Burning The Ground Exclusive 1983
Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein ’84” is a reimagined version of his classic instrumental hit, Frankenstein, originally released in 1972. The 1984 version takes the rock instrumental to a new level by incorporating the synthesizer-heavy sound that had grown popular in the 80s. This updated version brings an electronic twist to the original’s signature guitar and keyboard riffs, adding a bit of synth-pop flair to the song while maintaining its hard rock roots.
While the original Frankenstein is famous for its progressive rock elements and complex arrangement (including a memorable drum solo), Frankenstein ’84 leans into a mix of rock and 80s electronic elements, blending synthesizers with heavy guitar and electronic drums. This remake underscores Winter’s versatility and his ability to innovate across genres, showcasing his musical skills in guitar, saxophone, and synthesizer.
The Frankenstein ’84 remix didn’t achieve the same chart-topping success as the original Frankenstein, which had been a major hit in 1973, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most iconic rock instrumentals of its time. Despite its innovative remix production and appeal within 80s dance scenes, Frankenstein ’84 was more of a cult favorite than a chart hit.
While the remix breathed new life into the classic, introducing it to a younger, more dance-oriented audience, it didn’t chart significantly in the U.S. or internationally. However, Frankenstein ’84 maintained a presence on 12” singles and in clubs, where extended and remixed versions of popular songs were frequently played. This version became popular among fans of Edgar Winter and the synth-heavy remix styles of the era, securing a legacy as a unique 80s reinterpretation of a 70s rock classic.
The music video for Frankenstein ’84 embraced the energetic and experimental spirit of the 80s, mirroring the song’s transformation into a danceable, synth-driven rock piece. In the video, Edgar Winter plays a prominent role, performing his famous synthesizer riffs and saxophone solos with a futuristic edge. The visuals are full of 80s flair, with neon lighting, strobe effects, and a surreal, almost sci-fi aesthetic that complements the track’s title and its Frankenstein theme.
Set against a dramatic, dark backdrop with flashes of color, the video has a Frankenstein-esque lab atmosphere. Winter is often shown surrounded by synthesizers, drum machines, and flashing lights, emphasizing the remix’s electronic makeover. The production leans heavily on visual effects that feel both eerie and futuristic, capturing the transformation of the original rock classic into an electrifying 80s remix.
The video reflects Edgar Winter’s eccentric style and adds an element of theatricality to the song, aligning with the era’s tendency to produce visually experimental music videos. This visual style helped to promote the remix to a new generation and allowed Winter’s eclectic musical persona to shine.
For this release, I have created custom artwork.
SIDE A:
Frankenstein 1984 (Monster Version) 9:48
SIDE B:
Frankenstein 1984 (Human Version) 4:54
Frankenstein 1984 (Monster Rap) 9:51
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Body Rock – BR 5001
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro
CREDITS:
- Co-producer [Production Assistant], Engineer – Craig Harris
- Custom Cover, Design – DjPaulT
- Engineer – Frank Heller, Robin Halpin
- Management – Blue Horizon Management, Inc.
- Mastered By – Herb Powers Jr.
- Musician [Synclavier], Musician [Rhythm Machine Programming] – Craig Harris
- Musician [Voyetra], Musician [Synclavier], Musician [Arp 2600], Alto Saxophone – Edgar Winter
- Photography By – Dennis Keeley (2)
- Producer, Executive-Producer, Mixed By – Tom Silverman
- Producer, Mixed By – Edgar Winter
- Rap [Consultant] – MC G.L.O.B.E.
- Scratches – Red Alert
- Typography – Overnight Type & Graphics, Rebecca Keeley*
- Written-By – E. Winter*
NOYES:
MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :v) ANgiE M “MONSTER BREAKS” BR-5001-A ✩PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS,✩N.J.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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