Album Review- Dazzle Ships (Remastered Edition) by OMD
Released 4th March 1983 (Remastered Edition released on CD in 2008)
Track Listing:
Radio Prague
Genetic Engineering
ABC Auto Industry
Telegraph
This Is Helena
International
Dazzle Ships (parts II, III and VII)
The Romance Of The Telescope
Silent Running
Radio waves
Time Zones
Of All The Things We've Made
Bonus Tracks:
13. Telegraph (The Manor Version 1981)
14. 4-Neu
15. Genetic Engineering (312mm Version)
16. 66 And Fading
17. Telegraph (Extended Version)
18. Swiss Radio International
Although it was always going to be difficult to repeat the success of OMD's previous album 'Architecture and Morality', 'Dazzle Ships' was an album that 'killed [the band] dead', according to Andy McCluskey. Luscious ballads and thoughtful, unique lyrics had been replaced with just under thirty five minutes of odd synthesiser patterns, robotic voices and radio sounds, and as a result, the album was slammed by the majority of critics and fans alike (despite the inclusion of two single-worthy tracks 'Telegraph' and 'Genetic Engineering' on the LP). However, since it's initially poor reception, Dazzle Ships has been cited by many as not only a 'masterpiece', but also a 'buried treasure' (MOJO Magazine)- and rightly so. 'Radio Waves' (an updated version of a song written for OMD's predecessor band The Id) and 'Telegraph' are catchy and strangely uplifting, whilst more contemplative tracks such as 'Of All The Things We've Made' provide a mellow yet unique contrast to the others' pop 'bounciness'. Yes, it might take a few listens to appreciate it properly, but overall 'Dazzle Ships' still represents everything that OMD was - and still is- as a band.
Perhaps it was just a little too 'dazzling' for the listeners of 1983.
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This review was originally posted on the Motion and Heart website. The original post can be found here: http://www.omd.me.uk/index.php/omd-albums-singles-dvds-video-laser-disc/omd-albums/dazzle-ships
