Reproduction [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Human League

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 1979
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Blue Plate Caroline
• ASIN: B00007KMZV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,979 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The moody, sparse electronic sound of the Human League's debut album from 1979 is the very reason why 'Reproduction' has become suddenly back in vogue by electronic music fans. All the tracks from the first three Human League indie label singles have been added as bonus tracks including 'Being Boiled' (Fast Product Version) which David Bowie declared, upon its release, as being the future sound of music. Additional bonus tracks, 'Introducing', 'The Dignity Of Labour' (Parts One through Four), 'Flexi Disc', & 'Circus Of Death' (Fast Product Version). Remastered. Caroline. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark Synthesised Pop, November 20, 2005

By	Mark A. Carter (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I remember picking up the vinyl album of 'Reproduction' back in 1980. Now, 25 years later I decided to pick up the CD version with the wonderful inclusion of the Dignity of Labor 12" E.P. (Even including the Flexi-Disc) that I didn't get with my copy. I have had about 10-15 albums on vinyl that I went on to get the CD version of & this is one of them. Back in 1979 believe me this was a really new sound. Synthesized pop for a new generation. Actually pretty dark pop with heavy lyrics reflecting Philip Oakey's take on death and the human condition. Just check out 'Zero As A Limit' which is my favorite track. A slow echoing hand-clap repeating begins the song with Mr. Oakley's deep voice telling the story of someone going through the unfortunate motions of being run over by a car. The urgent increase in the simple hand-clap as the car approaches and the frenzied urgency of Oakey's voice brings the song to its inevitable conclusion. The whole album shows so much imagination & musical confidence and to my mind is a lesson in how to craft simply structured songs that can still work on a deeply emotional level. The whole album has great beats with beautifully programmed Synth lines. There really wasn't much else out there in the electronic field that was anything like this. Remember this is 1979. Strangely though this kind of music wasn't taking off commercially and it wasn't until some 2-3 years later with 'Dare' that the 'Human League' became popular, being lumped in with the 'New Wave' crowd. But for me this 1st release was their best. Both in terms of lyrical content and musical proficiency. And lets not forget the Cover, which at the time it came out i think was though of as rather controversial. Babies being danced on by late 70's yuppie's....Wonderful PS: Check out too the awesome rendition of 'You've Lost that Loving feeling' also. A wonderful remake.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovingly rereleased for your electronic pleasure, June 1, 2003

By	filterite "filterite" (Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

Human League is usually synonymous with dodgy 80s pop but this is rather a surprising listen and a has a lot of bite to it. Odd lyrics with cold, almost ice glacier like synths and all in all a lot of fun to listen to. It really is a Human League album for non Human League fans

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Synthetic Masterpiece, December 13, 2003

By	"kringerbattlecat" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

I was extremely skeptical of this album. I had the notion in my head that since the album was made almost 25 years ago it would sound like a rehash of Kraftwerk singles I already owned. Much to my surprise, it does not adhere to the minimalism one might expect in the late 1970s. This album has not only catchy pop music with wonderful harmonies and beautiful melodies, but some great instrumental ballads that might make even Vangelis jealous. The boys of Human League were quite ahead of their time.

There is little from this album that would not hold up throughout most of the 1980s, and even to today's ears with the resurgence of analogue synths in pop music. If you really love electronic music, this remastered copy is an album to own.