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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
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{{Infobox album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = History of Modern
| name = History of Modern
| Type = studio
| type = studio
| Artist = [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]]
| artist = [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]]
| Cover = OMD History of Modern album cover.jpg
| cover = OMD History of Modern album cover.jpg
⚫
| alt =
| Released = 20 September 2010<ref name=releasedetails>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/news.html#100216 |title=OMD NEWS : FEBRUARY 2010 – OMD Album Update |accessdate=21 February 2010}}</ref>
| released = 20 September 2010<ref name=releasedetails>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/news.html#100216 |title=OMD NEWS : FEBRUARY 2010 – OMD Album Update |access-date=21 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209072424/http://www.omd.uk.com/html/news.html#100216 |archive-date=9 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| Recorded =
| Genre = [[Synthpop]]
| recorded = 2007–2010
| Length = 58:02
| venue =
| studio = [[Motor Museum]], Liverpool
⚫
| Label = [[100% Records|100%]]<ref name=releasedetails/> <br />[[Bright Antenna]]
| Producer = OMD
| genre = [[Synth-pop]]
| length = 58:02
⚫
| Last album = ''[[Messages: Greatest Hits|Messages: OMD Greatest Hits]]''<br />(2008)
⚫
| label = 100%<ref name=releasedetails/><br />[[Bright Antenna Records|Bright Antenna]]
⚫
| This album = '''''History of Modern'''''<br />(2010)
| producer = OMD
⚫
| Next album = ''[[English Electric (album)|English Electric]]''<br />(2013)
⚫
| prev_title = [[Messages: Greatest Hits|Messages: OMD Greatest Hits]]
⚫
| Misc =
| prev_year = 2008
{{Singles
⚫
| next_title = [[English Electric (album)|English Electric]]
⚫
| Name = History of Modern
| Type = studio
| next_year = 2013
| Single 1 = [[If You Want It]]
| misc = {{Singles
| Single 1 date = 6 September 2010
| name = History of Modern
| Single 2 = [[Sister Marie Says]]
| type = studio
| Single 2 date = 19 November 2010
| single1 = [[If You Want It]]
| single1date = 6 September 2010
| Single 3 = [[History of Modern (Part I)]]
| Single 3 date = 28 February 2011
| single2 = [[Sister Marie Says]]
| single2date = 15 November 2010
⚫
| single3 = [[History of Modern (Part I)]]
| single3date = 28 February 2011
}}
}}
}}
}}
'''''History of Modern''''' is the eleventh studio album by British [[synthpop]] band [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]] (OMD). It is their first since 1996, and also the first to feature the classic 4-piece OMD line-up since 1986's ''[[The Pacific Age]]''. The record was released in the UK on 20 September 2010, peaking at #28. It was a considerable hit in Germany, reaching #5 – the group's highest chart placing for an LP in that country. The album was released in the US on [[Bright Antenna]] on 28 September 2010.<ref name=releasedetails/>
'''''History of Modern''''' is the eleventh studio album by English [[Electronic music|electronic]] band [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]] (OMD), released on 20 September 2010 by 100% Records. It is their first album since 1996, and the first to feature the classic four-piece OMD line-up since 1986's ''[[The Pacific Age]]''. It was recorded remotely, with band members compiling the tracks via the Internet.


''History of Modern'' received positive reviews and peaked at number 28 on the [[UK Albums Chart]]. It was a hit in Germany, reaching number 5 – the group's highest chart placing for an album in that country. The record was released in the US on [[Bright Antenna Records|Bright Antenna]] on 28 September 2010.
A free download [[Demo (music)|demo]] track taken from the album, called "Sister Marie Says",<ref name=intervw/> was released on 25 November 2009<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/nov_09.html |title=OMD NEWS : NOVEMBER 2009 | date=25 November 2009 |accessdate=25 November 2009}}</ref> and featured backing vocals from British [[Classical music#Popular music|classical crossover]] [[soprano]] [[Keedie Babb]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/keedie-mn0000450215/biography|title=Keedie: Biography|last=O'Brien|first=Jon|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=12 November 2016}}</ref> The first single from the album, "[[If You Want It]]", was released on 6 September 2010.


On 2 March 2011 an EP, ''[[History of Modern (Part I)]]'' was released containing remixes and B-Sides from ''History of Modern''.<ref>[http://shop.brightantenna.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=14&products_id=110 10" Release of ''History of Modern (part I) EP at the [[Bright Antenna]] shop]</ref>
On 2 March 2011 an EP, ''[[History of Modern (Part I)]]'' was released containing remixes and B-sides from ''History of Modern''.


==Background==
==Anticipation and pre-release==
OMD reformed in 2006 with its classic line-up of [[Andy McCluskey]], [[Paul Humphreys]], [[Martin Cooper (musician)|Martin Cooper]] and [[Malcolm Holmes]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/04/04/omd-tour-orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-on-the-road-again/2049903/|title=On the Road Again: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark|last=Mansfield|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Mansfield|date=4 April 2013|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref> (singer McCluskey had used the OMD moniker as a solo project from 1989 to 1996).<ref name="RC19">{{cite web|url=https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/omd|title=OMD|last=Wilson|first=Lois|date=30 September 2019|website=[[Record Collector]]|access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref> Following the band's reunion, there was renewed public interest; a planned nine-date tour evolved into 50 shows. The group determined there would be sufficient interest in a new studio album. It was recorded remotely, with tracks compiled via the Internet.<ref name="RC19"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Elisa|last=Bray|title=Our friends electric: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/our-friends-electric-orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-8560409.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=5 April 2013|access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref>
"Sister Marie Says" was part-written in 1981 and later recorded during the sessions for 1993's ''[[Liberator (album)|Liberator]]'' album. It was subsequently dropped from this album and did not get its first public airing until the OMD Event in 2005. The track has been revamped for the new album, produced and mixed by [[Guy Katsav]] at his London studio. The second track to be played from the album was "History of Modern pt.2". It was aired on 31 May 2010 on [[BBC 6 Music]]; the title of the song was revealed on the show's web page a week before the broadcast.


A free download [[Demo (music)|demo]] track taken from the album, titled "Sister Marie Says",<ref name=intervw/> was released on 25 November 2009 and featured backing vocals from British [[Classical music#Popular music|classical crossover]] [[soprano]] [[Keedie Babb]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/nov_09.html |title=OMD NEWS : NOVEMBER 2009 | date=25 November 2009 |access-date=25 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/keedie-mn0000450215/biography|title=Keedie: Biography|last=O'Brien|first=Jon|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=12 November 2016}}</ref> The song dates to 1981 and was almost included on ''[[Universal (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark album)|Universal]]'' (1996), but was shelved. The second track to be played from the record was "History of Modern (Part II)"; it was aired on 31 May 2010 on [[BBC Radio 6 Music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.omd.uk.com/discography/history-of-modern/|title=''History of Modern''|publisher=[[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark|OMD]]|access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref><ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00slsk4/ "E-Pop Special: OMD Interview and Grum Guest Mix"]. [[BBC Radio 6 Music]]. 31 May 2010.</ref>
Many of the songs had been written and demoed by Andy McCluskey prior to OMD's official reformation, announced at a fan gathering in April 2005. Contributions by the remaining members were made in between other commitments. "New Holy Ground" was originally written by McCluskey and [[Paul Humphreys]] in 2008 as an extra track for an [[Extended play|EP]] which was later shelved. Humphreys also co-wrote "Green" and "History of Modern (Part II)".


⚫
The artwork for ''History of Modern'' was conceived by [[Peter Saville (designer)|Peter Saville]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/news.html#100112c |title=OMD NEWS : JANUARY 2010 – History of Modern update |access-date=12 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209072424/http://www.omd.uk.com/html/news.html#100112c |archive-date=9 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and designed by Four23. The title was devised by McCluskey after he took his daughter to an art exhibition called "The History of Modernism".<ref name=intervw>{{cite web|url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/interviews/int_amc090810_2.html|title=Interview: Andy McCluskey|publisher=omd.uk.com|first=Paul|last=Browne|access-date=17 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925014831/https://www.omd.uk.com/html/interviews/int_amc090810_2.html|archive-date=25 September 2009}}</ref>
[[Sampling (music)|Samples]] are prevalent towards the end of the album. "Pulse" contains a sample from "Pulse" by Brother and Sister, "Bondage of Fate" samples Hannah Peel's "Organ Song", while the closing track "The Right Side?" contains a sample from "Looking Down on London" by fellow [[Kraftwerk]] enthusiasts, [[Komputer]].


Remixes and B-sides from the ''History of Modern'' sessions were included on the EP ''[[History of Modern (Part I)]]'' (2011).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://shop.brightantenna.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=14&products_id=110 |title=10" Release of ''History of Modern (Part I)'' EP at the Bright Antenna shop |access-date=16 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003232148/http://shop.brightantenna.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=14&products_id=110 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
"Sometimes" features Jennifer John, who provided backing vocals on "Oil For the Lamps of China" and "Promised the World" by [[The Listening Pool]], the band formed in the wake of OMD's original split in 1989 by Paul Humphreys with [[Martin Cooper (artist)|Martin Cooper]] and [[Malcolm Holmes]].

"RFWK" is a homage to childhood heroes Kraftwerk and its initials comprise the first letter of each of the classic 4-piece line-up's forenames ([[Ralf Hütter|Ralf]], [[Florian Schneider|Florian]], [[Wolfgang Flür|Wolfgang]] and [[Karl Bartos|Karl]]).

"The Future, The Past and Forever After" began life as "Wheels of Steel", a track originally considered for inclusion on the ''[[Sugar Tax (album)|Sugar Tax]]'' album.

In an interview during the show the band confirmed the album would have two tracks named "History of Modern" on it and plans to change the name of one of the songs to "The Big Bang Theory" had apparently been scrapped.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00slsk4/ BBC Website</ref>

The track "Pulse" features backing vocals by former members of Genie Queen, including [[Abigail Clancy]].

The track "The Right Side" is an overt hommage to [[Kraftwerk]], with the arrangement drawing heavily on the structure employed on their track "Europe Endless".

Bar three tracks, the album was mixed by [[Mike Crossey]], who has worked for the likes of [[Arctic Monkeys]], [[Foals (band)|Foals]] and [[Razorlight]].

[[Digital download (music)|Digital download]] and CD releases in certain countries feature the bonus track "Save Me", a mash-up of OMD's "[[Messages (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)|Messages]]" and [[Aretha Franklin]]'s "[[I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You|Save Me]]".

Special edition box sets of the album will also include a double vinyl LP, a DVD book pack and a CD of album demo tracks.

==Artwork==
⚫
The artwork for ''History of Modern'' was conceived by [[Peter Saville (designer)|Peter Saville]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/news.html#100112c |title=OMD NEWS : JANUARY 2010 – History of Modern update |accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> and designed by Four23. The title was thought of by lead singer [[Andy McCluskey]] after he took his daughter to an art exhibition called 'The History of Modernism'.<ref name=intervw>{{cite web |url=http://www.omd.uk.com/html/interviews/int_amc090810_2.html |title=INTERVIEW : ANDY McCLUSKEY |publisher=www.omd.uk.com |first=Paul |last=Browne |accessdate=17 November 2009}}</ref>


==Singles==
==Singles==
"[[If You Want It]]" was released as the first single on 6 September 2010. It was their first single since 1996's "Universal". In October, "[[Sister Marie Says]]" was announced as the album's second single, and was released on 19 November 2010. The third single, "[[History of Modern (Part I)]]" was remixed in radio and extended forms, and was released on 28 February 2011.
"[[If You Want It]]" was released as the first single on 6 September 2010. It was OMD's first single since 1996's "Universal". In October, "[[Sister Marie Says]]" was announced as the album's second single, and was released on 19 November 2010. The third single, "[[History of Modern (Part I)]]" was remixed in radio and extended forms, and was released on 28 February 2011.


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = [[AbsolutePunk]]
| rev1 = ''[[AbsolutePunk]]''
| rev1Score = (88%)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1924522 |title=OMD - History of Modern |publisher=[[AbsolutePunk]] |first=Gregory |last=Robson |date=22 September 2010 |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev1Score = 88%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1924522 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131211073253/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1924522 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 December 2013 |title=OMD – History of Modern |publisher=[[AbsolutePunk]] |first=Gregory |last=Robson |date=22 September 2010 |access-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev2 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev2 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="Allmusic">{{Cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1951698/review|pure_url=yes}} |title=History of Modern > Review |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |first=Andy |last=Kellman |accessdate=2 October 2010}}</ref>
| rev2Score = C+<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-ihistory-of-mode-45935 |title=Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: History of Modern |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |first=O'Neal |last=Sean |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev3 = ''[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]]''
| rev3Score = (C+)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-ihistory-of-mode-45935 |title=Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: History Of Modern |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |first=O'Neal |last=Sean |date=5 October 2010 |accessdate=20 May 2017}}</ref>
| rev3Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://diymag.com/archive/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-history-of-modern|title=Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – History of Modern|last=Horton|first=Matthew|website=[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]]|access-date=18 August 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210818123318/https://diymag.com/archive/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-history-of-modern|archive-date=18 August 2021}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]''
| rev4 = ''[[Evening Standard]]''
| rev4Score = (6/10)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/omd-history-of-modern |title=OMD - History Of Modern |website=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |first=Joe |last=Zadeh |date=21 September 2010 |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev4Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/cds-of-the-week-manic-street-preachers-losing-their-edge-6514903.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217213931/https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/cds-of-the-week-manic-street-preachers-losing-their-edge-6514903.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 December 2013 |title=CDs of the Week |website=[[Evening Standard]]|location=London |first=John |last=Aizlewood |date=17 September 2010 |access-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[London Evening Standard]]''
| rev5 = ''[[The Independent on Sunday]]''
| rev5Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="les">{{cite web |url=http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/cds-of-the-week-manic-street-preachers-losing-their-edge-6514903.html |title=CDs of the Week |website=[[London Evening Standard]] |first=John |last=Aizlewood |date=17 September 2010 |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev5Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news|date=19 September 2010|title=Reviews: OMD – ''History of Modern''|work=[[The Independent on Sunday]]|publisher=Independent Print Ltd.|quote=Way better than it has any right to be...}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''
| rev6 = ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''
| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |last=Wilkinson |first=Roy |title=Review: ''History of Modern'' |journal=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]] |issue=203 |date=October 2010 |page=100}}</ref>
| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Wilkinson">{{cite journal |last=Wilkinson |first=Roy |title=Review: ''History of Modern'' |journal=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]] |issue=203 |date=October 2010 |page=100}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[musicOMH]]''
| rev7 = ''[[MusicOMH]]''
| rev7Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/omd-history-of-modern |title=OMD – History Of Modern |website=[[musicOMH]] |first=Ben |last=Hogwood |date=20 September 2010 |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev7Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/omd-history-of-modern |title=OMD – History of Modern |website=[[musicOMH]] |first=Ben |last=Hogwood |date=20 September 2010 |access-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[PopMatters]]''
| rev8 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev8Score = (6/10)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/131415-orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-history-of-modern/ |title=Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: History of Modern |website=[[PopMatters]] |first=John |last=Bergstrom |date=30 September 2010 |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev8Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite journal |title=Review: ''History of Modern'' |journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] |issue=291 |date=October 2010 |page=112}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev9 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev9Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite journal |title=Review: ''History of Modern'' |journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] |issue=291 |date=October 2010 |page=112}}</ref>
| rev9Score = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/omd-history-modern-bright-antenna/ |title=OMD, 'History of Modern' |website=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |first=Barry |last=Walters |date=28 September 2010 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015224950/http://www.spin.com/reviews/omd-history-modern-bright-antenna/ |access-date=11 December 2013|archive-date=15 October 2010 }}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev10 = ''[[Urb (magazine)|Urb]]''
| rev10Score = (7/10)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/omd-history-modern-bright-antenna/ |title=OMD, 'History of Modern' |website=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |first=Barry |last=Walters |date=28 September 2010 |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref>
| rev10Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.urb.com/2010/09/13/omd-history-of-modern/|title=OMD, History of Modern|last=DiBella|first=M.F.|date=13 September 2010|website=[[Urb (magazine)|Urb]]|access-date=18 August 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917075924/https://www.urb.com/2010/09/13/omd-history-of-modern/|archive-date=17 September 2010}}</ref>
}}
}}

''History of Modern'' received generally favourable reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/history-of-modern/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark |title=History of Modern - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=11 December 2013}}</ref> An enthusiastic John Aizlewood in the ''[[London Evening Standard]]'' wrote: "Kudos is [OMD's] again. ''History of Modern'' breaks little new ground but since it restates the old with such expertly crafted joy, it's not a problem."<ref name="les"/> The review in ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' was also positive, noting that OMD's "winning way with a rattling pop tune is timeless" and that the record "refines their sound and gives it a modern production tweak".<ref name="Q"/> A mildly positive [[AllMusic]] review by Andy Kellman concluded with: "At its best, ''History of Modern'' is to OMD what ''[[Secrets (The Human League album)|Secrets]]'' is to [[The Human League]]: an inspired return from post-punk-turned-synth-pop greats."<ref name="Allmusic"/> Conversely, [[BBC]] reviewer John Doran was unimpressed, stating: "A few highs aside, this is a poor return from the 80s hit-makers...it's not too late for OMD to stride all the way back to greatness. But this album isn't even a stumble in the right direction."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/hvfd |title=BBC – Music – Review of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – History of Modern |publisher=[[BBC]] |first=John |last=Doran |date=7 September 2010 |accessdate=12 September 2010}}</ref>
''History of Modern'' received positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-colston-hall-bristol-67b27g6km36|title=Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Colston Hall, Bristol|date=2 November 2010|website=[[The Times]]|access-date=15 March 2023|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://archive.today/20221121135926/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-colston-hall-bristol-67b27g6km36|archive-date=21 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slugmag.com/music/interviews/music-interviews/paul-humphreys-orchestral-manoeuvres-dark-future-past-forever/|title=Paul Humphreys + Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: The Future, the Past and Forever After|last=Painter|first=Ryan Michael|date=5 July 2016|website=[[SLUG Magazine]]|access-date=24 August 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522014054/https://www.slugmag.com/music/interviews/music-interviews/paul-humphreys-orchestral-manoeuvres-dark-future-past-forever/|archive-date=22 May 2022}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' critic [[Neil McCormick]] described the album as "extraordinarily good, a belting synth-pop classic crammed with catchy tunes and complicated lyrics about matters of life and death, art and philosophy."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/7991217/OMD-Orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-Noughties.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/7991217/OMD-Orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-Noughties.html|archive-date=11 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=OMD: Orchestral manoeuvres in the Noughties|last=McCormick|first=Neil|author-link=Neil McCormick|date=9 September 2010|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|location=London|access-date=1 June 2023}}{{cbignore}}{{Registration required}}</ref> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' were also complimentary, noting that OMD's "winning way with a rattling pop tune is timeless" and that the record "refines their sound and gives it a modern production tweak".<ref name="Q"/> A mildly favourable Roy Wilkinson of ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' wrote, "As reiterated via his work for [[Atomic Kitten]], singer Andy McCluskey rarely struggles for [[Hook (music)|hook]]s".<ref name="Wilkinson"/> Conversely, [[BBC]] reviewer John Doran was unimpressed, stating, "A few highs aside, this is a poor return from the 80s hit-makers... it's not too late for OMD to stride all the way back to greatness. But this album isn't even a stumble in the right direction."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/hvfd |title=BBC – Music – Review of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – History of Modern |publisher=[[BBC]] |first=John |last=Doran |date=7 September 2010 |access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref>

''[[Classic Pop (magazine)|Classic Pop]]'' ranked ''History of Modern'' fifth in their "Top 20 Reunion Albums", noting that it echoes OMD's "golden period" of the early 1980s.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=O'Brien|first=Steve|date=3 June 2021|title=Top 20 Reunion Albums|url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2021/06/top-20-reunion-albums/|magazine=[[Classic Pop (magazine)|Classic Pop]]|access-date=29 September 2021}}</ref> In a poll of 3,200 ''Modern Synthpop'' readers, it was voted the 12th-best synth-pop album of the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://modernsynthpop.com/top-synthpop-albums-2010s/|title=The top synthpop albums of the 2010s|date=12 December 2019|website=Modern Synthpop|access-date=10 June 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129084004/http://modernsynthpop.com/top-synthpop-albums-2010s/|archive-date=29 January 2020}}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| writing_credits = yes
| all_writing =
| all_writing =
| all_lyrics =
| all_lyrics =
Line 149: Line 135:


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
===Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark===
* [[Andy McCluskey]]
* [[Andy McCluskey]] – lead and backing vocals, bass guitar
* [[Paul Humphreys]]
* [[Paul Humphreys]] – keyboards, backing vocals
* [[Martin Cooper (artist)|Martin Cooper]]
* [[Martin Cooper (artist)|Martin Cooper]] – keyboards
* [[Malcolm Holmes]]
* [[Malcolm Holmes]] – drums, percussion programming

===Studio personnel===
* Mike Gould – percussion (track 1)
* Jessica Stavely-Taylor – backing vocals (track 3)
* Jessica Samuel – backing vocals (track 3)
* Monika Blomeid – backing vocals (track 3)
* [[Stuart Kershaw]] – piano and string arrangement (track 5)
* Jennifer John – backing vocals (track 5)
* Lucy Styles – backing vocals (track 5)
* Doreen Edwards – backing vocals (track 8)
* [[Guy Katsav]] – extra programming, co-production (track 9)
* Szhirley Rokahaim – backing vocals (track 10)
* Anna Ord – backing vocals (track 10)
* Abigail Clancy – backing vocals (track 10)
* [[Hannah Peel]] – organ, backing vocals, samples (track 12)


==Chart performance==
==Chart performance==
Line 163: Line 165:
! Peak<br />position
! Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{albumchart|Austria|36|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
{{album chart|Austria|36|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
|-
|-
{{albumchart|Wallonia|74|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
{{album chart|Wallonia|74|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
|-
|-
{{albumchart|Netherlands|97|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
{{album chart|Netherlands|97|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
|-
|-
|[[European Top 100 Albums]]<ref>http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/european-albums?tag=relcharts/ Chart on Billboard</ref>
|[[European Top 100 Albums]]<ref>http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/european-albums?tag=relcharts/ Chart on Billboard</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|18
| style="text-align:center;"|18
|-
|-
{{albumchart|France|181|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
{{album chart|France|181|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
|-
|-
{{albumchart|Germany|5|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
{{album chart|Germany4|5|id=140295|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|30|date=2010-09-26}}
⚫
{{albumchart|Switzerland|63|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
|-
|-
⚫
{{album chart|Switzerland|63|artist=OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)|album=History of Modern}}
{{albumchart|UK2|28|date=2 October 2010}}
|-
|-
{{albumchart|UKIndependent|3|date=2 October 2010}}
{{album chart|UK2|28|date=2010-09-26}}
|-
{{album chart|UKDigital|23|date=2010-09-26}}
|-
{{album chart|UKIndependent|3|date=2010-09-26}}
|}
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{YouTube|id=ACbPPHMwUoE|title=Official video of "If You Want It"}}


{{Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark}}
{{Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark}}


{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:History Of Modern}}

⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:History of Modern}}
[[Category:2010 albums]]
[[Category:2010 albums]]
[[Category:Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark albums]]
[[Category:Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark albums]]
[[Category:Bright Antenna Records albums]]

Latest revision as of 04:10, 6 September 2024

History of Modern
Studio album by
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Released20 September 2010[1]
Recorded2007–2010
StudioMotor Museum, Liverpool
GenreSynth-pop
Length58:02
Label100%[1]
Bright Antenna
ProducerOMD
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark chronology
Messages: OMD Greatest Hits
(2008) 		History of Modern
(2010) 		English Electric
(2013)
Singles from History of Modern
  1. "If You Want It"
    Released: 6 September 2010
  2. "Sister Marie Says"
    Released: 15 November 2010
  3. "History of Modern (Part I)"
    Released: 28 February 2011

History of Modern is the eleventh studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 20 September 2010 by 100% Records. It is their first album since 1996, and the first to feature the classic four-piece OMD line-up since 1986's The Pacific Age. It was recorded remotely, with band members compiling the tracks via the Internet.

History of Modern received positive reviews and peaked at number 28 on the UK Albums Chart. It was a hit in Germany, reaching number 5 – the group's highest chart placing for an album in that country. The record was released in the US on Bright Antenna on 28 September 2010.

On 2 March 2011 an EP, History of Modern (Part I) was released containing remixes and B-sides from History of Modern.

Background

[edit]

OMD reformed in 2006 with its classic line-up of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes[2] (singer McCluskey had used the OMD moniker as a solo project from 1989 to 1996).[3] Following the band's reunion, there was renewed public interest; a planned nine-date tour evolved into 50 shows. The group determined there would be sufficient interest in a new studio album. It was recorded remotely, with tracks compiled via the Internet.[3][4]

A free download demo track taken from the album, titled "Sister Marie Says",[5] was released on 25 November 2009 and featured backing vocals from British classical crossover soprano Keedie Babb.[6][7] The song dates to 1981 and was almost included on Universal (1996), but was shelved. The second track to be played from the record was "History of Modern (Part II)"; it was aired on 31 May 2010 on BBC Radio 6 Music.[8][9]

The artwork for History of Modern was conceived by Peter Saville[10] and designed by Four23. The title was devised by McCluskey after he took his daughter to an art exhibition called "The History of Modernism".[5]

Remixes and B-sides from the History of Modern sessions were included on the EP History of Modern (Part I) (2011).[11]

Singles

[edit]

"If You Want It" was released as the first single on 6 September 2010. It was OMD's first single since 1996's "Universal". In October, "Sister Marie Says" was announced as the album's second single, and was released on 19 November 2010. The third single, "History of Modern (Part I)" was remixed in radio and extended forms, and was released on 28 February 2011.

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AbsolutePunk88%[12]
The A.V. ClubC+[13]
DIY[14]
Evening Standard[15]
The Independent on Sunday[16]
Mojo[17]
MusicOMH[18]
Q[19]
Spin7/10[20]
Urb[21]

History of Modern received positive reviews.[22][23] The Daily Telegraph critic Neil McCormick described the album as "extraordinarily good, a belting synth-pop classic crammed with catchy tunes and complicated lyrics about matters of life and death, art and philosophy."[24] Q were also complimentary, noting that OMD's "winning way with a rattling pop tune is timeless" and that the record "refines their sound and gives it a modern production tweak".[19] A mildly favourable Roy Wilkinson of Mojo wrote, "As reiterated via his work for Atomic Kitten, singer Andy McCluskey rarely struggles for hooks".[17] Conversely, BBC reviewer John Doran was unimpressed, stating, "A few highs aside, this is a poor return from the 80s hit-makers... it's not too late for OMD to stride all the way back to greatness. But this album isn't even a stumble in the right direction."[25]

Classic Pop ranked History of Modern fifth in their "Top 20 Reunion Albums", noting that it echoes OMD's "golden period" of the early 1980s.[26] In a poll of 3,200 Modern Synthpop readers, it was voted the 12th-best synth-pop album of the 2010s.[27]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."New Babies; New Toys"McCluskey3:52
2."If You Want It"McCluskey/Tracey Carmen4:45
3."History of Modern (Part I)"McCluskey4:41
4."History of Modern (Part II)"Humphreys/McCluskey4:13
5."Sometimes"McCluskey3:46
6."RFWK"McCluskey3:46
7."New Holy Ground"Humphreys/McCluskey3:42
8."The Future, The Past, and Forever After"McCluskey4:52
9."Sister Marie Says"McCluskey4:00
10."Pulse"McCluskey/Remee/Ali Tennant/Mich Hansen/Joseph Belmaati3:42
11."Green"Humphreys/McCluskey/Stuart Kershaw4:17
12."Bondage of Fate"Humphreys/McCluskey/Hannah Peel4:06
13."The Right Side?"McCluskey/Simon Leonard/David Baker8:20
US bonus track
No.TitleLength
14."Save Me" (Contains vocals by Aretha Franklin from original recording of "Save Me" on Atlantic Records)3:08

B-sides and other tracks

[edit]

"Alone" – B-side to digital download and CD versions of "If You Want It" single.
"Idea 1" – B-side to limited edition 7" vinyl single of "If You Want It".
"The Grand Deception" – B-side to CD version of "Sister Marie Says".
"History of Modern, Pt. III & IV" – B-side to limited edition 7" vinyl single of "Sister Marie Says".

Personnel

[edit]

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

[edit]

Studio personnel

[edit]
  • Mike Gould – percussion (track 1)
  • Jessica Stavely-Taylor – backing vocals (track 3)
  • Jessica Samuel – backing vocals (track 3)
  • Monika Blomeid – backing vocals (track 3)
  • Stuart Kershaw – piano and string arrangement (track 5)
  • Jennifer John – backing vocals (track 5)
  • Lucy Styles – backing vocals (track 5)
  • Doreen Edwards – backing vocals (track 8)
  • Guy Katsav – extra programming, co-production (track 9)
  • Szhirley Rokahaim – backing vocals (track 10)
  • Anna Ord – backing vocals (track 10)
  • Abigail Clancy – backing vocals (track 10)
  • Hannah Peel – organ, backing vocals, samples (track 12)

Chart performance

[edit]

History of Modern reached No. 5 on the German Albums Chart, OMD's highest ever position there. It also cracked the national albums charts of several countries including reaching No. 97 in the Netherlands, No. 63 in Switzerland, No. 36 in Austria and No. 28 in the United Kingdom where it reached No. 3 on the official independent chart as well, remaining 12 weeks in the top 50.[28]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2010) Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[29] 36
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[30] 74
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[31] 97
European Top 100 Albums[32] 18
French Albums (SNEP)[33] 181
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[34] 5
Scottish Albums (OCC)[35] 30
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[36] 63
UK Albums (OCC)[37] 28
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[38] 23
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[39] 3

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "OMD NEWS : FEBRUARY 2010 – OMD Album Update". Archived from the original on 9 December 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2010.
  2. ^ Mansfield, Brian (4 April 2013). "On the Road Again: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark". USA Today. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  3. ^ a b Wilson, Lois (30 September 2019). "OMD". Record Collector. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  4. ^ Bray, Elisa (5 April 2013). "Our friends electric: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark". The Independent. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  5. ^ a b Browne, Paul. "Interview: Andy McCluskey". omd.uk.com. Archived from the original on 25 September 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  6. ^ "OMD NEWS : NOVEMBER 2009". 25 November 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009.
  7. ^ O'Brien, Jon. "Keedie: Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  8. ^ "History of Modern". OMD. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  9. ^ "E-Pop Special: OMD Interview and Grum Guest Mix". BBC Radio 6 Music. 31 May 2010.
  10. ^ "OMD NEWS : JANUARY 2010 – History of Modern update". Archived from the original on 9 December 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
  11. ^ "10" Release of History of Modern (Part I) EP at the Bright Antenna shop". Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  12. ^ Robson, Gregory (22 September 2010). "OMD – History of Modern". AbsolutePunk. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  13. ^ Sean, O'Neal (5 October 2010). "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: History of Modern". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  14. ^ Horton, Matthew. "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – History of Modern". DIY. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  15. ^ Aizlewood, John (17 September 2010). "CDs of the Week". Evening Standard. London. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Reviews: OMD – History of Modern". The Independent on Sunday. Independent Print Ltd. 19 September 2010. Way better than it has any right to be...
  17. ^ a b Wilkinson, Roy (October 2010). "Review: History of Modern". Mojo (203): 100.
  18. ^ Hogwood, Ben (20 September 2010). "OMD – History of Modern". musicOMH. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  19. ^ a b "Review: History of Modern". Q (291): 112. October 2010.
  20. ^ Walters, Barry (28 September 2010). "OMD, 'History of Modern'". Spin. Archived from the original on 15 October 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  21. ^ DiBella, M.F. (13 September 2010). "OMD, History of Modern". Urb. Archived from the original on 17 September 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Colston Hall, Bristol". The Times. 2 November 2010. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  23. ^ Painter, Ryan Michael (5 July 2016). "Paul Humphreys + Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: The Future, the Past and Forever After". SLUG Magazine. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  24. ^ McCormick, Neil (9 September 2010). "OMD: Orchestral manoeuvres in the Noughties". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2023.(registration required)
  25. ^ Doran, John (7 September 2010). "BBC – Music – Review of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – History of Modern". BBC. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  26. ^ O'Brien, Steve (3 June 2021). "Top 20 Reunion Albums". Classic Pop. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  27. ^ "The top synthpop albums of the 2010s". Modern Synthpop. 12 December 2019. Archived from the original on 29 January 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  28. ^ History of Modern – acharts.com
  29. ^ "Austriancharts.at – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – History of Modern" (in German). Hung Medien.
  30. ^ "Ultratop.be – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – History of Modern" (in French). Hung Medien.
  31. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – History of Modern" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
  32. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/european-albums?tag=relcharts/ Chart on Billboard
  33. ^ "Lescharts.com – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – History of Modern". Hung Medien.
  34. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – History of Modern" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts.
  35. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  36. ^ "Swisscharts.com – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – History of Modern". Hung Medien.
  37. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  38. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  39. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company.
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