Burning The Ground Exclusive
“Never Take Me Alive” is a 1987 single by the English rock band Spear of Destiny, led by vocalist and songwriter Kirk Brandon. The song was featured on their fourth studio album, Outland, and became their biggest chart success, reaching #14 on the UK Singles Chart.
With its dramatic, almost cinematic lyrics, “Never Take Me Alive” tells the story of a fugitive on the run, willing to fight to the end rather than be captured. The song’s rebellious spirit and Brandon’s passionate, commanding vocal performance made it a standout track of the era. Musically, it blends post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock, with an anthemic chorus and driving instrumentation that set it apart from the more polished pop of the mid-’80s.
Spear of Destiny had built a cult following in the UK, and “Never Take Me Alive” remains one of their signature tracks. The song’s themes of defiance and resilience continue to resonate, making it a favorite among fans of ’80s alternative rock.
In the UK 10 Records released a limited edition double 12″ vinyl of their single “Never Take Me Alive,” featuring special edits by renowned producer and remixer Omar Santana. This version offered an extended take on the original track, showcasing Santana’s distinctive production style. The double pack also included an Omar Santana version of “Land of Shame,” another track from the band’s repertoire.
SIDE A:
Never Take Me Alive (Omar Santana Version) 8:33
Edited By [Super Edits By] – Omar Santana
Producer – Zeus B. Held
SIDE B:
The Man That Never Was 3:09
Producer – Brandon, Barnacle
SIDE C:
Land Of Shame (Omar Santana Version) 5:11
Edited By [Super Edits By] – Omar Santana
Producer – Zeus B. Held
SIDE D:
Jack Straw 4:25
Producer – Brandon, Barnacle
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: 10 Records – TENZ 162
Format: 2 x Vinyl, 12″, Limited Edition, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Breakbeat, Goth Rock, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Design [Sleeve] – Stylorouge
- Engineer – Neill King
- Illustration – Chris Welch (2)
- Written-By – Kirk Brandon
NOTES:
Super Edits on A and C by Omar Santana for The Hit Squad.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
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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Thanks Paul. Love this song.
Thank you Paul. This song is new to me. Never heard it.
Dear Paul, thank you for sharing this with us. You know, this is sort of like “More” by Sisters of Mercy in terms of how it builds up and just bursts into something beautiful, and equally similar in that even though it is over 8 mins in length – I wish it was longer (but thankfully there’s a Repeat option in my Media Player which kind of takes care of that). Thanks for the effort – it is greatly appreciated! I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you back and feeling better. You are an Angel.
In 1987/1988 the tape splice editors like Omar Santana, Chep Nunez and Latin Rascals took 12-inch dub editing to the next level with crazy intricate multi-edits. This was in part due to the fact that they started incorporating the latest digital technology at the time in their arsenal. This allowed them to layer and arrange/sequence their tape edits in a way that was not possible before when everything was done strictly with a tape and razor blade. Take a listen Omar’s crazy edits on Sweet Sensation’s Victim of Love, Never Let You Go and especially Take It While It’s Hot… Read more »
Great insight, Johnny! That late ‘80s era really was the pinnacle of intricate tape edits, and guys like Omar Santana, Chep Nunez, and The Latin Rascals were pushing the boundaries of what was possible. The transition from pure razor-blade splicing to integrating digital tools added a whole new dimension to their work, allowing for those rapid-fire edits, stutter effects, and layered sequencing that still sound mind-blowing today. It’s a shame that era was so short-lived, but the impact of those edits is undeniable. Those rare promo-only dubs and unreleased versions from 1986-1988 are like buried treasure for collectors. It’s always… Read more »
Also the black special editors like Greg ski royal he’s the faster edits it was my inspired and idol also Shayne Sealy he’s a ultimate Greg royal and the Latin rascals edits I like Shayne’s edits when he did LeVert records and Greg ski did the edits for Bobby brown song don’t be cruel on the 2nd 12” promo and unknown mervyn Jordan he’s good at aprdits analog
Mervyn funkmaster Jordan was a good edits too that’s what I’m saying they good analog edits
Johnny L,
Thank you for your informed and celebratory comment!! I love all the Edit Heads that input their passion for the cut and splice!
Have a great weekend!!!!
Jeff
What a great hidden gem Paul!! A real feast for the eyes and ears. I’m not sure if they were going for a U2-inspired soundscape, but it certainly fit right in! You’re really showing us this week how, as great as we had it here, the US missed out on some real inspired gems. I absolutely love the guided musical journey you’re taking us on. Thank you Paul!!
You’re welcome, Retro Hound. This band is truly a hidden gem. They sort of reminded me of Midnight Oil, especially the non-remixed b-side tracks.
Good God, Paul!! I think I need a cigarette!!! Talk about kicking the ballistics, this record almost blew my clothes off!! Listening to the video before hearing the download, I actually wondered how this song could have any edits in it. The song is quite mellow, but in Omar Santana’s hands, it has been transformed into quite the epic. After starting the record with an onslaught of manic multi-edits, the song goes into its more relaxed vibe to focus on the melody and story. But then after a bit, Mr. Santana returns to his splicing block and extremely sharp razor… Read more »
Wow! Now that is a comment full of passion and fire! 🔥 I love how vividly you describe the sheer intensity of Omar Santana’s edits—it’s like you lived through a cinematic action sequence just by listening! He really did work his razor blade magic on this one, turning something relatively mellow into a full-blown sonic assault. And you nailed it—edits like these add a whole new layer of emotion, whether it’s euphoria, aggression, or pure adrenaline. That Sun City machine-gun comparison is spot-on! And yes, Zeus B. Held is an absolute legend! His work with Dead Or Alive, Gina X… Read more »
Jeff!! So good to see you back in full-on erogenous mode! LOL. As much as I missed Paul, I missed seeing your comments too. Glad this record hit the spot for you.
Ah, Retro Hound, you’re just the best!!! I did think of you when I heard the record because of its rock vibes. I also want to let you know how much I agreed with you mentioning the Hall & Oates, “Out of Touch” remix. There are some fantastic Latin Rascal edits in there!
Have an awesome weekend!
Jeff
Paul, I am super excited about you presenting this 12-inch on your site. I’m a huge edit head and I worship Omar Santana’s work. I am not familiar at all with this record, so it comes as a delightful surprise for me to discover a Santana masterwork!! This guy did phenomenal things when he did a production!! I am overwhelmed with anticipation!! Thank you so much, Paul!!
Salivating!!
Jeff
You had me at Omar Santana. 🙂
Thank you!
You’re very welcome, David 🙂
This is such a powerful track and I LOVE the extended remix – thank you for sharing this.
You’re very welcome, Cory 🙂