Propaganda - Duel (ZTT)

Last time I reviewed the singles I had to write about "The Nine Lives Of Dr Mabuse" by this new German group Propaganda: it made Single Of The Fortnight and proved to one of the best records of last year. Now they're back, this time with the greatest song ever made. Well, maybe not ever; but it's the best today even though tomorrow I might change my mind. A 'concept', "Duel" has a dark and light, happy and sad, good and evil side: side two. "Jewel", is the same song given a well mad techno-punk treatment. ZTT describe them as 'Abba in Hell' - therefore "Duel" must be Abba in Heaven. Single Of The Fortnight. (Peter Martin, Smash Hits, April 11, 1985)

Since their brilliant debut single "Dr Mabuse" nearly a year ago, Propaganda have had to wait in the shadows while ZTT pushed Frankie's success to the limits. But it sounds like the wait has done them good. "Duel" is a superbly-crafted song with a melody line that Abba would have been proud of, but containing references to `screaming' and 'bleeding' that give the song an atmosphere of unease. On the flipside there's "Jewel", a punky-thrash version of "Duel", which highlights the understated intensity of the A-side. Single of the week. (Stuart Husband, No 1, April 20, 1985)

They look complete and utter wankers in their photos. I think the whole thing is pointless and horrible. It's not exciting, challenging or beautiful. (Green Gartside [Scritti Politti], Record Mirror, April 27, 1985)

Propaganda - Dr Mabuse (ZTT)

While a lot of music seems to be taking the soft option these days, ZTT come up with an ideal successor to their last release Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax". "Dr Mabuse" is bold, striking, exciting and totally enjoyable. It's all about "selling your soul" with lots of Germanic voices sounding mysterious over a dynamic Kraftwerk style driving rhythm. Trevor Horn's production gives it an epic quality, while the German group shroud the whole thing in drama and mystery. Totally over the top, it deserves to be Single Of The Fortnight. (Peter Martin, Smash Hits, March 15, 1984)

This record is simply monstrous. ZTT's follow-up to Frankie's "Relax" proves that their ambition knows no bounds. 'Sell him your soul' chant the voices of Propaganda like Abba in hell. Behind the chorus Trevor Horn organizes a wall of sound that is pure drama from start to finish. ZTT know how to command and love to tempt. If your soul remains intact at the end of this extravaganza, you still don't know how to relax. (Mark Cooper, No 1, March 10, 1984)