It’s proven one of the most enduring songs of the 1980’s and now Paul Hardcastle’s 19 is back to celebrate its 30th anniversary and raise cash for veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Famed for its ‘N-N-N-N-Nineteen’ line about the average age of a combat soldier in Vietnam, the song reached No.1 in 13 different countries when originally released in 1985 and went on to sell six million copies.
Hardcastle has announced the release of a special edition album featuring 14 mixes of the iconic track in one package – including his original demo recorded in his mum’s front room and a brand new, “hard-hitting remix”.
Available on double vinyl, CD and digital, 19 The 30th Anniversary Collection will be available on May 19th.
Hardcastle said: “When I first played it to Chrysalis Records they honestly looked at me like I’d gone mad and told me radio would never play it. But it’s just as well they took a chance as four weeks later it was No.1 across the world.
“Over the years I’ve had so many people ask for all the original versions to be released – so I have pulled together all 14 remixes of 19 in one album. The three original tracks have been remastered.
“Some are in a chilled vibe which I never thought would work but actually do. For you 80s people out there, the album includes a new electro version and also a Cryogenic Freeze Mix which I think is my all-time favourite. Also I have mixed the legendary Marvin Gaye classic ‘What’s Going On’ with ‘19’ which worked out brilliantly.
“I’ve included the original demo version that I still had on cassette tape – remember cassettes? This was the version I recorded in Leytonstone in late 1984. I actually convinced my mum that she didn’t need her front room anymore and that the TV worked better in the kitchen. You can hear the nucleus of the track forming which actually got me the record deal.”
TRACK LISTING
1.Destruction Mix (remastered)
2.19 PTSD Mix
3.History Keeps Repeating Itself
4.19 Cryogenic Freeze Remix
5.19 Inner Changes Mix
6.Electronica Dark Remix
7.19 Original (remastered)
8.19 The Vision
9.19 Welcome To Hell Remix
10.19 NUA Remix (feat. Marvin Gaye)
11.19 The Rage Remix
12.19 The Final Story (remastered)
13.19 Jim Pavloff Edit
14.19 The Original Demo