Skin Trade

Skin Trade is the 15th single from Duran Duran. Released in February 1987, it was the second single from the Notorious album.

The title came from the Dylan Thomas book "Adventures in the Skin Trade".

The single was quite a departure for the band. Not only was Simon LeBon singing in a Prince-style falsetto, but a horn section played a prominent role in the track, as played by The Borneo Horns. Fans obviously didn't know how to take it, and the single stalled in the UK charts at #22.

The band persevered with the single and many aspects of their future take inspiration from "Skin Trade".

They called their publishing company Skin Trade Music Ltd. and the Notorious tour was called the "Strange Behaviour Tour" after a line from "Skin Trade": "Can someone please explain the reason for this strange behaviour".

Likewise, a remix EP and double CD collection of remixes were eventually released also called "Strange Behaviour".

B-side

The b-side to "Skin Trade" was the only original b-side released during the Notorious era. Entitled "We Need You", it was written and recorded in 1986 while the band awaited the return of Andy Taylor for a recording session.

As it stands, it was the first recording to feature just the three remaining members of Duran Duran – Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Simon LeBon.

Track Listing

All release details pertain to the UK only.

7": EMI TRADE 1

1. "Skin Trade [Radio Cut]" (4:26)
2. "We Need You" (2:49)

12": EMI 12 TRADE 1

1. "Skin Trade [Stretch mix]" (7:36)
2. "Skin Trade [Album cut]" (5:58)
3. "We Need You" (2:49)

• Stretch Mix was remixed by famed producer Larry Levan
• These tracks were also released on cassette (TC TRADE 1) in a video style box with the banned bum cover.

CD: Part of "Singles Box Set 1986–1995" boxset

1. "Skin Trade [Radio cut]" (4:25)
2. "We Need You" (2:49)
3. "Skin Trade [Stretch mix]" (7:36)
4. "Skin Trade [Album cut]" (5:58)

Other Mixes

Two further mixes of "Skin Trade" were completed, but not released commercially during the "Skin Trade" release cycle. They appeared on a US promo 12" backed with remixes of "Meet el Presidente". The Parisian Mix was also released on promo-only Master Mixes ep.

The Parisian Mix was finally released commercially first in the UK on the "All She Wants Is" (1989) 3" CD and in the US on the "Come Undone" (1993) CD single.

The S.O.S. Dub still remains commercially unreleased.

• "Skin Trade [Parisian Mix]" (8:10)
• "Skin Trade [S.O.S. Dub]" (7:16)

• Both tracks remixed by Daniel Abraham and edited by Jose "Chep" Nunez for S.O.S. Productions.

Personnel

Duran Duran are:

• Simon Le Bon – Vocals
• John Taylor – Bass
• Nick Rhodes – Keyboards

With:

• Warren Cuccurullo – Guitars
• Andy Taylor – Guitars
• Nile Rodgers – Guitars
• The Borneo Horns – Horns
• Curtis King – Background Vocals
• Brenda White-King – Background Vocals
• Tessa Niles – Background Vocals
• Cindy Mizelle – Background Vocals

Production:

• Nile Rodgers – Producer
• Duran Duran – Producer
• Daniel Abraham – Remixer, Engineer and Mixer
• Larry Levan – Remixer