Bootleg of the Week: Technopolis Volume 4

Technopolis Volume 4 continues the recycling of bootleg material found on other discs. Volume 4 features two live Front 242 tracks, versions of which also appear on the bootleg "Body To Body" (Live Chicago).

The packaging continues the use of H.R. Giger themes and the disc pattern is also unchanged. Other standout tracks on the disc include two live Depeche Mode tracks and a nice Nitzer Ebb "Power of the Voice Megamix."

This disc is worth it alone for the superb rendition of "Work 242!" Here Richard really works the crowd and Jean-Luc provides 'alternate' or rather, verses to the track, not found on the album." In fact, trying to make out these lyrics is an exercise unto itself. Here it is for your enjoyment (and hopes that someone can provide the correct lyrics!) www.target242.com
or the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNk6QrLZdd0
Expect to pay around $25-50 for this CD.

Track List:

1. Nitzer Ebb:  "Power of the Voice (Megamix)"
2. Front 242:  "Felines (Live on Tour 1989)"
3. Front 242:  "Work 242 (Live on Tour 1989)"
4. A Split Second:  "Flesh (Live on Tour 1992)"
5. A Split Second:  "Mambo Witch (Live on Tour 1992)"
6. Armageddon Dildos:  "Resist (Live on Tour 1991)"
7. Armageddon Dildos:  "Never Mind (Live on Tour 1991)"
8. Psyche:  "Brain Collapses (Live on Tour 1992)"
9. Psyche:  "Unveiling the Secret (Live on Tour 1992)"
10. Metro Pakt:  "Neue Strassen"
11. Metro Pakt:  "C.T.I."
12. Absolute Body Control:  "Faceless"
13. Absolute Body Control:  "Car Fever"
14. Depeche Mode:  "Everything Counts (Live Open Air 1984)"
15. Depeche Mode:  "Photographic (Live Open Air)"

Technopolis Volume 4

Technopolis Volume 4 Jewel Case Insert

Technopolis Volume 4 Disc

Memorabilia of the Week: Tyranny Pin For You

Here we have a seldom seen promotional pin featuring the 'Target' Tyranny Symbol. It may have been given with the Invitation to the Tyranny >For You< Listening party? Perhaps it was sold at the Tyranny shows...that I cannot be certain. Perhaps someone else has more information?

The pin measures almost 1 cm by 1 cm. It is of the "lapel" pin variety and could be worn on the lapel or even as a tie tack! It has the typical stick pin fastener. The 'Target' design is painted white on the silver metal itself.

I have not seen these offered elsewhere, so I consider it "priceless!"
I would welcome any comments if you have more information about this interesting item!

Tyranny For You 'Target Symbol' Pin

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Tyranny For You 'Target Symbol' Pin

Record of the Week: Gripped By Fear Promo CD

Continuing Epic  Records "minimalist" approach when it comes to Front 242 promo CDs, "Gripped By Fear" was the last promo from the "Tyranny >For You<" album, although it never was released as a formal single. It has the catalogue number ESK 2297.

The CD features the "Globe" Tyranny symbol on a white CD, with a black jewel case inlay insert on the reverse featuring all the Tyranny symbols. There is no front picture sleeve (as is also seen with the Rhythm of Time and Religion promo CDs).

The disc contains three variation versions from the "Mixed By Fear" EP and credits "This World Must Be Destroyed" as being based upon "Moldavia". Other than that reference, there is really no ties to the "Tyranny" album or "Mixed By Fear" proper, so its effectiveness as a promotional single may be lacking? I have seen this CD go for a few dollars, to upwards of $50.00

Track Listing:

1. Gripped By Fear (Single Version) 3:28
2. This World Must Be Destroyed (Beta Version 1)  3:18
3. This World Must Be Destroyed (Beta Version 2)  4:33

Gripped By Fear promo CD jewel case inlay

Gripped By Fear Promo CD

Poster of the Week: Live Code-Mutage Mixage

Here we have a promotional poster for the releases of "Live Code" and "Mut@ge Mix@ge" on Never Records. It gives the release date for Live Code as June 16, 1998.

"Live Code" was the first 'official' Front 242 Live CD ("Live Target" being a semi-official release as an ex-bootleg) and "Mut@ge Mix@ge" collected various remixes of 242 tracks. Both of these albums will eventually be spotlighted here in the blog.

The poster itself measures 11 X 17 inches on glossy paper. The graphics for "Mut@ge Mix@ge" are particularly striking with very nice colors!

Live Code/Mut@ge Mix@ge Poster

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Compilation of the Week: The Digital Space Between

Here we have a virtual "who's who" of Industrial and Hard Electronic Body Music. "The Digital Space Between" features 16 "New Remix & Exclusive Tracks", issued on the Hard Records Label in 1994. Catalogue number is Hardest 07.

The Front 242 track featured here is "Modern Angel (KMFDM Remix)." This track was originally released one year earlier in 1993 on the "Angels Versus Animals" EP. Also of note on this CD is Bigod 20's "The Bog (Shot Mix)" which features a fantastic Jean-Luc guest vocal; it too can be found on its original CD single.

The artwork for this CD and booklet is very nice and "industrial/global" in theme. This is a fairly common CD to come by, so expect $5-8.00

Track Listing:

1. Front 242:  "Modern Angel (KMFDM Remix)"
2. T.H.D.:  "Hypo (BITCOMM Mix)"
3. Contagion:  Turn of the Screw
4. Dive:  "In the Glasshouse (Unreleased)"
5. Skinny Puppy:  "Scrapyard"
6. Leaether Strip:  "Adrenalin Rush (Veggar Version)"
7. Numb:  "Ratblast (Unreleased)"
8. Vomito Negro:  "L.A.T. (Living apart together) (Unreleased)"
9. Cubanate:  "BodyBurn (Beeston 7" Mix)"
10. Clock DVA:  "Hacked (Reprogrammed III)"
11. Swamp Terrorists:  "Pale Torment (Convert Single Remix)"
12. Die Krupps:  "Paradise of Sin"
13. Insekt:  "Digging in your Soul (Insekt Remix)"
14. BiGod 20:  "The Bog (Shot Mix)"
15. The Naked Apes:  "Leave med alone/SMF"
16. Templebeat:  "Interzone (M. Lega Mix)"

The Digital Space Between Cover Art

Booklet

Jewel Case Insert

The Digital Space Between Disc

T-Shirt of the Week: 2005 Tour

Here we have a nice shirt sold at shows and online at Transmission 242. The front  features a slightly "skewed" updated 242 logo, while the reverse lists the 2005 North American Tour Dates, with graphics that were on the website at Front242.com during that time period. (I apologize for the grainy nature of the photos!)
This shirt is no longer available for sale on the Front242.com website.

2005 Tour Shirt (Front)

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2005 Tour Shirt (Reverse)

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Bootleg of the Week: Technopolis Volume 3

Technopolis Volume 3 continues the lifting of Front 242 material from other sources. The two tracks featured are "Masterhit" Live London 1988, whcih can be found on cassette tape bootlegs, and "Rhythm of Time" Razormaid Mix, which appears on the legitimate Razormaid 10.5 compilation release (see Compilation of the Week, October 17). "Masterhit" here is a beautiful example of how dynamic Front 242's live shows could be.

Other highlights include two Depeche Mode tracks, for which DM collectors often seek this disc as well, and 2 Kraftwerk mixes. Not a big fan of the Kraftwerk mixes here, as the mixing of Kling Klang and Rap just doesn't do it for me!

The artwork continues the lifting of H.R. Giger and the disc is unchanged in design. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-$50

Track Listing:

1. Front 242:  "Masterhit Live London 1988"
2. Front 242:  "Rhythm of Time Razormaid Mix"
3. Depeche Mode:  "Nothing Art of Mix Remix"
4. Depeche Mode:  "The Official DMC Megamix"
5. Kraftwerk:  "Die Roboter DMC Mix"
6. Kraftwerk:  "Tour De France Disconet Mix"
7. Portion Control:  "The Great Divide Disconet Mix"
8. Portion Control:  "Rough Justice Right Speed V."
9. And One:  "Aus Der Traum Live Mix"
10. And One:  "Second Voice Live 1992"
11. And One:  "Metalhammer Live 1992"

Technopolis Volume 3 Cover Art

Technopolis Volume 3 Jewel Case Insert

Technopolis Volume 3 Disc

Memorabilia of the Week: Invitation For You

Here we have a nice invitation envelope, card, and laminated guest pass for a preview listening party for the launch of "Tyranny >For You". This event was held on November 5, 1990, at Landmark Recording Studio. (From what I can gather, this studio was located in Chesapeake, Ohio. The R.S.V.P. phone number given has a Cleveland, Ohio area code).

The party featured "Liquids and Nourishment" and was to "stimulate your senses and revitalize your soul"...and featured an appearance by Richard 23.
The card and envelope are on nice white stock paper, with the "Tyranny Axe" symbol featured prominently.

I would appreciate any comments by anyone who was in attendance at this party!

Invitation For You envelope

Invitation For You Card

Invitation For You contents

Laminated guest pass

Record of the Week: Religion Epic Promo CD

Continuing an UP EVIL vibe, here we have the Epic promo CD release for the single "Religion", taken from the album "06:21:03:11 UP EVIL". It has the promo catalogue number ESK 5146.

The promo CD contains three tracks, 2 of which are found on the regularly issued single, both in the American and European forms. The promo CD also has the track "Crapage" in its album form, whereas "Crapage" remixes are featured on the actual "Religion" single.

There is no outer picture sleeve, I suppose for the record company to manage costs. This was also done with the Gripped By Fear promo CD.
The tray liner and back insert feature the beautiful gargoyle artwork. The disc itself is black with, what I refer to as the 'Religion' or 'UP EVIL' swirls. For years I thought they made some sort of word or glyph that I could not ever figure out, but they are no more than just neat artwork!
The regular American single features a white disc. The European "Religion" release was issued over 2 CD singles, with different artwork and one disc of each color. I will spotlight these one day.

This seems to be a fairly common and easily obtained promo, so should not be too expensive!

Track Listing:

1. "Religion" (7" Mix by Andy Wallace) [3:33]
2. "Crapage" [4:57]
3. "Religion" (Bitch Slapper Mix by J.G. Thirwell) [3:40]

Religion Epic Promo CD Tray Liner

Religion Epic Promo CD Tray Liner reverse

Religion Epic Promo CD Disc

Poster of the Week: UP EVIL in-store promo

Here we have a nice promotional poster issued by RRE/Epic for in-store display of the Front 242 album release "06:21:03:11 UP EVIL". It measures 12 inches by 12 inches on card paper stock. The front features the album artwork, identical to the 12" album itself.
The reverse lists several tracks including "Religion" (Note here it lists "Burn You Down" in parenthesis. This could be confusing, as nowhere do I find this song listed in that manner...perhaps it is to help those unfamiliar with Front 242 to identify that particular song, as it was released as the first single?")
Also credited are the tracks "Crapage" "Melt" and "Hymn" and finally a blurb about Front 242 on the Lollapalooza Tour.

Overall, it is a nice piece and the cover art is still very striking and very suitable for framing. However, my only criticism would have to be that for anyone not familiar with Front 242, it would be quite difficult to locate the band name, much less the album...

UP EVIL Promo Poster (Front)

UP EVIL Promo Poster (reverse)

Compilation of the Week: Razormaid 10.5

Razormaid was a DJ subscription service in California, US that serviced DJs with vinyl and CD subscriptions.
Razormaid 10.5 features an extended remix of Rhythm of Time by Warren Sanford, clocking in at 7:38.
The sleeve design if very intricate with much die-cutting. It has the catalogue number: RM-CD-10.5
On the secondary market, expect to pay $25-$50.00

The track list:

1. Metallic Traffic:  "Die Macht"
2. Front 242:  "Rhythm of Time"
3. Digital Boy:  "OK! Alright"
4. Sieg Uber Die Sonne:  "Mazzo"
5. Odysee of Noises:  "Wake Up!"
6. Age of Love:  "Age of Love"
7. Defcon:  "Let's Dance Medley"
8. The Hypnotist:  "Rainbows In The Sky"
9. Uzma:  "Yab Tum"
10. Hypnotyk:  "Aschenputtel"
11. Phobia:  "Let Me Have Silence"

Razormaid 10.5 CD sleeve

Razormaid 10.5 CD sleeve (detail)

Razormaid 10.5 CD sleeve (detail)

Razormaid 10.5 CD Jewel Case insert

Razormaid 10.5 CD

T-Shirt of the Week: Tyranny Symbols

Here is another favorite shirt which I still wear quite often. This shirt features the "Tyranny" symbols in a metalic silver screen design, with "Front 242." on the reverse. Despite its high quality, I believe it to be a "bootleg" designed shirt.

Tyranny Symbols shirt (front)

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Bootleg of the Week: Technopolis Volume 2

Continuing a look at Front 242 tracks appearing on the bootleg "Technopolis" series.
Technopolis Volume 2 only features one Front 242 track: "Welcome To Headhunter" (Razormaid Mix). This remix can also be found on the "Parted Tragedy" and "Body Beats" bootlegs.
The disc artwork continues the "Back In Black" theme and is "All rights reserved. The Public Office 1992."
The picture sleeve art continues the beautiful and alien work of H.R. Giger.

What this disc lacks in Front 242, it makes up for in other artists. Standouts include the Depeche Mode "Behind The Wheel" Mix, Kraftwerk's "Electric Cafe", and great tracks from The Cure and New Order. This disc is often coveted by those collectors as well. Expect to pay from $25-$50

Track List:

1. Human League:  "Being Boiled" (Devil's Dance Mix)
2. Cabaret Voltaire:  "Sensoria/Don't Argue" (Razormaid Combi Mix)
3. Depeche Mode:  "Behind The Wheel" (Razormaid Mix)
4. Front 242:  "Welcome To Headhunter" (Razormaid Mix)
5. Portion Control:  "The Great Divide" (Razormaid Mix)
6. Kraftwerk:  "Electric Cafe" (Mixx-It Remix)
7. Signal Aout 42:  "Why Not?" (Razormaid Medley)
8. Psyche:  "Unveiling The Secret" (Razormaid Mix)
9. New Order:  "Sub-Culture" (Razormaid Mix)
10. The Cure:  "The Walk" (Razormaid Mix)

Technopolis Volume 2 (picture sleeve)

Technopolis Volume 2 (jewel case insert)

Technopolis Volume 2 (Disc)

Memorabilia of the Week: Telephone For You

Here is another one of those very hard-to-find Front 242 rarities: The Front 242 Phone Card: "Telephone >For You<"
Issued in Germany if I am not mistaken, this card uses chip technology (although I admit I know very little about phone cards)!  Here is some info about these types of cards: http://www.all-cards.net/all.cards/systems/chip.html

The front features the "Tyranny Axe" symbol, with the clever "Telephone >For You<" and the 242 logo. The back references RRE and PIAS, with a large 242.

I do not know exactly how many of these were issued. I seldom, if ever, see them come up for sale. This card would appeal to both Front 242 and Telephone Card collectors in general. I consider it "priceless!"

Telephone >For You< (front)

Telephone >For You< (back)

Record of the Week: Rhythm of Time Promo CD

The second Front 242 release off the album "Tyranny >For You<" was "Rhythm of Time". This was another excellent upbeat and danceable 242 track and a logical selection as a single, and it was issued in CD and cassette formats.
Here is the advance promotional CD, which also featured the upcoming Front 242 North American Tour dates. It has the catalogue number: ESK 3091.

Besides the obvious differences in the color of the picture sleeve and CD itself, the promo edition of "Rhythm of Time" features the additional 7" version, not featured on the official release.

Track Listing:

1. Rhythm of Time-7" (3:32)
2. Rhythm of Time-12" (3:52)
3. Rhythm of Time-Anti-G Mix (5:13)
4. Rhythm of Time-Victor the Cleaner (7:46)

The 'Victor the Cleaner' version being a mix by The Orb.

I see this disc quite often on the secondary market, but often advertised in the $25-$50 range.

Rhythm of Time CD Promo (front)

Rhythm of Time CD Promo (back)

Rhythm of Time CD Promo (disc)

Poster of the Week: Neurobashing

Here is a beautiful and classic Front 242 poster. For sale in the Transmission Catalogue as "Neurobashing", it is a giant silver metallic poster with art from the limited digipak edition of Tyranny >For You<, with the slogan written in Japanese characters above, and the "Tyranny" symbols below.

The poster itself measures 80 X 80 cm. It was advertised in the Transmission catalogue for 180 BEF/$5.00, a steal if you can find it today. It is difficult to find in pristine shape, as the metallic silver tends to peal away and shows creases very easily, much less finding it unfolded!

Neurobashing

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