Enigma – Sadness (Part 1) (Hot Tracks & Rhythm Stick Mixes) (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1990

If you’re a fan of Enigma’s groundbreaking 1990 hit “Sadness (Part 1),” you’re in for a treat! I’ve put together two very special remixes of this iconic track, both of which are vinyl-only exclusives. These mixes come from two of the most influential remix services of the 80s and 90s: Hot Tracks and Rhythm Stick.

Rhythm Stick Remix – Steve Bourasa

The Rhythm Stick version was expertly remixed by the legendary Steve Bourasa. Known for his innovative style, Bourasa takes “Sadness (Part 1)” to new heights by incorporating samples from “Hippie Chick” (Soho’s 1990 hit), adding a longer and more hypnotic intro, eerie chimes, and other intricate elements that give this version a haunting, atmospheric feel. Steve’s take elevates the mystique of the original while offering a fresh and dynamic club-ready twist. This remix is a true testament to his skill and creative vision.

Hot Tracks Remix – Volker Lindner

On the Hot Tracks side, the remix comes from Volker Lindner, a name you may not hear often since he only contributed a couple of remixes for the service. What makes this version stand out is its exclusivity. The mix was never widely circulated, making this vinyl pressing the definitive way to experience Lindner’s work. While Hot Tracks did include a version of this remix on some of their later “Best Of” compilations, it was heavily edited. Many of the original samples were removed due to rights clearance issues, which means that the full-length mix on this pressing remains the ultimate collector’s edition.

Why These Remixes Matter

Both the Rhythm Stick and Hot Tracks versions of “Sadness (Part 1)” represent an era when remix services ruled the dance floors. These vinyl-only treasures are a nostalgic reminder of a time when DJs and remixers pushed creative boundaries, crafting unique versions of hits for clubs and dance enthusiasts. For fans of Enigma and collectors of rare remixes, these two versions are a must-hear.

So whether you’re here for the ethereal vibes of Steve Bourasa’s extended mix or the elusive exclusivity of Volker Lindner’s Hot Tracks remix, both takes celebrate the brilliance of Enigma and the artistry of remix culture during its golden age.

Stay tuned for more rare gems and exclusive mixes here on Burning the Ground!

SIDE A:
Sadeness Part 1 (Hot Tracks Mix) 8:02
Remix –  Volker Lindner

SIDE B:
Sadeness (Steve Bourasa Mix) 6:41
Remix – Steve Bourasa

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Custom

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Hot Tracks – SA 9-8
Series: Hot Tracks Series – 9-8
Rhythm Stick – RS2-7
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Compilation, Promo, 45 RPM, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Downtempo

CREDITS:

NOTES
DJ USE ONLY

Buy Hot Tracks at DISCOGS

Buy Rhythm Stick 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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OPODER
OPODER
March 15, 2025 7:46 pm

I don’t think I knew about these versions. Thanks, Paul

Konstantinos
Konstantinos
December 23, 2024 3:18 pm

Thank you Paul for this gem, have a great holiday season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Toxicaudio
Toxicaudio
December 19, 2024 3:18 am

Thx Paul. I came here for the Steve Bourasa Remix.I remember owning that version.The Volker Lindner version is a bit over the top. Is there any chance to get the rest of the Rythm Stick 2-7?

Chad
Chad
December 19, 2024 12:22 am

I think there is nothing else that I can add to what I’ve said on Meta other than thank you, thank you for sharing this dj exclusive remix. I love and will consume dj promos and remixes like this one. It truly made my day to see this.

Allan
Allan
December 18, 2024 8:53 am

THANKS!!!!!

Jermajesty
Jermajesty
December 18, 2024 6:42 am

Hey Paul, for a rollercoaster read, check out the story of Michael Creti’s Ibiza mansion/studio: https://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/threads/what-is-left-of-michael-cretus-from-enigma-18-million-mansion-ibiza-dec-2016.34220/

Xx

Joey
Joey
December 18, 2024 4:43 am

Very cool. It was always a rush to hear the DJ only mixes… part of the whole experience.

Seb
Seb
December 18, 2024 1:36 am

Thanks Paul!

This custom single is perfect!

The Hot Tracks Mix would be the best mix for Sadeness, but the annoying “hello” sample from William Orbit’s mix of Love Is A Shield of Camouflage ruins a little bit of the magic.

But the transfer as always is flawless.

And the Steve Bourassa mix is pure bliss.

Again you show why you’re the best!

Conner-Bennett Sharpe
Conner-Bennett Sharpe
December 17, 2024 4:25 pm

I am SUPER excited about this! Thank you!

Jeffary Fudge
Jeffary Fudge
December 17, 2024 4:01 pm

Thanks Paul!!!

Nicki
Nicki
December 17, 2024 3:45 pm

Played this trak quite a bit in the club where I was at the time when it came out & patrons loved it. Thank You Paul.!!

arnaud
arnaud
December 17, 2024 3:24 pm

Thank you very much Paul for these rare remixes.

Honestly, when I was a teenager and heard Sadness, I tought this was a blasphemy to the catholic church.

Now, I think quite diffirently, because Sadness indeed introduced me to gregorian chants. I probably needed this mainstream production to have some kind of idea of gregorian / spiritual chants, how deep this can touch your heart and soul.
And beside this, this is extremely bwell produeced and mixed.

Thank you Enigma / Michael Cretu.

Chris74
Chris74
December 17, 2024 3:24 pm

Thank you so much for these mixes!

chris74
chris74
Reply to  DjPaulT
December 18, 2024 8:01 am

And the best part is: since I didn’t even know that these remixes existed the surprise is even better! It is always such a pleasure to discover something that comes out of the blue!

Richard
Richard
December 17, 2024 1:38 pm

Thank you very much. I thought I had all the Enigma mixes so your sharing these remixes have really added to the ….. enigma;)

Martika
Martika
December 17, 2024 1:30 pm

Well, you have outdone yourself once again, Paul! I love the idea of you creating “custom vinyls” based on vinyl-exclusive remix services. I have a lot of them on CD, but sadly a lot of the CD versions, especially from box sets, are missing some of the best remixes from the original vinyls (most likely due to clearance of samples, etc.). So, this is absolutely amazing, …. and you already set the gold standard! 🙂
THANK YOU for another AMAZING, RARE, 12″ VINYL!!!!

Mikey-D
Mikey-D
December 17, 2024 1:21 pm

You had me at Enigma! I have a ton of their singles and I’m always looking for more remixes. Thanks Paul!

Christian
Christian
December 17, 2024 11:31 am

Now I am a believer! 😉
Well, not really, but an admirer of your craft, Paul.
THANK YOU!!!!!

Mark
Mark
December 17, 2024 11:22 am

Such a versatile record that I remember hearing and seeing the music video for on MTV Europe in the UK at the end of 1990. I rushed out to buy the 12” with the regular mixes and also have the cd single too.

These remixes are awesome on first listen and your vinyl transfers are impeccable as ever.

Thanks Paul

Raymond
Raymond
December 17, 2024 10:54 am

Not many songs that can be categorized as “ Gregorian Chant, Ambient Pop, Downtempo, Break-Beat, Instrumental” Awesome choice, thanks!!

K.R.E.K.®
K.R.E.K.®
December 17, 2024 9:47 am

Please, post the entire Hot Tracks – SA 9-8 and Rhythm Stick – RS2-7.
Thanks.

christian
christian
Reply to  K.R.E.K.®
December 18, 2024 9:30 am

yes!!!!……pleaseeeeeee!!!!!!

ING
ING
December 17, 2024 9:43 am

Golden age indeed! It wouldn’t be long before “remixes” would turn table and you’d be hard pressed to find remixes that didn’t seem to barely use the original track at all. I’ve always favored this classic era before the early 90’s shift. These should be a great reminder of that creative time!
Thanks for these truly rare treats!

(Oh not that there haven’t been amazing remixes since, but there just became a glut of unimpressive lazy soundalike mixes you had to dig through to find the good ones. I’d say this still continues today.)

ING
ING
Reply to  DjPaulT
December 17, 2024 7:15 pm

So true of the mainstream artists! How’s a two minute song expanded to three a remix? 😑

Jeff
Jeff
December 17, 2024 9:40 am

I am literally crying here!! Oh, Paul, what a gift you are. I can’t believe my eyes when this post flashed across my screen, as I’m trembling all over. I am a huge Enigma fan. I remember first hearing it in my room at home, played on the radio. It was so different and captivated me. The “sonic coupling” of sacred Gregorian chants with secular breaths and moans were quite provocative. When I did purchase the vinyl 12-inch, I realized that the title incorporated the Marquis de Sad’s name. This intrigued me so. Getting the album, the whole thing was… Read more »

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
December 17, 2024 4:50 pm

As soon as I saw this post, I knew you would be in vinyl heaven Jeff!! I’m familiar with the original mixes and I do have the original CD single mixes. As you all know I’m a rock guy, but 1) I can really appreciate Paul’s efforts to give us exclusive vinyl from the road less traveled and 2) Just your reaction alone Jeff makes this all worthwhile, Lol! Thank you Paul!!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Retro Hound
December 18, 2024 9:52 am

Hey Retro Hound, What I admire about you so much is that you, being primarily a rock guy, you still can appreciate so many other musical genres. I thought it was so cool how you know of the band and that you’re familiar with the CD mixes. I remember how influential this song was when it first came out. It created such a sensation at the time. I made the mistake of recording the song on a mix tape for my parents. My mom didn’t really say anything, however my dad wasn’t amused. Oh well, it was a bit embarrassing.… Read more »

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
December 18, 2024 1:26 pm

Your parents clearly didn’t get it, LOL. Thanks Jeff, I appreciate it! I’d say the same about you, you are open to all genres of music. Especially with Paul being a Godsend as our tour guide. And anything you’re not familiar with, you are always willing to give a chance. With regards to Enigma, this song was huge and so original, it really broke the mold. And, of course, Return to Innocence 4 years later with that unmistakeable Amis chant. That song you couldn’t avoid even if you tried, LOL! Have a great one Jeff!!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  DjPaulT
December 18, 2024 10:16 am

Oh, Paul, I really do!! I love the Steve Bourasa mix because it was based on the “Violent US Mix.” Steve added great samples which added to the “violence” of having the Marquis de Sade being part of the name of the record. I love the explosions, chimes, and sirens part of the “atmosphere” to the song. And the guitar from The Smith’s “How Soon Is Now” was perfect!! I love the Hot Tracks mix too, because, like someone already noticed, it’s longer and I love the Pink Floyd dropped in. Plus, the drum fills of “In the Air Tonight”… Read more »

HeBop
HeBop
December 17, 2024 9:24 am

Wow! This is amazing, thank you so much. I love Enigma and have never heard these, so I can’t wait to listen to them. I asked you about a Whitney Houston record store day exclusive on a different post, but I can’t find that post any more, it was after thanks giving and I though it was about you not feeling well and taking a few extra days off. I was jus wondering if you happened to get The 12″ Record they released this year of the unreleased track “Love Is” Side one has the studio version (Exclusive to the… Read more »

Damian
Damian
December 17, 2024 9:16 am

Excellent, thank you very much for sharing Paul, greetings from Argentina!!!