Martin L. Gore: Lays

This is a de-luxe edition featuring for the first time ever in the form of a book the virtually complete lyrics written between 1981 and 2005 by MARTIN GORE for British band DEPECHE MODE. The 87 songs -- picked from DM's past 11 studio albums and myriad B sides -- span two and a half decades, and are gathered together in one volume along with their translation in French. The translation, which appears opposite each original lyric, has been painstakingly prepared by French DM aficionado JUGURTHA HARCHAOUI. The latter put the whole thing together over a several-year period with Martin Gore's blessing. Legendary German artist KLAUS VOORMANN contributed half-a-dozen original illustrations made specifically for the book. The editor also received help from world-renowned Dutch photographer ANTON CORBIJN, who provided the rare black-and-white portrait adorning the cover. ~ The band's greatest classics enjoyed such massive commercial success over the decades, it is easy to forget the masterful language, the timelessness and, quite often, the dry wit that characterize them. The translator annotated the French version with an unstinting eye for detail and rock history, allowing us to connect Gore's unique voice as a British songsmith with the American blues-and-rock tradition that informs those songs. ~ The 87-song retrospective is compiled into one lavish volume, more akin to a fine vintage poetry book than a typical rock coffee-table tome. Foreword by rock journalist Gerard Bar-David (Rolling Stone France, Best) who de facto acted as France's DM expert ever since their debut back in 1981. Translation by Jugurtha Harchaoui. ~ This rare, limited-edition item is a must-own for not only DM fans around the world but also any book lovers.

I think of Martin as part of that lineage that started with Roxy Music and T.Rex. Glamour and romance wrapped up in great tunes. Some of his records stand up alongside the great British singles. --Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Modest Mouse, The Cribs) When I wait for the lights to go down, carnal desire strikes; the devil sits on my shoulder and I stare over the edge. Martin Gore shows that words often offer nothing but complications and that the answers lie within… Martin becomes my friend when everyone's gone to bed.---Stefan Olsdal (Placebo, Hotel Persona) Martin Gore's lyrics are cool. --Nick Cave

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