8-Bit Depeche Mode

For whatever reason, people seem to like when popular music is reduced to the 8-bit video game level, something that’s been dubbed “microchip synthpunk.”  It keeps alive the sound of ancient Ataris, Gameboys Speak&Spells and Commodore 64s.

On the 30th anniversary of the release of the Apple II (which was an 8-bit machine), there’s a new tribute album entitled 8-Bit Operators: A Tribute to Depeche Mode – Enjoy the Silence.  And yes, an Apple II was used to create this.  It’s also the fourth album in the series with other subjects being Kraftwerk (natch), The Beatles and Devo.

Here’s a sample:

And another.

If that floats your boat, the whole album can be streamed here.

01. Bacalao – But Not Tonight
02. Herbert Weixelbaum – Enjoy The Silence
03. GOTO80 – Boys Say Go
04. Matt Nida feat. Lisa Schumann – Policy of Truth
05. ComputeHer – Strangelove
06. gwEm – Martyr
07. Laker feat. ONTBG – Clean
08. 8-Bit Operators – Photographic (Megamix)*
09. Patokai – New Life
10. Aonami – (Set Me Free) Remotivate Me
11. crashfaster – Never Let Me Down Again
12. gameboymusicclub – Dreaming Of Me
13. Naomi Sample – Somebody
14. Yerzmeyey – I Just Can’t Get Enough
15. Inverse Phase – Behind The Wheel