ZTT Records 1983-1988 Part 3: Remixes
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
At some point I'll do this.
All bands or just FGTH?
If FGTH then to 1988 or present?
If anyone reads this then please forgive the rambling style - I've only just started and it may well take some time - I'll re-organise it later.
Question is, do I list all the labelled mixes or the actual mixes?
The Diversions of ZTT
Remixes, or diversions to give them their approved ZTT name were an integral part of Trevor Horn's 'mission profile' with regard to creating a new and successful record label.
1983-1988, when remixes were real remixes. Remixing did not consist merely of sampling a hook-line from a song (be it vocal or instrumental) and then looping it to create an entirely new (and usually very dull) 13 and a half minute song around the loop. No, ZTT remixes took the original song (all of it) and gently teased it out - stretching the verse, adding a new intro, layering some samples over the top, extending the breakdown. These remixes, ladies and gentlemen, were works of art - with enough genius in each one for them to stand up in their own right, while still containing enough of the original song to be instantly recognisable.
But the record label that was (and still is) Zang Tuum Tumb (ZTT) devised wicked schemes, using these remixes to prey mercilessly on victims, otherwise known as 'collectors'. It wasn't enough to release 'Relax' on 7", 7" picture disc, 12", and 12" picture disc. Oh, no. Then there were two promo 7"s, containing new mixes. Then there was a second 12" - it looked identical (the sleeve and the catalogue number) but played a new mix. And then a third - also identical but also playing a new mix. And the US 12" also seemed to have different mixes on - where would it end? A cassette single? How many more new mixes would there be?
And so it continued, for it was the way of ZTT. For many years collectors strove to understand the mixes, to appreciate the differences, to be able to tell which was which. Not an easy task, for Mister Man had seen to it that all the remixes were devilishly conceived and produced, so that only those with the most intimate knowledge could differentiate between them.
And so, ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you a definitive guide to ZTT remixes.
Sources
- Lazlo Nibble's incredible discographies site:
- http:\\home.t-online.de/home/fisonic
- Ian Peel in Record Collector magazine, Issues 110-112 (Oct.-Dec.
1988) - Catwoman's record collection
Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Relax - October 1983
| The Label Says | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Relax | 3:57 | The most common 7" version, often referred to as Relax (move), also found on Bang! LP and .... |
| Relax (sex mix) | 16:24 | Sounds very different to the 7" version but has all the same elements - just stretched out to four times the length - has the same rhythm track but with new vocals and added synthesisers and sound effects. Sometimes referred to as the 'Original Mix' |
| Relax (sex mix) | 8:25 | An edited version of the 16min sex mix, usually called the 'US Mix' |
| Relax (sex mix) | 7:26 | An extended version of the 7", usually called the 'New York Mix' |
| Relax (warp mix) | 3:25 | Similar to the 7" but ... |
| Relax (the last seven inches) | 3:25 | Identical to the warp mix |
| Relax (disco mix) | 6:15 | A combination of the 7" version and the US mix |
| Relax (come fighting) | 3:57 | Found on the Welcome... LP, the same as the 7" mix |
| Relax (long version) | 7:26 | Same as the New York mix |
| Relax (instrumental) | 4:23 | .... |
| Relax (7" version) | 3:57 | Not surprisingly, this is the same as the 7" version |
| Relax (DJ mix) | 3:25 | Same as the Warp mix |
| The Party Trick (acting dumb) | 3:47 | .... |
| The Special Act (adapted from the sex mix) | 4:23 | An edit of the Sex mix |
| U.S. Mix (come dancing) | 4:30 | .... |
| The Single (the act) | 3:50 | Same as the 7" mix |
