Reproduction

Reproduction

Originally released in 1979. The Human League: Ian Craig Marsh, Martyn Ware, Philip Oakey. From it's vaguely disturbing cover photo to the arty gloom contained within, the Human League's 1979 debut album is considerably different from the smooth pop singles which later made them stars. Recorded by the trio of singer Phil Oakey and synthesizer players Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh-who left the band in 1980 to form the British Electric Foundation and it's offshoot group Heaven 17-REPRODUCTION is a stark, minimalist postpunk document which has more in common with Joy Division than Duran Duran. That said, it's also an interesting, sometimes fascinating slice of early electro-pop which should appeal to fans of the style's fringier elements. The engaging single "Empire State Human," a bizarre cover of "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'" and the just plain weird "Circus of Death" are particular highlights.