WAIST HIGH: OMD See 30 Year Dream Come True.

10/26/2009

OMD See 30 Year Dream Come True.

On June 20 2009, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark realized a 30 year dream, backed by the rich resonance of a 75 piece orchestra, the visual majesty of filmmaker Hambi, and the vision of artist Peter Saville.

Set in the opulent and historic setting of Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall, OMD performed their imposing back catalogue abetted by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, after collaborative audio-visual installation The Energy Suite received its orchestral premier.

The hit laden set, dripping with classics such as "Enola Gay" and "Joan of Arc," and stuffed with exclusive firsts, such as the primary live outing of Radio Prague, is captured in all its magnificence on Electricity: OMD with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The band's determination to utilise the entire orchestra to maximum effect saw Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys abandoning almost all the original instrumentation in favour of complete re-workings of the song arrangements. The result is so much more satisfying than the usual "safe" attempts of rock and pop acts to add a little classical colour to their catalogue!

Aided by Hambi's commanding film backdrop, the blazing and abstract imagery augments the breathtaking theatrics of this unique musical and artistic performance. The Energy Suite emerged from an 80's vision, born around the time OMD recorded "Stanlow," an epic musical journey, which featured ambient recordings from Stanlow Oil Refinery on the Wirral peninsular. The imposing beauty of Stanlow at night fuelled their love for industrial architecture in pictorial settings, a love which was shared by iconic artist and designer Peter Saville.

When the genre hopping art pioneer and Factory Records partner Saville first created the neo-classical cover for OMD’s foremost release "Electricity," no-one could have guessed it would lead to a partnership which would span over three decades.

Though Stanlow stirred their combined passions, it wasn’t until McCluskey and Saville, aided by Hambi, created The Energy Suite for an exhibition at specialist new media gallery FACT in 2008, that their infatuation saw an outlet.

Using striking and often haunting imagery of five power generating sites in the North West of England based in an arc around the Irish Sea, McCluskey along with long time collaborator Stuart Kershaw composed a provocative yet tender score to lift the iconic imagery and purvey the beauty the trio saw within its stature.

Electricity: OMD with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will be released Nov. 30, 2009. A preview can be seen at Official OMD Facebook.

Photo: fact.co.uk
Material quoted directly from: fact.co.uk

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE KERN COUNTY DRUNKARD
Everything at Waist High is a long story, and the story of The KCD is no exception. After this individual told Waist High in December of 2003 that she was going to kill her, "Waist High" the blog was born. Please do not tell Waist High the person that you are going to kill her or she will create "Waist High" the blog and write nasty things about you! Including the time you stunk up the bathroom at The Alley Cat. The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" detailed the drunken comings and goings of the live-in love interest of one of Waist High's most cherished male friends. Never has Waist High met anyone who drank as much as or as often as The KCD. The KCD, because she was an insecure drunk, hated Waist High for most of her decade long relationship with Waist High's most cherished male friend. She hated Waist High for the obvious reason: Waist High is hot. A one time source of much of the material for Waist High the blog, The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" was permanently retired in March 2005 when Waist High's most cherished male friend finally came to his senses and kicked her ass to the curb.

RAMPART
Rampart is the first ex-husband of Waist High. She refers to him as her first ex-husband because she knows there will eventually be a second. Rampart grew up on the mean streets of Bakersfield and claims to have been the co-discoverer of the well known 1980s dirt field party spot known as "The Place." Rampart's 1987 directive to Waist High, "Drink this six pack before I get back!" made both Waist High and Rampart parents at age 20. Rampart currently resides 4.5 miles from Waist High in the wilds of Oregon and is an enduring fixture at their local Cigs For Less shop. Once a Bakersfield Del Taco associate, Sail Thru Hamburgers drive up dude, and Wible Road AM/PM graveyard worker, Rampart claims to now net $49,000 per month. But only to impress people, not when required.

(THE FORMER) LOVELY TEENAGED DAUGHTER
Not your average 35 year old. Born to Waist High as a "Miracle on 34th Street" in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital on 34th Street, LTD is on the board of MAC cosmetics. Not really, but she swears allegiance only to them. When LTD's mother once purchased LTD some eye shadow from Target, LTD threatened to call the police. Sweeter than Tupelo Honey, with the attitude of a feral cat, LTD is disgusted with most things. Including being forced to live with Waist High from 1988-2005. The child at one time even had her own blog, "Living With Waist High," which detailed her misery. A graduate of the oldest institution in the Oregon University System, LTD kept her promise of not getting knocked up at age 20 like Waist High did.

THE STRANGER
Oh God bless The Stranger. The Stranger was one of Waist High's most loyal confidants during some of the darker periods of the blog. Although his fierce allegiance to really bad music was a great source of aggravation for Waist High, The Stranger gave her a much needed look at life. Through the eyes of someone not yet bitter. The Stranger was almost pushed out of a moving vehicle when he revealed to Waist High that not only did he not know who Barry Manilow, Captain & Tenille, or Spandau Ballet were, but that he literally had no clue what Trail Mix was.

"TRI-TIP"
Special Correspondent to Waist High, and one of Waist High's most cherished friends. Used to live with The Kern County Drunkard. Was a Special Correspondent to Waist High for 9 months before knowing it. Long story. This individual coined the ultimate mid '80s Bakersfield drinking phrase, "Lock hubs. Party!"

DESI
Waist High's former work spouse. Cares about Waist High so much that he once took Waist High with him on a smoke break the very next day after she spent $250 for hypnotherapy TO QUIT SMOKING. Was the first person in conversation to introduce Waist High to concepts like "The Dirty Sanchez," "Dog In A Bathtub," "Tea Bagging," and "The Shocker." Reminds Waist High as often as possible that if women "neglect the balls," their men will leave them.