OMD 'Architecture & Morality' (1981)

[rotator]

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This album, (and singles from it) would be the mighty (soon to be shameful after 'Dazzle Ships') OMD's zenith. The odd title was suggested by Martha & The Muffins (and Dindisc label mate) Martha Ladly from a book entitled "Morality And Architecture" by David Watkins. Fairly commonplace knowledge, but interesting nonetheless.

'The New Stone Age' is a calculated choice for the albums introduction, as it's dissonance belies the serene pop/art tracks to follow. 'She's Leaving' was oddly never made into a single (well, it was released as a 7" single in Germany) this track could have used a good extended mix, and would have made a nice replacement for the 'Joan Of Arc' single. That being said 'Souvenir' and 'Joan Of Arc (Maid Of Orleans)' (also know by the even clumsier title '(The Waltz Joan of Arc)' are huge pillars that still hold up theOMD castle in my mind. Epic beautiful songs. Of course 'Souvenir' became a huge hit for OMD in the UK and was treated to an extended issue which consisted of an extra verse. The 12" of 'Joan Of Arc (Maid Of Orleans)' although not extended or remixed has the wonderful 'Navigation' on the flip.

Architecture & Morality's other joys include my favorite album track 'Sealand' an artsy, ambient , *ahem* "romp" dripping with melancholic synth lines and enough mood to cover a beach, all that's missing are seagull samples (thankfully absent). The title track, which carries on the tradition of 'Organisation's 'Stanlow',( industrial 'hisses' etc) acts as a nice stopping point on the way to the super poppy 'Georgia' (which was floated as a potential single in Canada, via a promo release)....

This is one of my most beloved records, and as I discover OMD's musical influences (Eno, Can, Kraftwerk, Neu) it becomes even more evident why it is loved. I can hear these influences in this album, but OMD never take them too literally, they attack the issue of the 'pop song' in a more direct way than those who came before. That is whyOMD can be included as one of the most influential electronic artists, they took what to some, Can or Neus 20 minute wankery, or Kraftwerks icy, un kissable face, and brought out the joy (without losing a semblance of the arty ness) in a bite size, yet satisfying piece.

(of course, another amazing Peter Saville (& Brett Wickens) designed sleeve -- alternate version shown)

RATING: (*****) 5 out of 5 stars

[obs]

I saw the US vinyl once up here, but didn't buy it. It's kind of cool to have, just for the alternate cover, although the layout is out of proportion (needs less photo and more solid colour).

Agreed about She's Leaving and Extended Souvenir. The extra verse is nice, which is very uncommon.

[rotator]

[quote][i]Originally posted by obs[/i]
<br>I saw the US vinyl once up here, but didn't buy it. It's kind of cool to have, just for the alternate cover, although the layout is out of proportion (needs less photo and more solid colour).

[/quote]

Yeah, there are about 9 different covers if you include all of the different color changes (yellow, blue, grey, green) plus the original UK edition had the die cut to expose the photo on the inner sleeve. later issues it was just printed on front. I am not sure why they had to re design the US copy. you are right, it's kind of clumsy looking.

The same thing happened with the awesomely designed 'Dazzle Ships' cover. lots of different versions, die cut, not die cut. it can present a challenge if you are an OMD completeist

[obs]

Is there anything different about the US vinyl cover for Dazzle Ships?

The Canadian one is green diecut, but not gatefold.

[rotator]

The US 'Dazzleships' I have seen the most is blue with no die cut and no gate fold. this could have been the second pressing as I think the label realized this album was going to be a bomb, so they cut their costs...

[obs]

Interesting. I've only seen the blue cover on the first CD release and thought that was the only appearance.

For A&M, we had the yellow 'wall' cover (probably first/early pressings), and then the green cover. Don't think they were ever diecut. Not sure if the green cover had the 'wall' or the 'stairs' photo.

I've seen the US compilation of tracks from the first two albums. YUCK! Grey with orange lozenges.

[rotator]

now that we are on OMD covers.....I really wish I owned the first issue electricity on Factory. the one with the thermal ink. I own the pedestrian reissue. I heard it goes for around $100... That Saville was just awesome. Pretty darn inventive.......embossing , die cuts, wacky inks...its no wonder it cost more to press New Orders 'Blue Monday' than they made on them (first run)

[hasondea]

then the green cover. Don't think they were ever diecut. Not sure if the green cover had the 'wall' or the 'stairs' photo.

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[obs]

Cool. Someone dredging up old posts and copy/pasting previous partial replies so they can spam in their signature [xx(].

[gnj1958]

[quote][i]Originally posted by rotator[/i]
<br>now that we are on OMD covers.....I really wish I owned the first issue electricity on Factory. the one with the thermal ink. I own the pedestrian reissue. I heard it goes for around $100... That Saville was just awesome. Pretty darn inventive.......embossing , die cuts, wacky inks...its no wonder it cost more to press New Orders 'Blue Monday' than they made on them (first run)
[/quote]

$100 wow. That was the first OMD record I bought.


Architecture is probably their best album.

"soon to be shameful after 'Dazzle Ships'"

Not sure what that means but DS while a seemingly disjointed album has really grown on me over the years. If you ignore the silly stuff like ABC Auto Engineering there's a really strong album in there.

[obs]

The "soon to be shameful" means that OMD weren't as cool starting from Junk Culture, like Simple Minds starting from Sparkle in the Rain.

Since I got into both bands during the "John Hughes" years, I like the late-80s stuff as well as the early 80s stuff from both.