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Tesla Girls

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Wikipedia article




{{Infobox song

| name = Tesla Girls

| cover = Tesla Girls.jpg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

| album = Junk Culture

| B-side =

| released =

| recorded = Air Studios, Montserrat

| studio =

| venue =

| genre =

| length = 3:51

| label = Virgin

| writer =

| producer =

| prev_title = Talking Loud and Clear

| prev_year = 1984

| next_title = Never Turn Away

| next_year = 1984

| misc =

}}

"'Tesla Girls'" is a song by 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.

The song was featured in the John Hughes film 'Weird Science' (1985).

Background



The song title refers to Nikola Tesla and was suggested by Martha Ladly, who had also suggested the 'Architecture & Morality' (1981) album title. Tesla is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. "The references to electric chairs and dynamos is actually a reference to dynamos which was essential for the use of the alternating current and anything electrical basically," said Andy McCluskey in an on-line Q&A session in 1998.

Reception and legacy



"Tesla Girls" met with a few detractors on release. Singer Kim Wilde, whose work had been influenced by OMD, called the song "inane and monotonous".Waller, Johnny; Humphreys, Mike. 'Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: Messages'. Sidgwick & Jackson. 1987. . p. 137. On the other hand, 'Billboard' categorised the single as "recommended", while observing "nervous electronics and obscure lyrics by one of the new wave's trendsetting bands".

In retrospective articles, critics have directed praise toward the track's "witty" and "clever" lyrics, as well as its scratch production; favourable comparisons have been made to American rock duo Sparks.Raggett, Ned. [http://www.allmusic.com/album/junk-culture-mw0000191164 'Junk Culture' review]. AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2021.Thompson, Dave. [https://www.allmusic.com/song/tesla-girls-mt0012262756 "Tesla Girls" review]. AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2021. Ned Raggett of AllMusic commended the song's melody and "brilliant, hyperactive intro", identifying it as "the group's high point when it comes to sheer sprightly pop". Music journalist Dave Thompson described the track as "anthemic" and "a quintessential dance number". 'Louder Than War' critic Paul Scott-Bates wrote that "'Tesla Girls' is as perfect as pop singles get".

The song became one of OMD's biggest club hits, and appeared in KROQ and 'Slicing Up Eyeballs' rankings of 1984's best tracks.

Versions



Several versions of the song exist in recorded form, including two new versions coming to light on the deluxe re-issue of the 'Junk Culture' album in 2015.

* original 'Junk Culture' album version (1984) 3:51

* 7" edit (1984) 3.26

* 12" version (1984) 4.25

* 12" 'extra remix' (1984) 3.37

* 12" (US only) 'specially remixed version' (1984) 5.03 also includes an instrumental version (4.43) and a 'video version' (3.26)

* compilation album version 3.34 (used on compilation albums such as The Best of OMD and The OMD Singles)

* 'extended mix' 4.44, as featured on the 'So80s OMD' remix compilation album (2011)

* 'Junk Culture' Deluxe re-issue version (2015) 3.36 (replacing the original album track)

* Highland Studios Demo (1983) 4.01, bonus track featured on 'Junk Culture' deluxe re-issue (2015)

An early live version from 1983 also exists in bootleg form.

B-sides



The 7" release features a live version of the 'Dazzle Ships' track and single "Telegraph" recorded in 1983 at the Hammersmith Odeon, London. The intro to another 'Dazzle Ships' track, "Radio Waves", can be heard in the fade-out.

The 12" and cassette releases feature a new song, "Garden City", which remained exclusive to this release until it was featured on the B-sides album 'Navigation: The OMD B-Sides', released in 2001.

Track listing



'7" and 7" picture disc'

# "Tesla Girls" 3:26

# "Telegraph" (live) 3:57

'First 12"'

# "Tesla Girls" (extended version) 4:35

# "Garden City" 4:05

# "Telegraph" (live) 3:57

'Second 12" and Cassette'

# "Tesla Girls" (Extra Remix) 3:37

# "Garden City" 4:05

# "Telegraph" (live) 3:57

# "Tesla Girls" (extended version) 4:35

'US 12" (A&M Records SP-12120)'

# Tesla Girls (Specially Remixed Version) 5:03

# Tesla Girls (Instrumental Version) 4:43

# Tesla Girls (Video Version) 3:26

Charts



References




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