Propaganda - Duel (ZTT)

Last time I reviewed the singles I had to write about "The Nine Lives Of Dr Mabuse" by this new German group Propaganda: it made Single Of The Fortnight and proved to one of the best records of last year. Now they're back, this time with the greatest song ever made. Well, maybe not ever; but it's the best today even though tomorrow I might change my mind. A 'concept', "Duel" has a dark and light, happy and sad, good and evil side: side two. "Jewel", is the same song given a well mad techno-punk treatment. ZTT describe them as 'Abba in Hell' - therefore "Duel" must be Abba in Heaven. Single Of The Fortnight. (Peter Martin, Smash Hits, April 11, 1985)

Since their brilliant debut single "Dr Mabuse" nearly a year ago, Propaganda have had to wait in the shadows while ZTT pushed Frankie's success to the limits. But it sounds like the wait has done them good. "Duel" is a superbly-crafted song with a melody line that Abba would have been proud of, but containing references to `screaming' and 'bleeding' that give the song an atmosphere of unease. On the flipside there's "Jewel", a punky-thrash version of "Duel", which highlights the understated intensity of the A-side. Single of the week. (Stuart Husband, No 1, April 20, 1985)

They look complete and utter wankers in their photos. I think the whole thing is pointless and horrible. It's not exciting, challenging or beautiful. (Green Gartside [Scritti Politti], Record Mirror, April 27, 1985)