Search - Omd :: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Outstanding (and expanded) debut album of OMD

Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 04/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (or simply "OMD" as they would later be referred to) became a mainstay in the mid-80s with mega hits like "So In Love" and "If You Leave", but by then I personally had lost most interest in the band, as by then it had diverted massively from its more alternative/experimental beginnings, even if those also showed the ways towards massive commercial success.



"Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark" (16 tracks, including 6 bonus tracks; 61 min.) is the debut album of the band, originally released in February of 1980, now 28 years ago (wow, where has the time gone). This CD brings the 10 original tracks of the album, and it sounds as fresh today as it did all those years ago. From the opening sounds of "Bunker Soldiers", it was immediate apparent that this was not just another band or just another album. It is hard to imagine today of course, but in 29-80 it was quite rare to hear a band brings the type of "post-punk synths" sounds that OMD was bringing. The debut album was centered around the band's break-out singles "Electricity" and "Messages", both of which appear in their original album format, as well as a later/remixed version. "Red Frame/White Light" was also re;eased as a single, and shows the more experimental side of the band (and hence the single flopped). Other highlights include "Almost" (which also appears later as an earlier in-studio live version), "The Messerschmitt Twins", clearly influenced by David Bowie ("V2 Schneider"), and the closer "Pretending To See the Future". In addition to the already mentioned "alternative" versions, the bonus tracks also include "I Betray My Friends" (another David Bowie-influenced song), "Taking Sides Again" (an instrumental with "Messages" intertwined), and "Waiting for the Man". This reissue comes with great liner notes in which Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphrey fondly look back to these early days.



A good buddy of mine in college and I had the incredible good fortune of catching OMD opening up for Gary Numan at London's Hammersmith Odeon in September, 1979. At that time, OMD was till virtually unknown, having only released "Electricity" as a single (the debut album would appear 5 months later), and Andy and Paul performed with a reel-to-reel tape recorder on stage to provide instrumental backing (the liner notes explain they refer to the tape recorder as "Winston"). What an incredible evening that was. OMD paved the way for other synthesizer mainstream acts like Erasure, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell and others. OMD would eventually peak (artistically) with its third album "Architecture & Morality" (from 1981) but their debut album has stood the test of time. Highly recommended!"

Serious Topics Sung Beautifully Bringing Out The Joy Of Life

XraySpex | 05/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The debut contsins the best songwriting in pop music. Fully realized songs like "Electricity", "Messages", "Almost", "Julia's Song", and "Pretending To See The Future" are instant classics that have never lost their brilliance making this a joy every time I listen to it. Experimental songs like "Red Frame/White Light" and "Mystereality" are hidden gems increasing the pleasure of this masterpiece. "Bunker Soldiers" contains the least logical chorus I have ever heard,and even though that and the understated "Messerschmitt Twins" could use the production skills of later work, they are definitely interesting songs. I hate instrumentals so "Dancing" could easily be cut. These minor flaws are nitpicking. I love this album and it showcases OMD as a brilliant band that will always remain a favorite. They define what music can be. A classic."