OMD aren't always looked upon with a great deal of admiration when reviewing the history of electro-pop. Often dismissed as band who stole The Human League's thunder by having hits before them, or merely referred to as a poor man's Kraftwerk, they were in fact capable of great moments in their own right. Their run of singles in the early 80's was largely flawless but 'Architecture & Morality' remains a landmark album. Unsurprisingly, its success was buoyed by three perfect singles; the two part story of 'Joan Of Arc' and 'Maid Of Orleans' and the unforgettable melody to 'Souvenir'; each boasted brave and slightly unsettling, ghostly effects with stirring choruses to dilute the bitter pill. With a will to experiment the remainder of the album is well worth investigating too. OMD's minimalist side is demonstrated by the seven minutes of 'Sealand'; the macabre, atmospheric title track even suggests that it's about to break into a cover of Joy Division's 'Decades' and 'She's Leaving' boasts a wistful tune that reveals a soul beneath the machines. Granted, they stole from others, but using their gifts for melody they brought an intelligence to popular electronic music.