Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark [OMD]: Organisation (1980)

If the debut OMD record was a sort of homage to Kraftwerk, then Organisation is a sort of tribute to Joy Division. The record does contain the big dance-able single, Enola Gay -- the only single released from this LP -- but the remainder of the record is a much more moody affair. Even the big dance-able single is odd, given the subject matter. In truth, there are some upbeat moments, but much of the record is subdued. I think that's a good thing. Stanlow might make it into my top five OMD songs, even though one could not dance to it.

It may seem like heresy to some, but I think one could make the argument that this might the finest OMD record. It's a tough call between this and Architecture and Morality, but this LP is truly fabulous.

The is the record in which the band hired a full time drummer - Malcolm Holmes -- who replaced Winston, the band's tape recorder.