Customer Reviews

Dazzle Ships

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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.

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...

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.

This particular recording is such an important part of the 80's culture and a brilliant representation of the creativity and new-wave mindset therein. I was immediately taken by this release when it came out, and it was my first taste of the OMD sound. This has been quite a controversial record, both then and now, simply because it does not follow the "rules" of a hit band to keep pumping out top 40 hits and radio likability. It is very experimental. But ironically, it turns out to be a huge fan favorite..... and stands alone as a unique piece of 80's culture, and of the OMD catalogue.
Although some of the songs are purposely abstract and short, others are like anthems. Radio Waves is one of the best songs ever.... and always evokes a feeling of euphoria. OMD has also perfected the slow song: they are one of only a tiny selection of bands who can truly infuse feelings and moodiness to otherwise cold electronica with the brilliant vocals and lyrics of Andy McCluskey and harmony provided by Paul Humphreys. They record slow songs like they forgot they were an electronic band! Romance of the Telescope and International are utter perfection.
To be honest, for someone not real familiar with OMD, this CD may be hard to digest. You must have an open mind and understand it's not all dance music. Even if all you really like is the un-experimental stuff, you are still in for a rare treat. There is no other recording more compelling and creative.... whether you're into dance music or chill music.

This was one of the first albums I ever bought back in 1983 (I was 16). It is one of those albums that you either get, our you don't. I put it right there with U2's Boys and REM's Murmur. The memory I have of this one is scaring the crap out of my five year old nephew, Jason, whenever I played it. I getting the whole album.