Neha Patil (Editor)

Crushed by the Wheels of Industry

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Released
  
1983

Genre
  
Synthpop, new wave

Format
  
7" single, 12" single

Length
  
3:43

B-side
  
Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Part II)

Label
  
Virgin Records, Arista Records, PolyGram Inc.

"Crushed by the Wheels of Industry" is the last single of 1983 from synthpop trio Heaven 17 which appeared on the album The Luxury Gap. It was written by all three members. The single was released in late 1983 and peaked at (fittingly) #17 in the UK, spending 7 weeks on the chart. This would be the band's last top 20 hit in the UK singles chart until 1992 which saw the release of "Temptation (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)".

Contents

Formats

7" Single
  1. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Part I)" - 3:43
  2. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Part II)" - 3:15
12" Single
  1. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Parts I & II - Uninterrupted single version)" - 6:58
  2. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Album version)" - 5:55
  3. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Extended dance version)" - 6:21
12" Single (America only)
  1. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Industrial Mix)" - 6:54
  2. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Album version)" - 5:51
  3. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (Dub version)" - 6:17
12" Single (Canada only)
  1. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (The Industrial version)" - 6:52
  2. "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry (The Extended dance version)" - 6:20

Critical reception

Tom Hilbert for Smash Hits wrote "Highly entertaining pop funk with sardonic 'woo-woos' and a cynical jab at society in general. Witty dance music with gormless backing chants and a piano that is everything that Shakatak isn't."

Number One magazine wrote "Thankfully Heaven 77 have finally clicked and make dance records that you can actually dance to (unlike 'Penthouse And Pavement'). Now their stylish sound is pure nourishment for the feet, as well as for the head and heart."

Paul Simper for Number One magazine wrote "The threesome did work pretty hard at getting a hit before with fine dance records like "Penthouse And Pavement" and "Play To Win"; "Crushed By The Wheels" is along similar lines and though still less than great it's easily the best of the three they've made as popstars."

  • The song appears in the 1984 film, Electric Dreams.

    • Personnel

  • Producer - British Electric Foundation
  • Producer and engineer - Greg Walsh

    • References

    Crushed by the Wheels of Industry Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA