A cover of Depeche Mode’s “Strangelove” (from 1987’s Music For The Masses) appears as a bonus track on the iTunes edition of Friendly Fires‘ new album, Pala, released last Tuesday. But unbeknownst to me, it’s been around for a few months, originally recorded for a Gucci Guilty perfume campaign and offered as a free download. (Bat For Lashes also covered the song, used for the Pour Homme ad, which I did take note of at the time.)

I picked up Friendly Fires’ Pala at a local record shop (how quaint!) on Wednesday, and when I returned home, I bought “Strangelove” separately via iTunes. So I was a little upset upon discovering that I’d unnecessarily spent an extra buck when I could have downloaded the cover song for free. (Still, ‘support the artists,’ and all that.)

Whatever the provenance of “Strangelove,” I thoroughly enjoy what Friendly Fires have done with the Depeche Mode song to make it their own. The atmospheric opening could have gone on for a full minute and I wouldn’t have minded, and though Ed Macfarlane has a lighter vocal touch than Dave Gahan — and than Martin Gore’s lyrics might require — I’d probably be more apt to follow Macfarlane’s lead should we find ourselves sharing an overnight stay. Hear here:

Free download of Friendly Fires – “Strangelove” (Depeche Mode) via Gucci Guility (scroll about halfway down, and click on ‘The Soundtrack for Her’ tab).

As for Pala, Friendly Fires’ sophomore album is no slump. It’s lovely, widescreen, funky, urgent, polyrhythmic in places, straight-up dance in others, and just all around, a fantastic listen from start to finish. Highly recommended. (The drums are particularly attractive in “Show Me Lights.” So very Jam-Lewis.)

Purchase Friendly Fires – Pala via iTunes, Amazon MP3 (which has a different bonus track, “Stay Here”).