Singles Discography

Precious

Charts

UK (4) US (71) Germany (2)

Notes

It's the light at the end of the tunnel. It's a release the band needed to have if their "Playing the Angel" campaign was to have any teeth following the debacles of the previous releases. In spite of the hideous gray patchwork cover Anton created, BONG 35, was for lack of a better term, "Precious".

Ambiguity, normally a constant theme (or running gag) when it comes to deciphering what Martin's songs are about, took the day off as the subject matter directly dealt with Martin's divorce procedings. Not only that, the CSI songwriting department also got the day off as we knew who the song was addressed to: his children. "Precious" would be joined with a song that should have been included on the upcoming album: "Free". It's a hard, electronic tune that borrows plenty from the band's earlier backcatalogue. Unlike other B-sides, "Free" never made it on to the vinyl releases.

In 2005, the musical landscape was changing considerably. With the proliferation of iPods and the ubiquity of its companion software and online musical outlet iTunes, the days of purchasing music in its physical form, be it vinyl or CD, were clearly numbered. BONG 35 in the US would be the last time a Depeche Mode single would be released for CD and vinyl. Digital releases based on promo CD's would become the norm from the next single onwards. Thankfully Mute knew better and kept the presses running for future releases.

Speaking of better, instead of a cheesy cartoon video, a proper film was made for "Precious" by Uwe Flade. DM return to the seas in a virtual luxury cruiser surrounded by cyborg sea life. A few months prior to the video's premiere, a working print of the video was leaked which subsequently leaked a premixed version of the song along with it causing a massive internet shitstorm for those involved with the leak. The buzz it created worked and the release saw the band match its highest charting at #4, matching "Barrel of a Gun" and "People Are People".

To make a proper splash, the band employed a heavy hitter in the name of Sasha. His credentials are endless and he came through with two distinct mixes for "Precious". Mixes from Michael Mayer, Misc, and Mute labelmates Motor were included. Reprise would contribute digital only mixes from DJ Dan and Calderone & Quayle, as well as a distinct US only radio mix. These mixes would prove to be the best offered.

Releases in the UK consisted of a 12", an L12, CD, LCD, and DVD releases. The sleeves for the 12" releases were nearly identical. The three disc releases were done in slim cases with a limited edition slipcase issued to house them. This would become the standard issue with future releases. Well, not entirely. Sorry to blow the surprise, but BONG 36 and future releases would have a numbered limited edition 7" picture disc release. In 2006, the good folks at DEPMOD.COM would start a grand petition to get a 7" released for "Precious". Sure enough it worked and it was released later in the year during the "Martyr" campaign. Good job!

US Releases

	Sire / Reprise Double 12" Single 0-42831 Precious (Album Version) Precious (Sasha's Spooky Mix - Edit) Precious (Sasha's Gargantuan Vocal Mix - Edit) Precious (Michael Mayer Balearic Mix) Precious (Misc. Full Vocal Mix) Precious (Misc. Crunch Mix) Precious (Motor Remix)
	Sire / Reprise 5" CD Single 2-42831 Precious (Sasha's Spooky Mix – Edit) Precious (Sasha's Gargantuan Vocal Mix - Edit) Precious (Michael Mayer Balearic Mix) Precious (Misc. Full Vocal Mix) Precious (Misc. Crunch Mix) Precious (Motor Remix)
^ Return to Top ^

UK Releases

	Mute Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc BONG 35 Precious (Album Version) Precious (Michael Mayer Ambient Mix) Notes: Released in 2006 after a successful internet petition. With BONG 36, Mute began its issue of picture discs. This left "Precious" without a corresponding 7" release, but the campaign was successful and the picture disc was released during the "Martyr" campaign. A numbered limited edition picture disc contained in a thick, clear PVC sleeve sealed by a large sticker. Limited to 10,000 copies. The number is displayed on the sticker, which also contains the details of the release and a small snapshot of cover art.
	Mute 12" Single 12 BONG 35 Precious (Sasha's Spooky Mix - Full Length) Precious (Sasha's Gargantuan Vocal Mix - Full Length)
	Mute Limited Edition 12" Single L12 BONG 35 Precious (Misc. Full Vocal Mix) Precious (Michael Mayer Balaeric Mix) Precious (Motor Remix) Precious (Misc. Crunch Mix)
	Mute 5" CD Single CD BONG 35 Precious (Album Version) Precious (Sasha's Spooky Mix - Single Edit)
	Mute Limited Edition 5" CD Single LCD BONG 35 Precious (Sasha's Gargantuan Vocal Mix - Edit) Precious (Misc. Full Vocal Mix) Free
	Mute DVD Single DVD BONG 35 Precious (Video) Precious (Motor Remix) Precious (Michael Mayer Ambient Mix)
	Mute Promo 5" CD Single RCD BONG 35 Precious (Radio Version)
	Mute Promo 5" CD Single PCD BONG 35 Precious (Sasha's Spooky Mix - Edit) Precious (Sasha's Gargantuan Vocal Mix - Edit) Precious (Michael Mayer Balaeric Mix) Precious (Misc. Full Vocal Mix) Precious (Misc. Crunch Mix) Precious (Motor Remix)
	Mute Promo 12" Single P12 BONG 35 Precious (Sasha's Spooky Mix - Full Length) Precious (Sasha's Gargantuan Vocal Mix - Full Length)
	Mute Promo 12" Single PL12 BONG 35 Precious (Misc. Full Vocal Mix) Precious (Michael Mayer Balaeric Mix) Precious (Motor Remix) Precious (Misc. Crunch Mix)
^ Return to Top ^