View source for User:EHonkoop/WorkInProgress1

==Song information==
=== Radio Prague ===
The "Radio Prague" track is the actual interval signal of the [[Radio Prague|Czechoslovak Radio foreign service of the same name]], including the time signal and station ID spoken in [[Czech language|Czech]]. "Radio Prague" has no writing credits at all, with OMD being credited only for arranging the track.

=== Genetic Engineering ===
{{main|Genetic Engineering (song)}}

"Genetic Engineering" was the first single released from the album. Like the title suggests it's about [[genetic engineering]]. The subject is dealt from a positive point of view. 

{{cquote|I was very positive about the subject! I didn't expect someone like [[Monsanto]] to come along and say, "Fuck it, we can make money out of [[cross-pollination]]." ||| Andy McCluskey 
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/mar/07/popandrock1 |title=How OMD lost 3 million fans in one easy step |last=Stanley |first=Bob |date={{Start date|2008|3|7|df=yes}} |publisher=[[The Guardian]] |accessdate={{Start date|2009|2|26|df=yes}}}}</ref> }}

During the song a [[Speak & Spell (toy)|Speak & Spell machine]] is used to produce the words "Babies, mother, hospital, scissors, creature, judgement, butcher, engineer".

The 2008 re-issue has the "312MM version", originally on the [[12-inch single|12" single]], as a bonus track. 312 is simply 12 inch made [[Metric system|metric]]: 312 [[Millimetre|mm]] = 12.28 [[inch]].

=== ABC Auto-Industry ===
"ABC Auto-Industry" deals about the use of robots in Czechoslovakian industry. The song is built around separate [[loop]]s of the letters "ABC" and the numbers "123", sung by Paul Humphreys. Over these loops a recording from an economic item on Radio Prague is played. Percussion and sound effects are added.

=== Telegraph ===
{{main|Telegraph (song)}}

"Telegraph" dates back to the recording sessions of "Architecture & Morality". An early version of the song, with different lyrics, is added as a bonus track on the 2008 re-issue titled the "Manor Version". The "Extended Version" of the song, originally on the 12" single, is also added as a bonus track on the 2008 re-issue.

=== This Is Helena ===
"This Is Helena" is an instrumental. Every now and then there are short [[break]]s in which a woman says "This Is Helena". This voice was also recorded from a Radio Prague broadcast.

=== International ===
"International" starts with a [[newsreader]] reading "The youth anti-Imperialist Tribune was also addressed by a young girl from Nicaragua whose hands had been cut off at the wrists by the former Somoza guard..." and than turns into a [[Waltz (music)|waltz]] with emotional singing by Andy McCluskey.

=== Dazzle Ships (Parts II, III & VII) ===
"Dazzle Ships (Parts II, III and VII)" is a [[sound collage]] designed to give the impression of ships in war. Most of the sound effects of ships and submarines were taken from a company that specialises in film soundtracks. The break in the middle, punctuated by a lone bass sound is actually McCluskey saying "Blue" but the sound has been fed into an Emulator.  

=== The Romance of the Telescope ===
"The Romance of the Telescope" was originally released on the B-side of the 1981 single "[[Joan of Arc (song)|Joan of Arc]]". It was remixed for inclusion on this album.

=== Silent Running ===
"Silent Running" was originally called "Walking on Air". It takes its title from the science fiction film ''[[Silent Running]]'' (1971) which starred [[Bruce Dern]]. The song itself has nothing to do with the theme of the film but the band simply liked the title.

=== Radio Waves ===
"Radio Waves" dates back to the pre-OMD days of [[The Id]]. Former The Id member John Floyd wrote some of the lyrics. The opening intro is a [[Shortwave listening|short wave radio]] scanning radio frequencies. "Radio Waves" was considered as a possible single.

=== Time Zones ===
"Time Zones" is a sound collage of various [[speaking clock]]s from around the world. "Time Zones" has no writing credits at all, with OMD being credited only for arranging the track.

=== Of All the Things We've Made ===
"Of All the Things We've Made" was originally released on the B-Side of the 12" release of the 1982 single "[[Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)]]".  

=== 4-Neu ===
The punning title of "4-Neu" was a dedication to the influential "[[krautrock]]" band [[Neu!]]. It was originally released as the B-side of "Genetic Engineering".

=== 66 and Fading ===
"66 and Fading" is an [[instrumental]]. It was originally released as the B-side of "Telegraph".

=== Swiss Radio International ===
"Swiss Radio International" was dropped from the album at the last minute due to the band being unable to obtain the rights to use it, but was added as a bonus track on the 2008 re-issue. Similar to "Radio Prague", it contains the call sign for the radio station [[Swiss Radio International]]. Drummer [[Malcolm Holmes]] referred to the tune as "The Ice Cream Song" due to its similarity to the melodies played by [[ice cream van]]s.

----

==Personnel==
===Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark===
* [[Paul Humphreys]]
* [[Andy McCluskey]]
* [[Martin Cooper (artist)|Martin Cooper]]
* [[Malcolm Holmes]]
===Other===
* Maureen Humphreys – [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]]

----

==External links==
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/mar/07/popandrock1 The Guardian - "How OMD lost 3 million fans in one easy step"]
* [http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/omd-interview Clash magazine interview - "Electro pioneers OMD discuss their career"]


----

{{Reflist}}