BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1988
pseudo-satisfaction baby!
“Labour of Love” was a hit single by Scottish duo/brothers Greg and Pat Kane, better known as Hue and Cry. Included on the album Seduced and Abandoned, it was released as their second single in 1987 after their first hit “I Refuse” had failed to make the UK Top 75.
Showcasing a somewhat funky sound that was very different from their later ballad releases, this song remains their biggest hit to date, peaking at #6 on the UK Singles Chart and meriting inclusion on many hits compilations of the 1980s.
The song is written from the perspective of a disillusioned working-class Conservative voter of the mid-1980s who has worked hard to believe in Margaret Thatcher’s story of a new proud, individualist Britain and who is now realising that there is less “gain” than “pain” in doing so.
The band had a lucky break with this single when they were asked to perform it on the BBC music show Top of the Pops at short notice. American band Los Lobos were booked to be on the show that week with their hit “La Bamba” but due to a mix-up with their visa applications, they were unable to perform. Hue and Cry were asked to fill the gap in the show and the exposure that this generated helped propel the single up the UK charts.
The b-sdie “Widescreen” is a non album track.
SIDE A:
Labour Of Love (12″ Remix) 5:34
SIDE B:
Labour Of Love (Dub Version) 3:49
Widescreen 3:44
Producer – Gregory Kan
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Virgin – DMD 1203
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Composed By – G. Kane*, P. Kane*
Mixed By – Harvey Jay Goldberg* (tracks: A, B1)
Producer – Harvey Jay Goldberg* (tracks: A, B1), James Biondolillo (tracks: A, B1)
NOTES:
Original version appears on the LP “Seduced And Abandoned”
Find the 12″ on DISCOGS
VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Tung-Sol 12AX7ECC803-S Gold Electron Tube
Soundcard: ESI Juli@
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2, ocenaudio
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)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Belated thanks for this excellent track… the original 7 inch never fails to get the blood pumping! (Pat Kane was – and is – the better looking brother… just check out the video!)
Thanks Paul, I have a very worn copy of this 12 inch and it never sounded as good! More Hue And Cry if possible. They were a very underrated band and Pat Kane’s voice is pure blue-eyed soul. It was strange that Pat had to re-record the vocals so the American audience could understand what he sang. The original is still one of my favourite singles.
Keep up the good work!
Not sure I’ve heard this before… but the guy on the back cover is a hottie for sure. I am downloading it now….
I thought they were both pretty handsome 🙂
I didn’t know there was ever an American release for Hue & Cry, so this is a special surprise treat. Thanks, as always.
You’re welcome VancMan 🙂
WOW!!! Just listened. Didn’t realize this was the US 12″ Remix, VERY different to the UK 12″. Had never heard before, so, again – THANK YOU, Paul!
You’re welcome Dana 🙂
Not sure what I did right to deserve today (and yesterday), but THANK YOU, Paul!
aah you’re very welcome Dan. Thanks for being here 🙂
Fantastic, Paul, thanks a lot!!!
You’re welcome Christian 🙂
Thanks, Paul.
I believe this, if memory serves correct, is the shorter (USA) edit of the UK issued “Labour Of Love (Super-Bad)” version (which was about a minute longer). It features a different lead vocal take to that of the well-known 7″/12″/album mix. The Dub/Instrumental is a good listen!
It is indeed an alternate mix. The “Labour Of Love (Super-Bad)” version does not have the vocal intro.
Also looking forward to the 12-inch version. As always, thank you very much Paul.
Jeff
This one certainly sssssssizzles Paul!! Love the punchy horns and bass and percussion. How I wish there were some edits in this one, but everything else is perfect. And man, the rip sounds unbelievable. Gosh, this erupts out the speakers. Love the dub too!! Great addition to the week and your mighty collection of mighty mixes. Massive!!
Jeff
So happy you like this one Jeff I have been meaning to post it for ages because I really do love it.
One of my favourite Hue and Cry singles, looking forward to hearing your vinyl transfer.
Thanks very much Paul 🙂
You’re welcome Junior 🙂
Oh, I almost forgot: Thank you Paul 🙂
You’re welcome Song_and_Dance 🙂
I don´t think I´ve ever heard the 12inch remix of Labor. Great song by an underrated band. I have the 12inch of Looking For Linda. Bought it on a flee market years ago. Mint condition for 50cent (Euro cent). That was alright 🙂
very cool I love finding vinyl bargains 🙂
Thanks Paul.
you’re welcome Omar 🙂