What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)


"What's on Your Mind " is a song by American synth-pop band Information Society that was released as a single in 1988. The "Pure Energy" subtitle derives from a sample of Leonard Nimoy's voice from the Star Trek episode "Errand of Mercy". There are also samples of DeForest Kelley in the song's introduction, saying, "it's worked so far, but we're not out yet." and Richard Tatro's voices from the episode "I, Mudd".

Composition

The song started out as a 10-minute instrumental jam, when Information Society was trying to record their first album. Tommy Boy Records grew frustrated that the band was spending so much money in the studio but had nothing to show for it, and pressured them to make a hit. Paul Robb came up with a chorus he said was partly inspired by "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel, as well as Duran Duran. After the chorus, he wrote verses with Kurt Harland.
Robb emulated minimalist new wave artists such as Gary Numan and Devo by trying to write lyrics that "said as little as possible". He said the verses were "just sort of a random collection of emotional impressions.... But when you look back at it now, it's a clear narrative about the difficulty that people have communicating with each other. At the time, we weren't writing it with that in mind, but it's so clear when you just read through the lyrics. It's a very simple and very clear-cut story."

Release

The song was a big hit in the US, spending 25 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three in October 1988. The single was certified gold by the RIAA on January 18, 1989, selling 500,000 copies.

Critical reception

John Leland of Spin magazine called it a "pretty potent dance record".
In 2009, VH1 ran a countdown of the 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the '80s. Information Society's "What's on Your Mind " placed at number 74 on the countdown.

Appearances

The song was featured in the feature films Loverboy and American Psycho. A remixed version was included in American Psychos soundtrack.

Controversy

In 1989, Pittsburgh radio station WYDD-FM played this song non-stop in a loop for 25½ hours—focusing on a repeat of the "Pure Energy" sample from Leonard Nimoy as Star Treks Mr. Spock. The marketing stunt caused listeners to call emergency services, concerned that some calamity had befallen the DJs and other station employees. Bob Hank, general manager at the time, told reporters he was only trying to draw attention to the station's switch in format and new call letters WNRJ. "We were just trying to draw a little bit of attention," Hank said. "We never dreamed it would go this far."

Track listings

1988

7": Tommy Boy * London / 886 420-7 (Netherlands)

  1. "What's on Your Mind " – 3:35
  2. "What's on Your Mind " – 3:15

12": Tommy Boy / TB 911 (US)

  1. "What's on Your Mind " – 8:00
  2. "What's on Your Mind " – 5:12
  3. "What's on Your Mind " – 4:09
  4. "What's on Your Mind " – 4:33
  5. "What's on Your Mind " – 6:22

12": London / LONX 211 (UK)

  1. "What's on Your Mind " – 8:00
  2. "What's on Your Mind " – 4:33
  3. "What's on Your Mind " – 6:22
  • also available on CD

1998

12": Cleopatra Records CLP 0327

Side A
  1. "What's on Your Mind"
  2. "What's on Your Mind"
Side B
  1. "What's on Your Mind"
  2. "What's on Your Mind"

2001

CD single: Tommy Boy silver label

  1. "What's on Your Mind " – 3:48
  2. "What's on Your Mind " – 3:58
  3. "What's on Your Mind " – 9:08
  4. "What's on Your Mind " – 8:46
  5. "What's on Your Mind " – 6:38

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Information Society.

Information Society

Technical

  • Fred Maher – production, mixing, recording engineering, arrangements, programming
  • Roey Shamir – mixing, mix engineering
  • Kevin Laffey – executive production
  • Oz Fritz – engineering assistance
  • Angela Piva – engineering assistance
  • Herb Powers Jr. – mastering

Artwork