Black Box - Strike It Up
Printed From: Top 40 Music on CD
Category: Top 40 Music On Compact Disc
Forum Name: Chat Board
Forum Description: Chat away but please observe the chat board rules
URL: https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4751
Printed Date: 04 June 2025 at 1:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Black Box - Strike It Up
Posted By: eriejwg
Subject: Black Box - Strike It Up
Date Posted: 18 March 2009 at 9:57pm
|
Thanks to Ed, I was able to give a listen to the version on the cassette single. I own the remix running 3:34 courtesy of a TM Century Dance collection.
Question is, which had more airplay in 1991, the remix or the version on the cassette single? Was there a vinyl 45 release for this song? |
Replies:
Posted By: Hykker
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 5:47am
| I don't know about a 45, but I have the song on a 12". |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 11:22am
|
There are two promo CD singles for this one, and none of the 11 versions are the same! I have a promo with 8 tracks (2785-2-RDJ), and a different promo with 3 tracks (2799-2-RDJ). My TM Century GoldDisc uses the "Original Remix Radio Edit," which is cut 4 on the first promo. This is the only version my station ever played. The cassingle version is cut 1 on the second promo, so I would suspect it also received airplay.
2785-2-RDJ 1. Dance Radio Edit 2. Dance Mix 3. Raw Mix 4. Original Remix Radio Edit 5. Original Remix 6. Sensitive Mix 7. Instrumental 8. Kerri's Smooth Mix 2799-2-RDJ 1. Radio Mix 2. DJ Lelewell Remix 3. LP Version |
Posted By: eriejwg
Date Posted: 19 March 2009 at 1:32pm
| That's the same remix I have - the Original Remix Radio Edit. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 27 March 2009 at 9:40pm
| Just updated my post above. |
Posted By: edtop40
Date Posted: 14 January 2011 at 5:32pm
|
my commercial cassingle states the version on the sleeve as the "radio mix"...this should be added to the d/b... ------------- edtop40 |
Posted By: budaniel
Date Posted: 15 January 2011 at 6:00pm
| one thing to note about this track, the most popular mix (which I consider the 'original mix') also has two distinctly different versions because the rap in the middle is entirely different. I think maybe the first rap was on the European release and then when the song was released in the U.S., the rap was changed, and that second version is what became a hit over here. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 17 January 2011 at 4:29pm
|
I asked about this in another thread, and nobody seemed to know the answer. I recall hearing somewhere that the original rap was sampled from an acappella track by an unknown artist who received no credit and was not asked for permission to use his vocals. This is what appears on the album version of "Strike It Up." At least some of the remixes not only have a slightly different rap, but a different vocalist, too. Perhaps the change was done when they ran into legal trouble with Loletta Holloway and Martha Wash.
Did the "Dance Radio Edit" ever receive any airplay? |
Posted By: MMathews
Date Posted: 06 September 2012 at 10:51pm
|
Ok
i should have just asked here, i might have saved myself from endless fruitless web pages....I can't believe how many mixes and edits there were for this song, i think they are bottomless. does the cassette single "radio mix" bear any resemblance to any of the available mixes: "Original Remix" <--this was what i generally played when i was a mobile DJ. "LP Version"? "DJ Lelewel Remix"? <-- i did find out this was the UK single, but that doesn't help me, no telling what was on the u.s single. I even went to youtube and there are about 50 versions of the same video (with the model lip-syncing Martha..), but all different lengths and mixes and not one of them matched the time of the u.s. single. to futher confuse me, the online version of the LP "Dreamland" no longer contains a 5:14 version, it now has a 4:59 version that gives no description, but closely resembles the "Original Remix" but edited a little differently, and contains the u.s. hit rap, instead of the higher-voiced alternate rap. But i do have the 5:14 version on "Rock On 1991" on Madacy, but I'm not totally sure what version that is, this cd is not in the database. It does have the higher voiced alternate rap. So anyway, i'm now dizzy and i'll stop typing... help! i'm drowning in mixes.... MM |
Posted By: mainrhythm
Date Posted: 07 September 2012 at 7:49am
|
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1twvncW04fQ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1twvncW04fQ
That is essentially the "radio mix" version on the cassette single. This is not the version my Top 40 played. |
Posted By: MMathews
Date Posted: 07 September 2012 at 4:58pm
|
that you much, mainrhythm... a very big help.
also thanks to Frank, he sent me over a reference mp3 of the the single edit. The mix used is in fact an edit of: the DJ Lelewel Mix. The longer version of this mix is currently available in the digital single. Interestingly tho, like many of the other posters here this is not the mix i heard on the radio back then. The familiar mix to me is like the "original remix" with the pulsing, sax-like synth riff, with familiar guys saying "yeah!"... both of those key elements are missing from the single mix. since Aaron was asking about it, i wonder, is the "Dance Radio Edit" more like the "original remix"? I'm wondering if that's what our stations chose for it. MM [edited to fix spelling!] |
Posted By: musicmanatl
Date Posted: 07 September 2012 at 6:10pm
|
You know, I can't remember which version was played on G105 in Durham, NC (where I lived at that time). I think it was the LP version because, as you said, Mark, I have clear memories of the "pulsing, sax-like synth riff with familiar guys saying, 'yeah!'" (excellent description - I knew exactly what you meant!). That was one of the biggest hooks of the song, and I can't believe that they took that out of the single version.
Frank |
Posted By: mainrhythm
Date Posted: 07 September 2012 at 7:03pm
|
I listened to both promos and I always remember my station playing a
version with a long intro. The Lp version sounds the most like it but the rap from the Original Remix sounds more familiar. So maybe they cued in the Original Remix. But I know they didn't play the Original Remix Radio Edit. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 08 September 2012 at 11:58am
The "Dance Radio Edit" is not even close to the "Original Remix." This is the "Dance Mix" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz8jSTe5WVw), and the "Dance Radio Edit" is a short version of this mix. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
MMathews wrote:Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 08 September 2012 at 12:03pm
The "Original Remix" and "LP Version" are probably closest in terms of mix. They both have the "yeah" and pulsating sax synth riff. This is the LP version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3PXNcWdA_M - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3PXNcWdA_M , and this is the "Original Remix" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKPmhNZsBM - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKPmhNZsBM ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 08 September 2012 at 12:37pm
All these years later, and I discovered the answer to my question. The song sampled on the original album version is "Acid House" by Nelshouse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS3H97908H8 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS3H97908H8 . The 12" has an acapella, which is probably what was used for the sample. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: MMathews
Date Posted: 08 September 2012 at 10:50pm
|
Thanks, Aaron for the extra info.
Yeah, that "dance remix" is the most unfamiliar of the lot, never heard that a-once. The origin of the original LP version's rap is also cool. I recall the first place i heard that was on the Dance Mix USA CD when it came out. My reaction was "huh?" I can only assume that the CHR station in my area must ahve done their own edit of the "Original Remix"..since that's what always sounded like the "the hit" to me. MM |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 08 September 2012 at 11:35pm
What's different about the Original Remix Radio Edit from what you heard on the air? ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: mainrhythm
Date Posted: 09 September 2012 at 5:51am
|
FYI This is the other version on the cassette single:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8wbQRqy4Bw - Hard Core Remix |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 09 September 2012 at 10:43am
Weird! No Martha Wash on this version until the last 20 seconds. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: musicmanatl
Date Posted: 09 September 2012 at 11:37am
|
This information is fascinating. Aaron, thanks for posting the original rap that was stolen for that song. That's unbelievable - but I guess they weren't above stealing for the parts of other records too, right? And the Hard Core Remix is really odd to not have any of Martha's vocals until the fade. Wow.
Frank |
Posted By: Todd Ireland
Date Posted: 14 September 2012 at 7:11pm
| I know I'm joining the party a little late here, but for what it's worth I've never once heard the single version (a.k.a. "Radio Mix") of "Strike It Up" on the radio. As a matter of fact, I remember being bewildered the first time I'd ever heard the single version because it was missing the familiar aforementioned pulsating "synthe-sax" intro with the "Yeah!" and "Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance!" chants. (In my opinion, this is what truly makes the song!) I remember Armed Forces Radio playing what sounded like an edit of the LP version, though I don't readily recall which set of rap verses were featured. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 13 December 2016 at 10:46pm
There's a music video on YouTube posted within the past few months which has a different edit of the "Original Remix" than what's on the US promo CD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv6ypA3EXGw - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv6ypA3EXGw This one has a long intro and the "hit" rap verse, yet it only runs about 3:23. Could this be what some stations played? Just today, I ordered a copy of the German CD single, which has a 3:30 Radio Edit as the lead track. Perhaps this import CD has the version that matches the YouTube video. I'll post my findings when it arrives. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 09 January 2017 at 2:34pm
|
Well, to my surprise and disappointment, the Radio Edit on the German CD single contains an edit of the LP version (not the correct rap). ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 01 October 2018 at 9:00pm
I agree the 3:06 never got played in New York City. The Original Remix Radio Edit 3:31 and the chants are the reason why it was a top 10 hit as well as the intro. I am always amazed when the CD single version never matches the one radio played (Same situation with Back To Life (However Do You Want It) where the 3:30 single pales in comparison to the 3:48 mix that everyone knows and loves. Radio playing 30 seconds of acapella? Makes sense they took the 3:48.) |
Posted By: radiofan16
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 2:47am
|
What version would this be? Sounds like an edit of the Dance Mix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Gz8jSTe5WVw&frags=pl%2Cwn - Black Box-Strike It Up(Rare Remix) Here's the "Radio Mix" that got played on US radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iZSetbzPhQ&frags=pl%2Cwn - Black Box-Strike It Up (Radio Mix) |
Posted By: radiofan16
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 3:21am
|
The version with the original rap appeared on a US promo single CD of the
song. It's track 3 and was done by a guy named Oscar Pabon. Since they didn't get permission to use his rap that they stole, they replaced it with a rapper names Stepz and that's what appears on the majority of the mixes. https://www.discogs.com/Black-Box-Strike-It- Up/release/1490369 - Black Box-Strike It Up (US Promo Single) |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 4:15pm
|
This is the version that was played on the radio in my area....which version is
this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo3kp5BLF6Q |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 6:08pm
|
That's the version I've been trying to track down on CD since 2012! I suppose that could be considered the video edit.
The Original Remix Radio Edit from the promo CD is the same mix, but it's edited differently. The main difference is that that "yeah" chant starts right away, whereas the video doesn't have any vocals until 0:26. There are also some slight editing differences toward the end, too. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 6:10pm
|
Here's the Original Remix Radio Edit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVzp7RQNbY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVzp7RQNbY ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 6:31pm
I prefer the video edit over this one. I wonder why the video edit version was never released on CD? |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 03 October 2018 at 7:02pm
|
I also think the video edit is better, and I'm wondering if it was released on CD. There have been a few claims of people hearing this version on the radio back in '91, but I just can't find a disc that actually contains this mix. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 04 October 2018 at 11:22am
|
Was just listening to SiriusXM radio and they played the Original Remix Radio
Edit version. The yeah yeah chant started at the very beginning. |
Posted By: prisdeej
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 4:51pm
|
Something always sounded wrong when I heard the "original remix radio edit" as a recurrent. Even though it was an officially serviced version on the promo CD, I know the video edit was the
version I heard on the radio years before. Anyone know where this video edit originates? ------------- DJ L. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 5:08pm
|
I'll give you a dollar if you can figure it out, Dave! I've hunted for this
edit on CD numerous times and can't find it. I do not, however, own all of the various import configurations. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 6:19pm
|
I will have to take a closer look at discogs etc to see if we can find it as well as other sources. For all Aaron has done for us board members, its time to help him solve the great mystery of where this is on CD (or as close to it as possible if available at all digitally).
You say its known as "video edit"? Maybe its known by another track/remix/edit name, which is why we can't find it. Just a thought I agree with everyone this is the ONLY version I have ever heard officially on the radio (KTU played this version in the 90's). Remember everyone that the CD single of Soul II Soul's However Do You Want Me in 1989 had a very similar situation. The CD single never got played because it started with 30 seconds of acapella and wasnt radio friendly. Instead the 3:48 radio version is the one we all know and love, the one that got released in the UK and the rest of the world. No one considers the 3:30 anything other than a nice novelty. Same situation here, the single CD version was not played. Todd has it correct, the Yea and Dance, Dance, Dance are what make this version awesome and the reason it went top 10 in the first place! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo3kp5BLF6Q - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo3kp5BLF6Q |
Posted By: smallworld
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 6:35pm
|
It's simply an edit of this, no?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpeBeAu9siw - Strike It Up |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 6:41pm
|
Youtube version runs 3:24.
Here is what seems most likely to be a match. This version has a radio edit that times in at 3:30. https://www.discogs.com/Black-Box-Strike-It-Up/release/209205 - https://www.discogs.com/Black-Box-Strike-It-Up/release/20920 5 Another possibility that its called the Dance Radio Edit which times in at 3:29. Would have to be dubbed off a 12 inch vinyl possibly. https://www.discogs.com/strike-it-up/release/1116793 - https://www.discogs.com/strike-it-up/release/1116793 There's a 3:27 on a French CD comp that might have it called La Mega Dance Party. https://www.discogs.com/la-mega-dance-party-vol-1/release/473265 - https://www.discogs.com/la-mega-dance-party-vol-1/release/47 3265 Based on the video time stamp of 1991, I would venture a guess its on the 12 inch vinyl and its called "Dance Radio Edit" which makes sense. If anyone on the board has the CD promo or the vinyl, feel free to chime in. |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 6:46pm
|
It's not the Original Remix Radio Edit because that appears on the cassette
single and the yeah yeah part starts the song instead of the instrumental. |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 6:47pm
I know read above, its the Dance Edit on the 12 inch vinyl, it matches the time. The sensitive edit and original remix radio edit are entirely different mixes. I think you were confusing the Original Remix Radio Edit, with the import 1991 single which just says "Radio Edit." Hope that clarifies that both edits (Dance Radio Edit and Radio Edit) in the previous posts links appear to be different ones than the US got. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:00pm
Yes, actually, it is! So, where did THAT mix originate? The Dreamland CD (at least the pressings I own) has the original rap verse (different rapper and different lyrics). The length and song structure seems to be about the same as that YT video, though. Funny that the original LP version is literally nowhere to be found on YouTube. EDIT: You can come close to editing the video using that mix, but the fade out is different between the two. Further details are in a later post. Keep reading... :) ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: smallworld
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:03pm
I suspect it's a rights issue. I believe the audio I posted has replaced the original album version on download/streaming services. |
Posted By: smallworld
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:04pm
| Double post |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:05pm
|
PopArchivist, it's actually none of the mixes you mentioned. The Radio
Edit on the German CD single is an edit of the original LP version. Earlier in the thread, I mentioned I bought that CD, and it doesn't have the hit rap verse. The Dance Radio Edit is a totally different mix and sounds nothing like the LP version or the Original Remix. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:06pm
Aaron, I wonder if we can find this 4:58 on CD and recreate the radio edit of the 3:24 version? |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:07pm
What about the 3:27 on the French compilation CD I posted? It matches the 3:24 plus the 3 seconds of dead space that would normally be there. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:08pm
You're probably right, but the mystery remains as to where this mix (or the edit of this mix) was available in 1991 when the song was a hit. Many people claim to have heard it on their local radio stations, so is there a third promo CD single that hasn't yet been documented? In my many times looking for it, I've only ever found the two promo CDs that are listed early on in this thread. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:15pm
This German CD of Dreamland appears to have the 5:03, not the 5:15. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Box-Dreamland-CD-1990-Deconst ruction-PD-74572-Made-In-Germany/291843727138?hash=item43f33 ddf22:g:NRkAAOSwV0RXrPsO:rk:48:pf:0 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Box-Dreamland-CD-1990-Deconst ruction-PD-74572-Made-In-Germany/291843727138?hash=item43f33 ddf22:g:NRkAAOSwV0RXrPsO:rk:48:pf:0 |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:24pm
I don't think anybody has suggested its the Strike It Up (D.J. Lelewel Mix). Aaron is this it? https://www.discogs.com/strike-it-up-remixed/release/200936 The notes suggest track 1 is an edit of the 5:03. Okay after listening on youtube, its not it. Urgh! |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:36pm
|
Nope, the DJ Lelewel mix was used to create the Radio Mix on the 3-
track promo if I'm not mistaken. Totally different mix. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:39pm
Yes, I've already created the video edit, and it can be done without needing the 4:58 version from the YouTube video (aka digital LP version). Almost all of this mix comes from the Original Remix. Only the opening synth note has to be taken from the original LP version. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 7:42pm
|
My search for the edit on CD is really all about verifying where it comes
from and how CHR stations played it in 1991. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: eriejwg
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 8:04pm
|
Has anyone thought of reaching out to the people posting
the videos? They may have some answers if they are devout fans of Black Box. ------------- John Gallagher Erie, PA https://www.johngallagher.com" rel="nofollow - John Gallagher Wedding & Special Event Entertainment / Snapblast Photo Booth |
Posted By: prisdeej
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 8:05pm
Yes, that's it, it has the opening synth note, same as the video edit. It looks like the video edit can be made with all the digital sources available. The question remains, how was this edit available for radio airplay in 1991? ------------- DJ L. |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 8:06pm
|
Amazon has it on digital...the 4:58 version to recreate the video
version...couldn't find it on iTunes... https://www.amazon.com/Strike-It-Up/dp/B002XTOIZ4/ref=sr_1_1 ? ie=UTF8&qid=1548731050&sr=8-1&keywords=strike+it+up+black+bo x |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 8:42pm
| Aaron, do you have the edit points to recreate the video edit version? |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 8:53pm
|
I don't know offhand what they are. I typically don't keep notes on edit
points, because I don't use them myself to create edits. I simply line up both sources in the multi-tracker and match them up exactly. I'm tempted to buy the Mixed Up compilation that came out in late 1991. It has a 5:03 version labeled Original Remix. It's likely the digital LP uses this version. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 9:00pm
| I have 2 of the edits down so far..... |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 28 January 2019 at 9:14pm
|
Got it! The video version has 3 edits. My copy runs 3:25 with 2 seconds of
air...I could delete it and get the 3:23 from the video. The edits are really easy. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 29 January 2019 at 6:44am
|
smallworld messaged me to say that the digital LP version is different
than what's on Mixed Up. The comp has yet another edit of the Original Remix that begins with the "yeah" chant instead of an instrumental intro. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 29 January 2019 at 7:42am
Which source did you start with? The 4:58 version on Amazon (the new digital LP version) cannot be used as the only source to create the video edit. You can come very close, but the fade out is different between the two. For the video edit, they used the segment of the Original Remix that occurs between 4:27 and 4:43. The 4:58 digital LP version uses the actual fade out of the Original Remix, which is the segment from 5:40 to the end of the song at 5:57. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: Ron S
Date Posted: 29 January 2019 at 1:15pm
Yes, I used the version on Amazon for it. I thought for sure I had it correct. Thanks for the correction... |
Posted By: PopArchivist
Date Posted: 03 March 2019 at 9:26pm
| How is your restoration of the Video Version single going Ron S? |
Posted By: Loveland
Date Posted: 14 May 2019 at 9:04pm
|
Hey guys,
I read some of the replies, but I would admit that I did not read all four pages - much too heavy! Black Box founded their own label Groove Groove Melody in Italy. All of their Italian releases were released via Discomagic. They were signed to different labels around the world, but deconstruction / RCA Records signed them to the biggest markets: The U.K., the U.S., all of the Americas, Japan, and Oceania. They were signed to Polydor Records in certain European territories (including Germany) and Airplay Records in France. Black Box's single versions varied somewhat, depending on the which label released them. For the most part, all releases on deconstruction / RCA were pretty much the same. Black Box's singles outside the U.S. were: Ride On Time; I Don't Know Anybody Else; Everybody Everybody; Fantasy; The Total Mix; Strike It Up; Open Your Eyes. In the U.S.: I Don't Know Anybody Else; Everybody Everybody; Strike It Up; Fantasy; Ride On Time; Open Your Eyes. Without a question, the official single version of "Strike It Up" is the 'DJ Lelewel Radio Mix', clocking at 3:25: this is the mix utilized on the official music video. This mix was remixed by Daniele "DJ Lelewel' Davoli (one third of Black Box). This mix is similar to the 'Le Freak Mix' of "Everybody Everybody". For the remix, the song was completely redone and it also featured a brand-new rap, written and performed by Stepz. Black Box did this so they wouldn't have to pay royalties to the copyright holders of "My House". The rap verse found on the 'LP Version' originally included an unauthorized sample of Nelson "FFWD" Cruz feat. Oscar Pabone's "My House". The unauthorized samples were later cleared and remain on all copies of "Dreamland". For whatever reason, RCA Records U.S. hired Eric "Moe" Rosenberg to edit the 'DJ Lelewel Radio Mix' (3:25). His mix became known in the U.S. as the 'Radio Mix'. All he did was edit the mix down to 3:06. That's it. Talk about useless. Nevermind that RCA Records still serviced the music video that featured the DJ Lelewel Radio Mix (3:25). Regardless, this is the hit single version. That being said, I noticed that by 1992, 1993, all radio stations that originally played the single version were playing the LP Version... my guess is that it was the only version they could find, after they got rid of their promo CDs. But here's the weirdest thing yet: The DJ Lelewel Mix has yet to appear on a Black Box album / compilation. There have been a million different Black Box compilations released around the world: NONE of them include the DJ Lelewel Mix. That is mind boggling! In order to get the mix, you HAVE to buy the U.K. CD Maxi Single. I truly believe that is the reason why most people have forgotten about the DJ Lelewel Mix: It's as if it has been erased form history. The remix that is widely available is the one dubbed "Original Remix": I believe it's called as such because, music wise, it's the same mix as the 'LP Version" (hence 'Original') except that it replaces the sampled Oscar Pabone rap with the brand-new rap verse by Stepz from the remix (hence 'Remix'). Believe me, this is the ORIGINAL music video, set to the DJ Lelewel Radio Mix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CemlrKvnUpI - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CemlrKvnUpI All the other music videos that you find online have simply being redubbed, they are NOT the original music video. And here's their Top Of The Pops performance... same mix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2pSD-uiYU - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2pSD-uiYU |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 14 May 2019 at 9:55pm
|
The "Radio Mix" (aka edit of DJ Lelewel Radio Mix) is definitely the version that appears on the US cassette single and is considered to be the official single version here (in the US). The odd thing is that I never once in my entire life heard this version on any radio station, and others have said the same thing. The only versions that I'm 100% positive were played on the air are the LP Version and the Original Remix Radio Edit.
I'd still love to know where the video edit of the Original Remix comes from. It seems like this is a legit edit and not dubbed over or fan-made. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: Loveland
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 6:43am
Which town did you leave in at the time? The nation's biggest markets definitely played the single version: Miami, New York, L.A., Chicago... MTV and VH-1 played the official music video. I was surprised back then that VH1 was playing Black Box and C+C Music Factory. Obviously, we'll never know 100%, but I'm 99.9% sure that all the videos are fan-made video re-edits. Speaking of, I received a PM from "smallworld", and I hope it's OK with him if I respond here, as I wanted to share my answer: Apparently the first video I provided is restricted in some territories. Try this one, this is the official video, the quality isn't great and the first few seconds are missing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_eZCtKNVcE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_eZCtKNVcE The DJ Lelewel Radio Mix is easily recognizable: It starts with Martha Wash singing 'Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh...", and an organ is featured predominantly throughout the song; the tempo is slower and very similar to the Le Freak Mix of Everybody Everybody. The second video, their TOTP performance, has been blocked by YouTube. smallword sent me two links, the second one is simply a live performance by Martha Wash. But the first one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c8EqewfCxA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c8EqewfCxA That one hurts. That comes the closest, but sadly that is re-dub made by Black Box themselves. That is set to the DJ Lelewel 2018 Revamp. Ov vey! I hope the first link works for you. This is a contemporary review of their "Mixed Up!" album:
I'm Black Box biggest stan. Ha ha. If you have any questions about all of their other singles, feel free to ask me. :) |
Posted By: smallworld
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 7:27am
The Original Remix Edit video is an upload on the same YouTube channel ("BlackBoxHouse") as the Revamp Edit video. The Facebook page of the same name claims to be official. It wouldn't surprise me if the Origial Remix Edit video was put together by Black Box themselves. The videos that are blocked for me have been done so on the request of INgrooves, which is apparently based out of San Francisco. Perhaps the re-edit videos have been done for territories where the true mix edit is blocked. |
Posted By: Loveland
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 7:32am
Yes, Black Box has re-edited all of their videos themselves. The worst offender is the one for Ride On Time. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 8:25am
|
If the "original remix" video edit was re-edited years later, I have to say it's a really well done edit and better than the "Original Remix Radio Edit" that appears on the promo CD.
The thing that is odd is how more than one person has said they remember hearing this edit back in the day on CHR radio. I lived in a small town in northern Michigan when the song was a hit, and I wasn't anywhere near the major markets. TM Century never serviced the "Radio Mix." They only serviced the "Original Remix Radio Edit." I know it's a lot of pages to sift through, but mainrhythm, Mark Mathews, Frank (musicmanatl), Todd Ireland, PopArchivist (who listened to NYC radio), Ron S, and prisdeej, ALL said that they heard a mix/edit similar to the LP version or Original Remix and not the "Radio Mix." In fact, you're the first person who has said that you recall hearing the "Radio Mix" in several US markets. That's eight of us who never recall hearing the "Radio Mix," which leads me to believe that markets airing this mix were likely in the minority. mainrhythm also said "I listened to both promos and I always remember my station playing a version with a long intro. The Lp version sounds the most like it but the rap from the Original Remix sounds more familiar. So maybe they cued in the Original Remix. But I know they didn't play the Original Remix Radio Edit." ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: Loveland
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 9:04am
Aaron, are you familiar with The Mandela Effect? I truly believe this is what's happening here. |
Posted By: aaronk
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 9:48am
Perhaps, but I can say that personally I had never heard the DJ Lelewel remix (including the "Radio Mix") at all until the mid-2000s when I started collecting more extensively. That mix was completely unfamiliar to me. ------------- Aaron Kannowski http://www.uptownsound.com" rel="nofollow - Uptown Sound http://www.919thepeak.com" rel="nofollow - 91.9 The Peak - Classic Hip Hop |
Posted By: prisdeej
Date Posted: 15 May 2019 at 7:40pm
|
Hi all,
Not that I want to ruffle the feathers of any board member, I read more than I post because I have health issues which limit me from being active. In 1990 Providence was a 2 Top 40 market. WPRO-FM & WWKX. WFHN on the fringe in New Bedford. Around 1998-2000 WFHN was still a heavy recurrent station, spinning cuts from the prior 10 years. Around that time I heard them spin the "Original Remix Radio Edit", and something jumped at me which felt very strange -- that intro. It just sounded wrong, it really changed the feeling of which I heard a number of times on the other two stations. I heard the Video Edit more than once on WWKX between 1995-1997 and quite possibly on WPRO-FM as well. Wish I kept in contact with those folks, I'd ask them to pull the CD. Hope this helps. ------------- DJ L. |