Manipulator

Alternate Versions

Single Version
Only available on vinyl, on 7" and 12" (a cassette single also exists, but is very rare). The result of a one-off collaboration with Steve Strange (of Visage), this is a great track that deserves a CD release. Pity they didn't work together again! From the pounding drum intro to the closing saxophone solo, this is a classy piece of music. Roger's voice was rarely better suited to a track, and the guitar has a nice harsh edge to it. One of my personal favourite Cross tracks, and certainly one of the more essential non-album releases. Time 3:55

Extended Version
On the 12" and cassette single only. The word "Extended" is a bit misleading here, as only around ten seconds is added. One extra guitar burst at the very beginning. Nice, but not worth paying the extra for if you already have the 7". Time 4:10

Live Version, Montreax 1988
Quite rare live, this has a much rougher feel to it than the studio version. And while the vocals are basically unchanged, they are emphasised differently. I think this version takes on a darker feel as a result, with a harder edge to it. The sax is much less noticeable too. Hard to describe really, and of course it could just be the result of a dodgy microphone.