V.A. - Reproductions (Songs of The Human League) (2000)

Reproductions. The perfect name for a perfect tribute to the Human League. Why the Human League? Maybe some of you are skeptical, thinking of the band as a fluffy 80's synthesizer group, more concerned with fashion than substance. Maybe you remember their infectious dance hit "Don't You Want Me?" and hardly remember much else. That's why we pay homage to one of the most influential and underrated electronic groups of the last 25 years.
Formed in the late 70's by three young art students, Human League had much more in common with Tubeway Army than Flock Of Seagulls. If they'd formed in 2000, they might be Daft Punk or Air. They were the blueprint for synthesizer experimental combos and hit songs were hardly at the forefront of their minds. They created two albums and a handful of singles and EP's of jagged, dark, industrious music that caught the attention of some European dance floors, but mostly computer geeks and chemists. Then things changed. The British Electric Foundation was split when two of the lads split to form Heaven 17. Both groups then progressed into romantic new wave outfits, yes with cosmetic appeal, but also infectious pop hits. Heaven 17 went straight for the dance floor and Human League hired two ex-waitresses as backup singers and went straight to Top 40.
It's amazing that the Human League could be both of these groups. Dark and arty and later, Vogue spreads and MTV. Ask anyone working with synthesizers currently though and they will tell you, the Human League rule. The slogans "love & dancing" and "synthesizers only" were a politic that underlined their glorious popisms all throughout their career. To this day, you can hear songs like Mirror Man and Keep Feeling Fascination blaring from car stereos on warm summer days. You can still hear references to the band and their music. That's staying power.
In the year 2000 (a perfect year for this tribute), we have assembled 16 contemporary pop groups most known for their wonderful love affairs with electronic sounds. They all love the Human League with passion. Stephin Merritt was the first on board hailing Human's backbeat as genius. He had a hand in three songs, the opener as an instrumental movie composer a la Francis Lai, the 6ths with Lloyd Cole crooning away, and the very cool Don't You Want Me as Future Bible Heroes. Dave Trumfio, famed Chicago producer, had been wanting to cover Seconds for years, first with his recent Pulsars project and now with help from Sally Timms as Clicks. Chicago's smooth brother duo The Aluminum Group jumped at the chance to sing Love Action. From Barcelona to Baxendale, all bands involved wanted the chance to recreate some of their favorite Human League moments. We hope you enjoy them.

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