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If there was a clear high point for OMD in terms of balancing relentless experimentation and seemingly unstoppable mainstream success in the U.K., Architecture & Morality is it. Again combining everything from design and presentation to even the title into an overall artistic effort, this album showed that OMD was arguably the first Liverpool band since the later Beatles to make such a sweeping, all-bases-covered achievement -- more so because OMD owed nothing to the Fab Four. All it takes is a consideration of the three smash singles from the album to see the group in full flower. "Souvenir," featuring Paul Humphreys in a quiet but still warm and beautiful lead role, eases in on haunting semi-vocal sighs before settling into its gentle, sparkling melody. The mid-song instrumental break, with its shifted tempos and further wordless calls, is especially inspired. "Joan of Arc," meanwhile, takes the drama of "Enola Gay" to new heights; again, wordless vocals provide the intro and backing, while an initially quiet melody develops into a towering heartbreaker, with Andy McCluskey and band in full flight. If that wasn't enough, the scenario was continued and made even more epic with "Maid of Orleans," starting with a quick-cut series of melancholic drones and shades before a punchy, then rolling martial beat kicks in, with Malcolm Holmes and technology in perfect combination. With another bravura McCluskey lead and a mock-bagpipe lead that's easily more entrancing than the real thing, it's a wrenching ballad like no other before it and little since. Any number of other high points can be named, such as the opening, "The New Stone Age," with McCluskey's emotional fear palpable over a rough combination of nervous electronic pulses, piercing keyboard parts, and slightly distorted guitar. "She's Leaving" achieves its own polished pop perfection -- it would have made an inspired choice for a fourth single if one had been forthcoming -- while the heartbreaking "Sealand" and "Georgia" hint at where OMD would go next, with Dazzle Ships.
© Ned Raggett /TiVo
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Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Paul David Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Martin Cooper, ComposerLyricist - Paul Humphreys, Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - MIKE HOWLETT, Producer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Engineer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Composer, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Composer, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Composer, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Paul David Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Howard Gray, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Brian Tench, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Manwaring, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Michael Douglas, Performer, AssociatedPerformer
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Martin Cooper, ComposerLyricist - Paul Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - MIKE HOWLETT, Producer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Andy McCluskey, Bass Guitar, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Paul David Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Andy McCluskey, Bass Guitar, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Paul David Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Rhett Davies, Producer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ian Little, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, Engineer, MainArtist, StudioPersonnel - Brian Tench, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Paul David Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - Keith Nixon, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Andy McCluskey, Keyboards, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist - Paul David Humphreys, ComposerLyricist - George Andrew McCluskey, ComposerLyricist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Martin Cooper, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - McCluskey, Composer - Humphreys, Composer - Rhett Davies, Producer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy McCluskey, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Humphreys, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ian Little, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Malcolm Holmes, Performer, AssociatedPerformer - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, Engineer, MainArtist, StudioPersonnel - Brian Tench, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Keith Nixon, Engineer, StudioPersonnel
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
McCluskey, Composer - Humphreys, Composer - Simon Heyworth, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Producer, MainArtist
(C) 2003 Virgin Records LtdThis label copy information is the subject of copyright protection. All rights reserved.(C) 2003 Virgin Records Ltd ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
Album review
If there was a clear high point for OMD in terms of balancing relentless experimentation and seemingly unstoppable mainstream success in the U.K., Architecture & Morality is it. Again combining everything from design and presentation to even the title into an overall artistic effort, this album showed that OMD was arguably the first Liverpool band since the later Beatles to make such a sweeping, all-bases-covered achievement -- more so because OMD owed nothing to the Fab Four. All it takes is a consideration of the three smash singles from the album to see the group in full flower. "Souvenir," featuring Paul Humphreys in a quiet but still warm and beautiful lead role, eases in on haunting semi-vocal sighs before settling into its gentle, sparkling melody. The mid-song instrumental break, with its shifted tempos and further wordless calls, is especially inspired. "Joan of Arc," meanwhile, takes the drama of "Enola Gay" to new heights; again, wordless vocals provide the intro and backing, while an initially quiet melody develops into a towering heartbreaker, with Andy McCluskey and band in full flight. If that wasn't enough, the scenario was continued and made even more epic with "Maid of Orleans," starting with a quick-cut series of melancholic drones and shades before a punchy, then rolling martial beat kicks in, with Malcolm Holmes and technology in perfect combination. With another bravura McCluskey lead and a mock-bagpipe lead that's easily more entrancing than the real thing, it's a wrenching ballad like no other before it and little since. Any number of other high points can be named, such as the opening, "The New Stone Age," with McCluskey's emotional fear palpable over a rough combination of nervous electronic pulses, piercing keyboard parts, and slightly distorted guitar. "She's Leaving" achieves its own polished pop perfection -- it would have made an inspired choice for a fourth single if one had been forthcoming -- while the heartbreaking "Sealand" and "Georgia" hint at where OMD would go next, with Dazzle Ships.
© Ned Raggett /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 16 track(s)
- Total length: 01:01:15
- Main artists: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark (OMD)
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: EMI Marketing
- Genre: Pop/Rock Rock
© 2003 Virgin Records Limited This Compilation ℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited
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