Time is running short, so let me be quick.

With Dave Gahan on the mend, Depeche Mode released Exciter in 2001. It’s an inconsistent album, not one of my favorites, but I love this song, Goodnight Lovers, which features some gorgeous harmonizing from Gore and Gahan. Note, too, at the end of the video, the obvious warmth between the two men. Gore puts his arm around Gahan; and at the song’s close, Gahan plants an affectionate kiss on Gore’s head. It looks completely genuine and spontaneous and unrehearsed—a whisper of camaraderie from one survivor to another.

2005’s Playing the Angel was a welcome return to form. My favorite: probably the album opener, A Pain that I’m Used To, which announces itself with an industrial blast. (It would become a concert-starter as well, as here in Germany.)

And let’s do one more, Precious, which is interesting because of its subject matter: the effect of Gore’s divorce upon his children.

Precious and fragile things
Need special handling
My God, what have we done to you?

…Things get damaged
Things get broken

Tomorrow: what it all means.