Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark: Paul Humphreys (vocals, keyboards, percussion, electronic percussion, programming); Andy McCluskey (vocals, keyboards, bass, electronic percussion, programming).
This 1980 debut by the duo of Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys is an important milestone in the history of synth-pop. Prior to ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK, synthesizer-based pop was either austere and/or deliberately unpleasant such as Kraftwerk or Throbbing Gristle, or novelty music the likes of M's "Pop Muzik."
This eponymous set was among the first by an almost entirely synthesizer-based band to focus on the creation of catchy, melodic pop songs. The tunes and lyrics are substantial, with the lovely "Julia's Song," and the semi-hit "Electricity," among the standouts. Other songs, like "The Messerschmitt Twins"--an early contender for the band name--and "Pretending To See the Future," are more atmospheric, but never formless. Although later OMD albums were more assured and technically complex, this is one of their best.
Includes liner notes by Paul Browne.
W/ 6 Bonus Tracks.
Full performer name: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark.
Additional personnel: Dave Fairbairn (guitar); Martin Cooper (saxophone); Malcolm Holmes (percussion).
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Music Review
Customer Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Reviews
Average Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars)
Brilliance.... A completely brilliant effort from the fab duo that make up OMD. This is so worth the money! Especially for the bonus material. Their original and innocent beginnings are some of the finest electronica ever created. Get this if you are a fan of early 80's electro. Submitted by FRED (Niagara Falls, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
computerized debut omd are like ahead of the time because of the futuristic instrumentals that sounds like battlestar galactica. this debut is like punk with synths. even though there are 2 members in the group, live drummers and other instruments help the band from sounding like a computer. one of the members did not like the older version of messages because it is too slow so they make an addictive single version as a hit and a bonus track. i liked the synths on all the tracks. bunker soldiers, julia's song, red frame/white light and more. very ahead of the time those guys. get it. Submitted by davidandino83 (chicago) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
This is my favourite OMD With songs like Electricity, Bunker Soldiers, and Red Flame / White Light, this would be the best OMD album. As with all their stuff, it has its good points and weak points, but that is what you get with those early experimental electronic band. Worth a listen. Recommended. Submitted by Les C (Sydney, Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Have you heard this album?
Purchase Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark CD
Customers Who Buy Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark CD Purchase:
Brilliance....
This is my favourite OMD
Share this Product