Shnootz - Reaction Video (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Maid of Orleans)

[@nigelabennett]

Just an immense sound and song.

[@ivicatunukovic4509]

One of the greatest song ever❤

[@Dufebvre]

Definitely the best song by OMD, so powerful, so moving. A real gem... I saw them on stage in Brussels in 1982, a magical evening.

[@SonomaBill1]

their finest work. and the highlight of every live show!!

[@5334235]

I love the distinct sound of the Mellotron. Quite an extraordinary instrument.

[@SJ-tk4ri]

One of OMD’s most defining tracks and best known singles. Filled with choirs and heavy use of the mellotron, it’s 3/4 waltz signature and bagpipe-esque instrumental section is contrary to much of what their contemporaries were releasing at the time. McCluskey’s vocals soar and add a suitable drama and passion, fitting to the track. Iconic. Should add, it was actually their subsequent release, Dazzle Ships, that flummoxed their record company, music press and fans, with its experimental concept (but nonetheless a fantastic release in its own right).

[@izzyworld8068]

This was a big hit in the UK. My brother bought the 12inch which I listened to as well. I never bought their records although I loved them. I had limited pocket money so if he bought it I just taped it 😊

[@paulcasey5486]

OMD are fantastic live great band with a great catalogue.

[@philipmcfarlane]

On this one the O in their name really shines through. A quality tune.

[@sebzematik]

The title of the single release was "Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)". I like it much better than the previous song about her. As others have pointed out, it's one of OMD's signature songs. It was the most successful single of 1982 in Germany btw. I love how it flows from those disturbing noises in the beginning into the smooth melody and those powerful drums.

[@thelwulfeoforlic6482]

OMD (amongst others) we’re pushing the bounds back in ‘81 who’d have thought that the 4 bubble gum popsters who released “Speak & Spell” in the same year would win? Though Vince Clark, Dave Gahn, Martin Gore & Andy Fletcher were enjoyable at the time, the smart money was on the ‘serious’ electronic musicians taking on the world, how wrong we all were! Well done Depressed Toad!

[@mjq3555]

If the record company got a shock with this album, with its 3 top 5 hits in the UK, then god only knows what they thought of the next album, Dazzle Ships.

[@DadgeCity]

Kudos to the band for getting Joan of Arc parts 1 and 2 separately into the UK top 5 singles. Not something you could imagine happening in 2023. Part 2 (this one) was a huge hit across Europe. I've always thought the lyrics were inspired by some girl Andy knew at Catholic School, so more an extended metaphor than a fantasy about the historical figure.

[@stephanmampaey67]

Love the waltz rhythm. Completely different to the previous track imho. This was a big hit and their breakthrough in Europe.

[@martinarscott3524]

Messages is another great track by OMD if you haven't already done it, I'll check.... Bit of background - in the early days the drums had to be laid down one piece at a time because the drummer couldn't play very well, but he was the only guy the band knew who had a drum kit so they stuck with him! Other OMD album well worth checking out are "Sugar Tax" and "Universal". Universal in particular has some great, slightly different, tracks such as "The Moon and the Sun"

[@rouguy1972]

❤

[@jeanettedevereux7664]

Only record of theirs I am not fussed on

[@stephenborrett5707]

You have no taste.

[@jeanettedevereux7664]

@@stephenborrett5707 i know

[@danielet612]

ciao , listen ghost - erasure

[@handsolo1209]

This song is just called Maid of Orleans. The title that you gave it might confuse people.

[@mattsnider2667]

Weird, on Discogs and in Philip's folder for this album, it says the longer title as I've written it: www.discogs.com/master/30428-Orchestral-Manoeuvres-In-The-Dark-Architecture-Morality But if people seem confused in the comments, I'll change it. Cheers.

[@handsolo1209]

@@mattsnider2667 Nah, there are two separate songs on the album (Joan of Arc and then Maid of Orleans). They did not mix the titles.

[@handsolo1209]

@@mattsnider2667 I mean, you are literally correct, but after the album was already pressed and printed they dropped the Joan of Arc part, especially when Maid of Orleans got a music video.

[@mattsnider2667]

@@handsolo1209 Gotcha, will change it, then. I was just going off the Discogs master page (which does admittedly show the original release titles), but yeah, I see your point.

[@philipmcfarlane]

@@mattsnider2667 I didn't start buying their albums until later in their discography so a lot of the earlier stuff is digital downloads and tbh and I've never checked the file names.