Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark's "History of Modern' release is 100% pure OMD. Hardcore OMD fans won't be disappointed in this release. Lot's of 80's styled synth melodies permeate every song. Though the innovation so evident in the 80's is long gone, OMD delivers a nice effort for their fans.




I really enjoy the edgy guitars in the first track, "New Babies; New Toys". Good lead off tune.



"If You Want It" is an optimistic love ultimatum in the vein of Wang Chung's "Let's Go", but not as emphatic. Lyrically cheesy in some areas, this is a good couples song that could and SHOULD be on any romantic "chick flick" soundtrack. Take your pick. Too bad we don't have ONE more John Hughes film to base this song on. This one would have made a good lead track.



History of The Modern Part I is an OMD opus. To me, it has a starry, religious feel to it.History of The Modern Part II is basically a continuation of HPTM Pt 1, with a very orchestral sound.



I think Macy Gray sings duet on "Sometimes". Actually, it's Macy Gray sound alike Jennifer John (who?. )It works to a degree. Very "Pet Shop Boys" ish.



While RFWK is meant as an homage to Kraftwerk, to me it's a weak attempt. For a successful Kraftwerk effort, check out the last rack, "The Right Side?"



To me, "New Holy Ground sounds very reminiscent of a Roger Waters/Pink Floyd tune. Too short, in my opinion



The Future, Past, and Fore, to me, really takes me back to old OMD. This tune kinda reminds me of 90's Duran Duran produced by Flood



Sister Mary Says is a speedy, quicker pumping solid 80's dance tune. I can't wait to hear the kids nowadays get a hold of this. This one should appear in a few different mixes soon.



Definitely through with revisiting the past, "Pulse" is a sexy venture into Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark 2010. Nearly pop, it's got Timnaland hooks. This one is another candidate for several remixes.



When you het use to the current things with "Pulse", the dripping romantic "Green" takes you back in time a little musically. Lyrically, "Green" shows OMD still knows about heartache and the pain love sometimes brings. I really liked this tune.



"Bondage of Fate" reminds me of the Cure. Like "RFWK", it's forgettable.



The CD is finished by a song, in two parts, named "The Right Side?". Kind of Kraftwerk like in beat and just as lengthy. Clocking in at over 8 minutes, this hypnotic song deals with young lovers escaping their families, friends, and starting anew in a new place.



All in all this release is like receiving a phone call from an old friend, After a long conversation of nostalgia and bridging the time gap between then and now, you realize you how much you really enjoyed that friend. As time goes by, you may begin to recall less and less about the conversationl only remembering the good things you liked about this person. At least until the next time you hear from them. I'm Looking forward to hearing from OMD again.