Associates - multiple versions of their albums

fuck the remix of affectionate punch

They're all definitive.

Aw, c'mon Andy, that can't be right!

I forgot this note regarding the Radio One Sessions Vol. 1:
Love Hangover 3.58 (John Peel, 6 March 1982) [30 sec shorter than on 1994 'THE RADIO 1 SESSIONS' CD!]

What a pain!!

I have both versions of 'Sulk' on CD, they were originally released on cassette back in the 80's.

The US version differs from the UK version in that some of the tracks were remixed (by Mark Arthurworrey) and the track listing is slightly different e.g the UK version starts with 'Arrogance gave him up', while the US version kicks off with 'It's better this way'. Iin addition the US version drops 'Bap de la bap', 'Nude Spoons' and 'nothinginsomethingparticular' replacing them with 'Love Hangover', '18 Carat love affair', 'White Car in Germany' and 'The Associate'.

I don't think the US version is available on cd, so if you want me to ysi it let me know.

Both versions are great. The US version is a little maligned, but I like the sequencing, and it sounds a little 'fatter' compared to the UK version.

I don't think the US version is available on cd, so if you want me to ysi it let me know.

Yes, please! I'm really curious, I'm looking forward to comparing some of these versions.

I had the US version on CD for a while. Long since gone when the reissue came out.

Aw, c'mon Andy, that can't be right!

No, it's right...

i wouldn't bother with the us version. if you're not buying vinyl, get the cd reissue of sulk that has the (essential) "love hangover" b/w "18 carat love affair" single as bonus tracks and (i think) the dub version of "it's better that way" with the 'that was a groovy groovy speech' bit at the end amongst other cool songs like "and then i read a book". the version of "country club" is fine if you ask me, i think it misses the extended intro and breakdown of the vinyl, whereas the cd version of "party fears two" has the extended ambient intro that the vinyl misses out. buy fourth drawer down for "white car in germany" and "the associate". also, get the double cd singles comp for the amazing post-rankine singles "ice cream man" and "waiting for the loveboat" and some of the later stuff billy did with yello and thomas fehlmann & maurizio. but you really should purchase anything that has billy mckenzie's name on it to be honest.

definitely get the remix of the affectionate punch, it has more synths and spaced out euro-verb plus you can get it on vinyl for a fraction of the price of the cd reissue

sorry, that should read "ice cream factory"

fwiw, Ice Cream Factory wasn't even credited to the Associates, but is absolutely one of my favorite singles ever. Also under a different name, the 49 Lyon St. single is on the singles comp I think.

I'll look into that singles comp, but the Radio Sessions: Volume 1 is almost completely unavailable. I (hopefully) found a copy via GEMM but it's odd that only Volume 2 is around.

Mr Odd, can you send me your email and I'll sort something out?

the radio sessions CD has an amazing version of Waiting for the Loveboat, much more analog and old-school sounding.

Mitch, check yr email.

so i didn't realise the us sulk featured such heavily different mixes - the breathy wailing billy does after the second verse of "party fears two" is killing me right now

anyone know why my vinyl copy of Fourth Drawer Down has the On-U Sound logo on the inner record sticker but a Situation Two logo on the sleeve?

Kicks? (Probably a random misprint -- was On-U distributed by Beggars at some point?)

yeah i guess that's it, thanks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYv_onBg4wc

I've never heard this original version of the Affection Punch. I sort-of wrote off their material as blah blah crunchy post-punk, but apparently I've been listening to the remixed versions of some of their songs.

This is so... strange, and weird, and beguiling. I like it. Now it makes me think the "affectionate punch" refers to a twisted, abusive relationship captured in 80s soft focus. Good stuff.

oh shit, that is the remixed version. well, still stands, sounds downright creepy compared to the original.

That's the first time I've ever heard any of the remixed tracks of this album, and, er, yeah, it's weird. Sounds re-recorded rather than merely remixed tbh.

Was hoping somebody had heard things were being reissued again. Not sure what is currently available. &as far as I know it's been 15 years since last reissues which is quite long innit?

I saw Alan Rankine do a Q+A back in 2009 (I think) when he mentioned that the V2 licence had expired and they had the rights back again and that re-issues were possibly forthcoming, but nothing since. Was never a definite, just that they were considering things.

Would have thought they'd be getting more recognition.
I remember people like Bono being quoted around the time of the 2000 reissues, or was that in the Glamour Chase book? THough he's a bit of a rentagob would think that somebody who was as much of a household name as him getting behind things might reflect in peoplle checking the band out and subsequently find reissues happening. Though that is thinking about an egotist being a rentagob 15 years back and maybe not having said anything since.

But would be great to get both cd and dvd reissues happening wouldn't it?
I think Sulk and 4th Drawer Down are great lps, as is Affectionate Punch. So would be great to have them readily available

I read negative comments on Amazon about too much compression on the new Best of. So wonder if anybody's heard it or any of the 2016 lp remasters yet.
Uncut says they have the best sound yet.

Really, really hope it's David McAlmont they've picked
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity-interviews/scottish-legends-associates-talks-stage-7913955

also http://m.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/14476983.You_ve_got_to_say_yes_to_another_excess__Alan_Rankine_on_Billy_MacKenzie_and_the_Associates/?ref=rss

I read negative comments on Amazon about too much compression on the new Best of. So wonder if anybody's heard it or any of the 2016 lp remasters yet. Uncut says they have the best sound yet.

― Stevolende

I haven't heard the Best Of but the reissues sound great to me. I would exactly say I'm an expert but I didn't notice any compression issues. I heard Alan Rankine say that the albums have never sounded better.

I stood behind Alan Rankine who was buying a packet of fags earlier, in the corner shop. Considered asking him "who's the new singer, then" bought decided against it

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ndv7Uqq478fgwtglygoPC?si=pWA3q0StSUSiCbTT9JHuKA

latest edition of That Record Got Me High is on Fourth Drawer Down with Tom Smith of To Live and Shave In LA etc as Guest.

JUst starting it so not heard it through yet.