 Orchestral Manœvers in the Dark Time has been kind to OMD, who only now seem to be understandable for what they actually did, instead of the knee-jerk criticisms heaped upon them back in the day. Turns out that those pre-alternative outcasts in junior high who swore by 'em were right all along. Sure, OMD weren't as grand as New Order, nor as provocative as Depeche Mode, nor as direct as The Cure. But can't there be room for all of them? Because the more you dig into their discography, the more you realize that OMD were way the fuck ahead of their time. Genetic Engineering was the "big" single off 1983's Dazzle Ships, not a very popular album (pre-Pretty in Pink, post-"Enola Gay"). The single (not even compiled onto the OMD Singles comp.) is a forgotten gem, propelled by two strummy chords, a Speak & Spell, and the band's typically dramatic vocals. A still-bright though neglected corner of the 80s. The b-side, "4-Neu," should make present-day hipsters sheepish that they ever lambasted this band. Giving props to Neu! in 1983 was bold and uncool—two qualities OMD had in spades—and prior to Stereolab, I can't think of any band that had the balls to offer such a shout-out. The song itself is not particularly Neu!-ish, but it's exceedingly pretty, kind of dark and sad. Possibly one of OMD's best … their b-sides always were more interesting. Maybe in the late 21st century, OMD will rightfully ascend to their proper stature alongside Bowie and Moby as innovators who pushed pop music forward with unapologetic risk-taking. OMD may have done it more quietly, but the sound is clear as day for those who will listen.
Review by Hong |