The Carnival of the Animals conclusion of the verse for the "Fossils", for example, fits perfectly with the punchline-like first bar of the music: In 2014 the English contemporary music organisation New Music in the South West (NMSW) commissioned a set of responses to the 14 movements of "Carnival of the Animals". The pieces, collectively known as "A Modern Menagerie", were premièred by the Bristol Ensemble on 7 September 2014 at St. George’s, Bristol. The programme consisted of the original Saint-Saëns movements interleaved with the contemporary responses under the title "Carnival of the Animals" meets "A Modern Menagerie". A number of the composers have taught
Crush (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark album) the group talking about their career and performing the songs from the album. "Crush" received positive appraisals in Britain, including what Andy McCluskey saw as the band's "first good LP review in "NME"". Ian Cranna of "Smash Hits" wrote: "OMD continue their healthy recovery of form... strong, melodic songs in a more lush, or, orchestral setting, while still retaining that passionate punch. It's a welcome return of the thinking-person's dance music, and isn't it good to hear real drums again?" Stateside, "Michigan Daily" critic Beth Fertig said the album "further confirms that [OMD] is one of the most creative forces