Burning The Ground Exclusive 1984
“Secret Agent” was the second single and title track from Robin Gibb’s third solo album.
Robin wrote lyrics with their brother Maurice. Maurice played synthesizer and keyboard but played relatively little on the finished track in favor of Rob Kilgore’s expertise. Robin had long been interested in electronic sound and Maurice was a willing accomplice. The concept was to carry on the sound of the big freestyle hit by Shannon, her 1983 song “Let the Music Play”, which is why Robin brought in the same producers, Mark Liggett and Chris Barbosa, and musicians Rob Kilgore and Jim Tunnell to work on the song and album.
“Secret Agent” was released as a single in August 1984 as the follow-up to the previous single “Boys Do Fall In Love” but the single failed to chart.
SIDE A:
Secret Agent (Extended Dub Mix) 5:40
SIDE B:
Robot (Extended Dub Mix) 5:17
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Polydor – PDSX 2264
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Canada
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Co-producer – Chris Barbosa, Mark Liggett
- Producer, Written-By – Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb
NOTES:
Original versions available on the Robin Gibb Album, Cassette and CD “Secret Agent”.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
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FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
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Love Robin Gibb and all the music with his brothers – thank yoU!!
I haven’t heard this one. This has that Shannon sound as well as an early Pet Shop Boys vibe, even the video has that kind of style, like “It Couldn’t Happen Here.”
I hope you enjoy it, Joey 🙂
Never heard of this track, but it has a very strong Madonna vibe! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Martika 🙂
Thanks Paul, I didn’t know that record existed!!!!
You’re welcome, Carlos 🙂
Atlantic dropped the ball on this one: I never got a copy of this from their promo guy, nor did we get one in the mail at the radio station. I also notice the US version on Mirage has the vocal versions (b/w “Robot”) where the international versions use the dub on the 12″ and some of the 7″ releases (b/w “King Of Fools”)
This was an interesting release on how the mixes were marketed.
This has that ’80s bass feel reminiscent of “Into The Groove”; and this is one time he doesn’t sound like Robin Gibb!
I agree. he said he did not want to sound like a Bee Gees record. 🙂
Yes, I was quite surprised that Robin didn’t sound like a BeeGee here!
Have a nice day, DJ XREY!!
Jeff
Oh yes!!!!! Loved Robin Gibb’s Boys Do Fall In Love! How cool that it was a response to Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want To Have Fun. But this follow-up is a real closet 80’s!! I’m pretty sure I do recall seeing the video. Looking forward to these extended dub mixes. Wow I can see you’re having fun with the closet 80’s theme! Like you mentioned, it allows for more flexibility, which is always to our benefit. Thank you!!
I am having fun for sure. You’re welcome, Retro Hound 🙂
Wow! We were one of the first CHRs to play Cyndi from her first album before a single was pulled and remixed; we played “Boys” by Robin Gibb (US#37) yet I never knew these two hits had a connection. Thanks, Retro Hound!
Interesting tidbit for sure. And I love hearing about your experience in CHR, thanks for sharing! So sad what’s become of terrestrial radio. You were there back when the DJ had autonomy to take some chances on album tracks, etc. What a time for radio! You were lucky to be a part of it. If you don’t mind me asking, you must have met some of the reps or artists themselves?
Though I’ve worked for some stations that weren’t always “new music aggressive”, I have been fortunate enough to meet a few artists and celebrities along the way.
Oh wow this is going to be so much fun! Looking so forward to this…
Wow, what great background information!!!!
Thanks!
You’re welcome, ING 🙂
I am living for this post, Paul!! I am such a tremendous fan of Chris Barbosa, Mark Ligget, Robbie Kilgore and Jimmy Tunnel, it’s a phenomenal lineup of a production team. I love that these are dub versions too. Chris Barbosa and company brought out the best with them. I’m freaking out because this record is new to me!
Any more records by these guys I would certainly eat up! Many, many sincere thanks for records like these!!
Jeff
You’re very welcome, Jeff I will see what I can find 🙂
Thank you, Paul! I would welcome any other records you may have from these guys. The Ligosa Records label has some fine productions of Liggett and Barbosa. I was so sad concerning their falling out. Chris Barbosa said he was very much influenced by the music of John Robie and Arthur Baker, especially, “One More Shot” and “I.O.U.” even calling them the first “Freestyle” records.
Jeff
I know their productions from Shannon’s hits, but never knew they had their own label or imprint. Like roommates, marriages, and other partnerships, businesses based from friendships always seem to go south because of $$$.
Yes, the Ligosa imprint was fantastic! The first release (I think) was by a group called Loose Touch. The song is, “Bad of the Heart” which was later released by George Lamond on Columbia records and made George a very popular artist. Monet, was another famous artist from the Lagosa label. I’m sorry the label folded after a bit. Like you said, sometimes relationships suffer because of greed and all.
Have a good one, DJ XREY!!!
Jeff