Depeche Mode are not exactly fond of recording covers, but has contributed a strong electronic rendition of the classic anti-war anthem “Universal Soldier” to the newly released charity compilation “Help(2)”.
The reception has been very positive, even amongst fans who are somewhat skeptical of modern era Depeche Mode. The clear and efficient electronic arrangement adds a cool layer to the 1960s lyrics and it’s fascinating to hear DM singing someone else’s words.
“Universal Soldier”, originally written by singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie in 1963, and popularized by Donovan, deals with individual responsibility in warfare. Depeche Mode’s version, produced by longtime collaborator James Ford, reimagines the folk classic through a dark, electronic lens:
- Martin has always had his eye on what’s going on in the world politically, he told NME. Their process is often quite painfully slow, so I wasn’t expecting anything to come of it for a while. Then weirdly, it was one of the first tracks that got delivered once Martin had found the track to cover. I love it when people really flip a cover version to make it feel like their own track. He sent me something within a couple of weeks, well before the Abbey Road sessions, so we had that “early doors”. I think it’s a really interesting version.
The compilation also features contributions from artists like Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Beth Gibbons, Damon Albarn and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, and all proceeds from the compilation go to War Child UK.
