The discography whoring is probably more the fault of their label rather than the band itself. Depeche Mode is probably Mute/Sire/Reprise's biggest band and they like to exploit that.
Just looking at the complete re-release of their entire set of singles in a set of 6 box sets speaks to that end

DM has alot of hardcore fans and they'll buy just about anything.....
As for Precious being a weak EtS rehash, I don't really agree. At worst I would call it a spiritual successor. They do share a similar feel, and basic musical composition (electronic melody coupled with a physical instrumental hook), but that's pretty much where the similarities end. They're both awesome songs though

I can definately hear Dave's personal influence on this album. Anyone who picked up his solo effort, Paper Monsters, should know what I'm talking about. It's awesome to hear a DM take on Dave's songs. He wrote Suffer Well, I Want It All, and Nothing's Impossible
After giving it a few dozen listens through, I'm very pleased with the album.
Songs I'm hoping to hear in Montreal:
- John the Revelator (They HAVE to do this one)
- Useless
- Never Let Me Down Again
- Strangelove
- Behind the Wheel
- Question of Time
- Pimpf (Wishful thinking)
- Enjoy the Silence
I wish I could have seen them back in the 80s or early 90s... not because they were better back then, but because I would have had a chance to hear the more obscure stuff that will never be played live ever again (ie - non singles).