I don't know whether anyone's ever done this before but I'll give it a go. I love the Mode, even though my age means that I was probably too young to catch them early enough to realise how revelatory that sound must have been in it's genesis. Indeed, I'd go along with the commonly held view, that it's actually early Mode stuff which stands up better. So, on the eve of their pending latest release 'Sounds Of The Universe' I'd like to reflect back on their history and pick out a gem or two.

For me, my favourite album is perhaps 'Speak & Spell', though 'Music For The Masses' comes in very close indeed. As for 'Violator', 'SOFAD' or 'Black Celebration', I like them and indeed respect them, but I've never found them as enjoyable as these two efforts. I'd be interested to read what others think?