Camouflage – Love Is A Shield

All of theese versions of Love is A Shield have something different, very nice release

»Love is a shield« is one of those tracks where, in my opinion, both the single and extended version has its own purpose. This record got them both and the worthy take on the track by William Orbit on top. All tracks have been released before, but having them packed together on a single medium makes sense to me. Little downside is the »Ambient Mix«, which is far from being an actual ambient track, rather a stripped-down, beat- and vocalless version. The record is pressed well and sounds good, the clear vinyl looks nice on the turntable. Just don't pay too much for this. As far as i can tell, you can get all the single tracks on different vinyl releases for less than the current asking prices (not sure about the Orbit mix, maybe someone who owns it can confirm that its the same as on Love Is A Shield (US-Remixes)). Bought my copy from the RSD leftovers for around 20 bucks, so better pay your local store a visit before spending too much money.

They were already showing worrying signs of obsession with Depeche on "Voices & Images" - the debut that aimed at the sound of "Some Great Reward" so much it still hurts the ear, with further leanings towards some of their other obvious sources of inspiration (and literal borrowing from) Tears For Fears, Propaganda, Sandra, Alphaville and Desireless to name a few...

"Love Is A Shield" is no exception yet it remains the greatest hit-albatross around Camouflage's neck; while many could have (superficially) sworn it really was Depeche they were listening to, Depeche themselves were already there and heading on in their own new progressive direction with "Personal Jesus" (their then-current single announcing the arrival of "Violator"), so the two songs were slightly at odds with each other to have been considered done by the same band at that stage in their career... still, "Love Is A Shield" could have passed somewhat as the obscure Depeche "b-side" at least, because the resemblance in Camouflage's dedicated (if not entirely calculated, or blind) attempt to sound like their beloved idols was very much and downright clear.

another epic ballad that Depeche Mode never released (no pun intended)

Wow, this sounds great. So crisp and clean. Great pressing of one of the best songs ever recorded by a german band.

A really warm synth pop song, with definite influences from Depeche Mode and Bronski Beat.

Interestingly, this song would easily suit a remix by Gigi D'Agostino. The chord changes fit perfectly with D'Agostino's style.

There is also a decent William Orbit remix which follows a more House vibe.