Dreaming of Me: the beginning had another side
A first single, Ice Machine on the reverse, and no original twelve-inch to hunt down.
Two songs before the mythology
The official archive dates the UK debut single to 20 February 1981. MUTE 013 paired Dreaming of Me with Ice Machine. It also makes a useful distinction: there was no twelve-inch single release. The CD edition arrived with the 1991 singles boxes, when the single also received its first US release. [1]
Listen to the pair
Our listening route is deliberately small: play Dreaming of Me, pause, then play Ice Machine. Resist the temptation to jump straight to a later hit. Ask how much of your impression comes from knowing what the band would become, and how much comes from these two recordings themselves. Which sound stays with you once the music stops?
A collection can begin with attention
There is pleasure in reducing a huge catalogue to one original encounter. Two titles on a label are enough. The absence of an extended edition is also part of the story: a discography need not be filled with imaginary gaps. If you are browsing copies, distinguish the original single from later CD editions before comparing what is included. You do not need to own the earliest pressing to hear the pairing in its original order.
Source and listening notes
Original MODE UNKNOWN writing. Release details follow the official archive; listening suggestions and interpretations are ours.
- Depeche Mode official archive, curated by Daniel Barassi: Dreaming of Me, release listings and editorial notes. Checked 14 September 2026.
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Keep exploring →Just Can’t Get Enough: the surprise on the American B-side