KRAFTWERK
TOUR DE FRANCE
(ORIGINAL FRANCOIS KEVORKIAN 12" REMIX)
(1984 KLING KANG ANALOG 12" VERSION)
(1984 KLING KANG ANALOG 12" VERSION)
(2003 TOUR DE FRANCE SOUNDTRACKS VERSION)
Tour de France by electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk was first issued in June 1983, peaking at #22 in the UK singles chart. It is notable for the use of sampled voices and mechanical sounds associated with cycling that were used to supplement a simple electro-percussion pattern.
Tour de France by electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk was first issued in June 1983, peaking at #22 in the UK singles chart. It is notable for the use of sampled voices and mechanical sounds associated with cycling that were used to supplement a simple electro-percussion pattern. Tour de France has the most complicated set of variants of any Kraftwerk song, having been variously edited and remixed to the point that there is no completely definitive version.
The track was originally recorded with the intention of being included on the subsequently abandoned Techno Pop album. The single was originally released on seven and twelve inch vinyl, and as a cassette-single.
The sleeve for Tour de France depicted the band on racing style bicycles in an aerodynamic chain formation typical in cycle racing, superimposed across an angled representation of the French national flag. The design was adapted from an image that had appeared on a 1953 Hungarian postage stamp, one of a sport-themed set commemorating the opening the Népstadion (People's Stadium) in Budapest.
In 1983 another version of Tour de France was recorded by a US group called 10 Speed. I haven't heard this but if anyone else could shed some light on this remake, that would be great!!!
3 comments:
Thanks so much! I love your blog - especially all the info you share about the singles. It's great.
thanks again!!!
AFAIK, the 10-Speed cover is commonly referenced as the one featured in the Breakdance movie OST, but I've always found that doubtful (I didn't want to spoil the wise info you're sharing here with hoaxes ;))
DvN
10-Speed's version was released in the US on Quality records. Their version is spot on, sounding exactly like Kraftwerk's. There was a vocal 12" mix and a full instrumental mix.there is a slight analog difference though.
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