Souvenir - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark

'Souvenir' was released as the first single from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1981 album 'Architecture & Morality'. A tape consisting of slowed-down loops of a choir tuning up had been the initial inspiration for the song. Although very displeased with the original version, they decided it had some merit after all, after having re-recorded it previously.

The tune has a very strong synthesised melody, with a rare lead vocal by Paul Humphreys. Although he is not the band's main singer, he was satisfied with his attempts, and would do lead vocals for some of OMD's other well-known releases. An extended version of the song (with an additional verse) was released as a 10" single.

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: House of Rhythm, London
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Souvenir (extended)' / 'Motion and heart (Amazon version)', 'Sacred heart'
Download: here