Architecture & Morality

I have waited a long time for the video portion of this release to be reissued. Since it is a British import, here in the States it won't play in a standard NTSC DVD player. However, it will play on my Mac (probably PC too). It is region free, but in PAL format, so be aware of this when buying. Besides the format issue, I am thrilled it is again available. (I was outbid for the original 'OMD Live at Drury Lane' on Japanese Laserdisc a few years back [it sold for $150+]) If you really like OMD, you probably need this.

one of the best albums ever!

I have been an OMD fan for much of my life, ever since I heard songs like "Secret" and "If You Leave" on the radio when I was a teenager. Over the years I have collected all of their albums. Most of their albums have been great, although to be honest there have been a few ones that have let me down. I already owned this album on vinyl but I wanted to get it on CD. This deluxe edition contains a remastered version of the album, with many bonus tracks. But the main reason I bought this version was for the DVD that is also included with the CD. There are a few rare promo videos, but the main draw for me was footage of them playing live at Drury Lane in 1981. This, to me, is the icing on the cake. It was incredible to see them playing live to a packed house, and also to see many of the people in attendance dancing passionately to the songs. I felt like I had been taken back in time to a very fleeting and special moment in musical history. What a great performance! The album itself is hailed by many OMD fans as their best. I do agree that it is an incredible album, but personally I would not choose it as their best. It does contain two of their all-time best songs, "Souvenir" and "Joan of Arc". But for my money, their best album is still their self-titled debut. I'm sure many diehard fans would disagree with me about this, but that's just truly how I feel. I think many people like this album because it breaks rules, and it has a very artsy, creative, "found sound" flavor that is very charming and full of feeling. But for me, a few of the songs are a bit too unrefined/rough hewn for my ears. I prefer OMD material that is very sleek and polished. But having said that, I still think this is a wonderful effort, and still one of the best albums of the 80s. I saw OMD during their most recent North American tour and they blew me away. One of the best shows I've ever seen. They were at the top of their form. Afterwards I was inspired to fill in the gaps of my OMD collection, and I'm certainly glad I got this one on CD! Finally.

Chef d’œuvre de la cold wave, un disque intemporel de toute beauté (glacée) qui marque incontestablement la plus belle période musicale du rock. Machines et synthés accompagnent génialement les mélodies sombres et lumineuses du quatuor. Omd fait figure de pilier dans ce mouvement (toujours aussi moderne)qui révélera de grands noms: Human League, Gary Numan, Simple Minds etc...

A great band and superb live, English Electric and the tour, what a treat for all fans!!!!although I have all of OMD's work I treated myself to this for the bouns tracks and live recordings to help me remeber the great nights I have had with my wife watching this band and Andy strutt his stuff on the stage!!!so much energy and passion!!!this is a must for OMD fans.

Der Durchbruch für OMD. Die Musik ist allein schon genial, bei der Box ist aber auch ne DVD dabei. Und die hat es in sich. Herrliches Videomaterial, Digital überarbeitet mit Flops vom Allerfeinsten!! Allein die DVD ist den Kaufpreis wert. Herrlich mit wahnsinns Nostalgiefaktor :-)