Alan Wilder’s Recoil has, for 25 years, seen the former Depeche Mode man explore his love of experimental electronic music, and the potential of the collaboration. His selection for Baker’s Dozen, then, reflects this – and along the way gives some intriguing insight into his relationship with Depeche Mode. He chooses Talk Talk’s Spirit Of Eden, for example, citing the fact that he felt a parallel with Mark Hollis turning his back on pop stardom, and his departure from Depeche Mode at the height of their powers. He also chooses the works of Gorecki and Steve Reich alongside formative albums by Television and David Bowie. Wilder’s reasons for his choice of Morrissey’s You Are The Quarry are also interesting – he’s not a fan of Steven Patrick’s music, but says he feels as a lyricist he’ll only be regarded after he’s gone. And, indeed, he’d love to get him onboard for a Recoil track. Also on Mr Wilder’s turntable are Lou Reed, Massive Attack, Radiohead, PiL, Brian Eno and The Beatles – another group whose tension Wilder says were reflected in Depeche Mode. Recoil play the Mute Short Circuit Festival at the London Roundhouse this weekend, May 13th and 14th. For more information and tickets, please visit the Festival website. Click the image below to begin the Baker’s Dozen countdown.
Alan Wilder Of Recoil & Depeche Mode’s 13 Favourite LPs
As Short Circuit fast approaches, we talk to Alan Wilder about his 13 favourite records, and how they shaped his work in post-Depeche Mode project Recoil