Reproductions: songs of the Human League

Various Artists - Miscellaneous - Holiday

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 24, 2001)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Carrot Top Records
• ASIN: B000056AQS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #349,382 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Reproductions. The perfect name for a perfect tribute to the Human League. Why the Human League? Maybe some of you are skeptical, thinking of the band as a fluffy 80's synthesizer group, more concerned with fashion than substance. Maybe you remember their infectious dance hit "Don't You Want Me?" and hardly remember much else. That's why we pay homage to one of the most influential and underrated electronic groups of the last 25 years.

Formed in the late 70's by three young art students, Human League had much more in common with Tubeway Army than Flock Of Seagulls. If they'd formed in 2000, they might be Daft Punk or Air. They were the blueprint for synthesizer experimental combos and hit songs were hardly at the forefront of their minds. They created two albums and a handful of singles and EP's of jagged, dark, industrious music that caught the attention of some European dance floors, but mostly computer geeks and chemists. Then things changed. The British Electric Foundation was split when two of the lads split to form Heaven 17. Both groups then progressed into romantic new wave outfits, yes with cosmetic appeal, but also infectious pop hits. Heaven 17 went straight for the dance floor and Human League hired two ex-waitresses as backup singers and went straight to Top 40.

It's amazing that the Human League could be both of these groups. Dark and arty and later, Vogue spreads and MTV. Ask anyone working with synthesizers currently though and they will tell you, the Human League rule. The slogans "love & dancing" and "synthesizers only" were a politic that underlined their glorious popisms all throughout their career. To this day, you can hear songs like Mirror Man and Keep Feeling Fascination blaring from car stereos on warm summer days. You can still hear references to the band and their music. That's staying power.

In the year 2000 (a perfect year for this tribute), we have assembled 16 contemporary pop groups most known for their wonderful love affairs with electronic sounds. They all love the Human League with passion. Stephin Merritt was the first on board hailing Human's backbeat as genius. He had a hand in three songs, the opener as an instrumental movie composer a la Francis Lai, the 6ths with Lloyd Cole crooning away, and the very cool Don't You Want Me as Future Bible Heroes. Dave Trumfio, famed Chicago producer, had been wanting to cover Seconds for years, first with his recent Pulsars project and now with help from Sally Timms as Clicks. Chicago's smooth brother duo The Aluminum Group jumped at the chance to sing Love Action. From Barcelona to Baxendale, all bands involved wanted the chance to recreate some of their favorite Human League monents. We hope you enjoy them.

Product Description

Sprawling tribute to electronic pop pioneers, the Human League!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tribute to a guilty pleasure., July 7, 2002

By A Customer

I've always been skeptical of tribute albums. With few exceptions, they more often than not fail to offer new musical insights in the subject being covered. 'Reproductions' is inexplicably different as it offers novel interpretations of songs that were sometimes regarded little more than novelties of the times. But each song here is a miniature delight in and of itself (most are tastefully brief), and all blend equally well to create a cohesive whole. The genius (if you will) of the Human League is power of their simple hooks, the allure of their sing-along lyrics and the durability of their pop vision.