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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I remember buying this in 1984 from a Licorice Pizza store! Because It said rap version I assumed it was a Hip Hop song. After the listening to this I took it back the next day and got Malcolm Mclaren’s Double Dutch/She’s Looking Like A Hobo. I traded a future infamous 80’s track 12″ for a future all time Hip Hop classic 7 “. Years later I heard the original 70’s version. That version sounds way better then this remix.
WOW! I have never heard of this remix! I absolutely can’t wait to hear the remixes! THANK YOU for another super rare remix, Paul! And Happy belated Halloween!
By the way, I LOVE THE COVER ART! I assume you made this yourself? Is there anything you’re not good at?! You should add an “alternate” cover to all your releases moving forward. This is amazing!
Thank you, Martika, and happy belated Halloween. Yes, I made the cover myself with help from AI. I gave the program my concept and it helped me tweak it a bit.
The Edgar Winter Group had some of the most talented musicians: Rick Derringer, Dan Hartman, Jerry Weems, Chuck Ruff, and of course, Mr.Winter on sax, drum solo, synthesizers played with his “keytar”, a concept he created.
If you can tolerate NBC’s lame psychedelic effects, here they are at their finest performing “Frankenstein” on Midnight Special back in 1973, where Edgar plays a call & response drum bit with his main drummer Chuck Ruff and performs early synthesizer technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzCn8rQvyOo
Other than Prince, name another musician alive today as talented and versatile as 77 year old Edgar Winter.
Though nothing can touch the 1972 original #1 hit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P57rRpl2hpo, this is a curiosity because of the dated ’80s breakbeat, and at 2:37 the original sounding synth break comes in! Also, this is the shortest I’ve ever seen Edgar’s hair.
I had no idea this version existed! I do believe Prince concerts with 3rdeyegirl included this song!
Interesting.
Yes! Here’s the details:
Played live in: 2009 (as an interpolation in Stratus), 2013 (as an interpolation in Let’s Go Crazy), 2014 (as an interpolation in Let’s Go Crazy) , 2015 (as an interpolation in Let’s Go Crazy)
It’s Prince paying tribute to someone he must have considered a mentor and his musical equal. Too bad they never performed together. That would have been a show to cherish.
I knew about the Frankenstein 1984 remake, now I’m looking forward to doing a deep dive in the belly of the beast! Sounds so cool how it makes full use of the new technology the 1980s had to offer. I’ll have to check out the video again too. Time to reawaken the monster, Lol. Thank you Paul, love the Halloween spirit!! P.S. great job on the artwork, I thought it was the original at first!
Thank you, thank you, Retro Hound.
Thanks for the cool rip, Paul! I’ve never heard these makeovers, especially with rapping! I do have to say, this is NOT a “remix.” Any who, thanks for the nifty Halloween treat! Have a great day!
You’re welcome, Fred.
Nice work on cover! Love this!!
Thank you, Raymond.
It’s Alive!! Oh, Paul, I am flabbergasted to be getting this “monster” recording from you!! I read about in Dance Music Report magazine, but sadly, never got to hear it. I can’t thank you enough for “digging up” this long buried 12-inch!! I am a fan of the original version so I can’t wait to hear this behemoth remake!! As an electro fan, I’m so electrified to be finally having the record courtesy of you!! This is a phenomenal aural teat for Halloween week, and I am extremely grateful!! I love the custom artwork you did too!! This is so… Read more »
Thank you, Jeff. It was fun resurrecting this 12. My favorite is the “Monster Rap.” I wish they had included an edit of that one.