GMA Printing Systems AB: A Pop Time Capsule from 1982 That’s… Uh, Something Else
Alright, let’s talk about GMA Printing Systems AB by some mysterious artist who clearly didn’t want to hog the spotlight (or maybe they just forgot their own name). Released in Sweden back in ‘82 on Pro Tape Records, this album is a wild ride through early '80s pop vibes. It's like someone rummaged through a pile of movie soundtracks, soft rock hits, and elevator music—then slapped it all together with reckless abandon. Spoiler alert: it works better than you’d think.
First off, can we appreciate how random yet oddly charming the tracklist is? You’ve got everything from “Theme From Close Encounters” to “African Beat,” which sounds like the playlist your cool uncle made after one too many cups of coffee. Two tracks really stuck out for me, though—not because they’re masterpieces but because they’re hilariously memorable.
Let’s start with “Star Wars.” Yeah, THAT Star Wars. Imagine John Williams’ epic score getting the full-on synth-and-drum-machine treatment. It’s like Darth Vader walking into a discothèque instead of choking someone on the Death Star. The melody is recognizable enough, sure, but there’s something gloriously unhinged about hearing those iconic brass lines turned into bouncy, plastic keyboard magic. I mean, who DOESN’T need a version of “The Imperial March” that could soundtrack an awkward middle school dance?
Then there’s “Do That To Me One More Time,” originally by Captain & Tennille. This cover leans hard into its Swedish pop roots, adding layers of shimmering synths and vocals so earnest you almost forget how cheesy it is. Almost. There’s something endearing about how unapologetically over-the-top it feels—it’s like karaoke night at a ski lodge where everyone’s slightly tipsy and no one cares if they hit the high notes.
Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t exactly groundbreaking stuff. Tracks like “Feelings” and “Three O’Clock In The Morning” feel more like background noise for your dentist’s office than anything else. But hey, sometimes life needs a little filler music, right? And honestly, the sheer weirdness of including songs like “Deer Hunter Theme” alongside “Blue Eyed Soul” makes this album worth a listen if only to marvel at its audacity.
So what’s the takeaway here? Well, GMA Printing Systems AB might not be winning any Grammys anytime soon (especially since Grammy voters probably never heard of it), but it’s a delightful slice of retro cheese. Listening to it feels like stepping into a time machine powered by ABBA leftovers and VHS tapes. If nothing else, it reminds us that even in 1982, somebody somewhere decided the world needed a polka-infused take on sci-fi themes—and bless them for trying.
In conclusion, this album is proof that art doesn’t always have to make sense—it just has to exist. Also, whoever thought naming an album after a printing company deserves a medal. Or therapy. Maybe both.
