O.M.D.

O.M.D. is the title of a compilation album featuring a selection of tracks form Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's first two albums, released in the US only on the Epic label in August 1981. The album was designed as a 'catch-up' selection for the North American market, and was also backed up by a short tour by the band in September and October 1981, shortly before the release of their new studio album.

Just as the album draws on OMD tracks originally released in 1980, the sleeve design is also a combination of the first two albums, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Organisation. The front cover reproduces the debut album's orange 'lozenges' design (although is not die-cut) on a grey background, while the rear of the sleeve reproduces the black and white photograph of AM/PH as used on the second album, from which also come the typeface and track listing layout.

Tracklisting[]

LP Epic ‎– FE 37411, Virgin ‎– FE 37411, Dindisc ‎– FE 37411

Side One

Side Two

Notes[]

The LP sleeve gives recording, mixing and production details for each track. Labels give writing credits and timings.

While most tracks are simply lifted from the original albums, some differences occur, namely:

Bunker Soldiers is a slightly different mix to the original album version, although the song structure remains the same.
Almost and Electricity are listed as being 'Recorded at Cargo, mixed at Strawberry. Produced by Martin Hannett. A Factory Records Product.' This version is unverified at the time of writing although if this is so then it is different to the album version.
Statues is given a timing of 4.08 so may be an edit of the original 4.27 album version (shorter fade-out?)
Messages is the single version, produced by Mike Howlett.
Stanlow states Recorded at Stanlow Oil Refinery and Ridge Farm.

The album was also released on cassette but does not bear any credits, only promotional information about other available Epic releases on cassette.

Tracks from original albums omitted: Mystereality, The Messerschmitt Twins, Messages (album version), Red Frame/White Light, Dancing, Pretending To see The Future, VCL XI, The More I See You, Promise.

Personell[]

On Julia's Song - Julia Kneale lyrics, Dave Fairbairn guitar

Grafica Industria design Ben Kelly and Peter Saville. Photo - Trevor Key

Gallery[]

all images from discogs.com

External links[]

discogs.com
"THE POP LIFE; A SYNTHESIZER BAND WHOSE MUSICIANS OUTSMART MACHINES", Palmer R., New York Times, August 19, 1981, Section C, Page 18 [1]