I own two versions of "Organisation" on LP. The first record has a black sleeve and was bought from eBay over ten years ago. I acquired the second copy more recently as I wanted to own the original pressing. Whilst the silver version is indeed from the first batch made available in 1980, I later learned that there was also a limited edition including a free 7" single that is even more desirable. Record collecting can be an exhausting hobby.
Having released their first album in February 1980, OMD delivered their second effort only eight months later. Clearly the music business moved at a much faster pace back in the early eighties. Despite being released hot on the heels of its predecessor, this album is a sharp contrast to the band's debut. "Organisation" found the band in a darker and more reflective mood drawing on the influence of contemporaries such as Joy Division. Even the bright and colourful packaging has been replaced by a brooding monochromatic image.
The album kicks off with the perky single "Enola Gay" which is insanely catchy and was a deserved top ten hit here in the UK. Whist the synth riffs and jaunty Roland CR-78 congas may suggest this is a frothy pop tune, the lyrics talk about the dropping of an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the horrors of war. Wherever you look on this record there is a dark underbelly.
Songs like "2nd Thought" and "VCL XI" also have bouncy basslines and electronic percussion, but the nonsensical lyrics of the latter and the haunting choir sounds on the former add a sinister edge that fit the mood. Two of my favourite tracks are "Statues" and "Promise" which point to the sound of future OMD records with their increasing reliance on synthesizers and electronics. I know my next statement will be an anathema to OMD fans but I have to be honest: I find "Stanlow" dull and uninteresting. Yes it has an OK tune and the old Korg MicroPreset gets a run out, but it just drones on and on with nothing exciting or inspiring happening. With that off my chest I will summarise more positively by saying this is a much better album than their debut and points to the sound of what was to come 3/5
