Octopus

by

The Human League

Edit

Really...it's a shame that Octopus was so ignored upon its release in 1995, because it is an amazing album that should have - by all counts - rocketed The Human League back up the charts. However, I must also remember to temper my praise for the album by the fact that The Human League produced Octopus in such a way that it maintained their "sound," which may have been to many - dated by 1995. And I say, "a pox on all of you who dismissed The Human League for not reinventing themselves."

The 1980's was a time of experimentation for the music industry. I don't have the numbers, but I imagine there were more "one hit wonders" created in the 1980's than in any other decade before or since. I think that's wonderful! Think of all the airplay that so many young, experimental groups got as a result. Think about how the music morphed and ebbed and flowed during that time period. THINK about how happy the music was - largely - and how it has already become a decade where the music is STILL almost as popular now as it was then. The Rolling Stones haven't come up with a new sound...when Duran Duran came up with a new sound their fans abandoned them. When the went back to their original formula, the fans returned. There is no reason a group shouldn't retain a successful sound - fans will remain - they just may not grow their fan base as quickly as before is all.

The Human League actually started up in the 1970's and really had created their "sound" by the early 1980's. When you listen to their blockbuster hit, "Don't You Want Me?" it is, according to Billboard Magazine, as fresh today as it was upon its release. The same can be said for their sound in general, I think.

Octopus has so many really good songs - and far surpasses my "three song requirement" (an album has to have at least three songs I really like before I will buy it). "Tell Me When" is the obvious dance and "chart" song with really invigorating rythm and chorus. "These Are The Days" is driving and peppy and the intro has ....just ever so much B-52's styling to it (sounds like they've used a smoke alarm for the first couple of beats). I love to pop this one in the CD player in the car and drive with the top down at night. "One Man in my Heart" is a love song: Human League style. "Houseful of Nothing" is ever so slightly reminiscent of a Depeche Mode sound coupled with The Human League's distinct style and is quite insightful. "John Cleese: Is He Funny?" is a quick instrumental number that if you stretch you can imagine Cleese's weird movements in play. "Never Again" is possibly my least favorite song on the album as it seems to be a rehash of older songs and is just a bit to slow for this album. However, to say that it is my least favorite is not saying much since I still like the song quite a bit. "Cruel Young Lover" is a staggering step of introspection and pep - very late 1980's sounding.

All in all, you really can't go wrong with this album. And surprisingly, it's not available right now on Amazon except from other sellers. However, what is great about that is that you can pick this CD up for next to nothing. And it is definitely one you should have in your collection.

Octopus, released in 1995, is a good and energetic disc from the Human League. Altogether, there are nine tracks--one being an enjoyable instrumental ("John Cleese; Is He Funny?"). All of the material is in a synth-pop musical direction. I don't hear any guitar work throughout the album. I find every one of the cuts to be worthy. Overall, the musicianship is solid, the songwriting is good, and the sound quality is dynamic, polished, and crisp. I like Philip Oakey's vocal delivery--it's clear, unique, and suave. Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley also do well with the vocal duties. My favorite songs are "Filling Up with Heaven," "Never Again," and "These Are the Days." The uplifting, well-written "Filling Up with Heaven," one of my favorite compositions from the Human League (and in general), is a melody-filled, engaging piece that features beautiful, lush harmony vocals and sunny, sparkly keyboard playing. The notable, pleasing ballad "Never Again" displays tight vocals from Oakey, soaring keyboard textures, and a smooth, attractive chorus. The lively, futuristic-flavored "These Are the Days" is a catchy and atmospheric tune that exhibits interesting-sounding keyboard colors. Examples of other tracks that I like are "John Cleese; Is He Funny?" and "Words." "Words," almost six minutes long, is a brooding, mellow-moving, ambient song; even though it takes its time, it isn't boring. The gratifying and bouncy instrumental "John Cleese; Is He Funny?" sports appealing, smeary keyboard soundscapes. The CD booklet contains the song lyrics--I like the lyrics to "These Are the Days" and "House full of Nothing"--and an individual illustration of each member of the group. The disc is just over 45 minutes in length. I think that this release from the Human League is pleasurable.