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Review: The truly special thing about a track like 'Tainted Love' is its malleability over time. The original elements touch on New Romanticism, New Wave, electro, and synth pop, creating a twisted and mutated version of the crooning troubadour that smacks of sticky dancefloor heat in subterranean haunts.

With that in mind a remix collection could pretty much go anywhere, and in many ways this one does. Presenting several interpretations of this timeless and iconic tune, these range from the not-so-different instrumental and the strikingly powerful but simple acapella, through to DJ Hell's typically growly stomper, and the groovier, wavier Jack Ford and Jaimieson Hill cut. Oh, and don't forget the very DIY sounding bonus track, 'The Hungry Years', which is a whole different story in its own right, so we'll leave you to discover that one.

Review: Biz Markie was one of the true titans of the early East Coast hip hop scene - a staple of Marley Marl's Cold Chillin' label with a cheeky demeanour which showed even the toughest hip-hop didn't have to be moody. 'Just A Friend' originally dropped in 1989 and became a mainstream hit in the US, breaking Markie to the world and ensuring the success of his second LP, The Biz Never Sleeps. Nearly a year since he passed away, Cleopatra have revisited one of his most enduring classics and given it a fresh airing on this tidy 7". If you don't already have it and you take your old-skool hip-hop seriously, don't sleep on this one.

Review: Early new wave icons Duran Duran have been digging in their vaults again and this time out they've found Dreaming Of Your Cars: 1979 Demos Part 2, which features vocalist Andy Wickett, who fronted the band before Simon Le Bon took over. The rare tracks start with 'Dreaming Of Your Cars', post punk groove with a slick rhythm section and tight bassline driving it along and getting you in the groove. 'Love Story' features superbly nimble playing and crashing drums that again straighten your back and get you marching before 'X Disco' and 'To The Shore' close out in upbeat then more mournful fashion.

Review: Dead or Alive's 1985 classic 'You Spin Me Round' is one of few quintessential charting darkwave cuts from the 80s and this reissue of the single is a celebration of its infectious energy. As many will recall, Pete Burns' flamboyant vocals are set against driving beats and knocky synth riffs, as the song famously compares the effect of a dizzying new liaison to the spin of a 12". The extended mix found here gives listeners even more of what they love about the song, while the EP's timely follow-up songs like 'Even Better Than The Real Thing' provide an enchanting, atmospheric context.

Review: A highly collectible splatter 12" vinyl of this Martin Hannett-produced session groundbreaking gothic/post-punk band, Joy Division. Includes the band's best known composition 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and a superb non-album B-side in 'Leaders Of Men', plus an extended mix of the A-side. Most music fans and their mothers will have had the former track firmly implanted into their grey matter by now, but it's the B-side that really gets the true-heads going, channelling a massive, cortex-cracking sound that is closer to punk than post. Boy, did Joy Division have a toothy side.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


A highly collectible splatter 12" vinyl of this Martin Hannett-produced session groundbreaking gothic/post-punk band, Joy Division. Includes the band's best known composition 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and a superb non-album B-side in 'Leaders Of Men', plus an extended mix of the A-side. Most music fans and their mothers will have had the former track firmly implanted into their grey matter by now, but it's the B-side that really gets the true-heads going, channelling a massive, cortex-cracking sound that is closer to punk than post. Boy, did Joy Division have a toothy side.