On this day in history (February 22, 1980), OMD released their self-titled debut album featuring Electricity and Messages. This album was influenced by electronic pioneers Brian Eno, Neu! and Kraftwerk. The cover art for the album was designed by Peter Saville who is most notably known for his work designing record sleeves for Joy Division and New Order.

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Electricity

Messages

Charts And Reviews

Peaked at #27 in the UK Albums Chart

How fine and different their melodies can be, how detailed and distinctive their song-structure… there is a constant change in emphasis and dynamics. It’s definitely dance music. Orch Man’s debut LP is one of the best of the year – New Musical Express

Unpretentious, tuneful and unceasingly pleasant – Melody Maker

OMD’s first full album won as much attention for its brilliant die-cut cover — another example of Peter Saville’s cutting-edge way around design — as for its music, and its music is wonderful… Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is just like the band that made it — perfectly of its time and easily transcending it – AllMusic

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