Dazzle Ships [Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 15, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Caroline
• ASIN: B0013E4D9G
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,322 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Long awaited digitally remastered and expanded edition of the Synth duo's 1983 album featuring six bonus tracks. Dazzle Ships was OMD's fourth album overall and the follow-up to their massively successful Architecture and Morality album, The highly-experimental Dazzle Ships differed from their previous releases by exploring the use of digital sampling keyboards. Though not a commercial triumph when it was originally released, it is now considered one of their finest musical moments. 18 tracks including the singles 'Genetic Engineering' and 'Telegraph'. EMI.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark 'Dazzle Ships' -- Digitally Remastered At Last!, April 21, 2008

By 

Jason W. Bellenger (Byron Center, Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dazzle Ships (Audio CD)

Ah yes, it's finally here! On March 3, 2008 Virgin's reissue division, Caroline, issued a digitally remastered edition of OMD's classic album, 'Dazzle Ships', 25 years after it's original release date of March 4, 1983. This remastered edition of the album includes 6 remastered bonus tracks that were not featured on the original release, covering 60 minutes of music over 18 tracks.

In 2003, Virgin/EMI issued the first 3 OMD albums in expanded digitally remastered versions as well. Fans have had to wait 5 years for the 'Dazzle Ships' remaster. For me, it really hasn't been much of a wait since I really didn't get into the band until about 2 years ago. In fact, listening to this 2008 release is the first time that I've heard the album in full.

For those who have been waiting to hear a sonically superior version of this album for many years this release does not disappoint! Simon Heyworth remastered the first 3 albums back in 2003. This time mastering credits go to Arun Chakraverty, who brought out definition and punch in the recordings. These tracks have never sounded so crisp and clean, beautifully restored with a previously unheard warm presence and underlying bass. Finally, these tracks get the width and the fullness that they've always deserved on a commercial format.

Following the massive success of 1981's Architecture & Morality masterpiece was a tough one to live up to. Experimenting with the Emulator sampling keyboard, the band created a flood of strange audio landscapes, radio and broadcast samples, and real-life recordings, resulting in an album that was perhaps too strange for the general public. Despite spawning two U.K. hits, "Genetic Engineering (#20) and "Telegraph" (#42), 'Dazzle Ships' was critically panned upon it's original release and became a commercial disappointment. The album has managed to gain a following and momentum that has resulted in praise by both the band members and the fans. Many OMD fans cite 'Dazzle Ships' as their favourite album.

In addition to the remastered 18 tracks the reissue includes informative liner notes, publishing credits, and era photos of the band. The original album vinyl sleeve has reappeared and been restored for this 2008 CD release as well!

Overall, I really enjoy this album despite only hearing it in full for the first time 25 years after it's original release. I consider "Genetic Engineering" to be one of the best singles to come out of the '80s. The 312mm Version (a.k.a. 12" Version) only adds to the brilliance of the recording. It is truly a unique and special recording! The other bonus cuts, such as the Extended Version of "Telegraph" and single b-sides, make this 2008 remastered edition of 'Dazzle Ships' an essential purchase. Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, September 8, 2009

By 

V. Livaja "Blacklegion" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dazzle Ships (Audio CD)

This one flew under the radar, when one takes into consideration the collected works of OMD. Yes, it was even disliked as it was a departure from what they'd been doing up 'till then. But how else can an artist go forward? Re-hash the same old same old?

Great release. I, like all other OMD fans, can only hope the remainder of their catalogue gets the same treatment and soon! It's time for Junk Culture's remastering. It'd be a crime to stop now...

5.0 out of 5 stars Over decades now this romance has sustained us all, March 25, 2011

By 

RoHLand "65!" (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dazzle Ships (Audio CD)

I don't want to say too much about the album itself. I think it's just good and deserves 5 stars alone. Highlights for me are the majestic "The Romance of the Telescope", the dark and poignant "Of All the Things We've Made", and "International" (a synth waltz). The two singles ("Telegraph" and "Genetic Engineering") are also good. In between the songs scattered are experimental noise pieces, music concrete (that's what repelled critics and fans in the first place).
The remastering has been done well, it is now a clear and crisp sound quality, strong basses and some noises and voices better in the mix (e.g. on "ABC Auto-Industry").
Of the bonus tracks "Telegraph (Manor Version)" and "4-Neu" are worth a mention; concerning "66 and Fading" they say it's actually the chords of "Telegraph" slowed down and reversed.
Overall I think it's a brilliant album that had stood the test of time very well, especially with the fabulous remastering.