Search - Information Society :: What's on Your Mind

What?s on my mind? Playing this over and over, that?s what!

J. Derek Reardon | KC, MO, USA | 05/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have ever heard and liked "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" by Information Society, it is an absolute requirement that you own this remix single. The song by itself is brilliant, but these remixes surpass brilliance to awe-inspiring joy for anyone who loves to listen and dance to great electronic music. This is one of the rare instances where I am proud to say that I own the original LP, cassette, and CD versions of this song, as well as this version of the CD that was released later due to huge demand (tracks are the same, but the cover is different). Buying this CD is sure to be worth every penny and much more for InSoc and dance fans. The 8 minute Club Mix starts us off with what you have probably heard at your local clubs. The song is still pretty much intact, but has some bonus beats, slammin' orchestration, and awesome remixing that commands everyone to dance. The 54 Mix clocks in at slightly over 6 minutes, and it is slightly disappointing as a severely pared down version of the Club Mix orchestrally and vocally. It almost has a freestyle beat to it, but that's almost all the song has -- the beat. But this minimalist version certainly does have its moments, especially toward the end. The Percapella is one of those cool musical innovations of the 80s where the song is nothing more than the percussion and the vocals. That might sound a bit shallow (especially without the bass), but you'll end up hearing things you never heard before that are exciting. At slightly over 4 minutes, it's worth a listen. At 4:33, the Pure Energy Mix is probably what you blared out your car stereo speakers when it came on your favorite radio station, especially with the "Destruction" and "Pure Energy" samples and electronic guitar in the bridge. Historically, I have never been very fond of dub mixes. However, the over 6 minute What's on Your Dub Mix is one of the few exceptions (which are held primarily by InSoc). The additional orchestration behind the vocals is simply awesome, and the overall construction is perfect and never misses a beat -- nor will you on the dance floor! The bridge beats are especially slammin', and the ending will blow you away! These remixes are simply amazing and are a permanent part of my life. This is what confirmed my love of remixes, of dance electronica, of wanting to go clubbing! While remixing and dance electronica have definitely changed, and my desire to go clubbing has lessened, I still love to pop in this CD frequently and dance all over my office to relieve stress and relive those glory days! A rare strong 5 star rating for a remix single CD, which easily falls in my top 50 releases of all time. If you love to dance, if you enjoy InSoc, if you recall "What's on Your Mind" with fond nostalgia, get this release... now! This release comes with some of my strongest recommendations for those who appreciate late 80s/early 90s electronica. And here's a bonus recommendation. InSoc also released "Walking Away" and "Lay All Your Love on Me" as remix singles from their debut album. If you loved the "What's on Your Mind" remixes, do everything in your power to find these rarities! Oh. My. God! Every remix of "Walking Away" is brilliant, especially in the way they introduce new samples and the way the samples are structured and manipulated. Executed by mixing genius extraordinaire Shep Pettibone, these slamming dance floor tracks feature the Space Age Mix, Dub, SMD Mix, House Dub and Radio Version, as well as a bonus "Make it Funkier" Boot It Up Vocal. With over 34 minutes of mixes, every second of the "Walking Away" single is pure dancing enthrallment and is worth every penny! Taking on a slightly harsher and minor tone from the original, the "Lay All Your Love on Me" single slams equally well. The introduction of new samples and orchestrations totally throw your body out onto the dance floor. Mixes include the Justin Strauss Remix, Restricted Remix, Prohibited Dub, Radio Hot Mix, and Phil Harding Metal Mega Mix (one of my favorite mixes of any song ever!), as well as a bonus "Funky at 45" Vocal. InSoc really takes ownership of this Abba classic in these remixes (clocking in at over 33 minutes). If you find either of these, buy them! Buy, buy, buy! Then dance, dance, DANCE!"

One of the best dance songs of all time

kip | 07/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love to dance and love synth pop, this is THE song to get. A driving beat combined with a powerful tune, forceful lyrics, and even Leonard Nimoy samples makes this into one of the ultimate dance classics. All this from INSOC (Information Society), one of the absolute best synth groups. All their albums are great and well worth getting."