Missed the Irony

Mike Boehm disparages Depeche Mode (“Concert Souvenir From Depeche Mode,” Calendar, April 16) for making money off of concert souvenir sales, citing lyrics from a song by Martin Gore: “Everything counts in large amounts.” But Mr. Boehm himself stated, “Irony is this British . . . band’s main mode.” The lyrics to “Everything Counts” are not a manifesto of Depeche Mode’s beliefs, but rather an ironic and sad statement on the values of today’s society.

As for the fact that they sold souvenirs, I challenge Mr. Boehm to name a group that doesn’t sell souvenirs when giving a concert. The pricing was within range of all souvenirs at any concert. Without merchandising, the band (might) have just broken even, what with the cost of renting the Rose Bowl and building the stage from scratch.

As for the quality of “101,” to discerning listeners, the music is different, not so polished as their studio recordings; there is a rawness, an excitement generated throughout the album that makes it most exhilarating. Also, there is different percussion, different underlying harmonies, improvisations in the melodies.

Personally, I consider “101” a gift from the band: A permanent memory of the best concert I ever attended.

JERRLYN S. IWATA

San Gabriel