THIS TAINTED LIFE ...

Soft Cell, and especially Marc Almond, came to view their biggest hit, «Tainted Love» from 1981, as an albatross ... or you could say: a monster.
Who can blame them? «Tainted Love» is one of the biggest hits ever, and the reason Soft Cell is now refeard to as a «one hit band». Well, the are NOT a one-hit-wonder!

«Tainted Love» was composed by Ed Cobb and originally recorded in 1964 by Gloria Jones. But it is Soft Cell`s version everyone knows today.

From the single «Tainted Love» to the debut album «Non Stop Erotic Cabaret» Soft Cell had a string of hits. Much to the record labels surprise i might add.

Then they released the EP «Non Stop Ecstatic Dancing» which is often referd to as «the first ecstasy-record» ... Well, i won´t argue about that. The record is fueld with drugs and tales inspired by the nightlife and hedonism of New York.

There are numerous versions of «Tainted Love» around. Some good and some tragic ...

I´d like to share two of them. First up is Coil and their version from 1985. And second is a version by Impedance from 1989.

COIL «TAINTED LOVE»




IMPEDANCE «TAINTED LOVE»




EYE CANDY
Coil's cover and subsequent video of «Tainted Love» was their reaction to the aids epidemic of the era, mid-to-late 1980's. Marc Almond, of Soft Cell, play the role of the angel of death in the video.
The video was initially banned and dubbed obscene, but was later placed in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.
All profits from the sale of this release were donated to the Terrence Higgins Trust aids charity.

COIL «TAINTED LOVE»