BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1983
“The Politics of Dancing” is a hit song by the British band Re-Flex, released in 1983. It is the title track of their only released album in the 1980s. There were 12″ extended versions of the song released, as well as the 7″ single and the album version. The Capitol Records (U.S.) 12″ extended version notably became the first such instance of a UK band to top the American dance charts.
It became the biggest hit of their career, peaking at number 28 in the United Kingdom and number 24 in the United States. It also peaked at number eight on the U.S. dance chart. The band managed to chart two more singles in the UK, but only managed to get one more single in the US. This song remains their signature song.
This is an alternate mix than what appears on the UK 12″.
SIDE A:
The Politics Of Dancing (U.S. 12″ Mix) 6:48
SIDE B:
Flex It! 5:26
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | The Politics Of Dancing | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #24 |
| 1983 | The Politics Of Dancing | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #8 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – 8574
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Backing Vocals, Bass – Nigel Ross-Scott
Backing Vocals, Drums [Acoustic & Electronic], Percussion, Programmed By – Roland Kerridge*
Computer, Keyboards, Vocals, Written-By – Paul Fishman
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Baxter (3)
Mastered By – Wally*
Producer – John Punter
Find the 12″ on DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
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: Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: 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)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Paul!! I am so happy you post the entire 12-inch. That flip-side is great!! Love the message and “Actions Speaks Louder Than Words!!” is a fantastic phrase put to music. Thank you for this and EVERYTHING!!
Jeff
Thanks, Paul. Another Eighties classic that brings back fond memories – not so much of dancing to it at the clubs (which I did), but searching through the used record bins during that time and scoring this 12″ single (for some reason it was hard to find). Glad to get your rip of this song because I know it will sound great, and thanks for keeping us Eighties club boys happy.
PS: There is a 6-disc box set of their albums (released and unreleased) called Re:Fuse that features many 12″ mixes, early demo versions and rarities. It isn’t too hard to find a copy to download if you search for it online, but I imagine it would be quite costly to purchase the box set now. Have to say, though, that their earlier (released) material is definitely their best.
The band’s website (which looks rather ancient!) claims to have all the albums for sale on CD and download. Not sure I’m willing to attempt a purchase, though…
You’re welcome miran0019 it was a hard one for me to find as well 🙂
Thanks so much for this one … It’s a shame this one (and the band) isn’t better remembered. They were a strong group who deserved more than being a one-hit wonder in the USA>
I agree with you so much VanceMan they were a brilliant band that should have gotten more attention.
Thanks Paul. I also have the vinyl 12″ ,but your rips r the best.
You’re so right about Paul and his rips. It seems that I’m hearing these classics better than I’ve ever heard them. Cheers to DjPaulT and his many, many talents. My earholes are like emojis expressing an open mouth orgasm when they hear the exquisite beauty of Paul’s sonic mastery!!
Jeff
You’re welcome Omar 🙂
I think Roy Mahoney from up above says it best about the song and you, dear Paul. This really is a fantastic song and I am so looking to hearing your rip of it. I so love how you showcase these classic New Wave songs, because you present them with their sleeve’s artwork and the original flip-sides. We are so fortunate that we have you to bring back our favorites along with those other surprises you do so well.
All the best,
Jeff
Yes Roy Mahoney said it all the song is very fitting I didn’t really realize how much until I was playing it back through my headphones and really listening to it 🙂
Brilliant song. Probably up there as one of the very best tunes from the eighties. Already have this in my collection, but hope that anybody who is unfamiliar with this title, uploads and plays this mix really loud. Awesome! Probably quite intentional on your part Paul, but the title and lyrics of the song is very apt with all that’s going on the US, the UK and throughout Europe. I’m thinking in particular the Turkish president appealing on a radio station for the people to revolt against the attempted coup. Kind of fits, doesn’t it? Anyway many thanks Paul. I’m… Read more »
OMG!!! Just realised this is the US extended version, while I have the UK 12″. Just uploaded and playing it now (cranked right up). Massive, massive thanks Paul. So excited here, think a little bit of wee has just come out. LOL
This is indeed subtly different to the UK 12″ version. Wikipedia seems to imply that the 12″ versions and the album version are the same, but they’re clearly not…
Glad to hear that Roy. oops sorry about the wee lol 🙂