Surprise Cast #82 Chris Gilliland: A Tribute to OMD

Today I'm speaking with a gentleman who has great knowledge when it comes to music - not to mention tremendous love, passion, and respect for the history of it. Blogger (This Wreckage), Chris Gilliland is here to join us on Surprise Cast to talk about a band we both greatly admire, Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark.

In this episode, we go climb into the world of OMD, a band that has been creating influential music for over 40 years. We share our personal stories of how OMD entered our lives and the impact their music has had on us. We focus on three of their seminal albums: the self-titled debut "Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark," "Organisation," and "Architecture & Morality."

We begin by exploring the self-titled debut album, discussing its raw, simple synth sounds combined with live bass guitar, and how it created a unique, warm, and human feel. Chris shares how he was drawn to the album through the "Pretty in Pink" soundtrack and how it became a staple in his music collection. We touch on the band's vision and determination, despite being in their early stages, and how their self-produced version of "Electricity" set the tone for their future work.

Next, we transition to "Organisation," their second studio album. Chris describes how this album attracted him most with its deeper, darker, and more melancholy sound. We discuss the important tracks "Enola Gay", "Stanlow" and the album's overall bleaker and heavier themes. We also talk about the experimental nature of the album and how it still holds up today, despite some tracks sounding a bit "dated".

Finally, we dive into "Architecture & Morality," an album many fans consider their magnum opus. We discuss the band's progression and how they mastered the craft of creating infectious pop songs with historical references. We highlight standout tracks like "Joan of Arc," "Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)," and "She's Leaving," emphasizing the album's flawless sequencing and immense energy. Chris and I reflect on how the album continues to feel fresh and innovative, even after all these years.

Throughout our conversation, we also touch on OMD's dazzling live performances, their impact on fans, and their ability to experiment with technology while keeping their music simple and true. Chris shares his experiences of seeing OMD live and how their energy and live instrumentation set them apart from other bands.

We wrap up our discussion with some personal recommendations from Chris, including albums from other artists that he loves. He also shares insights into his blog, "This Wreckage," where he writes about music and his personal experiences.

Join us for this simple, engaging and warm hearted tribute to Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their music, hopefully this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for their artistry and legacy.

Follow Chris Gilliland:
https://chris-thiswreckage.blogspot.com/

Follow OMD:
https://omd.uk.com/

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