestions!

Yes, I would drop "album-style". I think it would just be fine to call it a personal tribute album; that the tracks flow is already expected!

**jag** · September 9th, 2003, 01:39 PM

diaper changing station on one wall and synth on the other

lol, i too can't wait to see what comes from this.

**Color Theory** · September 9th, 2003, 02:14 PM

Here's what I decided on:

A one-man tribute to Depeche Mode, complete with two new instrumental interludes. Eleven of their most underappreciated songs reinvented, plus "Ponytail Girl", the Color Theory original that the world mistook for DM.

Maybe I might add:

One fan described it as "a Martin Gore solo album in reverse"

Cause that's kinda funny.

**d3lions** · September 9th, 2003, 02:35 PM

Brian, besides the "Eleven of their most underappreciated songs reinvented", any other hints as to what songs will be in the Album??? hehehehe

Thanks

**jetjaguar15** · September 9th, 2003, 02:50 PM

Let's hope it's some of the really good ones, like "Boys Say Go!" and "More Than A Party"...

And I am soooo just kidding.....

**Color Theory** · September 9th, 2003, 02:56 PM

Actually, those are both on there. Since you asked so nicely, here's the tracklist:

1. In Your Memory
2. Work Hard
3. Fools
4. Boys Say Go!
5. Shouldn't Have Done That
6. If You Want
7. Pipeline
8. Flexible
9. The Landscape is Changin'
10. More Than a Party
11. Pimpf
12. Ponytail Girl

Doesn't that just ROCK!?!?!

Of course, I am soooo kidding too!

Maybe I shouldn't joke, because we're certainly offending some DM fans. I honestly do enjoy some of those songs, but they aren't exactly my favorites.

**jetjaguar15** · September 9th, 2003, 03:17 PM

Seriously now...

How long are you going to wait to reveal the real tracklist, Brian?

**eve** · September 10th, 2003, 03:49 PM

the tracklist has been posted on http://www.side-line.com

**jetjaguar15** · September 10th, 2003, 04:00 PM

For those who don't want to have to surf over to Side-Line:
The tracklist: "Leave in silence", "I want you now", "World full of nothing", "One caress", "It doesn't matter", "Sister of night", "I am you", "Here is the house", "Surrender", "But not tonight", "Sweetest perfection" and "Ponytail girl".

Some of my favorite slow DM songs here.. great choices!

**Dan1boy** · September 10th, 2003, 04:23 PM

Is there anything that Mr. Hazard aka Mr. Wunderkind can't do? I still haven't been invited to his new Casa yet, though ;-( I promise to wipe my shoes!

Hey, B, what kind of licensing fees are we talking about for the right to distribute all these tracks??

**Color Theory** · September 11th, 2003, 11:14 AM

Dan, I'm not so much worried about the shoes as I am the lingering cat hair!

You're welcome to swing by anytime.

The license fees are at the statutory rate, which I think is just shy of 6 cents. So for 1000 units, that's $60 a song x 11 = $660. It's not prohibitive, but it's definitely a large chunk of the manufacturing cost. Therefore, I want to start with 1000 and risk having to re-order very quickly, rather than potentially paying for CDs that don't sell. While I'm tempted to think it will be a big hit, I can't be sure that my core fanbase will be interested.