99 Red balloons/99 Luftballons

I remember severals radio stations in New York in the 80's(probably Z100 and WPLJ) playing a version of 99 Red Balloons and 99 Luftballoons which was a mixture of both the German and English versions. Does this exist anywhere on CD or even on vinyl? Was this a special promo piece or something that was done in-house at the radio station. (Each station played the exact same edit).

Anyone know what I am talking about.

-Fetta

Edited by Fetta

I remember hearing the mixed language version on KDWB in Minneapolis. Only heard it a few times, but it did make an impression.

Actually, I still encounter the mixed language version of this tune during the course of my work (music researcher for Mediabase 24/7). There is a station or two out there that uses that version. There was also a mixed language version of the Peter Schilling "Major Tom" tune that was out at the same time (I think that was from the 12")

Fetta wrote: I remember severals radio stations in New York in the 80's(probably Z100 and WPLJ) playing a version of 99 Red Balloons and 99 Luftballoons which was a mixture of both the German and English versions. Does this exist anywhere on CD or even on vinyl? Was this a special promo piece or something that was done in-house at the radio station. (Each station played the exact same edit). -Fetta

I've been VERY lucky to be on the "inside" of Top 40 radio since the late 70's. Program Directors, Music Directors, etc. move around frequently, but almost ALWAYS keep in touch with their favorite ex-co-workers, even many years later, as friends. I only bring this up because these friendships OFTEN result in these custom, in-house versions (and you're right, Z100 & WPLJ is where many (if not MOST of them) originate from.) Sometimes, our PD or MD would walk over to me (the 80's was this trick's "heyday.") with a reel-to-reel tape, of "uncertain" origin, and ask me if I'd cart it up, put it in the main studio, and replace our "old" version with "this new" mix. Later, they'd come clean, and tell me an old buddy now in NYC sent it to 'em. Another similar example: my station played a Prince version of "Batdance" (still have a cassette dub!) that was 75% Adam West, Burt Ward & Cesar Romero, and included only about 25% of the actual '89 Prince 45. Came from NYC! Just because different stations play a similar "in-house" edit, it doesn't NECESSARILY mean it came out as a legitimate label release that way. Could be "The Friends' Network!" Last point: If I heard an in-house mix on Z100 I that wanted tomorrow, our MD is also a 2-year + weekender there. Also, a VERY good ex-co-worker/friend of mine is a HUGE bigwig within Z100's corporate chain. I could get it from EITHER of them in minutes - all I have to do is ask. And that's how it works.

Edited by jimct

Brian, I respond to you, despite the fact that Grant may correctly allege I am making no sense!

There are 2 stock 45s here, both Epic 04108: 99 Luftballons (ZSS-171373-1A)/99 Red Ballons (ZSS-171443-1B). That is by FAR the most common commercial 45. The one I believe you just found DID also come out right around the same time as the first one: 99 Luftballons (ZSS-171373-1C)/Just A Dream (ZSS-171374-1D)(listed time 3:31; actually 3:29.) Logically, it would seem that the first 45, with deadwax ending in "A" & "B", came out BEFORE the second one, with deadwax ending in "C" & "D". I believe, for a moment or two, Epic thought the foreign version had "won out" as the undisputed U.S. "hit" version. On that premise, if "Just A Dream" was the flip, novice music fans would now easily know what side their "hit" was on (there was some consumer confusion), instead of the "bother" of having to sample both sides to find what they'd been hearing. But the brakes got put on that pretty quick by THREE things: 1-The in-house "German/English" mixes made the English version "of interest" again. 2-Also, I can confirm there were probably 20% of U.S. Top 40 stations that bypassed the German version ENTIRELY, and played NOTHING but the English-only version. (My station almost always "followed the pack", but on this one, we didn't; we never played the German version.) And, 3-Epic was now thinking follow-up. Europe favored the slow ballad, "Let Me Be Your Pirate", but Epic U.S. believed more in the Blondie-ish, up-tempo "Just A Dream." Why put the follow-up on back of 99 Luftballons? Who'll buy it then? So, some got out, but they ultimately went back to "Plan A." I also have 2 different promo 45s for "99 Luftballons". One is exactly like the first stock copy I described, on both sides. The other has "99 Luftballons" on BOTH sides; no "99 Red Ballons" appears at all. Finally, "Just A Dream", in it's "A-side" release (Epic 04440)(ZSS-171692-1A)(listed and actual time 3:29) bubbled under at #102 on 5/5/84. Stock flip was "Rette Mich" (ZSS-171693-1B, listed time 3:17.)   Whew!        


Edited by jimct