Published on Apr 3, 2001
I heard that Andy McCluskey has finally called it quits with
Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark. Apparently, this was recently.
Heck, I thought that group had dissolved into the mist a decade
ago. So imagine my surprise when an import copy of
Universal landed in my hands. I went racing to my well paged
through copy of the Rock Hound only to find this 1996 album
conspicuously missing. After further online research I discovered
that the record was never released in the U.S. For shame!
OMD fans and fans of joyously melodic music, listen up! This
album is a gem!
Imbued with the warmth and emotion, it’s a bit of a departure
from earlier OMD works but definitely not in the wrong direction.
Conspicuously downplayed is the synthesizer as the pivotal
instrument. This album is bursting with fresh organic sounds:
guitars, classical string arrangements and a gospel chorus, to name
a few.
McCluskey, who alone carries the banner for the former two-man
outfit, has aged and has wisely brought his music along in the
process. These are songs of introspection and retrospection and
vulnerability. But before McCluskey offers up his feelings, first,
he goes out on a limb and suggest that there is no God. (I hope
that demonstration of freedom of speech didn’t thwart his chances
for album release in the U.S.) Whether you agree with his opinion
or not, it’s a lush and powerful song.
The album is packed with beautiful melodies and arrangements.
This includes gems like “Walking On The Milky Way” (with hints of
Mott The Hoople), the melancholy “The Moon & Sun”, the hypnotic
“New Head” and the danceable “The Boy From The Chemist Is Here To
See You”. For those die hard fans of mid 80’s OMD, “Too Late” is a
gift for you.
And to add an enigmatic twist to the album opener, McCluskey
delivers “The Gospel Of St. Jude”, an utterly beautiful song. It’s
an acapella number with McCluskey singing solo to the backing of an
early acapella gospel recording, “Early My God Without Delay” by
the Richard Allen Singers. It’s simply breathtaking.
It’s a pity
Universal didn’t get released in the states and it didn’t
get the exposure it so rightly deserves. Hopefully, I’ve enticed
you to seek it out. It will be worth the treasure hunt.