TUESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2007
Ferry Aid 'Let It Be' - LONGER video!
I just found a longer version of the Ferry Aid "Let It Be" promo on a VHS compilation. It has a 44 second intro that isn't included on the Hit Factory 1 version!

The intro is mainly Mike Stock coaxing the various singers. First we hear Mike's voice saying 'here we go boys' then him demo-ing the line 'standing right in front of me'. Then it's Mike talking to some female singers I don't recognise, advising them to 'belt it out..a bit of energy'. Next it's Mike with Boy George. Mike says '...and the chorus...great, great'. Finally there's a bit of Mike with Pepsi & Shirlie, and then cuts to usual video we know.

The compilation is Weinerworld's 'The Video Hits Collection 3' from 1987. Most UK collectors will probably know this series as volumes 1 and 2 often show up in charity shops. Vol 1 had Three Degrees / Princess / Thereza Bazar, and Vol.2 had Princess (After The Love Has Gone).

I've never seen Vol.3 until today and nearly didn't bother buying it since it only has Ferry Aid, and Mel & Kim's 'Respectable'. Nethertheless, I thought I might as well buy it for a pound and help the charity shop. I'm pleased I did now!

MONDAY, 15 JANUARY 2007
Hit Factory Forum
I've been asked to spread the word that Hit Factory Forum is only temporarily offline due to technical difficulties. I'm sure everyone will welcome it's return shortly.

FRIDAY, 30 JUNE 2006
Found on CD!
I'm happy to report that some PWL obscurities have turned up on CD. The tracks include Step By Step "There She Goes", Jon Otis "In The Middle Of The Night" and Lou "Rookies Revenge" (all radio versions). The source is a Swiss CD titled "The Best Of EuroDisco Vol.3" from 1989 on the Viteka-Exit label. The CD includes some other rare PWL tracks, and Volumes 1 and 2 are also worth tracking down.

It took me some time to find these CDs on Ebay but I now discover they can still be bought direct from VitekaMusic at info@vitekamusic.ch.

All three volumes were also available on LP and cassette and it appears these formats had "Maxi Versions" in favour of radio edits. I would be interested to learn more about these if anyone has them.

Title: The Best Of EuroDisco Vol.1
Year: 1987
Catalogue Number: CD 3615
20 Tracks including:
F.L.M. [Album Version] -- Mel & Kim 3.55
I Just Can't Wait [The Cool And Breezy Jazz Version] [Short] -- Mandy 3.46
Get Ready [7"] -- Carol Hitchcock 3.29

Title: The Best Of EuroDisco Vol.2
Year: 1988
Catalogue Number: CD 3634
20 Tracks including:
I Should Be So Lucky -- Kylie Minogue 3:27
Hot Girl [New Version] -- Sabrina 3:27
Toy Boy [Radio Version] -- Sinitta 3:28
Whatever Makes Our Love Grow [7" Version 3] -- Edwin Starr 3:23
(Ain't Nobody Loves You) Like I Do [7"] -- La Toya Jackson 3:52
Pistol In My Pocket -- Lana Pellay 3:24
Positive Reaction -- Mandy 3:27
If It Makes You Feel Good [Short] -- Princess 3:51
Roadblock [Rare Dub - Edit] -- Stock Aitken Waterman 3:35

Title: The Best Of EuroDisco Vol.3
Year: 1989
Catalogue Number: CD 3643
20 Tracks including:
Boys And Girls [7"] -- Mandy 3.40
There She Goes [7"] -- Step By Step 3.14
Cross My Broken Heart [Remix] -- Sinitta 3.42
Let's All Chant [7"] -- Pat & Mick 3.14
In The Middle Of The Night [7"] -- Jon Otis 3.32
Safe In The Arms Of Love [7"] -- Shooting Party 3.38
Rookies Revenge [7"] -- Lou 3.35

WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE 2006
The Radio Sounds Orchestra plays Stock Aitken Waterman
I was intrigued this week to find a 1991 CD Album of SAW instrumental cover versions that no-one seems to have mentioned before. How did it slip through the net? It's a Swiss CD on the Viteka-Exit label and is actually rather good! It's not at all the usual 'sound-a-like' fodder and could be described as almost big band with (shock horror) real-sounding instruments! Of the 16 tracks, you get the obvious covers (Never Gonna Give You Up etc) but more interestingly, a few tracks I've never seen covered before (Tell Tale Signs, Heaven And Earth, and In Another Place And Time). Other standouts include The Heaven I Need and a beautiful arrangement of I Just Can't Wait.

Being cover versions, I know this CD won't be everyone's cup of tea but if you want to hear a fresh take on familar classics I'd thoroughly recommend it. It's far superior to the recent StarTrax SAW karaoke CD or "Power-Disco Special" (if you know that one!)

The CD can still be purchased direct from VitekaMusic although with postage it's quite expensive. For information contact info@vitekamusic.ch

Label: Viteka-Exit Records/Music Association
Country: Switzerland
Year: 1991
Catalogue Number: MA 80021
Tracks: Never Gonna Give You Up / Roadblock / This Time I Know It's For Real / Telltale Signs / Just Don't Have The Heart / Especially For You / The Heaven I Need / I Heard A Romour / F.L.M. / Too Many Broken Hearts / Heaven And Earth / In Another Place And Time / Love In The First Degree / I Just Can't Wait / Another Night / Together Forever
Arranged & Conducted by: Alex Maliszewski

TUESDAY, 27 JUNE 2006
Another blog?
Sort of! I've decided to put on permanent record some of my random thoughts and findings. This definitely won't be a "news" blog so please continue to visit the excellent Mobius site for current news and if you want to comment on anything, I'd suggest Hit Factory Forum.