"Iko Iko" Belle Stars

I noticed that the two CDs containing this song (the "Rain Man" soundtrack and the "Then '80s" CD) have different mixes, which I don't think anyone's pointed out before. It's especially apparent in the intro. If you cut off the 1st 1.5 seconds of the "Rain Man" intro, that's where the "Then '80s" intro starts -- except the "boingy" sound that begins the "Then '80s" intro has no click-sounding percussion underneath, while "Rain Man" has the boingy sound WITH a click-sounding percussion. Also, there seems to be some different percussion on the "Then" CD -- while the "Rain Man" version has much more stereo separation of instruments (particularly drums). The "Then" seems almost mono (but it's not.) Also, around 2:17 the versions totally diverge from each other. On "Rain Man", it just repeats the tag line over and over while the "Then" version has another chorus ("Talking 'bout Hey now, hey now..."

I know the "Then" CD series claims all are "original 45 versions" but in some cases it's not true (e.g. Get Wet's "Just So Lonely"). So is the "Then" version truly the 45 version and was it this mono-ish? Also, this was a hit in the UK in '82, but a hit here in '89. So maybe -- is there an '82 mix and an '89 mix?

If anyone can shoot an mp3 my way of the 45, I can help to figure out what version is what.

This was a #14 hit --I'm surprised nobody on this board caught it (or at least mentioned it on the board). :)

Seems like we're always unearthing something new. I hope this turns out to be a single mix.

Paul, is the 45 version the same as the album version?

So does anyone know what version is on "Then 5"? Is it a 12" remix? an unreleased alternate mix?

Jim recently sent me a copy of the "7-inch Mix" for review, which is contained on the 12" vinyl single. I'm guessing this mix was not actually included on the 7" single, because it's totally different with a hip-hop beat behind it. The rhythm track uses samples from Rob Base's hit "It Takes Two."

And one more thought ... was there a Belle Stars LP with this song (either in '89 or '82)? Maybe the "Rain Man" LP has one mix (that became the hit) but the Belle Stars LP has another mix??