M|A|R|R|S - Pump Up The Volume (12") [Single]

"Pump Up the Volume", released in 1987, is the one and only single by M|A|R|R|S. The track was the product of an uneasy collaboration between Colourbox and A R Kane, two groups signed to the independent label 4AD.


The collaboration between the two groups did not go entirely to plan. Once in the studio, the groups' different working methods and personalities failed to gel. The two groups ended up recording a track each, then turning it over to the other for additional input. Colourbox came up with "Pump Up the Volume", a percussion-led near-instrumental, featuring an Eric B. & Rakim sample which gave it its title, while A R Kane created the more deliberately arty "Anitina (The First Time I See She Dance)" in another studio. Colourbox then added a heavy drum-machine rhythm and effects to "Anitina" and A R Kane overdubbed some additional guitar to "Pump Up the Volume." However, what gave "Pump Up the Volume" its commercial edge was the remix released a week later. This remix became the best-known version of the track, transforming it by the addition of numerous samples which provided the record with additional hooks besides its oft-repeated title chant, such as samples of tracks by Public Enemy, Criminal Element Orchestra and the Bar-Kays being used. It was this remix, rather than the original, that was edited down to create the 7-inch version of the track, which began picking up radio play.

A1. Pump Up The Volume (Extended)
A2. Pump Up The Volume (Bonus Beat)
B1. Pump Up The Volume (Radio Edit)
B2. Pump Up The Volume (Instrumental)
B3. Anitina (The First Time I See She Dance)

M|A|R|R|S - Pump Up The Volume (12") [Single]