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Killer (Adamski song)

November 12, 2023

"Killer" is a song by British DJ and record producer Adamski. It was written by Adamski and British singer-songwriter Seal, who also provided vocals. "Killer" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and spent four weeks at the top in May and June 1990. The single sold over 400,000 copies in the UK, earning it gold certification. It also reached number one in Belgium and Zimbabwe and number two in the Netherlands and West Germany.

"Killer"
Single by Adamski
from the album Doctor Adamski's Musical Pharmacy
B-side
  • "Bassline Changed My Life"
  • "I Dream of You"
Released21 March 1990 (1990-03-21)[1]
Recorded1989–1990[2]
Length
  • 4:10 (album version)
  • 3:46 (UK radio edit)
LabelMCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Adamski
Adamski singles chronology
"N-R-G"
(1989) 		"Killer"
(1990) 		"The Space Jungle"
(1990)
Seal singles chronology
"Killer"
(1990) 		"Crazy"
(1990)

The song's music video was directed by Don Searll. Melody Maker ranked "Killer" the ninth-best single of the year.[3] In 1991, Seal re-recorded "Killer" for his debut album, Seal, produced by Trevor Horn. Seal's version reached number eight in the UK and number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Background edit

Adamski recounted that Seal saw him perform in 1989 at an illegal rave at the Santa Pod Raceway. Seal afterwards handed a demo tape to Adamski's MC, Daddy Chester, with which both were impressed. Seal had previously been singing in blues bands but a year spent travelling in Asia had changed his view of life and he had since become involved in the rave scene.[4]

Adamski and Seal later happened to meet on New Year's Eve 1989 at a club named Solaris in London, and Seal was invited to work on one of a number of pieces that Adamski was performing at that time. Adamski had an instrumental track he called "The Killer" because he felt that it sounded 'like the soundtrack to a movie murder scene'. According to Adamski, Seal's vocals were recorded against this track on 27 January 1990: coincidentally the same day that 10,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square (not far from the studio where they were working) for the 'Freedom to Party' demonstration against a government crackdown on rave culture, which Adamski himself attended.

Musically, the song is characterized by a distinctive opening bassline and keyboard melody during the chorus. The track makes use of only two instruments – Ensoniq SQ80 Synthesizer and a Roland TR-909 drum machine – and occupied only eight tracks of a 48-track mixing console.[4]

Release edit

Both Adamski and Seal recalled that they were in financial trouble at the time of recording. Seal was almost penniless and was living in a squat. Although Adamski had his own following as a DJ and was enjoying success with his previous single "N-R-G", he was on a government scheme which paid his rent and allowed him £40 a week. Both Adamski and Seal were struck by the popularity of "Killer" following its release on 21 March 1990. The song topped the UK Singles Chart and reached the top 10 in many European countries. Adamski recounted his surprise at people singing the memorable bassline to him in the street and, in particular, at hearing the track played at a wedding in a hotel at which he stayed following a performance in Cambridge. Seal recalled, "within a week, I went from being a relative nobody – this weird guy at raves, with silver bits in my hair – to a household name."[4]

Lyrics edit

Seal explained that the words he provided for "Killer" were intended as an exhortation to freedom and overcoming; that "the lyrics are about transcending whatever holds you back".[4] The song's line "Racism in amongst future kids can only lead to no good, besides, all our sons and daughters already know how that feels" was re-used in Seal's 1991 song "Future Love Paradise". The introduction to the Seal version also contains the line "It's the loneliness that's the killer", which does not occur in the Adamski version.

Chart performance edit

"Killer" debuted within the UK Singles Chart top 40 at number 39 on 14 April 1990.[5] Although the track was credited solely to Adamski by the Official Charts Company, various publications credited Seal's contribution to the song as a featured artist. It reached the top 10 during its fourth week on the chart before reaching number one on 12 May. After a four-week run at the top, the track fell one place to number two, being replaced in pole position by "World in Motion" by New Order. It spent 16 weeks in the top 40.

Critical reception edit

Upon the release, Bill Coleman from Billboard found that this "enchanting techno-hip-house charmer from the keyboardist's Liveandirect project sports a languid vocal to complement the instrumentation."[6] Dave Jennings from Melody Maker wrote, "This is much like it. "Killer" isn't the brutish thin its title suggests. It's a medium-paced dance track built around a rock-solid bassline, laced with eerie synthetics and topped with the plaintive voice of guest singer Seal — who sounds firmly in the grip of lovely desolution. "Killer" shifts more than enough to fit on the dancefloor, but it might also suit your mood if you have to go home alone when the club has closed. Emotive and effective."[7] David Giles from Music Week called it a "strange release", adding, "It sounds as though a bluesy soul vocalist has become trapped inside a throbbing piece of machinery; it actually takes a fair while to warm up into the familiar pace of house rhythm." He also stated that "Adamski seems to be plotting a move towards the soul world but is still overawed by technology."[8]

Ian McCann from NME declared it as "a perfect pop moment, if Adamski never makes another record half as good it will stand as a testament to its time like Bowie's, Numan's and Human League's best."[9] Tom Doyle from Smash Hits remarked that the song is "a bit of surprise", complimenting Seal, "who turns in a fine soul-singing". He explained that the song "builds up from a slow Depeche Mode-sounding beginning into a full-blown "rave" record and then drops down for the moody bit again at the end. A complete success."[10]

Retrospective response edit

In an retrospective review, John Bush from AllMusic stated that the songs like "Killer" "still have an inkling of the freshness they must have possessed back in 1989".[11] In 2010, Tom Ewing of Freaky Trigger commented, "What was startling about the record in 1990 – and what lets it keep its charge now – is that the music simply refuses to get out of Seal’s way. In fact, if you only knew Seal from the rolling smoothness of his latterday career “Killer” would come as a real shock: here he is, making his debut not as a highfalutin’ loverman but as an isolated paranoid battling through a tangle of wires and buzz. Adamski is truly as much the star here, putting together a tense, crisp piece of house music which doesn’t actually need his singer to be memorable (though surely needed him to reach number one)"[12]

In 2020, The Guardian ranked "Killer" number 87 in their list of "The 100 greatest UK No. 1s".[13] They added, "Every part of Adamski’s production is perfectly designed: the sad chords, the funkily interrupted alien transmission of the synths, the prodding bassline with its edges almost imperceptibly corroded by acid. Most beautiful of all is Seal: half activist, half oracle." In December 1990, Melody Maker ranked it number nine in their list of "Singles of the Year", saying, "A superlative fusion single in a year in which the word "fusion" was glibly overused. "Killer" was 1990's postscript to Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On?" Adamski's low-key techno-dub proved the perfect backdrop for Seal's mournful vocals."[3]

Music video edit

The accompanying music video for "Killer" was directed by Don Searll.[14]

Track listings edit

7-inch, cassette, and mini-CD single[15][16][17]
No.TitleLength
1."Killer"4:10
2."Bass Line Changed My Life"3:53
UK 12-inch and CD single[18][19]
No.TitleLength
1."Killer"5:35
2."Bass Line Changed My Life"4:39
3."I Dream of You"4:45
UK 12-inch remix single ("Killeremix")[20]
No.TitleLength
1."Killer" (remix)6:27
2."Bassline Changed My Life"4:50
3."The N-R-G Symphony in F. Minor"8:27
US and Canadian 12-inch single[21]
No.TitleLength
1."Killer" (remix)6:27
2."Killer"5:35
US cassette remix single[22]
No.TitleLength
1."Killeremix"6:27
2."Killer"5:35
3."N.R.G." (12-inch mix)6:22
4."The N.R.G. Symphony in F. Minor"8:27

Charts edit

Certifications edit

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[45] Gold 400,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Seal version edit

"Killer"
 
1991 7-inch UK single
Single by Seal
from the album Seal
B-side
  • "Hey Joe" (live)
  • "Come See What Love Has Done" (live)
Released4 November 1991
Recorded1991
Length
  • 4:17 (radio version)
  • 6:33 (single version)
  • 6:21 (album version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Trevor Horn
Seal singles chronology
"The Beginning"
(1991) 		"Killer"
(1991) 		"Violet"
(1992)
"Walk On By"
(2004)
"Killer 2005"
(2005)
"A Father's Way"
(2006)
Music video
"Seal – Killer (Official Video) [HD]" on YouTube

In 1991, Seal rerecorded "Killer" for his debut album, Seal, produced by Trevor Horn. Seal's version reached number eight in the United Kingdom,[46] number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100,[47] and number nine on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with a remix by William Orbit.[48]

The music video for Seal's version was produced and directed by Don Searll, and used computer-generated science-fiction themed imagery, largely built around a partial re-creation of the M. C. Escher print Another World. The song won British Video of the Year at the 1992 Brit Awards.

A new single release of "Killer", containing new remixes of both this and another Seal hit, "Crazy", was released in January 2005. This brought the single back to the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, where it reached number one.[48]

Track listings edit

Charts edit

Chart (1991) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[49] 95
Europe (European Dance Radio)[50] 13
Ireland (IRMA)[51] 6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[52] 75
UK Singles (OCC)[46] 8
UK Dance (Music Week)[53] 15
Chart (2005) Peak
position
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[55]
P. Rauhofer/Morel/DJ Monk/J. Albert Mixes 		1
US Hot Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[56] 3

George Michael version edit

"Killer" / "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
 
Single by George Michael
from the album Five Live
Released10 April 1993
Recorded
Length
  • 5:58 (full)
  • 4:15 (single)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)George Michael
George Michael singles chronology
"Somebody to Love"
(1993) 		"Killer" / "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
(1993) 		"Jesus to a Child"
(1996)

In 1991, British singer-songwriter George Michael performed "Killer" live at the Wembley Arena in a version that was released on the 1993 EP Five Live. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was also recorded and released on the same album. The two songs were blended together in the live performance, then remixed several times. The P.M. Dawn extended and radio remix for the "Killer"/"Papa" combination was released in 1993. Michael shot a video for the release, in which he did not appear personally. The video was directed by Marcus Nispel.

Track listing edit

  1. "Killer/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (English edit)
  2. "Killer/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (Ligosa Mix)
  3. "Killer/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (P.M. Dawn Remix)

Charts edit

Chart (1993) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[57] 19
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[58] 4
UK Dance (Music Week)[59] 56
US Billboard Hot 100[60] 69
Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[60] 5

ATB version edit

"Killer 2000"
 
Single by ATB
from the album Movin' Melodies
Released31 May 1999 (1999-05-31)
Length4:04
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
ATB singles chronology
"Don't Stop!"
(1999) 		"Killer 2000"
(1999) 		"The Summer"
(2000)

German DJ ATB recorded a version of "Killer" in 1999, released as a single on 31 May 1999 in Germany and on 19 September 2000 in the United States. Featuring vocals by Drue Williams, it was the producer's first fully vocal-based song under the ATB name. The song uses elements from both Adamski and Seal's versions, updated with more contemporary production techniques. The UK radio edit differs from others in that it includes ATB's signature guitar sound. This version of "Killer" peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and number 36 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

The song featured on the acclaimed[61] 2000 mix album CreamLive.

Track listings edit

Charts edit

Weekly charts edit

Chart (1999) Peak
position
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[62] 16
Germany (Media Control Charts) 31
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[63] 22
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[64] 25
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) 24

Year-end charts edit

Chart (1999) Position
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[68] 134
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[69] 85

Usage in media edit

"Killer" was featured in the 1991 Only Fools and Horses Christmas special, Miami Twice. It has also been used in video games DJ Hero 2 (as a remix by Tiësto) and Forza Horizon 3 (on the in-game radio station "Bass Arena"). A short fragment of the song was played in the first scene of the first episode of Bancroft. It was also used in a May 2018 episode of ITV soap opera Emmerdale, playing on the radio in Charity Dingle's car, and triggering memories of when she was raped at age 14 by Detective Inspector Mark Bails in 1990. Most recently, it has been used by BT in a 2018 advertising campaign.

The music video for the George Michael version of the song appeared in an episode of Beavis and Butthead, called "The Trial".

Other versions edit

"Killer" has been recorded and performed by numerous other artists over the years:

  • The power metal band Angel Dust include a version of the song on their 2002 album Of Human Bondage.
  • It featured as a B-side to the 2003 Sugababes single "Shape".
  • Scottish garage rock band Sons and Daughters recorded "Killer" as a B-side to their 2007 single "Gilt Complex".
  • Northern Kings recorded a cover for inclusion on their 2008 album Rethroned.
  • A version by Nina Hagen features on her 2011 album Volksbeat.
  • UK alternative rock band 2:54 used the song as a B-side to their 2012 vinyl single "Sugar".[70][71]
  • British pop rock band Bastille recorded an electronic heavy cover of "Killer" in 2013 on their second mixtape Other People's Heartache Part 2.
  • German electronic producer Boys Noize recorded a cover of "Killer" in 2018 with vocalist Steven A. Clark which they released as a single.
  • Ex-Reuben frontman Jamie Lenman covered the song for his 2019 album Shuffle.
  • Swedish singer/songwriter Jonas Capring released his cover version in 2019.[72]
  • In 1995, Polish electronic collective Millennium recorded a cover of "Killer" in 1995 with lyrics sang in Polish. Song was released with their debut album A teraz Polska (Now Poland).

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "BPI > Certified Awards > Search results for 'Adamski'". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  2. ^ Simpson, Interviews by Dave (11 March 2013). "How we made Killer, by Seal and Adamski". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Singles Of The Year". Melody Maker. 22 December 1990. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d "How we made Killer, by Seal and Adamski". The Guardian. 11 March 2013.
  5. ^ McAleer, David (2009). The Virgin Book of Top 40 Charts. UK: Virgin Books. pp. 605–610. ISBN 978-0-7535-2200-4.
  6. ^ Coleman, Bill (30 June 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 79. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  7. ^ Jennings, Dave (31 March 1990). "Singles". Melody Maker. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  8. ^ Giles, David (31 March 1990). "Singles" (PDF). Music Week. p. 23. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  9. ^ McCann, Ian (6 October 1990). "Long Play". NME. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  10. ^ Doyle, Tom (4 April 1990). "Review: Singles". Smash Hits. p. 53. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  11. ^ Bush, John. "Adamski – Liveandirect". AllMusic. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  12. ^ Ewing, Tom (14 December 2010). "Adamski – "Killer"". Freaky Trigger. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
  13. ^ "The 100 greatest UK No 1s: 100-1". The Guardian. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  14. ^ "Killer – Version 2 (1991) by Adamski feat. Seal". IMVDb. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  15. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (UK 7-inch single vinyl disc). MCA Records. MCA 1400.
  16. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (UK cassette single sleeve). MCA Records. MCAC 1400.
  17. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). MCA Records. WMD5-4034.
  18. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (UK 12-inch single vinyl disc). MCA Records. MCAT 1400.
  19. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (UK CD single liner notes). MCA Records. DMCAT 1400.
  20. ^ Adamski (1990). Killeremix (UK 12-inch remix single vinyl disc). MCA Records. MCAX 1400.
  21. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (US & Canadian 12-inch single vinyl disc). MCA Records. MCA-24049.
  22. ^ Adamski (1990). Killer (US cassette remix single sleeve). MCA Records. 903172021-4.
  23. ^ . Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015 – via Imgur.
  24. ^ "Adamski – Killer" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  25. ^ "Adamski – Killer" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  26. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 7, no. 24. 16 June 1990. p. IV. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  27. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.
  28. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Killer". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  29. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 32, 1990" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  30. ^ "Adamski – Killer" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  31. ^ "Adamski – Killer". Top 40 Singles.
  32. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  33. ^ "Adamski – Killer". Singles Top 100.
  34. ^ "Adamski – Killer". Swiss Singles Chart.
  35. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  36. ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. 8 September 1990. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  37. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Adamski – Killer" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  38. ^ * Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  39. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1990" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  40. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles – 1990" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 7, no. 51. 22 December 1990. p. 36. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  41. ^ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1990" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  42. ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1990". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  43. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1990" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  44. ^ "1990 Top 100 Singles". Music Week. London, England: Spotlight Publications. 2 March 1991. p. 41.
  45. ^ "British single certifications – Adamski – Killer". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  46. ^ a b "Official Charts > Seal". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  47. ^ "Billboard > Artists / Seal > Chart History > The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  48. ^ a b "Billboard > Artists / Seal > Chart History > Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  49. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 246.
  50. ^ "European Dance Radio" (PDF). Music & Media. 23 November 1991. p. 26. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  51. ^ "The Irish Charts – All there is to know > Search results for 'Seal' (page 1)". Fireball Media. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  52. ^ "dutchcharts.nl > Seal – Killer... On The Loose" (in Dutch). Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  53. ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 16 November 1991. p. 22. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  54. ^ "Seal Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  55. ^ a b "Seal Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  56. ^ a b . Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  57. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2207." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  58. ^ (PDF) (in Icelandic). Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 October 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  59. ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 5 June 1993. p. 20. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  60. ^ a b Killer/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone – George Michael. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
  61. ^ Rated 4.5/5 stars by AllMusic http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/cream-live-mr0002978718
  62. ^ "Atb: Killer". Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  63. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40, 7 Augustus 1999/Week 32 (Dutch)". Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  64. ^ "dutchcharts.nl – atb – Killer (Dutch)". Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  65. ^ "australian-charts.com > ATB – Killer 2000". Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  66. ^ "The Official Charts Company – ATB – Killer". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  67. ^ a b "allmusic ((( ATB > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  68. ^ "Jaarlijsten 1999" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  69. ^ (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 22 January 2005.
  70. ^ "It's All Indie: 2:54 cover Seal's 90's classic 'Killer'". 11 September 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  71. ^ "2:54 – Sugar/Killer (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  72. ^ "Killer". Spotify. 12 June 2019.

November 12, 2023
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Killer is a song by British DJ and record producer Adamski It was written by Adamski and British singer songwriter Seal who also provided vocals Killer reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and spent four weeks at the top in May and June 1990 The single sold over 400 000 copies in the UK earning it gold certification It also reached number one in Belgium and Zimbabwe and number two in the Netherlands and West Germany Killer Single by Adamskifrom the album Doctor Adamski s Musical PharmacyB side Bassline Changed My Life I Dream of You Released21 March 1990 1990 03 21 1 Recorded1989 1990 2 Length4 10 album version 3 46 UK radio edit LabelMCASongwriter s Adamski SealProducer s AdamskiAdamski singles chronology N R G 1989 Killer 1990 The Space Jungle 1990 Seal singles chronology Killer 1990 Crazy 1990 The song s music video was directed by Don Searll Melody Maker ranked Killer the ninth best single of the year 3 In 1991 Seal re recorded Killer for his debut album Seal produced by Trevor Horn Seal s version reached number eight in the UK and number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Contents 1 Background 2 Release 3 Lyrics 4 Chart performance 5 Critical reception 6 Retrospective response 7 Music video 8 Track listings 9 Charts 9 1 Weekly charts 9 2 Year end charts 10 Certifications 11 Seal version 11 1 Track listings 11 2 Charts 12 George Michael version 12 1 Track listing 12 2 Charts 13 ATB version 13 1 Track listings 13 2 Charts 13 2 1 Weekly charts 13 2 2 Year end charts 14 Usage in media 15 Other versions 16 See also 17 ReferencesBackground editAdamski recounted that Seal saw him perform in 1989 at an illegal rave at the Santa Pod Raceway Seal afterwards handed a demo tape to Adamski s MC Daddy Chester with which both were impressed Seal had previously been singing in blues bands but a year spent travelling in Asia had changed his view of life and he had since become involved in the rave scene 4 Adamski and Seal later happened to meet on New Year s Eve 1989 at a club named Solaris in London and Seal was invited to work on one of a number of pieces that Adamski was performing at that time Adamski had an instrumental track he called The Killer because he felt that it sounded like the soundtrack to a movie murder scene According to Adamski Seal s vocals were recorded against this track on 27 January 1990 coincidentally the same day that 10 000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square not far from the studio where they were working for the Freedom to Party demonstration against a government crackdown on rave culture which Adamski himself attended Musically the song is characterized by a distinctive opening bassline and keyboard melody during the chorus The track makes use of only two instruments Ensoniq SQ80 Synthesizer and a Roland TR 909 drum machine and occupied only eight tracks of a 48 track mixing console 4 Release editBoth Adamski and Seal recalled that they were in financial trouble at the time of recording Seal was almost penniless and was living in a squat Although Adamski had his own following as a DJ and was enjoying success with his previous single N R G he was on a government scheme which paid his rent and allowed him 40 a week Both Adamski and Seal were struck by the popularity of Killer following its release on 21 March 1990 The song topped the UK Singles Chart and reached the top 10 in many European countries Adamski recounted his surprise at people singing the memorable bassline to him in the street and in particular at hearing the track played at a wedding in a hotel at which he stayed following a performance in Cambridge Seal recalled within a week I went from being a relative nobody this weird guy at raves with silver bits in my hair to a household name 4 Lyrics editSeal explained that the words he provided for Killer were intended as an exhortation to freedom and overcoming that the lyrics are about transcending whatever holds you back 4 The song s line Racism in amongst future kids can only lead to no good besides all our sons and daughters already know how that feels was re used in Seal s 1991 song Future Love Paradise The introduction to the Seal version also contains the line It s the loneliness that s the killer which does not occur in the Adamski version Chart performance edit Killer debuted within the UK Singles Chart top 40 at number 39 on 14 April 1990 5 Although the track was credited solely to Adamski by the Official Charts Company various publications credited Seal s contribution to the song as a featured artist It reached the top 10 during its fourth week on the chart before reaching number one on 12 May After a four week run at the top the track fell one place to number two being replaced in pole position by World in Motion by New Order It spent 16 weeks in the top 40 Critical reception editUpon the release Bill Coleman from Billboard found that this enchanting techno hip house charmer from the keyboardist s Liveandirect project sports a languid vocal to complement the instrumentation 6 Dave Jennings from Melody Maker wrote This is much like it Killer isn t the brutish thin its title suggests It s a medium paced dance track built around a rock solid bassline laced with eerie synthetics and topped with the plaintive voice of guest singer Seal who sounds firmly in the grip of lovely desolution Killer shifts more than enough to fit on the dancefloor but it might also suit your mood if you have to go home alone when the club has closed Emotive and effective 7 David Giles from Music Week called it a strange release adding It sounds as though a bluesy soul vocalist has become trapped inside a throbbing piece of machinery it actually takes a fair while to warm up into the familiar pace of house rhythm He also stated that Adamski seems to be plotting a move towards the soul world but is still overawed by technology 8 Ian McCann from NME declared it as a perfect pop moment if Adamski never makes another record half as good it will stand as a testament to its time like Bowie s Numan s and Human League s best 9 Tom Doyle from Smash Hits remarked that the song is a bit of surprise complimenting Seal who turns in a fine soul singing He explained that the song builds up from a slow Depeche Mode sounding beginning into a full blown rave record and then drops down for the moody bit again at the end A complete success 10 Retrospective response editIn an retrospective review John Bush from AllMusic stated that the songs like Killer still have an inkling of the freshness they must have possessed back in 1989 11 In 2010 Tom Ewing of Freaky Trigger commented What was startling about the record in 1990 and what lets it keep its charge now is that the music simply refuses to get out of Seal s way In fact if you only knew Seal from the rolling smoothness of his latterday career Killer would come as a real shock here he is making his debut not as a highfalutin loverman but as an isolated paranoid battling through a tangle of wires and buzz Adamski is truly as much the star here putting together a tense crisp piece of house music which doesn t actually need his singer to be memorable though surely needed him to reach number one 12 In 2020 The Guardian ranked Killer number 87 in their list of The 100 greatest UK No 1s 13 They added Every part of Adamski s production is perfectly designed the sad chords the funkily interrupted alien transmission of the synths the prodding bassline with its edges almost imperceptibly corroded by acid Most beautiful of all is Seal half activist half oracle In December 1990 Melody Maker ranked it number nine in their list of Singles of the Year saying A superlative fusion single in a year in which the word fusion was glibly overused Killer was 1990 s postscript to Marvin Gaye s What s Goin On Adamski s low key techno dub proved the perfect backdrop for Seal s mournful vocals 3 Music video editThe accompanying music video for Killer was directed by Don Searll 14 Track listings edit7 inch cassette and mini CD single 15 16 17 No TitleLength1 Killer 4 102 Bass Line Changed My Life 3 53 UK 12 inch and CD single 18 19 No TitleLength1 Killer 5 352 Bass Line Changed My Life 4 393 I Dream of You 4 45 UK 12 inch remix single Killeremix 20 No TitleLength1 Killer remix 6 272 Bassline Changed My Life 4 503 The N R G Symphony in F Minor 8 27 US and Canadian 12 inch single 21 No TitleLength1 Killer remix 6 272 Killer 5 35 US cassette remix single 22 No TitleLength1 Killeremix 6 272 Killer 5 353 N R G 12 inch mix 6 224 The N R G Symphony in F Minor 8 27Charts editWeekly charts edit Chart 1990 PeakpositionAustralia ARIA 23 112Austria O3 Austria Top 40 24 11Belgium Ultratop 50 Flanders 25 1Europe Eurochart Hot 100 26 2Finland Suomen virallinen lista 27 14Ireland IRMA 28 5Netherlands Dutch Top 40 29 2Netherlands Single Top 100 30 2New Zealand Recorded Music NZ 31 29Spain AFYVE 32 15Sweden Sverigetopplistan 33 5Switzerland Schweizer Hitparade 34 15UK Singles OCC 35 1US Dance Club Play Billboard 36 23West Germany Official German Charts 37 2Zimbabwe ZIMA 38 1 Year end charts edit Chart 1990 PositionBelgium Ultratop 39 9Europe Eurochart Hot 100 40 12Germany Official German Charts 41 21Netherlands Dutch Top 40 42 17Netherlands Single Top 100 43 13UK Singles OCC 44 5Certifications editRegion Certification Certified units salesUnited Kingdom BPI 45 Gold 400 000 Shipments figures based on certification alone Seal version edit Killer nbsp 1991 7 inch UK singleSingle by Sealfrom the album SealB side Hey Joe live Come See What Love Has Done live Released4 November 1991Recorded1991Length4 17 radio version 6 33 single version 6 21 album version LabelZTT 1991 Warner Bros 2005 Songwriter s Adamski SealProducer s Trevor HornSeal singles chronology The Beginning 1991 Killer 1991 Violet 1992 Walk On By 2004 Killer 2005 2005 A Father s Way 2006 Music video Seal Killer Official Video HD on YouTubeIn 1991 Seal rerecorded Killer for his debut album Seal produced by Trevor Horn Seal s version reached number eight in the United Kingdom 46 number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100 47 and number nine on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with a remix by William Orbit 48 The music video for Seal s version was produced and directed by Don Searll and used computer generated science fiction themed imagery largely built around a partial re creation of the M C Escher print Another World The song won British Video of the Year at the 1992 Brit Awards A new single release of Killer containing new remixes of both this and another Seal hit Crazy was released in January 2005 This brought the single back to the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart where it reached number one 48 Track listings edit US maxi single 1991 Killer single version Killer William Orbit remix Whirlpool live Killer live Come See What Love Has Done live Hey Joe live Billy Roberts cover Killer William Orbit dub US maxi single 2005 Killer Peter Rauhofer remix part one Killer Peter Rauhofer remix part two Killer Morel s Pink Noise vocal mix Killer DJ Monk remix Killer Jim Albert s Loneliness is the Killer mix Crazy Ananda Project vocal mix Crazy Orange Factory mix Charts edit Chart 1991 PeakpositionAustralia ARIA 49 95Europe European Dance Radio 50 13Ireland IRMA 51 6Netherlands Single Top 100 52 75UK Singles OCC 46 8UK Dance Music Week 53 15Chart 1992 PeakpositionUS Billboard Hot 100 54 100US Dance Club Songs Billboard 55 9US Hot Dance Music Maxi Singles Sales Billboard 56 14Chart 2005 PeakpositionUS Dance Club Songs Billboard 55 P Rauhofer Morel DJ Monk J Albert Mixes 1US Hot Dance Singles Sales Billboard 56 3George Michael version edit Killer Papa Was a Rollin Stone nbsp Single by George Michaelfrom the album Five LiveReleased10 April 1993Recorded22 March 1991 Wembley ArenaLength5 58 full 4 15 single LabelHollywood US Parlophone rest of the world Songwriter s Adamski Seal Norman Whitfield Barrett StrongProducer s George MichaelGeorge Michael singles chronology Somebody to Love 1993 Killer Papa Was a Rollin Stone 1993 Jesus to a Child 1996 In 1991 British singer songwriter George Michael performed Killer live at the Wembley Arena in a version that was released on the 1993 EP Five Live Papa Was a Rollin Stone was also recorded and released on the same album The two songs were blended together in the live performance then remixed several times The P M Dawn extended and radio remix for the Killer Papa combination was released in 1993 Michael shot a video for the release in which he did not appear personally The video was directed by Marcus Nispel Track listing edit Killer Papa Was a Rollin Stone English edit Killer Papa Was a Rollin Stone Ligosa Mix Killer Papa Was a Rollin Stone P M Dawn Remix Charts edit Chart 1993 PeakpositionCanada Top Singles RPM 57 19Iceland Islenski Listinn Topp 40 58 4UK Dance Music Week 59 56US Billboard Hot 100 60 69Hot Dance Club Songs Billboard 60 5ATB version edit Killer 2000 nbsp Single by ATBfrom the album Movin MelodiesReleased31 May 1999 1999 05 31 Length4 04LabelKontor Germany Radikal US Songwriter s Adamski SealProducer s Andre Tanneberger Woody van EydenATB singles chronology Don t Stop 1999 Killer 2000 1999 The Summer 2000 German DJ ATB recorded a version of Killer in 1999 released as a single on 31 May 1999 in Germany and on 19 September 2000 in the United States Featuring vocals by Drue Williams it was the producer s first fully vocal based song under the ATB name The song uses elements from both Adamski and Seal s versions updated with more contemporary production techniques The UK radio edit differs from others in that it includes ATB s signature guitar sound This version of Killer peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and number 36 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart The song featured on the acclaimed 61 2000 mix album CreamLive Track listings edit Killer Germany release Killer Video Edit 4 08 Killer Radio Edit 4 01 Killer Killer Mix 5 56 Killer Original Mix 6 15 Killer US release Killer UK Radio Edit 3 25 Killer Radio Edit 4 00 Killer 2000 5 52 Killer Trevor amp Simon Remix 6 50 Killer Lost Witness Remix 7 45 Killer Joe Fandango Remix 7 11 Killer Video Edit 4 06 Killer CD 1 UK release Killer UK Radio Edit 3 28 Killer Lost Witness Remix 7 48 Killer Lock n Load Remix 8 25 Killer CD 2 UK release Killer Killer 2000 Mix 5 55 Killer Trevor Reilly amp Simon Foy Remix 6 52 Killer Joe Fandango Remix 7 11 Killer The remixes Canada release Killer UK Radio Edit 4 02 Killer Joe Fandango Remix 7 16 Killer Lost Witness Remix 7 49 Killer Lock N Load Remix 8 29 Killer Joe Fandango Dub 5 27 Killer Lost Witness Dub 7 45 Killer Trevor amp Simon Remix 8 57 Killer Gareth Jones Radio 3 20 Killer 2000 Australia release Killer 2000 UK Radio Edit 3 26 Killer 2000 Killer 2000 Mix 5 51 Killer 2000 Lost Witness Vocal Remix 7 45 Killer 2000 Lock n Load Vocal Remix 8 23 Killer 2000 Trevor amp Simon Remix 6 50 Killer 2000 Joe Fandango Mix 7 11 Charts edit Weekly charts edit Chart 1999 PeakpositionFinland Suomen virallinen lista 62 16Germany Media Control Charts 31Netherlands Dutch Top 40 63 22Netherlands Single Top 100 64 25Sweden Sverigetopplistan 24Chart 2000 PeakpositionAustralia ARIA 65 33Europe European Hot 100 Singles 20Europe Eurochart Hot 100 36UK Singles OCC 66 4US Hot Dance Music Club Play Billboard 67 36US Hot Dance Music Maxi Singles Sales Billboard 67 32Year end charts edit Chart 1999 PositionNetherlands Dutch Top 40 68 134Romania Romanian Top 100 69 85Usage in media edit Killer was featured in the 1991 Only Fools and Horses Christmas special Miami Twice It has also been used in video games DJ Hero 2 as a remix by Tiesto and Forza Horizon 3 on the in game radio station Bass Arena A short fragment of the song was played in the first scene of the first episode of Bancroft It was also used in a May 2018 episode of ITV soap opera Emmerdale playing on the radio in Charity Dingle s car and triggering memories of when she was raped at age 14 by Detective Inspector Mark Bails in 1990 Most recently it has been used by BT in a 2018 advertising campaign The music video for the George Michael version of the song appeared in an episode of Beavis and Butthead called The Trial Other versions edit Killer has been recorded and performed by numerous other artists over the years The power metal band Angel Dust include a version of the song on their 2002 album Of Human Bondage It featured as a B side to the 2003 Sugababes single Shape Scottish garage rock band Sons and Daughters recorded Killer as a B side to their 2007 single Gilt Complex Northern Kings recorded a cover for inclusion on their 2008 album Rethroned A version by Nina Hagen features on her 2011 album Volksbeat UK alternative rock band 2 54 used the song as a B side to their 2012 vinyl single Sugar 70 71 British pop rock band Bastille recorded an electronic heavy cover of Killer in 2013 on their second mixtape Other People s Heartache Part 2 German electronic producer Boys Noize recorded a cover of Killer in 2018 with vocalist Steven A Clark which they released as a single Ex Reuben frontman Jamie Lenman covered the song for his 2019 album Shuffle Swedish singer songwriter Jonas Capring released his cover version in 2019 72 In 1995 Polish electronic collective Millennium recorded a cover of Killer in 1995 with lyrics sang in Polish Song was released with their debut album A teraz Polska Now Poland See also editList of number one dance singles of 2005 U S References edit BPI gt Certified Awards gt Search results for Adamski British Phonographic Industry Retrieved 22 January 2016 Simpson Interviews by Dave 11 March 2013 How we made Killer by Seal and Adamski The Guardian Retrieved 26 August 2017 a b Singles Of The Year Melody Maker 22 December 1990 Retrieved 24 February 2023 a b c d How we made Killer by Seal and Adamski The Guardian 11 March 2013 McAleer David 2009 The Virgin Book of Top 40 Charts UK Virgin Books pp 605 610 ISBN 978 0 7535 2200 4 Coleman Bill 30 June 1990 Single Reviews PDF Billboard p 79 Retrieved 28 October 2020 Jennings Dave 31 March 1990 Singles Melody Maker Retrieved 24 February 2023 Giles David 31 March 1990 Singles PDF Music Week p 23 Retrieved 29 October 2020 McCann Ian 6 October 1990 Long Play NME Retrieved 24 February 2023 Doyle Tom 4 April 1990 Review Singles Smash Hits p 53 Retrieved 8 March 2020 Bush John Adamski Liveandirect AllMusic Retrieved 4 November 2020 Ewing Tom 14 December 2010 Adamski Killer Freaky Trigger Retrieved 6 March 2020 The 100 greatest UK No 1s 100 1 The Guardian 5 June 2020 Retrieved 27 July 2020 Killer Version 2 1991 by Adamski feat Seal IMVDb Retrieved 18 October 2018 Adamski 1990 Killer UK 7 inch single vinyl disc MCA Records MCA 1400 Adamski 1990 Killer UK cassette single sleeve MCA Records MCAC 1400 Adamski 1990 Killer Japanese mini CD single liner notes MCA Records WMD5 4034 Adamski 1990 Killer UK 12 inch single vinyl disc MCA Records MCAT 1400 Adamski 1990 Killer UK CD single liner notes MCA Records DMCAT 1400 Adamski 1990 Killeremix UK 12 inch remix single vinyl disc MCA Records MCAX 1400 Adamski 1990 Killer US amp Canadian 12 inch single vinyl disc MCA Records MCA 24049 Adamski 1990 Killer US cassette remix single sleeve MCA Records 903172021 4 Response from ARIA re chart inquiry received 5 June 2015 Archived from the original on 5 June 2015 Retrieved 25 August 2015 via Imgur Adamski Killer in German O3 Austria Top 40 Adamski Killer in Dutch Ultratop 50 Eurochart Hot 100 Singles PDF Music amp Media Vol 7 no 24 16 June 1990 p IV Retrieved 1 June 2020 Pennanen Timo 2006 Sisaltaa hitin levyt ja esittajat Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 in Finnish 1st ed Helsinki Tammi ISBN 978 951 1 21053 5 The Irish Charts Search Results Killer Irish Singles Chart Retrieved 15 October 2019 Nederlandse Top 40 week 32 1990 in Dutch Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Adamski Killer in Dutch Single Top 100 Retrieved 15 October 2019 Adamski Killer Top 40 Singles Salaverri Fernando September 2005 Solo exitos ano a ano 1959 2002 1st ed Spain Fundacion Autor SGAE ISBN 84 8048 639 2 Adamski Killer Singles Top 100 Adamski Killer Swiss Singles Chart Official Singles Chart Top 100 Official Charts Company Retrieved 15 October 2019 Dance Club Songs Billboard 8 September 1990 Retrieved 24 July 2023 Offiziellecharts de Adamski Killer in German GfK Entertainment charts Retrieved 15 October 2019 Zimbabwe Kimberley C Zimbabwe singles chart book Harare C Kimberley 2000 Jaaroverzichten 1990 in Dutch Ultratop Retrieved 15 October 2019 Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 1990 PDF Music amp Media Vol 7 no 51 22 December 1990 p 36 Retrieved 1 June 2020 Top 100 Singles Jahrescharts 1990 in German GfK Entertainment Retrieved 15 October 2019 Top 100 Jaaroverzicht van 1990 Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 21 May 2020 Jaaroverzichten Single 1990 in Dutch MegaCharts Retrieved 15 October 2019 1990 Top 100 Singles Music Week London England Spotlight Publications 2 March 1991 p 41 British single certifications Adamski Killer British Phonographic Industry Retrieved 3 April 2021 a b Official Charts gt Seal The Official UK Charts Company Retrieved 22 January 2016 Billboard gt Artists Seal gt Chart History gt The Hot 100 Billboard Retrieved 22 January 2016 a b Billboard gt Artists Seal gt Chart History gt Dance Club Songs Billboard Retrieved 22 January 2016 Ryan Gavin 2011 Australia s Music Charts 1988 2010 PDF ed Mt Martha Victoria Australia Moonlight Publishing p 246 European Dance Radio PDF Music amp Media 23 November 1991 p 26 Retrieved 29 October 2021 The Irish Charts All there is to know gt Search results for Seal page 1 Fireball Media Retrieved 22 January 2016 dutchcharts nl gt Seal Killer On The Loose in Dutch Retrieved 19 April 2009 Top 60 Dance Singles PDF Music Week 16 November 1991 p 22 Retrieved 28 September 2020 Seal Chart History Hot 100 Billboard a b Seal Chart History Dance Club Songs Billboard a b allmusic gt Seal gt Charts amp Awards gt Billboard Singles Rovi Corporation Archived from the original on 22 December 2010 Retrieved 22 January 2016 Top RPM Singles Issue 2207 RPM Library and Archives Canada Retrieved 23 September 2018 Islenski Listinn Topp 40 12 04 1993 18 04 1993 PDF in Icelandic Dagbladid Visir Tonlist Archived from the original PDF on 3 October 2018 Retrieved 9 March 2018 Top 60 Dance Singles PDF Music Week 5 June 1993 p 20 Retrieved 9 April 2021 a b Killer Papa Was a Rollin Stone George Michael Retrieved 22 May 2011 Rated 4 5 5 stars by AllMusic http www allmusic com album release cream live mr0002978718 Atb Killer Retrieved 28 July 2014 Nederlandse Top 40 7 Augustus 1999 Week 32 Dutch Retrieved 19 April 2009 dutchcharts nl atb Killer Dutch Retrieved 19 April 2009 australian charts com gt ATB Killer 2000 Hung Medien Retrieved 25 August 2015 The Official Charts Company ATB Killer OfficialCharts com Retrieved 19 April 2009 a b allmusic ATB gt Charts amp Awards gt Billboard Singles Retrieved 19 April 2009 Jaarlijsten 1999 in Dutch Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 11 May 2022 Romanian Top 100 Top of the Year 1999 in Romanian Romanian Top 100 Archived from the original on 22 January 2005 It s All Indie 2 54 cover Seal s 90 s classic Killer 11 September 2012 Retrieved 31 May 2014 2 54 Sugar Killer Vinyl at Discogs Discogs Retrieved 31 May 2014 Killer Spotify 12 June 2019 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Killer Adamski song amp oldid 1175480840, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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