Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The debut album of the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark was released on 22 February 1980 on Dindisc. Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys used the label's advance to build their own studio in Liverpool, The Gramophone Suite, and recorded the album there in three weeks. The songs had been written over four years, Electricity first of all. Kraftwerk, Neu! and Brian Eno were important influences. Many songs revolve around wartime themes.

Electricity and Red Frame/White Light were released as singles, and a new version of Messages became the first hit in the United Kingdom, at number 13. The album reached number 27 and received favourable reviews. The sleeve, designed by Peter Saville and Ben Kelly, had a die-cut grid. The group was dissatisfied with the production, but McCluskey now finds the record full of naivety and energy.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Bunker Soldiers2:54Apple Music ↗
2. 2Almost3:44Apple Music ↗
3. 3Mystereality2:45Apple Music ↗
4. 4Electricity3:39Apple Music ↗
5. 5The Messerschmitt Twins5:41Apple Music ↗
6. 6Messages4:12Apple Music ↗
7. 7Julia's Song4:41Apple Music ↗
8. 8Red Frame/White Light3:12Apple Music ↗
9. 9Dancing2:59Apple Music ↗
10. 10Pretending To See the Future3:48Apple Music ↗
11. 11Messages (Single Version)4:46Apple Music ↗
12. 12I Betray My Friends3:53Apple Music ↗
13. 13Taking Sides Again4:23Apple Music ↗
14. 14Waiting For the Man3:00Apple Music ↗
15. 15Electricity (Hannett / Cargo Studios Version)3:37Apple Music ↗
16. 16Almost (Hannett / Cargo Studios Version)3:51Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗