Recoil sample sources

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In audio production, sampling refers to the use of a portion (or sample) from a sound recording within another recording. As pioneers of the electronic music genre in the early 1980s, Depeche Mode with Alan Wilder were among the most prolific acts to make use of sampling technology within a traditional pop music format. Among the thousands of original samples recorded and utilized by Depeche Mode to enhance the atmosphere of their musical output are many that originated elsewhere, including brief passages of musical recordings by other artists, snippets of audio from television shows, radio broadcasts, films, environmental sounds, and more. Analysis of these sample sources and how they are manipulated is a popular topic of discussion amongst fans of the group.

Upon his departure from Depeche Mode in 1995, Wilder would expand upon the creative sampling techniques he perfected through the years as a member of Depeche Mode for his Recoil music project, utilising sampled audio from contemporary music, films, film soundtracks, and samples from his past work with Depeche Mode.

To view a list of sample sources for Depeche Mode works, see Depeche Mode sample sources.

Glossary
Terms used in this article

Information

Key
Official
The sample is confirmed to have been used in the specified song by a past/present member of Depeche Mode, an individual involved in its production, or band archivist Daniel "BRAT" Barassi.
Confirmed
The sample is independently confirmed to have been used in the specified song.
Likely
The sample is likely to have been used in the specified song but has not yet been confirmed.
Unconfirmed
The sample is not yet confirmed to have been used in the specified song.
Disproven
The sample is confirmed to not have been used in the specified song.
Unknown
It is unclear if the sample was used in the specified song.

This page aims to document all verifiable sound sources for many of the musical parts utilised by Alan Wilder for the Recoil music project in the production of its studio albums, official remixes, live performances, and other works.

Due to the manipulated nature of the samples described in this article, there is unavoidable potential for error or sample misattribution. To ensure accuracy, this article strives to use verified quotes from band members and recording personnel with citations wherever possible, audio examples, and independent research voluntarily contributed by Depeche Mode and Recoil fans across the world. This article serves to provide an interesting document on this topic in a tabular format that is organized, well-researched, and reasonably accurate. Please bear in mind that due to the limited number of relevant quotes for each sample from band members or associates involved in the production of the music described on this page, audio samples that lack official confirmation are not guaranteed to be accurate.

This article differentiates samples by their origin: Self-made samples, which describes any material originally recorded by Depeche Mode or Recoil, and Sourced samples, which describe samples which were not originally recorded by either group. In addition to confirmed samples, this article also covers samples that are commonly misreported as having been used but have been directly refuted by a member or associate of Depeche Mode or Recoil.

As ever, if you notice an error, wish to contribute or request the removal of information contained within this article, please feel free to contact us.

1 + 2 (1986)

"1" & "2" - Recoil
1986

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
N/A Depeche Mode – "Any Second Now" (Altered) - 1981
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "If You Want" - 1984
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "The Sun & The Rainfall" - 1982
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "Oberkorn (It's A Small Town)" - 1982
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "The Great Outdoors" - 1983
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "Shouldn't Have Done That" - 1982
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "Tora! Tora! Tora!" - 1981
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "Shake The Disease" (Edit the Shake) - 1985
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "Pipeline" - 1983
Confirmed
N/A Depeche Mode – "Blasphemous Rumours" - 1984
Confirmed
N/A Kraftwerk – "Radioaktivität" - 1975
Unconfirmed
N/A Kraftwerk – "Uran" - 1975
Unconfirmed
N/A Kraftwerk – "Radioland" - 1975
Unconfirmed
N/A Duet Emmo – "Or So It Seems" - 1983
Unconfirmed
N/A Duet Emmo – "Heart of Hearts" - 1983
Unconfirmed
N/A The Hitmen – "Shade in, fade out" - 1981
Unconfirmed
N/A Hard Corps - "Je Suis Passée" - 1985
Unconfirmed

Hydrology (1988)

"Grain" - Recoil
1988
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Bell-like outro "ping" In May 2020, fan "DMK" kindly provided DM Live Wiki with documentation for a series of Emulator II floppy disks that accompanied a collection of restored studio equipment used by Music For The Masses producer Dave Bascombe during the production of music albums for artists other than Depeche Mode in the mid to late eighties. One floppy disk, labeled "Wineglass (106)", features an untitled preset ("NULL PRESET"), which contains a bell-like sample, presumably the sound of a wine glass being tapped. This sample is played sporadically throughout the orchestral outro of "Grain". Notably, this sound is also used in "Strangelove", "Never Let Me Down Again", "Behind The Wheel", and "Route 66".

"Stone" - Recoil
1988

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
French vocal sample French train announcer, unidentified source
Confirmed
Wilder confirmed in a Q&A on Shunt, the official Recoil website that "Stone" employs a vocal sample of a French train station announcer, but is unsure of its origin.[1] The announcer says: "Attention! Attention! Quai n°5, départ imminent du Nord-Express à destination de Moscou [...]"

"The Sermon"
Recoil
1988
Self-made samples
Sample Notes Audio
Polish vocal sample A vocal sample from a Polish radio broadcast reporting on Pope John Paul II's 9 June 1987 sermon in Warsaw can be heard in the introduction of "The Sermon". Wilder commented on the origin of this sample in a 2008 interview for komarnicki.pl: "I put the microphone on the shortwave radio, I tried to catch some climatic samples and that was the first thing that happened. I had no idea what they were saying! I liked the sound but it wasn't meant to be an integral part of the track, just atmosphere."[2] The two audio samples state:

[...] radcy nuncjatury w Lizbonie, którego Ojciec Święty mianował Pronuncjuszem Apostolskim w Tajla[-ndii...]

[...] wzgórze wypełniło się młodzieżą maturalną… oprócz indywidualnych [inaudible] grup kraj przebyły też dwie pielgrzymki diecezjalne. Pierwsza z Archidiecezji Warszawskiej w liczbie około 8 tysięcy młodzieży [...][3]

English Google translation:

[...] counselor of the nunciature in Lisbon, whom the Holy Father appointed as Apostolic Pronunciator in Tajla [Thailand]...

[...] the hill was filled with high school graduates ... in addition to individual freelance groups, two diocesan pilgrimages arrived in Prague. The first one, from the Archdiocese of Warsaw, was eight thousand young people strong, and they...

Bass guitar In May 2020, fan "DMK" kindly provided DM Live Wiki with documentation for a series of Emulator II floppy disks that accompanied a collection of restored studio equipment used by Music For The Masses co-producer Dave Bascombe during the production of music albums for artists other than Depeche Mode in the mid to late 1980s. One floppy disk, labeled "Bright Bass-GTR", features a preset titled "bright bass" that is comprised of two bass guitar samples which are used throughout "The Sermon" starting from approximately the five minute thirty-second mark. Notably, these bass guitar parts are also used during the chorus sections of the album version and throughout the single version of "Strangelove".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Tribal chanting Charles Duvelle, Jean-Pierre Martin, Jacques M'bilo - Musique centrafricaine - "Chant Dakpa pour l'Abbatage d'un arbre" - 1962
Confirmed
A section of audio derived from "Chant Dakpa pour l'Abbatage d'un arbre" as recorded by Charles Duvelle, Jean-Pierre Martin, and Jacques M'bilo for the 1962 Ocora release Musique centrafricaine is utilised throughout the outro of "The Sermon".

Click to display/hide audio example

Woodwind instrumentation Charles Duvelle, Jean-Pierre Martin, Jacques M'bilo - Musique centrafricaine - "Musique de chasse Babinga" - 1962
Confirmed
A section of audio derived from "Musique de chasse Babinga" as recorded by Charles Duvelle, Jean-Pierre Martin, and Jacques M'bilo for the 1962 Ocora release Musique centrafricaine is utilised throughout the outro of "The Sermon".
Snare accent Michael Siegel - The Sounds Of The Office - "Postage Meter And Enveloppe Sealer" - 1964
Confirmed
A mechanical sound derived from "Postage Meter And Enveloppe Sealer" as featured on the 1964 Folksways Records field recording album The Sounds Of The Office.
"Buzzy" synth drone Emulator II factory library disk #37: Electric Guitar - Preset #3: "LoopedGuitar", SAMPLE 5, SAMPLE 9
Confirmed
Two muted harmonic guitar pluck samples derived from the Emulator II factory library disk #37 "Electric Guitar" are individually looped with a tight loop point and layered together to form the "buzzy" monophonic synth drone audible throughout "The Sermon".

Bloodline (1992)

"Faith Healer" - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Piano-like one-shot sample A low octave, piano-like sampled synth part originally recorded for use with "Policy Of Truth" is used to atmospheric effect in "Faith Healer". The part is processed with a chorus effect. Notably, this sample is also used in Wilder's "Eurotech Version" remix of Toni Halliday's "Time Turns Around".
Snare The distinctive snare originally recorded for use in "World In My Eyes" is used throughout "Faith Healer".
Tom/drum fill The tom drum fill that bridges the chorus and verse sections of "Personal Jesus" bears a strong similarity to the equivalent part used during the chorus sections of "Faith Healer".
Xpander 'zap' and Pro One synth bass sweep[4] A layered Xpander/Pro One bass synth part originally recorded for use during the chorus sections of "Enjoy The Silence" are utilised during the chorus sections of "Faith Healer".
“Eyes" vocoder vocal A quick cut of a vocoded vocal performance originally recorded for use with the "Dub In My Eyes" remix of "World In My Eyes" is used as a rhythmic element throughout "Faith Healer".
Looped "ahh" solo male vocal/choir pad (one of two) A looped male solo vocal pad originally heard during the opening minutes of "Clean" is used sporadically throughout "Faith Healer".[5]

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Guitar riff and other elements The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - "The Faith Healer" - 1973
Confirmed
Bell tree sample Fleetwood Mac - "Black Magic Woman" - 1982
Confirmed
This sample was originally sampled for use in Depeche Mode's "World In My Eyes", and is re-used to atmospheric effect in "Faith Healer".

"Electro Blues For Bukka White" - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Bass sequence Musician Ehron VonAllen confirmed in a YouTube analysis of his remix collaboration with Alan Wilder that the latter employed a bass sequence originally recorded for use with "Waiting For The Night" in "Electro Blues For Bukka White".[6]

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Bukka White vocal performance Bukka White - The Sonet Blues Story - "Shake 'Em On Down" - 1963
Confirmed
The sung vocals audible throughout "Electro Blues For Bukka White" are derived and manipulated from a 1963 recording of "Shake 'Em On Down" by American delta blues musician Bukka White.
Bukka White spoken phrases Bukka White - The Sonet Blues Story - "Remembrance Of Charlie Patton" - 1963
Confirmed
The various vocal phrases present throughout "Electro Blues For Bukka White" are derived and manipulated from a 1963 recording of "Remembrance Of Charlie Patton" by American delta blues musician Bukka White.
Filtered synth percussion The Human League - "Being Boiled" - 1980
Confirmed
A sample of filtered percussive noise derived from a synthesizer heard in the intro of The Human League's "Being Boiled" is utilised throughout "Electro Blues For Bukka White" starting from the fourteen second mark.
Piano atmospherics David Bowie - "Aladdin Sane" - 1973
Unconfirmed

"The Defector" - Recoil
1992

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Piano/bass guitar stab Emulator III OMI Universe of Sounds Volume 1 - Funk Bass
Confirmed
A bass guitar stab heard throughout "The Defector" is derived from the Emulator III Universe Of Sounds Volume 1 voice "Funk Bass". Notably, this sound would also see use throughout Depeche Mode's "Policy Of Truth" and Wilder's "Eurotech" remix of Toni Halliday's "Time Turns Around".
Anthony Hopkins "Closer...", "That is his nature", "No, no, no, no, no" vocal samples Silence Of The Lambs (film) - 1991
Likely
N/A LFO - "El Ef Oh" - 1991
Unknown

"Edge To Life" - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Italian female spoken vocal A female vocal spoken in Italian from the Strange video compilation can be heard throughout the song. Spoken by Ippolita "Poppy" Santorelli, the Italian actress prominently featured in the music video for "Behind The Wheel".

Italian:

Allora, io sono Ippolita, Ippolita Santarelli. I miei amici mi chiamano Poppi. Un giorno, stavo girando per la campagna con la mia Vespa quando vidi un ragazzo con le stampelle. Era la prima volta che vedevo Dave. Noi viaggiammo insieme e ci divertimmo molto. Lui È il mio piccolo Marlon, e mi piace molto ballare con lui. Mi persuase a diventare un pezzo da museo ed io non l'ho pi˘ visto. Mi piacerebbe uscire e ballare ancora con lui. Forse, un giorno, chissà!

English:

So, I am Ippolita, Ippolita Santarelli. My friends call me Poppi. One day, I was riding around the countryside with my Vespa when I saw a boy on crutches. It was the first time I saw Dave. We traveled together and had a lot of fun. He is my little Marlon[?] and I love dancing with him. He persuaded me to become a museum piece[?] and I haven't seen him since. I would love to go out and dance with him again. maybe... one day... who knows... ciao.

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
"Metallic" hi-hat Emulator II factory library disk #71: DAS Synth
Confirmed
A lo-fi synthesizer sample derived from Emulator II factory library disk #71 "DAS Synth" is played several keys above its root key to produce a metallic ticking sound that is used in place of a hi-hat throughout "Edge To Life". Notably, this sample is also used throughout Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus".
Led Zeppelin "When The Levee Breaks" snare drum Led Zeppelin - ""When The Levee Breaks"" - 1971
Confirmed
A sequenced snare drum pattern audible throughout "Edge To Life" utilises a snare drum sample derived from Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks".
Orchestral strings Emulator II factory library disk #05: Marcato Strings
Confirmed
The outro section of "Edge To Life" features orchestral string chords played using the "Marcato Strg" preset of Emulator II factory library disk #05 "Marcato Strings".
Orchestral strings Gustav Mahler, Zubin Mehta - Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor - IV Adagietto: Sehr Langsam. V. Rondo - Finale: Allegro - Los Angeles Philharmonic - 1977
Confirmed
"Edge To Life" employs orchestral phrases sampled from a 1977 performance of the fourth movement of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5 Adagietto (Sehr langsam), conducted by Zubin Mehta and performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

"Curse" - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
"Breathing" accordion loop The "breathing" effect originally recorded for use in "I Want You Now" is re-purposed for atmosphere throughout "Curse". The sound is produced by an accordion being inflated and deflated without depressing a key.[7]

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Diamanda Galás vocal sample Diamanda Galás - Unidentified source
Unconfirmed
Punchy snare and "whirly" bassline Digital Underground - "The Humpty Dance" - 1990
Confirmed
The "whirly", evolving bassline and fat, punchy snare heard in "The Humpty Dance" by Digital Underground (itself derived from "Theme from the Black Hole" by Parliament) is used throughout "Curse".
Punchy snare Parliament - "Theme from the Black Hole" - 1979
Confirmed
Vocal, spoken - "Three, two, one, kick it" N.W.A - Straight Outta Compton - "Parental Discretion Iz Advised" - 8 August 1988
Confirmed
A manipulated vocal derived from the intro of "Parental Discretion Iz Advised" by N.W.A is utilised as a fill throughout "Curse".
"You're blind, you're blind from the facts" vocal Public Enemy - "She Watch Channel Zero?!" - 1988
Confirmed

"Bloodline" - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
"Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf" nursery rhyme vocal A reversed vocal performance of the nursery rhyme "Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf" as sung by Douglas McCarthy's daughter can be heard mid-way through the song. Notably, this sample is also used in the Nitzer Ebb song "Sugar Sweet".

"Freeze" - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Synth arpeggio "Freeze" employs a manipulated sample derived from the atmospheric outro of the "Development Mix" of "Oberkorn (It's A Small Town)".

B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes

"Faith Healer" (Trance Mix) - Recoil
1992
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Piano-like one-shot A low octave, piano-like sampled synth part originally recorded for use with "Policy Of Truth" is used to atmospheric effect in 'Faith Healer'.

Tom/drum fill The tom drum fill that bridges the chorus and verse sections of "Personal Jesus" bears a strong similarity to the equivalent part used during the chorus sections of "Faith Healer".
Xpander 'zap' and Pro One synth bass sweep[4] A layered Xpander/Pro One bass synth part originally recorded for use during the chorus sections of "Enjoy The Silence" are re-used during the chorus sections of "Faith Healer".
Eyes" vocoder vocal A quick cut of a vocoded vocal performance originally recorded for use with the "Dub In My Eyes" remix of "World In My Eyes" is used as a rhythmic element throughout "Faith Healer".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Guitar riff and other elements The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - "The Faith Healer" - 1973
Confirmed
N/A LFO - "Love Is The Message" - 1991
Unknown

Unsound Methods (1997)

"Incubus"
Recoil
1997
Self-made samples
Sample Notes Audio
Percussion elements A percussive loop originally recorded for use in Depeche Mode's "Clean" is re-used to create a rhythmic, tribal atmosphere in "Incubus".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Jazzy bass guitar/piano phrase Angelo Badalamenti - Blue Velvet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - "Akron Meets the Blues" - 1986
Confirmed
A bluesy bass guitar and piano phrase derived from "Akron Meets the Blues," as scored by Angelo Badalamenti for the 1986 Blue Velvet film soundtrack, is utilised in the opening moments of "Incubus".

Click to display/hide audio example

Jazz saxophone Bernard Herrmann - Taxi Driver: Original Soundtrack Recording - "I Still Can't Sleep / They Cannot Touch Her (Betsy's Theme)" - 1976[8]
Confirmed
A saxophone phrase derived from "I Still Can't Sleep / They Cannot Touch Her (Betsy's Theme)" as scored by Bernard Hermann for the 1976 Taxi Driver film soundtrack is utilised in the opening moments of "Incubus".

Click to display/hide audio example

Guitar atmospherics Buck 65 - Vertex - "Slow Drama" - 1997
Confirmed
An audio sample featuring dissonant guitar atmospherics derived from the opening moments of Buck 65's "Slow Drama" is utilised mid-way through "Incubus".

Click to display/hide audio example

Drum loop Saint Etienne - "Filthy" - 1991
Confirmed
A manipulated section of audio containing percussion and bass elements derived from the opening moments of Saint Etienne's "Filthy" is utilised throughout "Incubus". The drums featured in the Saint Etienne sample were themselves sampled from the "Sons and Daughters" by The Neville Brothers.
Drum loop The Neville Brothers - Brother's Keeper - "Sons and Daughters" - 1990
Confirmed
A re-sampled section of audio featuring drums originally recorded for "Sons and Daughters" by The Neville Brothers derived from the opening moments of Saint Etienne's 1991 "Filthy" is utilised throughout "Incubus".
Orchestral strings Henryk Górecki - Symphony No. 3, Op. 36: I. Lento - Sostenuto Tranquillo Ma Cantabile - released 9 March, 1992 (recorded 4 April, 1977)
Likely
A sampled orchestral/vocal phrase derived from the first movement of Henryk Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 is likely utilised throughout "Incubus".
Shouting vocal Peter Gabriel - "Rhythm Of The Heat" - 1982
Likely

"Drifting"
Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
"Drifting somewhere" vocal Howlin' Wolf - Oh Red!! - "My Last Affair" - 1953
Confirmed
A manipulated vocal sample derived from influential American blues musician Howlin' Wolf's 1953 "My Last Affair" is utilised sporadically throughout "Drifting".

Click to display/hide audio example

Marimba rhythm Peter Gabriel - "Slow Marimbas" - 1985
Confirmed
A looping section of melodic marimba performance derived from the opening moments of Peter Gabriel's "Slow Marimbas" is utilised throughout "Drifting".

Click to display/hide audio example

Orchestral strings Vivian Kubrick (as "Abigail Mead") - Full Metal Jacket (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - "Sniper" - 1987
Confirmed
A section of orchestral strings derived from Vivian Kubrick's "Sniper" as composed for the soundtrack of the 1987 Stanley Kubrick film Full Metal Jacket is utilised throughout "Drifting".

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Brass swell The Walker Brothers - "Another Tear Falls" - 1966
Confirmed
A brass section swell derived from the opening moments of The Walker Brothers' 1966 UK single "Another Tear Falls" is utilised throughout "Drifting".

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Saxophone and choir Hilliard Ensemble & Jan Garbarek - "Sanctus" - 1994
Confirmed
A section of audio featuring a saxophone and choir phrase derived from the opening moments of a September 1993 performance of "Sanctus" by the Hilliard Ensemble is utilised for a brief pad during "Drifting".

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Guitar atmospherics The Comsat Angels - "Missing in Action" - 1980
Confirmed
A manipulated sample of guitar atmospherics derived from the opening moments of The Comsat Angels' "Missing in Action" is utilised throughout "Drifting".

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Electronic drums / ambient piano Node - Node - "Clock" - 1995
Confirmed
A sampled section of audio featuring electronic drums and ambient piano derived from "Clock" by Node is utilised throughout "Drifting". Node is notable as an analogue synth music collaboration between Dave Bessell, Gary Stout, Ed Buller, and Mark "Flood" Ellis.

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Orchestra/vocal phrase Loulie Jean Norman - "Summertime" - 1959
Confirmed
A sampled orchestral/vocal phrase derived from Loulie Jean Norman's performance of "Summertime" as recorded for the 1959 Porgy and Bess 1959 film soundtrack is utilised in the outro of "Drifting".

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Spoken word: "We are also aware that He had quite a flair for creating exceptional women" Marlene Dietrich - Noel Coward Introduces Marlene Dietrich – At The Cafe De Paris - "Introduction Noel Coward" - 1954
Confirmed
An introduction for German-American actress Marlene Dietrich spoken by Noël Coward for Dietrich's 1954 Café de Paris cabaret performance is utilised in the outro of "Drifting".

Click to display/hide audio example

"Luscious Apparatus"
Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Reversed guitar, bass guitar, breath Wiseblood - PTTM - "Hey Bop a Ree Bop" - 9 September 1991
Confirmed
A reversed section of audio derived from "Hey Bop a Ree Bop" by Wiseblood is utilised throughout "Luscious Apparatus".

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Reversed ambient pad Sergio Cervetti - The Hay Wain - "Fall Of The Rebel Angels" - 1987
Confirmed
A manipulated ambient pad derived from "Fall Of The Rebel Angels" by Sergio Cervetti is utilised throughout "Luscious Apparatus".

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Guitar chord The Cure - "Club America" - 1996
Confirmed
Dissonant guitar atmospherics from the opening moments of "Club America" by the Cure are utilised mid-way through "Luscious Apparatus".

"Stalker"
Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Dissonant choir Henryk Górecki, Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus - Górecki – Miserere - "Euntes Ibant Et Flebant, Opus 32" - Recorded 25-27 April 1994
Confirmed
A series of choral samples derived from an April 1994 performance of Henryk Górecki's "Euntes Ibant Et Flebant, Opus 32" by the Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus are utilised throughout "Stalker".
Noise, ambience Simon Fisher Turner - "Lower" - 1996
Confirmed
A section of noise and atmosphere derived from the opening moments of "Lower" by Simon Fisher Turner is utilised throughout the intro of "Stalker".
Melancholy guitar and shaker phrase Morphine - "Miles' Davis Funeral" - 1993
Confirmed
A melancholy guitar and shaker sample derived from the opening moments of "Miles' Davis Funeral" by Massachusetts band Morphine is utilised throughout "Stalker".

Click to display/hide audio example

"Versus Christus, ave Satani!" vocal chant with orchestral string and trumpet ostinato Jerry Goldsmith - The Omen (film soundtrack) - "Killer's Storm" - 1976
Confirmed
A sample of an orchestral ostinato and Latin vocal chant from "Killer's Storm", a musical score from the 1976 horror film The Omen are used to enhance the rhythm of "Stalker". The score from which the sample is derived is notable for its use in the scene featuring disgraced priest Father Brennan (Patrick Troughton), who flees in horror to a nearby church to escape the Devil's punishment for Brennan having informed Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck), the unknowing adopted father of the Antichrist, of his son's unholy origin.
Bass guitar Fun Lovin' Criminals - "Bear Hug" - 1996
Confirmed
A manipulated bass guitar rhythm derived from "Bear Hug" by Fun Lovin' Criminals is utilised mid-way through "Stalker".

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Ambient pads Peter Gabriel - Birdy (film soundtrack) - Unidentified source song - 1985
Unconfirmed
911 operator vocal The Last Seduction (film) - 1994
Likely

"Red River Cargo"
Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Melodic drum loop Big Daddy Kane - "Rest In Peace" - 1993
Confirmed
A drum loop derived from "Rest In Peace" by Big Daddy Kane is utilised throughout "Red River Cargo".

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Orchestral strings Richard Strauss - Jessye Norman, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Kurt Masur - Vier Letzte Lieder / Four Last Songs - Vier Letzte Lieder: IV. Im Abendrot - 1983
Confirmed
A series of manipulated orchestral string samples derived from a 1983 performance of "Im Abendrot" by the late Jessye Norman with accompaniment by Kurt Masur and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. Written by Richard Strauss to the words of the poem "Im Abendrot" (At Sunset) by Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff, the piece was published posthumously alongside "Frühling" (Spring), "September", and "Beim Schlafengehen" (When Falling Asleep) as the Four Last Songs by the composer's friend Ernst Roth in 1950.

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Drum loop Big Daddy Kane - "Here Comes Kane, Scoob and Scrap" - 1993
Confirmed
A drum loop derived from "Here Comes Kane, Scoob and Scrap" by Big Daddy Kane is utilised throughout "Red River Cargo".
Choir Samuel Barber, Trinity College Choir, Cambridge, Richard Marlow - Agnus Dei - 1994
Confirmed
A series of manipulated choir samples derived from a 1994 performance of Agnus Dei by the Trinity College Choir, Cambridge with the late Richard Marlow.

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Woodwind ambience Peter Gabriel - "The Rhythm Of The Heat" - 1982
Confirmed
A woodwind rhythm derived from "The Rhythm Of The Heat" by Peter Gabriel is utilised mid-way through "Red River Cargo".

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N/A Wild At Heart (film) - 1990
Unconfirmed

"Control Freak" - Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Orchestral strings Ravi Shankar, Philip Glass - "Offering" - 1990
Likely
A manipulated sample of orchestral strings derived from "Offering" by Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass is likely utilised throughout "Control Freak".
Piano Peter Hammill - "Accidents" - 1982
Likely
A manipulated sample of piano derived from "Accidents" by Peter Hammill is likely utilised throughout "Control Freak".
Synth fill Brian Eno, David Bryne - "Mountain of Needles" - February 1981
Likely
A manipulated sample derived from "Mountain of Needles" by Brian Eno and David Bryne is likely utilised throughout "Control Freak".
Synth pad Goldie - "Sea of Tears" - 1995
Likely
A synth pad derived from "Sea of Tears" by Goldie is likely utilised throughout "Control Freak".
N/A Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - "You're All I Need To Get By" - 1968
Unknown

"Missing Piece"
Recoil
1997
Self-made samples
Sample Notes Audio
Slide guitar A slide guitar part used prominently in the final moments of "Clean" is re-purposed as a rhythmic element throughout the choruses of "Missing Piece". Notably, this sample is also used to atmospheric effect in "Death's Door".
Looped pad, likely derived from a guitar A textured pad effect originally recorded for embellishment from the second chorus onwards of "Clean" is re-purposed for atmospherics in "Missing Piece". The part is audible at the two minute thirty second mark.
E-bow guitar A series of melodic e-bow guitar parts originally recorded for use during the middle eight and outro sections of "Walking In My Shoes" are re-used to ominous effect in chorus with orchestral strings at the three minute seven second mark.
Guitar chords with tremolo "Missing Piece" re-purposes a guitar chord processed through a tremolo effect originally recorded for "Blue Dress" to dramatic effect at the three minute thirty-two second mark. This guitar part is also notably used during the chorus sections of "Death's Door".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Reversed electric piano, guitar atmospherics, drum elements Björk - "Headphones (0 Remix)" - 1996
Confirmed
A manipulated section of audio featuring electric piano, guitar, and drum elements derived from mid-way through Bjork's 1996 "Headphones (0 Remix)" is utilised throughout "Missing Piece".

Click to display/hide audio example

Orchestral strings John Williams - Schindler's List: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - "Auschwitz-Birkenau" - 1994
Confirmed
A series of orchestral strings derived from "Auschwitz-Birkenau", composed by John Williams for the 1993 film Schindler's List are utilized throughout "Missing Piece". Credit to Thomas of Forced To Mode for this discovery.
Drum loop Primal Scream - Screamadelica - "Loaded" - 1990
Confirmed
A drum loop derived from the opening moments of "Loaded" by Primal Scream is utilised throughout "Missing Piece".

Click to display/hide audio example

"Last Breath"
Recoil
1997
Self-made samples
Sample Notes Audio
E-bow guitar A series of sustained e-bow guitar parts originally recorded for use during the middle eight and outro sections of "Walking In My Shoes" are re-used for the outro of "Last Breath".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Piano/orchestral strings Paul Robeson - "Take Me Away from the River" - 1933
Confirmed
A piano and orchestral strings sample derived from the opening moments of Paul Robeson's 1933 "Take Me Away from the River" is utilised throughout "Last Breath".

Click to display/hide audio example

Orchestral strings Paul Robeson - "Mighty Lak' A Rose" - 1929
Confirmed
An orchestral strings sample derived from the opening moments of Paul Robeson's 1929 "Mighty Lak' A Rose" is utilised as a fill for "Last Breath".

Click to display/hide audio example

Orchestral strings Gustav Mahler - Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor - 4. Adagietto (Sehr langsam) - Los Angeles Philharmonic, Zubin Mehta - 1977
Confirmed
A section of orchestral strings derived from a 1977 performance of the fourth movement of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor is utilised throughout "Last Breath".

Click to display/hide audio example

Exotic woodwinds Ry Cooder - "Goyakla Is Coming" - 1995
Confirmed
A reversed exotic woodwind phrase sampled from "Goyakla Is Coming" as featured on Ry Cooder's 1995 film soundtrack compilation album Music by Ry Cooder is utilised for atmospheric effect in "Last Breath".

Click to display/hide audio example

Exotic woodwinds Ry Cooder - "Theme from Southern Comfort" - 1995
Confirmed
An exotic woodwind phrase sampled from "Theme from Southern Comfort" as featured on Ry Cooder's 1995 film soundtrack compilation album Music by Ry Cooder is utilised for atmospheric effect throughout "Last Breath".
Guitar Ry Cooder - "Feelin' Bad Blues" - 1995
Confirmed
A guitar lick sampled from "Feelin' Bad Blues" as featured on Ry Cooder's 1995 film soundtrack compilation album Music by Ry Cooder is utilised in "Last Breath".

Click to display/hide audio example

Drum loop Beastie Boys - "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun" - 1989
Confirmed
A drum loop sampled from "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun" by the Beastie Boys is utilised throughout "Last Breath". The drum loop derived from "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun", itself a sample, was originally recorded by The Incredible Bongo Band for the 1973 track "Last Bongo In Belgium".
Whale sound effects HITCD08 - Pascal Gabriel's Dance Samples (AMG) - Track 64 - "Whale 3", "Whale 2", "Whale 5" - 1991
Confirmed
A series of edited whale vocalization sound effects utilised throughout "Last Breath" are derived from AMG's 1991 sample CD HITCD08 - Pascal Gabriel's Dance Samples. The whale sound effects derived from HITCD08 originally appeared on "Solo Whale", a track featured on bio-acoustician Roger Payne's 1970 environmental album Songs of the Humpback Whale.

Click to display/hide audio example

"Shunt" - Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Gated synth Piquet - "Caress" - 1996
Confirmed
A section of resonant synth noise derived from "Caress" by Piquet is utilised throughout "Shunt".
Guitar and tubular bell hit Laibach - "Dues Ex MacHina" - 1996
Confirmed
A sample featuring a guitar and tubular bell derived from the opening moments of "Dues Ex MacHina" by Laibach is utilised throughout "Shunt".
Sub bass and bass drum Massive Attack - "Better Things" - 1994
Confirmed
A low frequency bass element derived from the opening moments of "Better Things" by Massive Attack is utilised throughout "Shunt".

B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes

"Drifting" (Poison Dub)
Recoil
1997

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Orchestral strings Vivian Kubrick (as "Abigail Mead") - Full Metal Jacket (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - "Sniper" - 1987
Confirmed
A section of reversed orchestral strings derived from Vivian Kubrick's "Sniper" as composed for the soundtrack of the 1987 Stanley Kubrick film Full Metal Jacket is utilised throughout "Drifting (Poison Dub)".

Click to display/hide audio example

Electronic drums, ambience DJ Cam - Underground Live Act - "Lost Kingdom" - 25 August 1996
Confirmed
A section of audio featuring electronic drums and ambient noise derived from "Lost Kingdom" by DJ Cam is utilised throughout "Drifting (Poison Dub)".
Guitar atmospherics The Comsat Angels - "Missing in Action" - 1980
Confirmed
A manipulated sample of guitar atmospherics derived from the opening moments of The Comsat Angels' "Missing in Action" is utilised throughout "Drifting".
Drum loop Stereo Nova - "Ligotero Ap' Afto" - 1995
Confirmed
A manipulated drum loop derived from "Ligotero Ap' Afto" by Stereo Nova is utilised throughout "Drifting (Poison Dub)".
Saxophone and choir Hilliard Ensemble & Jan Garbarek - "Sanctus" - 1994
Confirmed
A section of audio featuring a saxophone and choir phrase derived from the opening moments of a September 1993 performance of "Sanctus" by the Hilliard Ensemble is utilised as a brief pad during "Drifting (Poison Dub)".
Brass swell The Walker Brothers - "Another Tear Falls" - 1966
Confirmed
A brass section swell derived from the opening moments of The Walker Brothers' 1966 UK single "Another Tear Falls" is utilised throughout "Drifting (Poison Dub)".
Electronic drums, ambient piano Node - Node - "Clock" - 1995
Confirmed
A sampled section of audio featuring electronic drums and ambient piano derived from "Clock" by Node is utilised throughout "Drifting (Poison Dub)". Node is notable as an analogue synth music collaboration between Dave Bessell, Gary Stout, Ed Buller, and Mark "Flood" Ellis.
Marimba rhythm Peter Gabriel - "Slow Marimbas" - 1985
Confirmed
A looping section of melodic marimba performance derived from the opening moments of Peter Gabriel's "Slow Marimbas" is utilised throughout "Drifting (Poison Dub)".

Liquid (2000)

"Black Box (Pt. 1)"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Dissonant choir Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Voices - "Magány" - 11 December, 1996
Likely
A dissonant choir sample derived from the final moments of Terry Edwards's "Magány" as performed by the London Sinfonietta Voices is likely utilised throughout "Black Box (Pt. 1)".
Saxophone Joe Maneri - "Gardenias For Gardenis" - 25 May 1998
Confirmed
A manipulated section of audio derived from "Gardenias For Gardenis" by Joe Maneri is utilised in the outro of "Black Box (Pt. 1)".
Orchestral strings Symphony No. 3 (Górecki) - 1992
Unconfirmed
N/A Plastikman - "Consumed" - 1998
Unknown

"Want"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Orchestral brass stab Gustav Holst, CSR Symphony Orchestra, Bratislava, Viktor Simcisko, Adrian Leaper - Holst: The Planets & Suite de Ballet, Op. 10 - I. Mars, the Bringer of War - 15 December 1989 (recorded 26-30 November 1988)
Confirmed
A dramatic orchestral brass stab audible in the final moments of "Want" is derived from a 1988 performance of the first movement of Gustav Holst's seven-movement orchestral suite The Planets, Op. 32 by the CSR Symphony Orchestra with Viktor Simcisko.
Guitar elements Alice In Chains - Facelift - "Sea of Sorrow" - 1990 (recorded December 1989 – April 1990)
Confirmed
A reversed sample featuring guitar, bass, and drum elements derived from the opening moments of Alice In Chain's 1990 single "Sea of Sorrow" is utilised mid-way through "Want".
Drum loop PJ Harvey - "Is This Desire?" - 1998
Likely

"Jezebel"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Vocals Golden Gate Quartet - "Jezebel" - 1941
Confirmed
Dissonant choir Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Voices - "Magány" - 11 December, 1996
Likely
A dissonant choir sample derived from the final moments of Terry Edwards's "Magány" as performed by the London Sinfonietta Voices is likely utilised throughout "Jezebel".

"Breath Control"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Ambient pads Peter Gabriel - Passion - "Sandstorm" - 1989
Confirmed
A reversed, manipulated section of audio featuring ambient pads derived from "Sandstorm" by Peter Gabriel is utilised throughout and features prominently in the outro of "Breath Control".
Ambience Massive Attack - Mezzanine - "Group Four (Security Forces Dub)" - 20 April 1998
Likely
A section of audio likely derived from "Group Four (Security Forces Dub)" by Massive Attack is utilised mid-way through "Breath Control".

"Last Call for Liquid Courage"
Recoil
2000
Self-made samples
Sample Notes Audio
Tambourine loop A tambourine loop is utilised throughout "Last Call for Liquid Courage". Notably, this tambourine loop is also used starting from the middle eight section of the Exotic tour version of "I Want You Now".

"Strange Hours"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Orchestral strings Bessie Smith - "Them's Graveyard Words" - 3 March, 1927
Confirmed
A manipuated sample of orchestral strings derived from the opening moments of "Them's Graveyard Words" by Bessie Smith is utilised throughout "Strange Hours".
Bass and guitar elements Tortoise - Millions Now Living Will Never Die - "Goriri" - 30 January 1996 (recorded June–September 1995)
Confirmed
A manipulated section of audio featuring bass and guitar elements derived from the outro of "Goriri" by Tortoise is utilised throughout "Strange Hours".

"Vertigen"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Arabic singing with orchestral instrumentation Eric Martinez, Pascal Morel - Earth: Travels & Documentaries - "Mirage" - 1995
Likely
A section of audio featuring Arabic vocal stylings and orchestral instrumentation derived from "Mirage", a piece of production music featured on the 1995 Universal Production Music CD Earth: Travels & Documentaries, is likely utilised throughout "Vertigen".
Dissonant choir György LigetiLux Aeterna
Likely
A series of dissonant, sustained choir chants derived from György Ligeti's Lux Aeterna is likely utilised throughout "Vertigen".
Throat singing Dmitry Damba-Darzhaa - "Край Артыы сайыр / Artyy Sayir Area" - 1969 or earlier
Likely
A sampled Tuvan throat singing recording derived from a 1969 or earlier performance of "Край Артыы сайыр" ("Artyy Sayir Area") by Dmitry Damba-Darzhaa is likely utilised throughout "Vertigen". Notably, this throat singing performance was previously utilised by Depeche Mode during Wilder's tenure in the group for "Waiting For The Night" on 1990's Violator.
Synthesizer arpeggio Tangerine Dream - "Rubycon, Part One" - 1975
Likely
"Vertigen" likely employs a manipulated sample of a synth arpeggio derived from Tangerine Dream's "Rubycon, Part One". This sample would later see use on Recoil's "Allelujah".

"Supreme"
Recoil
2000

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes Audio
Orchestral strings Henryk Górecki, London Sinfonietta - Górecki – Kleines Requiem Für Eine Polka / Harpsichord Concerto / Good Night: III Lento - Largo: Dolcissimo - Cantabillissimo - 13 June, 1995 (recorded 1990)
Likely
An orchestral strings sample derived from the opening moments of "Good Night: III. Lento - largo: dolcissimo - cantabilissimo" by Henryk Górecki is likely utilised throughout "Supreme".

SubHuman (2007)

"Allelujah" - Recoil
2007
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Double-tracked "splang" guitar chords The double-tracked guitar chords originally recorded for use during the chorus sections of "In Your Room" are re-purposed for use throughout "Allelujah". Wilder describes the composition of this sound in a Q&A on Shunt, the official Recoil website: "Affectionately known (to me anyway) as 'Splang' rather than 'twoo, twaa and twee', the sound is derived from a guitar. Each chord was sampled individually and then double-tracked with a second but different guitar sound."[9]

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Synth arpeggio and pad Tangerine Dream - "Rubycon, Part One" - 1975
Confirmed
"Allelujah" employs a manipulated sample of a synth arpeggio derived from Tangerine Dream's "Rubycon, Part One".
Drum loop Elbow - "Fugitive Motel" - 2003
Unknown

5000 Years - Recoil
2007

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Arabic singing with orchestral instrumentation Eric Martinez, Pascal Morel - Earth: Travels & Documentaries - "Mirage" - 1995
Confirmed
A reversed section of audio featuring Arabic vocal stylings and orchestral instrumentation derived from "Mirage", a piece of production music featured on the 1995 Universal Production Music CD Earth: Travels & Documentaries, is utilised in the outro of "5000 Years (A Romanian Elegy For Strings)".
Military marching, chanting Jac Holzman - Authentic Sound Effects Volume 7 - "Precision Drill Team Sounds Off" - 1964
Confirmed
A sample of military marching and chanting utilised mid-way through "5000 Years" is derived from "Precision Drill Team Sounds Off", a military field recording by Jac Holzman as featured on the 1964 sound effect LP Authentic Sound Effects Volume 7.
Military marching, chanting Jac Holzman - Authentic Sound Effects Volume 7 - "Manual Of Arms" - 1964
Confirmed
A sample of standard military manual of arms parade drill utilised in the outro of "5000 Years" is derived from "Manual Of Arms", a military field recording by Jac Holzman as featured on the 1964 sound effect LP Authentic Sound Effects Volume 7.

"The Killing Ground" - Recoil
2007

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Clarinet melody Juan Tizol, Joe Lippman, Bunny Berigan and His Orchestra - "Caravan" - 1937
Confirmed
A descending clarinet harmony derived from Bunny Berigan and His Orchestra's 1937 recording of "Caravan" is utilised in the intro of "The Killing Ground".
Harmonica and drum elements Talk Talk - "The Rainbow" - 1988
Likely

"99 To Life" - Recoil
2007

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
N/A Digital Intervention - "La Louve" - 2003
Unconfirmed

B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes

5000 Years (A Romanian Elegy For Strings) - Recoil
2010

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Arabic singing with orchestral instrumentation Eric Martinez, Pascal Morel - Earth: Travels & Documentaries - "Mirage" - 1995
Confirmed
A reversed section of audio featuring Arabic vocal stylings and orchestral instrumentation derived from "Mirage", a piece of production music featured on the 1995 Universal Production Music CD Earth: Travels & Documentaries, is utilised in the outro of "5000 Years (A Romanian Elegy For Strings)".

Other works

Ebbhead (1991)

Between the conclusion of the World Violation Tour and the recording of Songs Of Faith And Devotion, Alan Wilder would enter London's KONK Studios to record Recoil's Bloodline between January and March 1991. A month later, he would return to the studio to produce Depeche Mode support act Nitzer Ebb's Ebbhead record in collaboration with producer Flood and mix engineer Steve Lyon. As was characteristic of his work in Depeche Mode and Recoil, Wilder would employ samples from a wide variety of sources in the production of Ebbhead.

Nitzer Ebb's Bon Harris on Wilder's musical prowess in 1991: "Alan has a very musical ear. He's classically trained, so he knows what he's doing when it comes to melody, but has no tolerance for pop - that's quite a good combination."[10]

"Lakeside Drive" - Nitzer Ebb
1991
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Cymbal crash with descending pitch "Lakeside Drive" utilises a cymbal crash originally used throughout "Never Let Me Down Again".
Synth bass A synth bass part originally recorded for use with "Sweetest Perfection" is used throughout "Lakeside Drive".

"I Give To You" - Nitzer Ebb
1991
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Harpsichord-like instrument "I Give To You" utilises a textured harpsichord-like stab originally recorded for use in "Enjoy The Silence".
Synth bass "I Give To You" employs a sampled synth bass part throughout its verse sections. Notably, this sound would later be used in the Exotic tour arrangement of "I Want You Now" starting from the third verse.

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Drum loop Fancy - "Feel Good" - 1974
Confirmed
The classic "Feel Good" drum break is used throughout "I Give To You". This loop is also notably used in the chorus sections of "Walking In My Shoes", "My Joy", and its "Slow Slide" remix.
John Bonham drum one-shots Beastie Boys - "Rhymin' And Stealin" - 1986
Official
Wilder confirmed in a Q&A on Shunt, the official Recoil project site that "Never Let Me Down Again" employs some drum elements originally from Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" which were sampled second-hand from a rap record (Beastie Boys - "Rhymin And Stealin"). These samples were later re-purposed for use in a variety of Depeche Mode songs. The snare is used throughout "I Give To You".
Classic John Bonham drum one-shots Led Zeppelin - "When The Levee Breaks" - 1971
Official
Wilder confirmed in a Q&A on the official Recoil project site that "Never Let Me Down Again" employs some drum elements originally from Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" which were sampled second-hand from a rap record (Beastie Boys - "Rhymin And Stealin"). These samples were later re-purposed for use in Depeche Mode's "Halo", "Get Right With Me", and later Nitzer Ebb's "I Give To You".
Orchestral hit, pads Barry Adamson - "The Man with the Golden Arm" - 1989
Confirmed
A sampled orchestral hit and pad derived from the latter half of Barry Adamson's 1989 cover of "The Man with the Golden Arm" is utilised following the second chorus section of "I Give To You".

Credit to Ricardo López for this discovery.

Various one-shot orchestral strings Unknown, presumably an orchestral performance recorded and commercially released prior to 1991
Unknown
"I Give To You" utilises a variety of one-shot orchestral string parts, including a solo violin string staccato with a root key of C5; a brief solo viola recording playing a descending A4 > A♭4 > G4 phrase; and a brief violin trill with a root key of G♯6.
Exotic percussion loop Unknown
Unknown
"I Give To You" utilises an "exotic" percussive loop comprised of a percussive instrument with a high pitch timbre, best heard around the three minute mark of the "Elemental" remix. This loop appears to also be used throughout "In Your Room", and is most clearly heard in the "Apex" remix starting from 1:45.

"Sugar Sweet" - Nitzer Ebb
1991
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Reverberated piano stab "Sugar Sweet" employs a one-shot sample of a piano stab processed with heavy reverb. Notably, this sound would later be used throughout "Get Right With Me".

"DJVD" - Nitzer Ebb
1991

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
"Wailing" synth siren N.W.A - "Dopeman (Remix)" - 1988
Confirmed
"DJVD" employs a manipulated sample of a "wailing" synth siren sound derived from the intro of the 1988 N.W.A song "Dopeman (Remix)".

"Time" - Nitzer Ebb
1991

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Variphon pad Talk Talk - "The Rainbow" - 1988
Confirmed
"Time" employs a Variophon pad with a unique distorted texture derived from Talk Talk's "The Rainbow" (approximately 0:55). Notably, this sample is also used during the first verse and outro of "In Your Room", as well as the third verse section of "Mercy In You".

"Ascend" - Nitzer Ebb
1991
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Metallic clap A resonant, metallic clap sample is utilised throughout "Ascend". Notably, this sample would later see use in the Devotional tour arrangement of "Enjoy The Silence".
"Watery" piano stab "Ascend" utilises a textured, "watery"-sounding piano stab originally recorded for use with "Waiting For The Night".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Guitar hook Television - "Marquee Moon" - 1 April 1977
Confirmed
"Ascend" utilises a sampled guitar hook derived from American rock band Television's 1977 song "Marquee Moon", recorded for the debut album of the same name.

"Godhead" - Nitzer Ebb
1991

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Drum/synth loop Kraftwerk - "Home Computer (The Mix Version)" - 1991
Confirmed

"Trigger Happy" - Nitzer Ebb
1991

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
"When The Levee Breaks" snare drum Beastie Boys - "Rhymin' And Stealin" - 1986
Official
Wilder confirmed in a Q&A on Shunt, the official Recoil project site that "Never Let Me Down Again" employs some drum elements originally from Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" which were sampled second-hand from a rap record (Beastie Boys - "Rhymin And Stealin"). These samples were later re-purposed for use in a variety of Depeche Mode songs. The snare is used throughout "Trigger Happy".
"When The Levee Breaks" snare drum Led Zeppelin - "When The Levee Breaks" - 1971
Official

Unidentified song - Nitzer Ebb
1991

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
N/A Prince - "Kiss" - 1990
Unknown
In 1991, a fan contest was held where the winner would have the chance to spend a day in the studio with the members of Nitzer Ebb and Wilder during the recording of Ebbhead. During their time in the studio, the contest winner was played back a variety of samples by the group to see if they were able to identify their origin. One sample played to the contest winner was from Prince's 1990 single "Kiss", which the fan had difficulty identifying. This sample may or may not have made it onto the completed album.

Spirit of Talk Talk (2012)

"Dum Dum Girl" feat. Shara Worden - Recoil
2012

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Reversed orchestral ambience A.R. Rahman - 127 Hours: Music from the Motion Picture - "Acid Darbari" - 2 November 2010
Confirmed
A reversed section of audio derived from "Acid Darbari" by A.R. Rahman as featured on the 2010 127 Hours film soundtrack is utilised in the intro of the 2012 Recoil cover of "Dum Dum Girl".
Percussion elements Depeche Mode - "Nothing's Impossible" - 2005
Confirmed

"Inheritance" - Recoil
2012

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Percussion elements Depeche Mode - "Nothing's Impossible" - 2005
Unconfirmed

Miscellaneous works

"Time Turns Around" (Eurotech Version) - Toni Halliday
1989
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Bass synth Alan Wilder's (Eurotech Version) remix of Toni Halliday's "Time Turns Around" utilises a four-note bass synth sequence derived from a longer seven note sequence originally recorded for use throughout Depeche Mode's "Never Let Me Down Again".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Snare drum Fine Young Cannibals - "She Drives Me Crazy" - 26 December 1988
Confirmed
A manipulated snare drum audible likely derived from the opening moments of the Fine Young Cannibals 1988 single "She Drives Me Crazy" is utilised throughout the "Eurotech" remix of "Time Turns Around". Prior to any editing applied post-sampling, the original snare's characteristic "pop" effect was achieved by recording the snare separately, then placing a speaker on top of the snare drum and a microphone below it, with the original recording played through the speaker and re-recorded.[11] Notably, this sound would later be used throughout Depeche Mode's "Halo".
Piano/bass guitar stab Emulator III OMI Universe of Sounds Volume 1 - Funk Bass
Confirmed
A bass guitar stab heard throughout the "Eurotech" remix of "Time Turns Around" is likely derived from the Emulator III Universe Of Sounds Volume 1 voice "Funk Bass". Notably, this sound would later see use throughout Depeche Mode's "Policy Of Truth".

"Come Alive" - Nitzer Ebb
1990

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Rhythmic synth Bassomatic - "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Bass" - 1990
Confirmed
A filtered rhythm element derived from a synthesizer heard in the intro of the 1990 Bassomatic song "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Bass" for the album of the same name is time-stretched and re-pitched for use in "Come Alive" starting from the four minute ten second mark.[12]

"In Chains (Alan Wilder Remix)" - Depeche Mode
2011
Self-made samples
Sample Notes
Bass element A textured bass element originally recorded for Depeche Mode's "Black Celebration" is confirmed by Wilder as having been re-purposed for his remix of "In Chains".

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Ambient pads Depeche Mode - "I Want It All" - 2005
Official
A synthesized pad phrase originally recorded for Depeche Mode's "I Want It All" is confirmed by Wilder as having been re-purposed for his remix of "In Chains".
Orchestral strings Depeche Mode - "I Am You" - 2001
Official
An orchestral string passage originally recorded for Depeche Mode's "I Am You" is confirmed by Wilder as having been re-purposed for his remix of "In Chains".
Orchestral strings Massive Attack - "Paradise Circus" - 2010
Likely
A series of orchestral string phrases derived from "Paradise Circus" by Massive Attack is likely utilised in the outro of the Alan Wilder remix of "In Chains".
Drum loop UNKLE - "Keys to the Kingdom" - 2007
Confirmed

"I Am Undone (Alan Wilder Remix)" - Nitzer Ebb
2011

Sample sources
Sample Source Status Notes
Percussion elements Scott Walker - "Manhattan" - 1995
Unknown

References