Compilation of the Week: Epic Audio Buyways 403/'91

Here we have another in the promotional "Epic Audio Buyways" series from 1991. A previous post in the series (November 10, 2010) gave us two tracks from the album "Tyranny >For You<". Here we have a promotional single for the second single release from that album: "Rhythm of Time"

The catalogue number for this promo cassette is EAT3006. This copy was obtained from ebay and so is a little rough for the wear!

Track Listing:

Side One:

1. Joe Walsh:  "Ordinary Average Guy"
2. Joe Walsh:  "Look At Us Now"
3. Sweet Obsession:  "Elevator"

Side Two:

1. This Beat Is Hot - Secchi: "I Say Yeah"
2. Offshore:  "I Can't Take The Power"
3. Front 242:  "Rhythm of Time"

Epic Audio Buyways 403/'91 promotional cassette 

Epic Audio Buyways 403/'91 cassette Side Two

Record of the Week: Rhythm of Time 7" Vinyl: 3 versions

Here we have the 7 inch vinyl single for "Rhythm of Time" from 3 different countries.
This was the second single released from the album "Tyranny >For You<", following closely on the heels of the single "Tragedy >For You<". It had a memorable video release and will forever be linked as the "noise maker" video in the movie "Singe White Female."

"Rhythm of Time" was released in various formats (which of course will be spotlighted later)...including 7", 12", CD, and cassette singles. It was not released as a 7" vinyl in the United States.

The single contains one track not featured on the other formats: the Orb's "Messengers From Neptune" mix, which clocks in at an astounding 8'39". It can be found on legitimate and bootleg CDs.

Here is presented versions from Europe proper (here with a promo Play It Again Sam letter in German), France, and Spain. All three have the same front cover art: the gorgeous red background with the Tyranny "Time" symbol, but mainly differing in the back sleeve artwork with different logos, bar codes, etc. The back sleeve has some of the most striking 242 images, featuring beloved "swimmer" art, seen previously with "Never Stop!"
The Spanish version has different vinyl art. This type of minutiae likely only to appeal to the hardcore 242 collector!

Track List:
Side One (A):  Rhythm of Time-7"  3'32"  [45 rpm]
Side Two (B):  Rhythm of Time-Messengers From Neptune  8'39"  [33 rpm]

If you can translate the letter, please post or contact me and I will be sure to give you credit!
First is the "RRE" Version. It has the catalogue number: RRE 13

Rhythm of Time Front Sleeve RRE Version

Rhythm of Time Back Sleeve RRE Version

Rhythm of Time Vinyl Side One

Rhythm of Time Vinyl Side Two

PIAS Promotional Letter

Here we have the French Version, released on Remark Records/PolyGram. The front sleeve is the same. The back sleeve with slight differences and a sticker; it has the catalogue number: 867 034-7

Rhythm of Time Back Sleeve Remark (French) Version

Remark Version Vinyl Side One

Remark Version Vinyl Side Two

Finally, here is the Spanish version on Nuevos Medios Records. It has the catalogue number: 60 570. This copy appears to be a promotional one as it has a promotional stamp, which is very faint in the pictures, that reads something like: "Discoteca; Radio Popular De Salamanca". Here the vinyl disc art is the most different, and the most unattractive:

Rhythm of Time Front Sleeve Spanish Version with promo? stamp on cover

Rhythm of Time Back Sleeve Spanish Version

Spanish Version Side A

Spanish Version Side B

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)

Compilation of the Week: Coca-Cola Pop Music New Music Sampler: Alternative

Up next is the "Coca-Cola Pop Music New Music Sampler: Alternative" edition. This was a cassette issued as a summer promotion back in 1991 by the Coca-Cola company. This cassette features artists on the Columbia and Epic record labels, hence Front 242's inclusion. Different cassettes were issued for Dance, Rock, Pop, and Alternative. The inclusion of Rhythm of Time is a nice one. Usually Epic promos of this era only showcased Tragedy >For You<.
This cassette has the catalogue number CAT 4033. It is fairly common today and can be had for around $5.00 or less.
Where else could you hear Front alongside Toad the Wet Sprocket and Big Audio Dynamite?

The track list is as follows:

1. Front 242:  "Rhythm of Time"
2. Peter Himmelman:  "Impermanent Things"
3. Mind Funk:  "Sugar Ain't So Sweet"
4. Screaming Trees:  "Bed of Roses"
5. The Godfathers:  "Unreal World"
6. Chris Whitley:  "Living With The Law"
7. Toad the Wet Sprocket:  "Walk On The Ocean"
8. Bid Audio Dynamite II:  "Rush"
9. Shawn Colvin:  "Shotgun Down The Avalanche"
10. Darling Buds:  "It Makes No Difference"

Side A featuring "Rhythm of Time"

Side 1