Surprise Cast #108 - A Tribute to OMD: Part 2 w/ Chris Gilliland

In this fun episode of Surprise Cast, we delve into the rich musical legacy of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), the iconic British band that emerged from Liverpool in 1978. Known for their pioneering contributions to synth-pop and new wave, OMD has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with hits like "Enola Gay," "If You Leave," and "Electricity."Joining the discussion is Chris Gilliland, a dedicated fan and music enthusiast, as we embark on the second part of our tribute to OMD. Together, we explore three pivotal albums: 'Dazzle Ships', 'Junk Culture', and 'Crush'.

We start with Dazzle Ships, an album that pushed the boundaries of experimental soundscapes. Chris shares his initial impressions and the influence of avant-garde elements, while we discuss its impact on the band's career and its lasting legacy. ("I've always been fascinated by field recordings...it felt worldly to me...I like to open mix tapes with it"). 

Moving to Junk Culture, we examine OMD's shift towards a more pop-oriented sound, discussing standout tracks like "Talking Loud and Clear" ("...Pure Pop Perfection") and "Tesla Girls." We reflect on the band's decision to embrace their songwriting skills while maintaining their innovative spirit with a bit of "Caribbean synth pop". ("This is a good album...sounds a bit dated") / (...shows how Andy is underrated at playing the bass"). 

Finally, we jump into Crush, highlighting its catchy-as-hell and pop-tastic tracks like "So In Love" and "Secret." Chris reminisces about the nostalgic connection these songs have to his youth, while we analyze the album's enduring appeal and its place in OMD's discography. ("This album contains two of the greatest OMD tracks ever") / ("I'll never get tired of it...reminds me of really good times"). 

Throughout the episode, we also sprinkle in light-hearted icebreaker questions and explore Swedish bands like Easy and Popsicle ("bright, exciting, and fresh"). Two bands we highly recommend! Chris also shares insights about his blog, This Wreckage, where he channels his passion for music into thoughtful writing. Check it out!

Join us for this entertaining journey through OMD's musical evolution, as we celebrate the band's creativity and the "windmill" joy they bring to fans worldwide. Stay tuned for a potential Part 3, where we'll continue to uncover more gems from OMD's extensive catalog.