Record of the Week: No Comment (Original CD)

Here we have the original versions of "No Comment" on CD, as issued on RRE (Europe) and Wax Trax! (America). "No Comment" would later be reissued with bonus content on Epic/Sony and RRE...but since I don't have it immediately in front of me, I will post it as a separate entry later!

Both versions of this release are very similar, with a few notable exceptions.
First up, the original CD release on RRE. It has the catalogue number CD MK2.
It features 6 tracks, including "S. Fr. Nomenklatura (Parts 1 & 2)" (Note 'S. Fr.' stands for "Special Forces").

The artwork for both releases is virtually identically except, for some reason, the RRE version lists the titles out of order in the liner artwork. It lists "S. Fr. Nomenklatura (Parts 1 & 2)" as second after "Commando Mix" but this is corrected on the disc itself. Of note, only on the RRE disc is the subtitle for "Deciet" given as "Deceit (Behind Your Face)".

The artwork for the RRE Disc is very plain and simple, which the Wax Trax! version makes up for. The Wax Trax! version has the catalogue WAXCD 010.

No Comment RRE Version picture sleeve front

No Comment RRE Version picture sleeve back (note track listing error)

No Comment RRE Version picture sleeve foldout

No Comment RRE Version jewel case insert

No Comment RRE Version disc

My favorite aspect of this release are the great pictures of early 242. While I don't understand the fascination with baseball gear, it does look cool. (And Richard plays the shotgun better than a guitar?)

We also get a glimpse of the mysterious Daniel B. in the lower picture, which was very rare for this era, as he continued to be portrayed as the mysterious and unseen "Member 0"

No Comment Wax Trax! Version picture sleeve front

No Comment Wax Trax! Version picture sleeve back (note correct track listing)

No Comment Wax Trax! Version picture sleeve foldout

No Comment Wax Trax! Version jewel case insert

No Comment Wax Trax! Version disc

Poster of the Week: Art & Strategy 92

Here we have a beautiful and large poster from the "Art & Strategy 92" art exhibit.

"Art & Strategy" being the design and artistic vehicle through which Daniel B. and Patrick create the artwork, stage design, multimedia, and other creative forces behind the Front 242 image. (It also happens to be the name of a song on "Geography.")

In 1992, three exhibits where held in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York; showcasing the fantastic works of Art & Strategy. The shows consisted of numerous paintings and prints, which can be seen in the A&S Catalogue (a future post!) and an ambient CD was issued as well (yet another future post!) I will eventually get around to posting some reviews of the show as well.

This poster is a very large 24 inches by almost 36 inches on foam board, so it is quite sturdy. It sports a lovely gray with the brilliant red "242 Sphere" that was very prominent in 242 imagery of that time. The background also shows many other 242 symbols.

Not sure how many of these were actually made, but is beautiful framed and so I consider it "priceless." (Now to get the guys to sign it....)

Art & Strategy 92

A&S 92 Detail

A&S 92 Detail

A&S 92 Detail

A&S 92 Detail

Compilation of the Week: Adam X on the one and two

Here we have a DJ Mix compilation from EBM/Techno DJ "Adam X" which features a stellar lineup of classic and current acid, techno, and EBM music. Of course it would have to feature a Front 242 track!
From the notes, Adam X states that this CD "was designed as a personal soundtrack to my everyday life..."

Released on Instinct Records, it has the catalogue number INS561-2

The choice of Front 242 track selected, "Controversy Between" to me is an unusual one, and is certainly not a typical and as well-known 242 selection. I think it rightfully reflects Adam's love and respect for Front 242!

Other standout tracks include selections from A Split Second, Chicks on Speed and Frankie Bones.

Track List:

1. intro
2. Vex: "Vex"
3. Keynotes: "Let's Dance"
4. Russ Gabriel's Audio Spectrum: "Korgan"
5. G-Man: "Turtle"
6. Christian Vogel: "Shoe Renounce Soul"
7. The Mover: "Frontal Sickness"
8. Galactica: "Red Eyes Red Lights"
9. Genie: "Night At The Opera"
10. Frankie Bones: "It's Good For America"
11. Beroshima: "Domo Arrigato Mr. Roboto"
12. Malaria! vs. Chicks On Speed: "Kaltes Klares Wasser Rmx"
13. Adam X: "Long Drive Home"
14. Chris McCormack: "The Maximalist"
15. Chaz Vincent: "Dream Wave"
16. Icarus: "Nightfly"
17. DHS: "House of God DHS Rmx"
18. Kevin Saunderson: "Powerbass"
19. Reade Truth: "Explosive Force"
20. Front 242: "Controversy Between"
21. Directional Force: "One Thousand"
22. A Split Second: "Muscle Machine"

Adam X "on the one and two" CD cover

Adam X "on the one and two" CD cover back

Adam X "on the one and two" CD liner notes

Adam X "on the one and two" jewel case insert

Adam X "on the one and two" disc

T-Shirt of the Week: Re:Boot Polo

Not a T-Shirt in the strictest of sense, here we have the "Re:Boot Polo."
This shirt was available for sale during the "Re:Boot Tour" back in 1998-1999.

It is heather gray cotton with collar and sports a nice modern Front 242 logo on the left breast pocket area.
This is certainly one way to bring a Front 242 presence into the workplace or when the instance calls for dressier clothes!
I actually where this shirt quite often! This particular shirt was purchased at the Atlanta show, which I have posted much about previously.

Re:Boot Polo shirt

Re:Boot Polo shirt detail

Bootleg of the Week: Re:Boot Rochester, New York CD-R

After a bit of a hiatus/holiday...we shall return to the world of 242!

Here we have another of the many bootleg discs/recordings from the Re:Boot tour era. This was probably the first tour in an era where bootlegs became much easier to obtain, create, and circulate.

This is another fine recording made by a fan, as advertised as an "Audience Recording: CSC --> WMD-3 --> CDR from Master" from the show in Rochester, New York, August 14, 1998.

The sound quality is very good and is on par with other bootlegs from this tour and the official Re:Boot release itself.
The fan-made art is exceptionally well-made and captures nicely the Re:Boot theme and images of this era in 242 history. The noted exception being that the disc image itself is borrowed from the "Tyranny Tour" era!

Track Listing:

1. Happiness
2. Masterhit
3. Motion
4. Moldavia
5. Melt
6. Soul Manager
7. Im Rhythmus Bleiben
8. Crapage
9. Religion
10. Head Hunter
11. Welcome To Paradise
12. First In/First Out
13. Punish Your Machine

Re:Boot Rochester, NY Picture Sleeve

Re:Boot Rochester, NY Jewel Case Insert

Re:Boot Rochester, NY Disc