Candy Flip – Strawberry Fields Forever

Oddly enough the b-sides have aged way better than the single itself.

For the few collectors out there, I do not believe Candyflip ever released the DMC 7" UK Remix of Strawberry Fields Forever. The 12" mix is everywhere. If DMC made a 12"mix, a 7"mix must exist too right?

I was in Europe staying at a youth hostel when this video came on the tv. I was in a bit of a daze as it was breakfast time, which consisted of a roll, a piece of butter, and a glass of room temperature milk. My friend and I had only arrived the night before. I was immediately drawn to it. I loved the beat, the tone, and the feel of the song. 1990 was a great time to be in the UK, even if I didn't know it at the time. It was only later that I realized it was a Beatles cover, which is why it was so familiar. If you are a Beatles enthusiast, you will probably hate it. If not, this version captures the London club scene of the early 90's. P.S. - The US Cd Single came with 3 versions and two b-side songs. I still own it today.

I don't recall how or where I heard this version of "Strawberry Fields Forever". I'm sure it wasn't on the radio. I was probably one of a half-dozen people in my city to even know about this song and buy it. I was in college and there was all this great music, mostly UK imports, filling up the indie record shops near campus. This was just one of the hundreds. I think it had a sticker saying it was a big hit in England. I took a chance on it and loved it.

Oh, it's an abomination, almost a parody of both the original song and the UK indie dance scene whence this new version came. I think I sensed this vague inauthenticity at the time, but I was so f'ing sick of the posturing and anti-dance attitude of the American rock'n'roll scene. Listening to this song was a secret F.U. to all their bullcrap, as well as a guilty pleasure. Plus it is just a lot more enjoyable, as a pop song, than the original.

Can't say it's exactly on heavy rotation now, but it was the right sound for that moment in time, Funky Drummer beat and all.

With the exception of the dreamy Balearic/sleaze cut "Aqua Libra", the rest of the tracks on the single are total turkeys, so I can only rate it 3 out of 5.

Too bad this tune found its way to commercial airplay and was beaten to death by popsters. A great example of, what to call it? The Manchester Sound? Indie? Whatever it is, it is smoking.