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The OMD Singles
''The OMD Singles'' is a singles compilation album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, released in 1998. It reached number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. Originally, the compilation was to include a second disc of new remixes; however, this idea was abandoned due to budget limitations. The few remixes that were produced were released separately as ''The OMD Remixes''. In 2003, ''The OMD Singles'' was reissued in France with the remix disc finally included, comprising the 1998 remixes as well as additional remixes. In the same year Virgin also released a two-disc box set comprising ''The OMD Singles'' and '' Navigation: The OMD B-Sides''. Reception Tom Schulte of AllMusic wrote, "Originating in post-punk synth experimentation and closing in dated, but still strong, pop productions, ''The OMD Singles'' is an excellent time line of the band whose sound covered in a single career that same territory explored by the Human League, Erasure, azoo New Order, and beyond." In the ''Pres ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) are an English electronic music, electronic band formed in Wirral Peninsula, Wirral, Merseyside, in 1978. The group consists of co-founders Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals), along with Martin Cooper (musician), Martin Cooper (keyboards, saxophone) and Stuart Kershaw (drums); McCluskey has been the only constant member. Regarded as pioneers of electronic music, OMD combined an Experimental music, experimental, Minimal music, minimalist ethos with pop sensibilities, becoming key figures in the late-1970s/early-1980s emergence of synth-pop. The band were also one of the original acts involved in the MTV-driven Second British Invasion of the US. McCluskey and Humphreys led precursor group The Id (band), the Id from 1977–1978, and re-recorded their track "Electricity (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song), Electricity" as OMD's debut single in 1979. Weathering an "uncool" image and a degree of host ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
MiniDisc
MiniDisc (MD) is an erasable magneto-optical disc-based data storage format offering a capacity of 60, 74, and later, 80 minutes of digitized audio. Sony announced the MiniDisc in September 1992 and released it in November of that year for sale in Japan and in December in Europe, North America, and other countries. The music format was based on ATRAC audio data compression, Sony's own proprietary compression code. Its successor, Hi-MD, would later introduce the option of linear PCM digital recording to meet audio quality comparable to that of a compact disc. MiniDiscs were very popular in Japan and found moderate success in Europe; although it was designed to be the successor of the cassette tape, it did not manage to mass replace it globally. By March 2011 Sony had sold 22 million MD players. Sony has ceased development of MD devices, with the last of the players sold by March 2013. Market history In 1983, just a year after the introduction of the Compact Disc, Kees ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Locomotion (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Song)
"Locomotion" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 2 April 1984 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, ''Junk Culture'' (1984). It was one of the band's biggest European hits, charting within the Top 5 in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, while also peaking at No. 14 in Germany. "Locomotion" has been included on every OMD singles and greatest hits compilation album. Background "Locomotion" was recorded during the last week of sessions at Montserrat before the drums were overdubbed at ICP Studios in Brussels. The original song was combined with a steel drum rhythm that Paul Humphreys had written the previous week and a bass line and piano that Gordian Troeller (the band's manager) contributed. The track was mixed and the brass added at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands; the brass arrangements were made by Tony Visconti. The song marries downcast lyrics with upbeat melodies. Jean-Pierre Berckmans shot t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Junk Culture
''Junk Culture'' is the fifth studio album by English electronic music, electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 30 April 1984 by Virgin Records. After the commercial disappointment of the Experimental music, experimental 1983 album ''Dazzle Ships (album), Dazzle Ships'', OMD and Virgin intended for the group to shift toward a more accessible sound on its follow-up release. The band retained much of their early experimental approach but embraced a wider range of influences than previously, drawing inspiration from Pop music, pop, Dance music, dance, Latin music, Latin and black music. The record's musical style has been characterised as "Talking Heads-meets-Kraftwerk". ''Junk Culture'' became OMD's fourth consecutive Top 10 album in the UK. It spawned four singles, including the UK Top 20 entries "Locomotion (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song), Locomotion" and "Talking Loud and Clear", and the Nightclub, club hit "Tesla Girls". The record met with ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Tesla Girls
"Tesla Girls" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the third single from their fifth studio album, ''Junk Culture'' (1984). It peaked at No. 21 in the UK and Ireland, and No. 8 on the Dutch Top 40. Although only moderately successful on the charts, it became one of the group's biggest club hits. The song was featured in the John Hughes film '' Weird Science'' (1985). Background The song title refers to Nikola Tesla and was suggested by Martha Ladly, who had also suggested the title of their third studio album ''Architecture & Morality'' (1981). Tesla is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. "The references to electric chairs and dynamos is actually a reference to dynamos which was essential for the use of the alternating current and anything electrical basically," said Andy McCluskey in an online Q&A session in 1998. Critical reception and legacy "Tesl ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Maid Of Orleans (The Waltz Joan Of Arc)
"Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released in 1982 as the third single from their third studio album, '' Architecture & Morality''. To prevent confusion with the group's previous single "Joan of Arc", the song was retitled "Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)" for its single release. Both songs are about the French heroine Joan of Arc and both reached the Top 5 of the UK Singles Chart—although this release was more successful internationally, topping the charts in several countries including Germany, where it was the biggest-selling single of 1982. The single was the last release on the Dindisc label. Background "Maid of Orleans" had originally been written by Andy McCluskey on 30 May 1981, the 550th anniversary of Joan of Arc's death. The track has been described by McCluskey as OMD's "Mull of Kintyre".Stanley, BobHow to lose 3 million fans in one easy step ''The Guardian''. 7 March 2008. Retrieved ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Joan Of Arc (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Song)
"Joan of Arc" is a 1981 song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the second single from their third studio album '' Architecture & Morality''. It was well-received by critics and became an international hit, reaching the Top 5 in the UK and Canada and number 13 in Ireland. This is the first of two OMD songs written by lead vocalist Andy McCluskey on the subject of the French saint Joan of Arc. The second, "Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)" was also issued as a single (renamed "Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)" for its release). Both tracks feature on ''Architecture & Morality''. Reception "Joan of Arc" met with a positive critical response; on 26 November, '' Smash Hits'' journalist Ian Cranna ranked the track no. 1 in a list of his "current listening pleasure". Sunie Fletcher of ''Record Mirror'' felt the song has a "tender mood" and is "not particularly striking on first hearing", but allowed that it may be a "grower" akin to prev ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Architecture & Morality
''Architecture & Morality'' is the third studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 6 November 1981 by Dindisc. Inspired by religious music, the group sought to broaden their musical palette by utilising elaborate choral samples, the Mellotron, and other new instruments to create a more naturalistic, emotive sound. The artwork was designed by longtime OMD collaborator Peter Saville, along with Brett Wickens, while its title was derived from the book ''Morality and Architecture'' by David Watkin. ''Architecture & Morality'' reached number three on the UK Albums Chart, and was a top-10 entry across Europe. It met with a lukewarm critical response, but has since been recognised as one of the best and most influential works of its era; '' The Morning News'' named the album the greatest of 1981, and "the blueprint for synth-pop". The record became a commercial success, selling over four million copies and spawning three internation ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Souvenir (song)
"Souvenir" is a song written by Paul Humphreys and Martin Cooper of English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), and released as the first single from the group's 1981 album ''Architecture & Morality''. Sung by Humphreys, the track is characterised by its use of slowed-down choral loops, and showcases OMD's early approach of utilising a synthesizer hook in place of a vocal chorus. The song has garnered praise from critics and fellow artists. "Souvenir" became an international hit for the band. Peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, it remains the group's highest-charting single in their home country, along with 1991's "Sailing on the Seven Seas". The song also reached the Top 10 in several European countries, including topping the charts in Spain and Portugal. History A tape consisting of slowed-down loops of a choir tuning up lent by ex-OMD member Dave Hughes had been the initial inspiration for the song. The composition was difficult, and the group ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Organisation (album)
''Organisation'' is the second studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 24 October 1980 by Dindisc. On ''Organisation'' the group worked with a producer for the first time, enlisting former Gong bass player Mike Howlett, while session musician Malcolm Holmes became the band's full-time drummer. The record is noted for its dark, melancholic tone in comparison to other OMD releases. ''Organisation'' received generally favourable reviews and provided OMD with their first top-10 album in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number six on the UK Albums Chart. "Enola Gay" was the only single taken from the record, and was the group's fourth entry on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number eight. ''Organisation'' was remastered and re-released in 2003, with several bonus tracks. Background OMD wrote the bulk of ''Organisation'' in June and July 1980. Dindisc requested a new studio album before Christmas; lead vocalist Andy McCluskey r ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Enola Gay (song)
"Enola Gay" is an anti-war song by the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), and the only single taken from their second studio album ''Organisation'' (1980). Written by lead vocalist and bass guitarist Andy McCluskey, it addresses the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the aircraft ''Enola Gay'' on 6 August 1945, toward the conclusion of World War II. As is typical of early OMD singles, the song features a melodic synthesizer break instead of a sung chorus. "Enola Gay" met with largely positive reviews but was seen as unlikely to impact the charts; aside from its subject matter, the song faced some resistance due to its being perceived as a gay anthem. It eventually reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the band's first top 10 entry in their home country. It was also a hit throughout continental Europe, topping the charts in Italy, Portugal and Spain. The track went on to enjoy lasting popularity, including within the LGBT community, and achieve ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Messages (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Song)
"Messages" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) from their self-titled debut studio album (1980). A re-recorded version of the song was released on 2 May 1980 as the album's third and final single, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming OMD's first top-40 entry. As with their debut single "Electricity", "Messages" features a melodic synth break instead of a sung chorus. Background Most copies of the original 10-inch pressing with the album version were scrapped on behalf of the band (because they wanted to rerecord the song), but a handful did escape destruction. Some of these were given away as part of a competition for the OMD fan club in 1980. These pressings can be distinguished only by the shorter track time and different runout information. The later grey two-tone labels incorrectly state the producer as Chester Valentino. Mike Howlett is the producer, as the track was remixed and times at 4:48 – later editions ag ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
