Burning The Ground Exclusive
NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio restoration
Original post date: August 28, 2011
In 1986, Australian synth-rockers Icehouse—led by the enigmatic Iva Davies—were continuing their push into international territory with the album Measure for Measure. Known for their sleek, moody blend of synth-pop and new wave, Icehouse struck a particularly sharp chord with the track “Cross The Border”, a politically tinged song reworked and remixed specifically for U.S. audiences as “Cross The Border (Steel Love).”
Released on a rare U.S. 12″, this version features three exclusive remixes that never appeared on commercial singles or retail releases—making it a must-have for collectors and remix enthusiasts alike.
🔥 A Steel-Edged Makeover
The standout here is the Dance Mix—a 6:33 reimagining that brings the track into club territory with an extended intro, added percussion, and more space between the instrumentation. While the original album version is sleek and dramatic, this mix ups the tempo and emphasizes the track’s rhythmic foundation—perfect for mid-’80s dance floors and underground new wave clubs.
Also included is a Dub Version, clocking in at 5:41. This remix strips away most of the vocals and rides the instrumental elements, highlighting the track’s haunting synth lines and atmospheric guitar work. It’s a darker, moodier version that plays like a lost remix from an early Bill Laswell session.
The Single Version rounds out the set—a slightly edited form tailored for radio, with all the hooks intact and just enough polish to slide into a late-night rotation next to the likes of Simple Minds, The Fixx, or Peter Gabriel.
While “Cross The Border” never became a major chart hit, this U.S. 12″ reveals how labels were willing to repackage and remix deeper album cuts for a chance at radio or club crossover. The subtitle “Steel Love” gives the song a harder, more industrial flavor, and the remixes here only reinforce that steel-edged aesthetic.
As with many Icehouse tracks from this era, there’s a cinematic quality to the production—thanks in part to David Lord, who co-produced Measure for Measure and brought his atmospheric touch (having worked with Peter Gabriel and XTC). “Cross The Border” might not be one of Icehouse’s better-known singles, but in remix form, it becomes a totally new experience—one that fits right in with the darker, dancefloor-oriented direction many bands explored in the mid-’80s.
SIDE A:
Cross The Border (Steel Love) (Dance Mix) 6:33
SIDE B:
Cross The Border (Steel Love) (Dub Version) 6:09
Cross The Border (Steel Love) (Single Version) 4:19
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Cross The Border (Steel Love) | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #19 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis – 4V9 43062
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Stereo, Pitman Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Leftfield, Pop Rock, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Lacquer Cut By [Runout Etch ✩] – Greg Calbi
- Producer – Rhett Davies
- Remix – Michael Brauer*
- Written-By – I. Davies*, B. Kretschmer*
NOTES:
Original version on the LP “Measure for Measure” #BFV 41527.
Remixed for MHB Productions.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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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This is fascinating on several levels! First, I do recall your previous Icehouse posts but I only gave them a passing listen (of course excluding their biggest hit – more on that later). Second, this was only a year before their international hit Electric Blue and what I hear is a tougher sound. It really shows their musicianship, especially for those of us aboard the Electric Blue train. It also didn’t hurt having Iva Davies in the videos 🙂 It’s good to see this single made a dent on the US Mainstream Rock chart. Looking forward to these mixes –… Read more »
Thanks so much, Retro Hound! I really enjoyed reading your take—you’re spot on. That tougher edge you picked up on is one of the things that makes this track stand out in their catalog. It bridges the moodier, more atmospheric Icehouse sound with the more polished pop-rock sheen they’d fully embrace on Man of Colours. And yes, Iva Davies certainly didn’t hurt the MTV appeal! 🙂 I love that this one got a little U.S. radio traction—it deserved it. The remixes here definitely feel like a calculated move toward crossover success, and it’s fascinating to hear them fine-tuning their sound… Read more »
Like many others i rated Icehouse since their megahit Hey Little Girl.
Due to there being so many good tunes back in those days i never did a deep dive back then. But thanks to your sharing some cool Icehouse choons thru’ the years Paul, i bought their compilations.
So thank you for this great new rip, it’s very appreciated!
peace,
dj
Thanks so much, Don! That means a lot. “Hey Little Girl” was definitely a gateway track for many—such a unique blend of synth-pop and icy cool. Totally get what you mean about there being so many great tunes back then—it was easy to miss deeper cuts. I’m really glad some of the Icehouse posts here sparked your interest enough to grab the compilations. Their catalog has so many hidden gems! Appreciate your support and glad you enjoyed the new rip! 🙂
Now, THAT´s what an audio restauration should sound like, shouldn´t it? I listenened to your original post first, Paul, which I seem to have downloaded on March 3rd, 2012! Can it be that long ago? Have I been a BTG regular, if I may call myself that, for that long? I can hardly believe it. Be that as it may, your restauration sounds so fresh, so great. It´s a shame my vocabulary is too limited to express my joy, my enthusiasm and my gratitude. Thank you so much for dusting off this Icehouse gem. 🙂
Wow—March 3rd, 2012! That truly blows me away. I’m honored you’ve been part of the BTG journey for that long—of course you can call yourself a regular! Your words mean a lot, and I’m so glad the restoration hit the mark for you. It’s exactly that kind of response that keeps me inspired to keep digging, cleaning, and sharing these forgotten gems.
Thank you for sticking around all these years—and for always listening with such heart.
Warmly,
Paul
Hey Song_and_Dance,
I had no idea how much of a hardcore Burning The Ground fanatic you are!! I loved reading how you have followed, DjPaulT, for so many years!! I’ve always loved your presence and comments here for such a long time. I think you are wonderful!!
Big hug!
Jeff
I remember you posting their Electric Blue single in blue vinyl and i still have those transfers.
Thanks for another Icehouse gem, Paul.
Hey John!
That’s awesome—you’ve got a good memory! I’m glad you still have those Electric Blue transfers. That blue vinyl pressing was such a cool piece. Always happy to share another Icehouse gem, and I’ve got a few more tucked away that I think you’ll enjoy.
Thanks as always for listening and supporting!
Cheers,
Paul
Ahhhh very excited to see this, thank you Paul! My copy of this 12″ is in rough shape, so it’s wonderful to hear a pristine version of this remix that is not available on any official Icehouse CDs.
Thank you!!!
Hey Cory!
That makes me so happy to hear—thank you! I know how frustrating it can be when a favorite 12″ is worn out or never gets a proper digital release. I’m thrilled I could share a clean version of the remix with you. This track definitely deserved better representation on CD!
Thanks again for the kind words and for being part of the BTG community!
All the best,
Paul
Icehouse is fantastic, Paul! I’m thrilled to hear this remix from you. I never heard it before but your write-up has me anticipating this remix with relish! Remixes were so well done in the 80s. This doesn’t happen anymore much to my chagrin. Paul, you are a hero to me and many who crave wonderful and seldom heard records and mixes! I’m pumped right now to listen and,DANCE!!
Jeff
Hey Jeff!
Your message made my day—thank you so much! I couldn’t agree more: the 80s were a golden era for remixes, with so much care and creativity put into the extended and dance versions. It’s always such a thrill to share something that’s been buried on vinyl and breathe new life into it.
I’m so glad this one’s new to you—that’s the magic! Knowing it’s got you excited to hit play and dance is exactly why I do this.
Thanks again for the incredibly kind words. It truly means the world.
Keep dancing,
Paul
Excited for this, another group I liked but never deep dived / collected. Got a 2 CD retrospective last year…this, however, sounds like a real gem, can’t wait!
Hey ING!
Love hearing that! It’s always fun rediscovering or diving deeper into a group you’ve always liked but didn’t fully explore. That 2-CD retrospective is a great start—but this remix really is one of those hidden gems that didn’t make it onto the usual compilations. I think you’ll really enjoy it!
Thanks for the support, and happy listening!
Cheers,
Paul
Yay! This is one of the first things I ripped when I got my own USB turntable several years ago, but my rips were, um, problematic (skipping, drum tracks sounded way off, etc.).
I second the request for a series of Icehouse 12″ rips, please. Thank you!
Hey David!
That’s awesome to hear—and I totally get it! Early USB turntable rips could be hit-or-miss, especially with delicate grooves and tricky pressings. I’m glad I could help bring this one to life the way it was meant to be heard!
And yes, you’re not the only one asking—an Icehouse 12″ series might just be in the cards. There’s definitely more where this came from!
Thanks so much for chiming in and for the support!
Best,
Paul
Oh, I hope this is the first in a series of Icehouse 12″s! Thanks Paul!
Hey Goodguy!
You’re very welcome—and you’re not alone in hoping for more! Icehouse definitely deserves the full 12″ treatment, and I’ve got a few more gems up my sleeve. Stay tuned!
Thanks so much for the enthusiasm and support!
All the best,
Paul
This remains a favorite. Pretty sure I got it from you originally, so thanks again!
Hey Todd!
That’s awesome to hear—and I love that it’s come full circle like that! Always great to know something I shared stuck with you as a favorite. Thanks for the kind words and for being along for the ride all these years!
Cheers,
Paul
Ah, Icehouse. They of the remarkable Hey Little Girl. I’m sure I have the UK 12″ somewhere, but the US version has somehow always eluded me. A much under-rated band.
Hey Paul,
Totally agree—Icehouse really doesn’t get the credit they deserve. “Hey Little Girl” is such a standout, and it’s always great to hear from someone else who appreciates their catalog. The US 12″s can definitely be tricky to track down, but they’re full of unique mixes that make the hunt worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing, and glad this one struck a chord!
Best,
Paul
Just think how tricky it is to find in the UK 🙂