The Normal

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The Normal is the recording artist name used by English film editor Daniel Miller, who is best known as the founder of the record label Mute Records.

Although Miller founded Mute with the intention of releasing his own music, he only released one 7" vinyl single under the name "The Normal", namely "Warm Leatherette"/"T.V.O.D.", in 1978.

Both tracks were minimalist electronic songs using a Korg 700s[1] analog synthesizer and a Revox B-77 tape machine. This single was recorded in Daniel Miller's living room. Although it did not enter the UK charts, the single was influential on the post-punk/electronic music scene in the UK at the time.

The lyrics for "Warm Leatherette" referenced J.G. Ballard's novel Crash. The song has since been covered by artists Pankow, Grace Jones, Die Tödliche Doris, Sleep Chamber, Vitalic, Chicks on Speed and in 2006 Trent Reznor with Peter Murphy.

A second release as The Normal with other Mute Records act Robert Rental, "Live at West Runton Pavilion", wasn't well received. A strange release, it was a one sided album (side two was left blank) of improvised electronic noises, in a plain purple dust jacket.

Miller also recorded the album "Music for Parties" under the name Silicon Teens, mostly featuring sparse electronic new-wave covers of '50's and '60's pop classics such as "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Let's Dance". Film director John Hughes was so taken with it that an update of the Silicon Teens "Red River Rock" cover wound up on the soundtrack for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

Daniel Miller is also a prolific engineer and producer, producing such acts as Depeche Mode, Erasure, Wire, and DAF.

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