You would think, given the time period, there would be a bevy of official extended and remixed versions of songs from those must-have first four albums by the Psychedelic Furs. Alas, there were only a handful. A couple of them showed up on the odds-and-sods CD 'Here Came the Psychedelic Furs: B-Sides & Lost Grooves' in 1994, but the most coveted 12" versions, strangely, were omitted. So, any time I stop into a record shop, I always take a moment at the letter Ps for a quick (and usually disappointing) look-see. Today, I had a bit of luck. I found the long version Mendelsohn mix of "Heartbeat" from 1984. I have always loved the original song. It's the perfect conclusion to one of the best A-sides ever. If, by chance, you don't know what I'm going on about, buy
'Mirror Moves' right now.
Clocking in at a modest six-and-a-half minutes, this is a completely different take than the mammoth eight-plus minute "New York Remix" found on the B-side of the "Heaven" 12". Both will get you pining for a dance floor, and you should seek out each of them. In the end, however, I give a slight edge to Julian Mendelsohn's version. It's less aggressive and uses far f-f-f-fewer dated effects from the period, if you get my drift.
Oh, and in case you missed it. The Furs are going to be playing all around America this summer. I'm so there. Woo-hoo!
The Psychedelic Furs - Heartbeat (Mendelsohn Mix) Long Version (mp3)
Sorry, but it's getting late and the USB turntable seems to be getting tired, too. I'll get to the New York Remix another time.
2 comments:
Got my tix fou the Furs in the Tampa area! Heartbeat was the soundtrack to Saturday nights on the second floor of Danceteria in NYC. The DJ would mix in and out of both versions and it would find itself taking over multiple times during the night. The Furs were certainly adopted by NYC back then. You could find yourself hanging out withe Richard or Tim or John in the clubs any night of the week. Mars Williams was even someone you would do your best to avoid because he was always out and about.
You make a great point about the Mendelsohn mix - in fact I think he is a giant of the 80's 12" mix and most of his versions hold up really well today - see ABC, A Certain Ratio, David Sylvian, Pet Shop Boys...
Echorich,
This isn't the first time you have told tales of those days in NYC, and I love hearing about it. You must have had some fascinating nights. I bet there's a book in there somewhere.
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