The group was founded in 1978 by Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, after they had been involved in several bands, including The Id. Later drummer Malcolm Holmes and saxophonist Martin Cooper joined. McCluskey and Humphreys formed the core of the outfit until 1989, when the group split in two. McCluskey retained the name and continued to record and tour as OMD with a new line-up until 1996, while Humphreys, Holmes, and Cooper formed "The Listening Pool".
According to Songfacts, Enola Gay was the first of 7 Top 10 UK singles for the group; their only US hit was If You Leave, which was written for the 1985 movie Pretty In Pink.
In late December 2005, OMD's official website announced a 2006 reformation, for both live performances and a new album, with rehearsals beginning in summer 2006. The line up features the original 1980's members (Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Malcolm Holmes and Martin Cooper). The "Architecture & Morality" tour for late 2006 was postponed until the beginning of 2007.
The tour finally took place in the spring of 2007 featuring "Architecture & Morality" played in its entirety plus a 'greatest hits' set, although each concert famously ended with stirring rendition of B side/album track and fan favourite "The Romance of the Telescope".
Plans are now ahead for the release of a documentary DVD (since released and available here), a live DVD of the 2007 tour (release postponed until 2008) and a new studio album released in 2010, entitled "History of Modern".
The group's 12th studio album, English Electric, was released on 5 April 2013. The group's 13th studio album, The Punishment Of Luxury, was released on 1 September 2017. The group's 14th studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, was released on 27 October 2023.
Official OMD website: http://www.omd.uk.com
ABC Auto Industry
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C
A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C
A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C
Robotics, a science tried in some factories
Function and adaptability, it's own terminology
Auto industry production, economic development
Frankenstein's monster
Frankenstein's monster
Frankenstein's monster
The song "ABC Auto Industry" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is a commentary on the increasing automation of the manufacturing industry and its impact on the economy. The repetition of the letters A-B-C suggests a mechanical, automated process without human input. The lyrics go on to mention robotics and engineering technology, further emphasizing the role of machines in the production process. The line "Function and adaptability, it's own terminology" refers to the specialized language and technical knowledge required to operate and maintain these machines.
The reference to Frankenstein's monster suggests a warning against the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. Like the monster in the novel, the machines in the auto industry can become uncontrollable and pose a threat to society if not properly regulated. The repetition of the phrase "Frankenstein's monster" at the end of the song serves as a reminder of this danger.
Overall, "ABC Auto Industry" is a cautionary tale about the consequences of automation and the need for responsible management of technological progress.
Line by Line Meaning
A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C, A-B-C
Repetition of 'A-B-C' symbolizes the repetitive and monotonous nature of production lines in the auto industry
Robotics, a science tried in some factories
The use of robotics in some factories is an example of how science and technology have been applied to improve efficiency in the auto industry
Function and adaptability, it's own terminology
There is a specific vocabulary used to describe the key features and capabilities of the robotic technology used in the auto industry for its improved functionality and adaptability
Auto industry production, economic development
The production of automobiles in the auto industry has a significant impact on economic development
Engineering technology, robotics, a science
The application of engineering and robotics to the auto industry constitutes a scientific approach towards production, contributing to the industry's growth and advancements
Frankenstein's monster
Perhaps a reference to the negative consequences of advancements in technology, citing the horror story of Frankenstein's monster as a metaphor for the potential dangers associated with the rapid evolution of the auto industry due to technological innovations
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MCCLUSKEY HUMPHREYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind