OMD - Genetic Engineering (312mm Version) (Virgin, 1983)

Speak'n'Spell electro pop classic.

Before the advent of widespread sampling, playing a Speak'n'Spell* machine into a track was probably about as clever as it got.

'Genetic Engineering' is my favourite thing by OMD because it blends pop sensibility with a minimal approach to building a track and a degree in sociology.

Download OMD - Genetic Engineering (312mm Version) (Speak'n'Spell, FuturePop, mp3) (Divshare)

Check-out this cool Speak'n'Spell simulator.

Freeez 'I.O.U (12" Version)' (Beggars Banquet, 1983)

Early intersection between alternative rock and the dancefloor, overseen by Arthur Baker.

This hit me around the same time as New Order's 'Blue Monday' and 'Confusion' which was also produced by Arthur Baker.

Taking its cues from the music of Danceteria and Hurrah, 'IOU' is a slice of highly melodic, beatbox-driven, breaking-friendly electro pop. The 12" version breaks it down time and again, giving the irresistable chorus plenty of chances to slam back in.

Download Freeez 'I.O.U (12" Version)' (alternative dance mp3) (Mediafire)

The Art Of Noise 'Sign Of Relief' (ZTT, 1983) (mp3)

'Sign Of Relief' is merely a fragment of a track from the recently expanded/reissued 'Into Battle' album.

Its rolling melody makes it sound like the call-sign for the only TV channel in some Soviet-era state. As such, it's reminiscent of OMD's 'Dazzle Ships' and a nice example of primitive sampling technology being pushed to its limit.

Download The Art Of Noise 'Sign Of Relief' (mp3) (Mediafire)

Aztec Camera - Walk Out To Winter (7" Single Version) (Rough Trade, 1983)

A recent second-hand purchase, interesting for it's popped-up synth chimes and decidedly different arrangement from the 'High Land, Hard Rain' version.

Having just read the engrossing 'Rough Trade: Document and Eyewitness' book, it's obvious that this radio-chasing overhaul derives from the period when Rough Trade were trying to get their more commercially-viable artists into the charts (see 'Songs To Remember'-era Scritti Politti also). The producer was Tony Mansfield a pop producer whose CV also includes Mari Wilson, a-ha and Captain Sensible.

I much prefer the album version as but this is interesting as an historical artefact. And it's still a beautiful song.

Download Aztec Camera 'Walk Out To Winter (Rough Trade 7" Version)' (mp3, Box.net)