(Forever) Live and Die

Last updated

"(Forever) Live and Die"
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - (Forever) Live and Die.jpg
Single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
from the album The Pacific Age
B-side "This Town"
Released26 August 1986 (1986-08-26) [1]
Studio Studio De La Grande Armée (Paris)
Length3:38
Label Virgin
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Stephen Hague
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark singles chronology
"If You Leave"
(1986)		"(Forever) Live and Die"
(1986)		"We Love You"
(1986)
Music video
"(Forever) Live and Die" on YouTube

"(Forever) Live and Die" is a 1986 song by the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the first single from their seventh studio album, The Pacific Age . Paul Humphreys sings lead vocals on the track. The single peaked at No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. It was a top 10 hit in Canada and several European territories, and a top 20 hit in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Contents

Critical reception and legacy

Lynden Barber of The Sydney Morning Herald wrote that "(Forever) Live and Die" is "almost worthy of prime period ABBA, its ethereal Euro synthetics melting around a chorus that ascends towards heaven." [2] Billboard selected the single as one of their "pop picks" for the week of 20 September, adding that it "achieves [the Beatles'] Magical Mystery Tour spirit with '80s tech". [3] Record Mirror 's Andy Strickland referred to "an infectious little beast" with "some nice brass touches". [4] Conversely, Simon Mills of Smash Hits portrayed the song as "limp, languid, wimpy and totally inoffensive". [5]

In April 1987, English disc jockey (DJ) Gary Crowley identified "(Forever) Live and Die" as a "great single" and "one of [his] favourite records of the last twelve months". [6] In a later article, Spin 's James Hunter observed "the kind of emotionally transcendent dancepop [Pet Shop Boys'] Neil Tennant always strove for, an unqualified masterpiece of tears and aural compression, carnivalesque synth figures and Wednesday afternoon blues." [7] Stewart Mason of AllMusic wrote that it "sounds oddly unfinished, albeit pleasant enough". [8] Barenaked Ladies drummer Tyler Stewart named the track as his favourite of OMD's, saying, "I really love '(Forever) Live and Die'. That's a great song." [9]

KROQ ranked the track as the 44th-greatest of 1986; [10] in a poll of 6,528 Slicing Up Eyeballs readers, it was voted the 68th-best of the year. [11] The Pueblo Chieftain 's Jon Pompia named the "wonderful" song as one of the 10 greatest of the 1980s. [12]

Track listing

7" and 7" picture disc

  1. "(Forever) Live and Die" – 3:36
  2. "This Town" – 3:44

First 12"

  1. "(Forever) Live and Die" (John "Tokes" Potoker - Extended Mix) – 5:45
  2. "(Forever) Live and Die" (7" version) – 3:36
  3. "This Town" – 3:44

Second 12"

  1. "(Forever) Live and Die" (Tom Lord-Alge – Extended Remix) – 5:50
  2. "(Forever) Live and Die" (7" version) – 3:36
  3. "This Town" – 3:44

Charts

Related Research Articles

<i>Architecture & Morality</i> 1981 studio album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Architecture & Morality is the third studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 6 November 1981 by Dindisc. Inspired by religious music, the group sought to broaden their musical palette by utilising elaborate choral samples, the Mellotron, and other new instruments to create a more naturalistic, emotive sound. The artwork was designed by longtime OMD collaborator Peter Saville, along with associate Brett Wickens, while its title was derived from the book Morality and Architecture by David Watkin.

<i>Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark</i> (album) 1980 studio album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is the debut studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 22 February 1980 by Dindisc. Recorded at the group's Liverpool studio, it showcased their minimal synth-pop style and peaked at number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. "Electricity" and "Red Frame/White Light" were released as singles; a re-recorded version of "Messages" provided OMD with their first hit in the UK, reaching number 13.

<i>Crush</i> (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark album) 1985 studio album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Crush is the sixth studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 17 June 1985 by Virgin Records. It is the first of two OMD studio albums to be produced by Stephen Hague. Aimed primarily at the US market, Crush is notable for moving the group towards a more polished sound, although elements of earlier experimentation are still present. During recording the band employed a greater use of organic instrumentation than in the past.

<i>The Pacific Age</i> 1986 studio album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

The Pacific Age is the seventh studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 29 September 1986 by Virgin Records. It was the last of two OMD studio albums produced by Stephen Hague, after Crush (1985). The record exhibits the same refined production values as its predecessor while venturing into the realm of mid-1980s sophisti-pop, retreating further from the group's experimental beginnings.

<i>The Best of OMD</i> 1988 compilation album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

The Best of OMD is a compilation album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released in 1988; marking a decade since the band's beginnings. The record essentially delineates the group's experimental early years from their pop-oriented later work: side one features recordings from 1979 to 1984, while side two is drawn from the group's 1984–1988 efforts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Leave (song)</span> 1986 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"If You Leave" is a 1986 song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). It was recorded for the soundtrack to the film Pretty in Pink (1986), in which it is played prominently during the final scene. Along with 1980's "Enola Gay", the track has been described as OMD's signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enola Gay (song)</span> 1980 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Enola Gay" is an anti-war song by the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), and the only single taken from their second studio album Organisation (1980). Written by lead vocalist and bassist Andy McCluskey, it addresses the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the aircraft Enola Gay on 6 August 1945, toward the conclusion of World War II. As is typical of early OMD singles, the song features a melodic synthesizer break instead of a sung chorus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So in Love (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1985 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"So in Love" is a 1985 song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the first single from their album Crush. It reached the top 30 of both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their first entry on the latter. The track was a top 10 hit in Belgium and Holland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joan of Arc (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1981 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Joan of Arc" is a 1981 song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the second single from their third studio album Architecture & Morality. It was well-received by critics and became an international hit, reaching the Top 5 in the UK and Canada and number 13 in Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pandora's Box (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1991 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Pandora's Box" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released by Virgin on 24 June 1991 as the second single from their eighth studio album, Sugar Tax (1991). The song, which deals with the less glamorous side of celebrity, was inspired by silent film actress Louise Brooks and is named after the 1929 film Pandora's Box in which she starred.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Secret (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1985 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Secret" is a 1985 song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the second single from their album Crush. Paul Humphreys sings lead vocals on the track. It became their second US Billboard Hot 100 entry, peaking at number 63, and also made number 34 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)</span> 1982 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released in 1982 as the third single from their third studio album, Architecture & Morality. To prevent confusion with the group's previous single "Joan of Arc", the song was retitled "Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)" for its single release. Both songs are about the French heroine Joan of Arc and both reached the Top 5 of the UK Singles Chart—although this release was more successful internationally, topping the charts in several countries including Germany, where it was the biggest-selling single of 1982. "Maid of Orleans" has sold four million copies worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Messages (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1980 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Messages" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) from their self-titled debut studio album (1980). A re-recorded version of the song was released on 2 May 1980 as the album's third and final single, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming OMD's first top-40 entry. As with their debut single "Electricity", "Messages" features a melodic synth break instead of a sung chorus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stand Above Me</span> 1993 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Stand Above Me" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released by Virgin Records as the first single from their ninth album, Liberator (1993), and their 26th single overall. It was the last OMD single released on a 12-inch format before the group took a break in 1996. The next 12-inch to be released under the OMD name was "Metroland" in March 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Locomotion (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1984 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Locomotion" is a song by the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 2 April 1984 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Junk Culture (1984). It was one of the band's biggest European hits, charting within the Top 5 in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, while also peaking at No. 14 in Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Souvenir (song)</span> 1981 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Souvenir" is a song written by Paul Humphreys and Martin Cooper of English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), and released as the first single from the group's 1981 album Architecture & Morality. Sung by Humphreys, the track is characterised by its use of slowed-down choral loops, and showcases OMD's early approach of utilising a synthesizer hook in place of a vocal chorus. The song has garnered praise from critics and fellow artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark discography</span>

The discography of English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) includes 14 studio albums and 46 singles, among other releases. The group issued their debut single, "Electricity", in 1979, and achieved several international top 10 hits during the 1980s and 1990s, including their signature songs "Enola Gay" (1980) and "If You Leave" (1986). OMD's albums Architecture & Morality (1981), The Best of OMD (1988) and Sugar Tax (1991) were certified platinum or higher in the UK; the gold-certified Dazzle Ships (1983) became one of the band's more influential works.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talking Loud and Clear</span> 1984 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Talking Loud and Clear" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 4 June 1984 as the second single from their fifth studio album Junk Culture (1984). The single was a European hit, reaching the Top 10 in Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, and No. 11 in the UK. It also charted at No. 18 in Germany. The song was edited for its 7" single release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tesla Girls</span> 1984 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Tesla Girls" is a song by the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the third single from their fifth studio album, Junk Culture (1984). It peaked at No. 21 in the UK and Ireland, and No. 8 on the Dutch Top 40. Although only moderately successful on the charts, it became one of the group's biggest club hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreaming (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)</span> 1988 single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Dreaming" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark initially released in January 1988 as a single from their compilation album The Best of OMD.

References

  1. ↑ "OMD DISCOGRAPHY – SINGLES 1984 - 86" . Retrieved 27 April 2009.
  2. ↑ Barber, Lynden (23 December 1986). "Arts and Entertainment". The Sydney Morning Herald . p. 8.
  3. ↑ "Reviews: Singles". Billboard . 20 September 1986. p. 73.
  4. ↑ Strickland, Andy (30 August 1986). "Singles". Record Mirror . p. 8.
  5. ↑ Mills, Simon (13–26 August 1986). "Review: Singles". Smash Hits . 8 (17): 73.
  6. ↑ Crowley, Gary (25 April 1987). "Singles". Number One . p. 52.
  7. ↑ Hunter, James (January 1999). "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: The OMD Singles". Spin . p. 116.
  8. ↑ "(Forever) Live and Die" review at AllMusic
  9. ↑ "New exclusive interview with Barenaked Ladies drummer Tyler Stewart". Barenaked Ladies Fans. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "Top 106.7 Songs of 1986". KROQ-FM. 31 December 1986. Retrieved 20 July 2022– via RadioHitList.com.
  11. ↑ "Top 100 Songs of 1986: Slicing Up Eyeballs' Best of the '80s Redux — Part 7". Slicing Up Eyeballs . 13 April 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  12. ↑ "We love the '80s: The best of a fantastic musical decade". The Pueblo Chieftain . 1 February 2020. Archived from the original on 2 February 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  13. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 224. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  14. ↑ "OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – (Forever) Live and Die" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 27 April 2009.
  15. ↑ "OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – (Forever) Live and Die" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  16. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0865." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  17. ↑ "European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 3, no. 42. 25 October 1986. p. 14. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  18. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Forever (Live & Die)". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  19. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  20. ↑ "OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – (Forever) Live and Die" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 27 April 2009.
  21. ↑ "OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – (Forever) Live and Die". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  22. ↑ "SA Charts 1965–1989 (As presented on Springbok Radio/Radio Orion) – Acts O". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  23. ↑ "OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – (Forever) Live and Die". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  24. ↑ "OMD: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  25. ↑ "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard . Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  26. ↑ "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  27. ↑ "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  28. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending December 6, 1986". Cash Box . Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  29. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – (Forever) Live and Die" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  30. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1986 – Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  31. ↑ "Top 100 Singles of '86". RPM. Vol. 45, no. 14. 27 December 1986. p. 5. ISSN   0315-5994 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  32. ↑ "Hot 100 of the Year 1986 – European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 3, no. 51/52. 27 December 1986. p. 28. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  33. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1986" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  34. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1986" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts . Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  35. ↑ "Jahreshitparade Singles 1987". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved 22 December 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.