O
MD are very
much the
quintessential
Classic Pop-
approved band – there’s a
dash of experimentalism in
there, plenty of melody, as
well as a sense that they don’t
take themselves too seriously.
As John Earls points out in
our cover feature this month,
perhaps it is that latter quality
which has left them slightly
underrated in some quarters.
With an illustrious 40-year
history behind them they
deserve to sit at the top table
of synth-pop innovators. So
we’re very happy to fl y the OMD fl ag and
put them on a pedestal.
Those early groundbreaking albums
remain a benchmark for electronic music –
the bold Dazzle Ships may have been a
bridge too far for mainstream fans but it’s
testament to OMD’s experimental urges that
they attempted it at the peak of their fame.
What’s perhaps most heartening of all
in the OMD story is their latter-day
renaissance. After reforming in 2006, their
new-era albums have showcased a steady
progression in their reunion, culminating in
2017’s wonderful The Punishment Of Luxury,
one of my favourite records of that year as
a matter of fact.
And speaking of renaissances, this issue
we also serve up an interview with Bruce
Hornsby. Now 30+ years into a diversecareer, Hornsby’s latest album is among his
most critically-acclaimed to date. In part,
his appeal has opened up to a whole new
generation thanks to the support of Bon
Iver’s Justin Vernon. Their mutual admiration
society has already birthed some
remarkable new music on the part of both.
Elsewhere, we delve into Peter Gabriel’s
timeless marriage of World music and pop
on the groundbreaking So album. Recorded
just a stone’s throw away from Classic Pop
Towers, it seamlessly merged a whole host
of contributions from some of our favourite
artists, including Kate Bush, Nile Rodgers
and The Police’s Stewart Copeland on a
collection that still sounds as box-fresh now
as it did back in 1986.
We’ve also got a must-read interview
with Mark Shaw from Then Jerico and we
celebrate the return of Simply Red and The
Brand New Heavies (not together as a
funk-soul supergroup, I hasten to add) with
further illuminating chats. I’ve also spent my
time well this month by immersing myself in
the world of George Michael for our Album
By Album feature. Arguably the fi nest pop
songwriter of his generation, his work stands
the test of time. Like OMD, it’s where art +
melody = transcendence.Steve Harnell, EditorSUBSCRIBE
If you subscribe to Classic Pop this month you’ll receive a
special OMD collectable cover. These stripped-back designs
dispense with the usual headlines and make the most of our
stunning artist imagery. Our exclusive shot this month features a
youthful Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys during the early years
of the group. Turn to pages 8-9 for details about how to subscribe.58
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