1980-10-24
Organisation
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
By Maeve C.
A diesel pump recorded at the Stanlow Oil Refinery sets the rhythm at the start of “Stanlow”, the closing track of Organisation. Dindisc wanted a new Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark album before Christmas, and most of it was written in June and July 1980.
Former Gong bassist Mike Howlett became the first producer the band had worked with, and session drummer Malcolm Holmes joined as a full member. “Enola Gay” was the only single and reached number eight in Britain, yet much of the record is darker, with “Statues” partly inspired by Ian Curtis and “Promise” carrying Paul Humphreys’ first lead vocal on an OMD album.
Sources
Rights-holder metadata (℗ 2003 Virgin Records Limited) gives release date October 24, 1980.Corroborates release on 24 October 1980 on Dindisc; first time working with a producer (Mike Howlett, ex-Gong); Malcolm Holmes made full member; written June–July 1980 after Dindisc asked for an album before Christmas; “Enola Gay” only single, UK No. 8; “Statues” partly inspired by Ian Curtis; “Promise” Humphreys’ first lead vocal; Stanlow refinery diesel pump.