Burning The Ground Exclusive
Today on Burning the Ground, I’m featuring a true promo-only gem from the tail end of the ’80s dance explosion: Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” the U.S. 12″ promo issued by MCA Records in 1989. This release was aimed squarely at club and radio DJs and includes six exclusive remixes not commercially available elsewhere—crafted by none other than legendary remixer and MCA A&R man Louil Silas Jr.
“She Drives Me Crazy” was the lead single from The Raw & the Cooked, the sophomore (and final) album by the British trio Fine Young Cannibals. Released in early 1989, the track quickly became a global smash, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian RPM chart, and topping charts across Europe. With its instantly recognizable snare snap and Roland Gift’s anguished falsetto, it was as odd as it was infectious—a rare collision of post-punk quirk and commercial pop genius.
But what makes this promo particularly exciting is what isn’t on the retail shelves.
📀 The Remixes
The promo-only U.S. 12″ features exclusive Louil Silas Jr. club and radio edits, reworking the original with added rhythmic punch and a more DJ-friendly structure. Silas, known for his polished R&B and dance remixes, gives the track a tighter, funkier foundation while preserving its tension and distinctive sonic identity. These mixes lean slightly more into the urban/club territory, reflecting the late ’80s U.S. remix culture that often reshaped British imports for American dancefloors.
🎤 Monie Love Rap Version
Also included is a special remix featuring a rap by British MC Monie Love, who was just breaking into the U.S. scene at the time. Her verse adds a dynamic, female perspective that contrasts sharply—but playfully—with the neurotic male energy of the original. It’s laid over a remix that sits closer to the album version than the club mixes but features subtle edits and production tweaks to mesh with Monie’s bars. This version was never commercially released and remains a rare slice of cross-Atlantic collaboration.
🔊 Promo-Only Appeal
As a promo, this 12″ wasn’t intended for retail sale, making it a sought-after collector’s item today—especially for fans of late-’80s remix culture. The exclusive mixes, tighter radio edits, and Monie Love feature encapsulate a time when labels went the extra mile to service dance floors and radio stations with unique content tailored to regional tastes.
Whether you were dancing to this in 1989 or discovering it anew, this promo captures She Drives Me Crazy at its most experimental and remix-forward. It’s a reminder of how major hits could take on a second life in the hands of remixers like Silas and boundary-pushers like Monie Love.
Stay tuned for more promo-only treasures coming soon to Burning the Ground.
SIDE A:
She Drives Me Crazy (Extended Version) 8:25
Featuring – Monie Love
She Drives Me Crazy (Radio Rap Version) 5:44
Featuring – Monie Love
SIDR B:
She Drives Me Crazy (Radio Edit) 5:20
She Drives Me Crazy (Instrumental) 4:53
She Drives Me Crazy (Percussapella) 4:53
She Drives Me Crazy (Bonus Beats) 4:35
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | She Drives Me Crazy | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1989 | She Drives Me Crazy | U.S. Billboard 12 Inch Singles Sales | #3 |
| 1989 | She Drives Me Crazy | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play | #1 |
| 1989 | She Drives Me Crazy | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #54 |
| 1989 | She Drives Me Crazy | U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks | #5 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-17832
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Indie Rock
CREDITS:
- Producer – David Z., Fine Young Cannibals
- Remix – Louil Silas Jr.
NOTES:
From the LP “The Raw & the Cooked”
Promotional Only – Not For Sale
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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Always love your promo-only mixes Paul. Really appreciated. Thank you!
edits by greg royal for this remix
Thanks for this DJ Paul!
Of all the mixes done for She Drives Me Crazy, these are the least impressive and the band certainly weren’t fans. Perhaps more to US taste, us Europeans were ploughing different dance furrows!
Yes, it was definitely for the U.S., and more specifically for the “Urban” (read: Black) R&B/rap radio market.
But I suspect hardly anyone ever heard these remixes. In making it more of an R&B tune, Silas sapped some of the impact and energy out of the song, smoothing it out just a little too much. Even R&B stations would have just played the commercial mixes.
I like Silas’s remixes, though, and I really like the novelty of the housey parts at a time when house was still mostly underground in America.
I feel like I won the lottery with this 12″ find. I’ve been a fan since the beginning, and this record is sooooooo rare. Thank you thank you. P.S. Even listen to the last b-side song FYC ever released called, “Trust,” and wonder if that is really Roland Gift singing?
great upload and thanks a lot
My pleasure 🙂
These mixes are my first time hearing them. I actually like the rap as it adds a little variation into the song.
Thanks Paul, for sharing them 🙂
My pleasure, John 🙂 I like the rap too; it adds something to the track.
Paul, I love literally everything you share, but these rare promo remix vinyls are absolute peak for an already amazing blog! Thank you for digging up these rarities and meticulously transferring them, so they don’t fade into obscurity!
Axel, thank you so much—that truly means a lot to me! These rare promo remixes are some of my absolute favorites to share, so I’m thrilled they resonate with you too. It’s a real joy to help preserve these forgotten gems and give them new life. More rarities on the way!
Wow Paul just wow!!! Like others I also wasn’t even aware of this promo. The sequencing of this promo is similar to other 12 inch promos of the day (James Ingram, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight come to mind). And the Master remixer Louil Silas Jr. was the remixer for MCA. For the consumer you really got your money’s worth with these promos (ironic, given they were radio-only promos) and this is a real thrill to have Paul. Was there any song more ubiquitous in ’89 than She Drives Me Crazy?! Almost impossible to escape this one. I’ve always had a… Read more »
Retro Hound, your comment made my day—thank you! You’re absolutely right about the sequencing; it totally echoes that late-’80s MCA promo style, and I love that you caught the connection to artists like James Ingram and Patti LaBelle. Louil Silas Jr. really was the master architect of that era’s club/R&B crossover sound, and his touch on this promo is undeniable. And yes—She Drives Me Crazy was everywhere in ’89! Practically the soundtrack to the year. I’m with you 100% on the value of these MCA promos—they were gold for DJs and collectors alike (even if they weren’t meant for the… Read more »
While crate digging at Amoeba/Hollywood one day, I almost skipped over this as I already bought the stock copy. Then I noticed all the remixes and was p!ssed these weren’t on the one I already bought. I understand why they do special promos, but fans who hear these in the clubs or on the radio mix shows want to BUY these now without waiting for the 25th anniversary album reissue with a second disc of remixes, bonus tracks, radio edits, etc. You’d think the record industry would want to monetize these commissioned remixes and get a return on the investment… Read more »
I agree but I believe the feeling by the Labels is that if some promo remixes (available only on their own Promo) aren’t doing well in the clubs, they simply don’t release them later on…even special editions and compilations later. They would likely need to pay the remixer(s) royalties and they figure it’s just not worth the time, effort, and payout. In this particular case, I would argue it was Monie’s rap that sunk this ship. I never liked it and never would have played it in the club. I think it was a bad call to have anyone rap… Read more »
Thank you for enlightening me to a few more points I hadn’t considered. When CDs first came out, no one was issuing 12-inch singles. I used to tell friends “don’t throw out your 12-inchers. They may never see the laser light of a CD player.” Thankfully Paul kept the format alive. Eventually the industry had to sprinkle some spice on all their never-ending reissues, then they started including them. Many reviewers didn’t care for the bonus tracks where others did. Perhaps a 50/50 mix? Still, before their department was eliminated, the special markets groups wisely licensed these tracks for our… Read more »
Most remixers work for a one-time commission, I believe; royalties aren’t the roadblock. It’s more down to just the compiler knowing about the mixes and the label actually delivering them.
Universal (ex-MCA) is very hit-and-miss with fulfilling compilers’ requests…at least, this is the impression I got after reading comments elsewhere by Blank & Jones and the Rubellan Remasters guy. They say sometimes the record company just doesn’t even answer emails, or they promise things and then nothing materializes, or they deny requests without explanation. Artist contracts vary, too; some artists have a say in what gets reissued, even on compilations.
Wow. 82 worldwide pressings of one single! So many remixes, so little time:
Justin Strauss, Seth Troxler ‘Out Of Time’ remix & dub, Diimitri from Paris remix club dub, Cerrone remix, PhunkPhenomena mix, 1996 Mousse T extended mix, Time & Space mix, US mix, David Z 12″ remix, Driven Crazy dub, etc etc etc
And yet they did 1 mix with Don’t Look Back! That song is fantastic. No dub, no instrumental, no secondary remixes. Booooo.
Thanks so much for the great rip, Paul! I haven’t heard these mixes in a long time! Their Raw & Cooked album’s Anniversary edition in 2020 had a ton of remixes including a different, never-relesed-ever-before Percusappella by Justin Strauss! Would you be able to post the regular USA 12″ of SDMC super duper pretty please? https://www.discogs.com/release/194959-Fine-Young-Cannibals-She-Drives-Me-Crazy The Justin Strauss mix has still never been released on cd format other than 1 promo cd. Thanks again for all your hard work!
What a legacy you’ve created here, Paul!! Sharing these rare promo mixes and elusive remixes. So many times, when I was at the club dancing, I would pay so much attention to what the DJ was playing. I got all excited when I would hear something that was different to the 12-inch release I had bought and then try to find out what it was so I could (hopefully) purchase it at my local record shops. Those were the days! Paul, this is why we clamor to your site, for all the treats and goodies from yesteryear! I love how… Read more »
Jeff, wow… your words absolutely floored me—in the best way. Thank you so much! I can totally relate to those moments in the club, catching a remix that wasn’t on your 12″ and getting that itch to track it down. That kind of excitement and curiosity was pure magic. I’m honored to help bring back that feeling and keep the spirit of that era alive, one rare promo at a time. And you’re so right—things have changed. The industry doesn’t nurture remix culture the way it used to, and attention spans have shifted. But here, we keep it analogue, we… Read more »
greg ski royal did a great job with the edits for this remix of f yc she drives me crazy promo with lsj
Apologies for this off-topic comment, but the BTG family and Paul should hear “Lee R“s remix of the D&M track from the other day. I’m blown away how amazing the short song has grown into a retro-disco classic, and IMHO it’s ready to go to the pressing plant! Maybe Paul can highlight it in a special post, though I realize it’s not from a 12”. But it should be on one. It’s THAT good:
https://youtu.be/YUIauqUgSEg
Great post, Paul! Had NO idea this existed. What a treat to hear this now. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks so much, MusicMan3! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. This promo definitely flew under the radar for a lot of folks—those Louil Silas Jr. mixes and the Monie Love version never got the spotlight they deserved. It’s always a thrill to share these hidden gems. More treats coming soon!
Paul, you drive me … happy!!!
Well, at least you made my day once again with this very special release.
THANK YOU!!!
You don’t have by any chance the regular US 12″ with the
Justin Strauss remixes? 😁
I will check, pretty sure I do, just not sure of the vinyl condition.
Haha, Christian—you just made my day with that comment! 🙂 I’m so glad this one hit the spot for you. Always a joy to share these rare releases with people who truly appreciate them. More coming soon—stay tuned!
I always loved the Justin Strauss remix of Marc Almond’s “Tears Run Rings” on the Capitol commercial 12″. The main vocal long mix. (There were several)
Yes, that’s the best version of this song.
But Justin Strauss did always cool remixes.
Such a great song and a great album. Always nice to hear new remixes! Thanks Paul!
Thanks, Mikey! Totally agree—such a classic track from a stellar album. I’m always excited to shine a light on mixes that didn’t get much attention the first time around. Glad you enjoyed this one!
I have fond memories of She Drives Me Crazy and the FYC. Doing squats at the gym, tooling around the lakeside, getting laid, etc.
Every time I see one of these “oldies” on BTG, memories begin flooding what’s left of my mind & I’m trying to remember which year for a brief few seconds… Until the realization dawns on me that the year is actually posted in the title. MD’s mind works in mysterious ways, right?
Thanks for another great tune, Paul.
Haha, MD, your comments are always a highlight—better than any liner notes! 🙂 Love hearing how these tracks are woven into your memories (gym squats and lakeside adventures included!). Glad BTG can help jog the ol’ time machine… and hey, I try to make those year labels extra handy for moments just like that! Appreciate you being along for the ride, my friend. More memories incoming!
Hey, Muff Diver,
Again, I love the name!! I enjoyed your reminiscences of the gym, the amorous activities, the drives around the lake, just awesome! I can so relate!! You are very cool!!
Jeff
Wow, i love all your posts Paul, but i gotta say this is an amazing surprise!. 🙂 thanks and all the best
Thank you so much, Marcelo! That really means a lot to me. 🙂 I love being able to surprise and share these rare gems with fellow fans like you. All the best to you too—more on the way!
Looking forward to listening to this! Love Fine Young Cannibals. Love a promo only with hard to find remixes…”it’s gunna be bloody great, that’s where the drums come in, ba-dom, ba-dom’. (Large numbers of points to anyone who knows what that’s from!)
Haha, love the enthusiasm—and the quote! 🙂 You’re in for a treat with this one. Promo-only + exclusive remixes is always a winning combo in my book too. And that “ba-dom, ba-dom” line… it’s tickling something in the back of my brain, but I’m drawing a blank! Might need to cash in those points elsewhere 🙂 Let me know the answer!
INXS “Need You Tonight”
Is that your guess for ‘it’s gunna be bloody great, that’s where the drums come in, ba-dom, ba-dom’ Paul? lol
My favorite mix of this track, tho I could do without the rapping so I stick with the Radio Edit.
Worth noting that the 7″ Promo version of this is a different mix than the Radio Edit on the 12″
Totally get that—sometimes the rap adds a fun twist, other times it takes you out of the vibe. The Radio Edit definitely holds up on its own! And yes, great point about the 7″ promo version—different mix altogether from the 12″ Radio Edit. Gotta love when labels sneak in those subtle variations. Thanks for pointing that out!
Is the 7″ Promo’s Radio Edit available elsewhere? Anyone have a Discogs link?
https://www.discogs.com/release/22507397-Fine-Young-Cannibals-She-Drives-Me-Crazy
As per the note on that Discogs page, that seems to be the only issue with that mix. Did you see my note below about making you an extended mix?
I did and I’m good, thank you. 😉 I often make my own edits/extended mixes of track I like – especially when there’s a section I dislike. LOL
All I heard is Greg ski Royal’s edits
I’m not a fan of many raps that appear on non-rap songs…if you want a longer mix than the Radio Edit on this promo, I could make you a longer mix and remove the rap. Just let me know!
WOW!!