"Sub-culture" is the tenth single by English rock band New Order. It was released as the second and final single from their third studio album, Low-Life (1985) on 28 October 1985 by Factory Records.
Contents
Release
The single release, remixed by John Robie, is a drastic departure from the album version of the track. Robie's 12" and 7" single mixes feature more club-oriented, electronic instrumentation and prominent soulful female backing vocals.
The B-side is an instrumental remix titled "Dub-vulture". An alternate seven-inch edit of the Robie remix taken from the Benelux version of the "Sub-culture" single appears on the group's 1987 compilation, Substance. This version also appears on the US 12" alongside the longer mixes.
A collection of Razormaid remixes of the track were released in 1986, which include additional vocals by Deborah Iyall of Romeo Void.
Artwork
"Sub-culture" has only a regular black sleeve. A long-standing rumour held that graphic designer Peter Saville reportedly deemed the mix of the song unworthy of his talents, with Saville's input present only in a P/S/A (Peter Saville Associates) credit for typography.
However this rumour was debunked in 2017 when Saville stated, "I never had the authority to say that there shouldn't be a sleeve. No, all I can presume is that one was not asked for."
Track listing
UK 7" free with Record Mirror - RM2
New Order: "Sub-culture" (exclusive remix) – 4:14
Raymonde: "Jennifer Wants" (exclusive track) – 2:02
Hipsway: "Bad Thing Longing" (preview from their forthcoming album) – 4:09
Adventures: "Walk Away Renee" (specially recorded for RM) – 3:11