Duran Duran – I Don’t Want Your Love (UK 12″ Promo) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: June 17, 2014, February 21, 2018

Rhythm Is The Power

In 1988, Duran Duran returned to the dancefloor with a bold and funky new single that marked a sharp evolution in their sound: “I Don’t Want Your Love.” Released as the lead single from their Big Thing album, the track showed the band embracing a tougher, more club-oriented edge, blending their signature synth-pop sensibilities with house and funk elements that fit right into the late-’80s musical landscape.

Produced by Jonathan Elias and Duran Duran, and mixed by Shep Pettibone, this post features the UK 12″ promo, which includes the extended “Big Mix” and the rare “Dub Mix,” the latter of which remained exclusive to this promo for over a decade until it finally saw CD release on 1999’s Strange Behaviour remix compilation. The Big Mix, handled by the legendary Shep Pettibone, stretches out the track’s groove with bold synth layers, tight guitar riffs, and an elastic bassline that’s pure club gold. Meanwhile, the Dub Mix strips things down, zeroing in on rhythm and texture—essential for DJs and remix heads alike.

Lyrically, “I Don’t Want Your Love” was a defiant departure from the romanticism of earlier hits like “Save A Prayer.” Here, Simon Le Bon delivers a pointed, almost confrontational message, distancing himself from a manipulative relationship. The attitude was matched by a sleek, high-concept video directed by Steve Lowe, with courtroom drama imagery underscoring the song’s themes of judgment and rejection.

Despite—or perhaps because of—its shift in tone and style, “I Don’t Want Your Love” became a commercial success. It peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #14 in the UK, giving the band one of their last major Top 10 hits in the States. For longtime fans, it signaled that Duran Duran wasn’t content to rest on their New Romantic laurels—they were ready to evolve with the times and challenge expectations.

This marks the third time I’ve transferred this 12″ for Burning the Ground—but with the benefit of time, experience, and cutting-edge tech, I truly believe the third time’s the charm. This brand-new 2025 transfer was done using my latest high-end setup, including the phenomenal Ortofon Concorde Music Black cartridge, delivering every nuance with stunning clarity and depth.

SIDE A:
I Don’t Want Your Love (Big Mix) 7:34
Engineer [Mix] – Bob Rosa
Producer [Additional], Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Programmed By [Uncredited] – Alan Friedman

SIDE B:
I Don’t Want Your Love (Dub Mix) 7:36
Engineer [Mix] – Bob Rosa
Producer [Additional], Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Programmed By [Uncredited] – Alan Friedman

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1988 I Don’t Want Your Love U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #4
1988 I Don’t Want Your Love U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks #13
1988 I Don’t Want Your Love U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI ‎– 12 YOUR DJ 1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Recorded and mixed for White Falcon Productions.
Additionally produced and mixed for Mastermix Productions.
Mastered at Sterling.

From the Duranduran album “BIG THING”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus:  Ortofon Concorde Music Black
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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Preston
Preston
May 31, 2025 2:58 pm

I believe it was John that said that Andy’s guitar playing was largely responsible for Duran Duran’s success in America in the Rio and Seven & the Ragged Tiger period. After Roger and then Andy left, many felt that the magic that was Duran Duran had shifted. The Notorious album was decidedly a shift in the band, but the band managed to have some decent hits off that album. When Big Thing came out, the album was overall successful but had some major issues in the US. Dance music had shifted with the influence of House Music. While dance was… Read more »

ianbuckers
ianbuckers
May 30, 2025 9:04 am

I find myself a day behind on digesting your rips Paul…you are pumping them out lately! Not complaining, it’s all good. I have to point out you first posted this one back on May 18, 2010 so this is actually it’s 4th BTG outing! I only have that 2010 rip in mp3 which surprises me. I always go for the 16bit FLAC. It is possible you only posted it in mp3? I know you hadn’t started with 24bit FLAC then but I feel sure you were dual posting with ‘normal’ FLAC along side 320 mp3. I think it’s more likely… Read more »

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
May 30, 2025 6:59 am

This was a bold new direction for the band. And it really paid off on the charts! Thank you Paul for all your efforts on your audio restorations to finally get this the best possible quality. This will be a perfect compliment to your recent new restoration of All She Wants Is!!

Last edited 15 days ago by Retro Hound
ING
ING
May 29, 2025 5:55 pm

I loved this track from the moment the first beat dropped. I loved DD but what made me REALLY love them (& continue to do so) is their ability to morph into something different than last time around. Of course, Shep just took it to another level, although I do prefer the 7” on this one, it emphasizes the tension for me a bit more, but whenever I use it on a mixtape I always splice in the intro from the Big Mix 😛. Not that I don’t appreciate the longer mixes, but the short one slams. Same with GM… Read more »

Last edited 16 days ago by ING
Malik Jefferson
Malik Jefferson
Reply to  DjPaulT
May 30, 2025 10:49 am

Mark at 4:50 you heard that chep Nunez edit for this big mix

DJ XREY
DJ XREY
Reply to  ING
June 4, 2025 3:58 pm

I agree with you and Paul. The mixes for any 7” and music video are always scrutinized, sweetened, edited, and supervised to the Nth degree, often taken from an album mix that lacked ‘punch’, making them more desirable to the ear on radio & TV. I’m generalizing here, with each song taken on its own merit, so there’s no rule that applies to all singles. Some are actually longer than the album mix. Usually the 12” versions are contracted out to one or more remixers, many who change the spirit and soul of the original by removing the hook or… Read more »

ING
ING
Reply to  DJ XREY
June 4, 2025 4:19 pm

I’m rarely a big fan of a remix that takes it away from what makes the song amazing originally. There are exceptions such as Junior’s Luscious Mix of Madonna’s Secret or Moby’s Sub Mix of MJ’s Beat It or other cool makeovers. I’m not a fan of remixes that take staff away lyrically or make it sound the same as a million other remixes of other songs. That being said, some mixes hit different years later, removed from the pressure of rebuilding my current favorite song into something new. But sometimes it’s pointless to change it. Which is why so… Read more »

Paul
Paul
May 29, 2025 3:59 pm

I remember buying I Don’t Want Your Love way back in the autumn of 1988, first I bought the 7″ and 12″ vinyl, then a couple of weeks later I bought a laser etched image on vinyl with Simon, Nick and John on the picture disc side with a world image behind them. Later I bought the CD single and a Japanese 3″ CD single, just loved this record so much, and still do, loved the days with Warren on guitar…..Thank You Paul for posting this. Can you please re upload the following Billy Idol 12″ as I missed the… Read more »

DJ XREY
DJ XREY
Reply to  DjPaulT
June 4, 2025 4:04 pm

I first learned what an amazing musician Warren Cucurillo is from his days in Missing Persons. I learned he cut his teeth in Frank Zappa’s band, and Mr. Zappa always had top-notch musicians. So Warren is an asset who can bring his A game to any situation with his varied musical experience. Plus he once made an excellent adult film as well, showing how well-rounded he is.

Joey
Joey
May 29, 2025 1:47 pm

The big mix of this track really took the song to the next level. This is a good one and I think I even had this on a mix tape along with Information Society back in the day. Its great that you can revisit these tracks later on and see a noticeable difference in quality. Conceptually what remastering should be all about. It really does showcase what is possible with vinyl. Thank you.

Malik Jefferson
Malik Jefferson
May 29, 2025 1:06 pm

I don’t want you love big mix it was edits by chep Nunez

Todd
May 29, 2025 12:21 pm

I always appreciate seeing “judgment” spelled right.

Fred
Fred
May 29, 2025 11:56 am

First, thank you very much for the great rip, Paul! I listened to both this 2025 rip and the 2014 rip and find the 2025 is a bit nicer and brighter ever so slightly. I would like to add that Big Mix is on the Arthur Baker Presents Dance Masters – The Shep Pettibone Master-Mixes (CD1) 4-cd collection that came out in 2021. Your work on this rip is impeccable, but it’s so sweet to have songs like this with quiet intros in pure digital format. 🙂 Have a great day and thanks again!!

Raymond
Raymond
May 29, 2025 11:06 am

It is amazing how Duran Duran continued to create quality music long after many bands of their time lost momentum. I listen to them as much now as I did back in the 80s, truly a testament to their talent. Thank you!!

Jeff
Jeff
May 29, 2025 11:02 am

This is the perfect follow-up to yesterday’s post, Paul! I remember what, Joey, had to say about the Information Society record, in how he thought it was initially from Duran Duran. I was a Duran Duran fan before, but it was this record along with their, “All She Wants,” that gave me more stimulus to loving the band harder. I love this Shep Pettibone remix! The beats hit tough like a hormonal injection, and the “Back It Up” sample hit all of my pleasure zones! I can’t help it that tracks like this one, the other Duran Duran single mentioned,… Read more »

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
May 30, 2025 7:05 am

Jeff you are priceless!! I love how the music hits you viscerally on ALL levels. You soak it up through every pore and orifice!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Retro Hound
May 30, 2025 8:35 am

Hey, thanks, Retro Hound. I do love my music! What I didn’t share in my comment yesterday, was that this song and Duran Duran’s “All She Wants Is” have been seared into my mind during an experience I had at the time. Back when these two songs came out, I was invited by some friends to go to my first strip club. The venue was called, Frank’s Chicken House. They served chicken wings, but only soft drinks were provided. The reason was that the club was entirely a full-on “Nude Revue!” and prohibited alcohol on its premises. I was excited… Read more »

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
May 30, 2025 9:45 am

Wow that is quite a story Jeff! Thanks for sharing. I can see going from 0-60, or in this case, full-on nude at your first strip club, was quite a sensory overload! I’ve gone to my share of strip clubs too and completely understand! I’ve actually felt the same way as you, putting myself in the women’s shoes not wanting them to feel like a piece of meat. And then, amazingly, with the power of great music we all just seem to let it go and just HAVE FUN. You’ll never separate those two DD tracks from this moment ever!… Read more »

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Retro Hound
June 2, 2025 7:29 am

Hey Retro Hound!!

I’ve just gotta say that you my friend, are so f’ing cool!! I enjoyed reading your response and loved how much “Cry little Sister” meant to you. I’m guessing that the song, along with some impressive dancing, made its impression on you. I’m so glad you’re here with us. You are a kindred spirit, and I feel quite close to you (if you don’t mind me saying).

Thanks for your passion, humor, and all-around good nature. You light up this world, Retro Hound!

Have a great day and week ahead!!

Jeff

DJ XREY
DJ XREY
Reply to  Jeff
June 4, 2025 4:18 pm

Whew! Jeff & RetroHound really got things amped up several notches because of Duran Duran. Simon & the band always had the same effect on me with different songs, so now it appears all three of us need to take a cold shower!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  DJ XREY
June 4, 2025 5:09 pm

AWESOME!!!!!

Jeff