Sunday, March 13, 2011

Record of the Week: Politics of Pressure CD

As topical now as they were circa 1985, Front 242 remain ever vigilante, always "sampling the media" yet providing "No Comment" or "Official Version..."

Here we have several CD releases of the ep "Politics of Pressure." Of course, this features the standout track for today: "Funkahdafi." (Here is a link to a rare Re:Boot version from the Compact Tour: http://target242.com/home.html 

First is the RRE Version, available in both "slimline" and 3 inch mini disc formats. Both have the catalogue number: MK 4 CD. 

Politics of Pressure RRE slimline sleeve front
Politics of Pressure RRE slimline sleeve back
Politics of Pressure RRE version disc
Politics of Pressure RRE 3 inch sleeve front (shrink wrapped)
Politics of Pressure RRE 3 inch sleeve back
Politics of Pressure RRE 3 inch disc with adapter

The stateside Wax Trax version uses the same artwork, although the coloring is somewhat different in that more brown tones are used. In addition, the title for "No Shuffle" is absent from the sleeve. It would appear that it was cut off in final designs, but I am only guessing. The Wax Trax version offers additional artwork in the jewel case insert, which is also seen on the vinyl artwork. The foldout is an advertisement for the Wax Trax mail order catalogue.

The Wax Trax disc is also slightly different in that it offers an open black box surrounding the track names. Both american and european releases have the same material.
The Wax Trax version has the catalogue number: Wax CD 014

Politics of Pressure Wax Trax version sleeve front


Politics of Pressure Wax Trax version sleeve back
Politics of Pressure Wax Trax version sleeve foldout
Politics of Pressure Wax Trax version jewel case insert
Politics of Pressure Wax Trax vesion disc
Once again, lest Front 242 be accused of siding with a particular faction or regime, they only sample the media and present it "Front" and center..."It's Up To You, To Decide..."

1 comment: