The Human League - 'Travelogue'

Many years ago, back in the mists of time, I bought a slab of black vinyl called 'Travelogue' by The Human League. It was full of electronic twiddlings and machines and the oddly powerful voice of a young Phil Oakey. I'd never heard anything quite like it and, I think, at that time had only heard 'Being Boiled' on the John Peel Show.

Now, it sounds raw and still a bit unusual, but not that unusual. Back then it was earth-shattering - there was nothing else around like it at the time. These people were experimenting with a new way of making sounds and then stringing those sounds together into song patterns and singing on top of it. It was all very odd.

We've had lots of musical styles and fads since then but how many have been totally new, a sound that seems to have come out of nowhere? I suppose some of the early hibbidy hop stuff falls into that category, some of the stuff from the early '80s. But what since? Answers on a postcard please.

What brought this on? Well, I'm listening to 'Travelogue' that's what. Bow down and worship.

Listen to the voice of Buddha...