This is the fifth entry in the series of hidden tracks which now expands to include alternate versions. This week focuses in on alternate editions with extra tracks. For those who may have felt a bit short-changed by the 40 second posting of last week, here is something a bit longer.

Pictured: a Walker Knotmaster used to measure a ships speed
by trailing a "taffrail" or torpedo-shaped log from a knotted line.

First a bit of info about the song:
"Hydrofoil" has appeared in five different forms appearing first as "Hydroplane" (a slightly different titled version) a B-side on Yes, She is My Skinhead Girl (TB 42/ IPU 17). The lyrics are variations on the phrase "I can hydroplane for you".

The song appears next as "Hydrofoil No. 1" on the CD issue of Imperial F.F.F.R. on Guernica, an offshoot of 4AD, and "Hydrofoil No. 3" appears only on the bonus 7" (Guernica 1S 7") issued on the Guernica LP version. "Hydrofoil No. 1"'s only lyrics are variations on the word "hydrofoil."

The lyrics included in the CD artwork for Imperial F.F.R.R. belong only to "Hydrofoil No. 3" (not on the CD):

This boat moves knots
hydrofoil for you*
Speed is the need
Speed is my creed
Chaingang is in gear, and
My wife is getting larger
Computer feuer on board

Knotmaster on 75.
International Collision Regulations,
Getting me down.
Hydrofoil for you*
I can hydrofoil for you*
*these lines are in the song but not included in the booklet.

The song appeared next as Appearing next as "Hydro", a 33 and 1/2 minute version, appearing on the CD and 12" versions of the Cath Carroll (TB 105/ BAD 3015) single on 4AD (included on promo versions). It contained no lyrics and probably contains the fulllength of the recording from which all versions of "Hydrofoil" were taken.

Finally, "Hydrofoil No. 4 " appears on the posthumous collection, B.P.M. [1991-1994] (TB 175) issued in 1995. It has no lyrics.

To the best of my knowledge "Hydrofoil No. 2" remains unreleased.

The Guernica label was the pet project of 4AD label head Ivo Watts-Russell as a platform to issue the album he enjoyed in the UK. The first year Guernica issued from the USA: Unrest's Imperial F.F.R.R.; from Australia: Underground Lovers' Leaves Me Blind; and from Amsterdam: Bettie Serveert's Palomine.

(In 1993, the label also issued Euphoria by the Insides which remains one of my favourite albums. If you have the 7" included with that LP or the Clear Skin 12" promo and can get me a copy - in whatever format - .)

The Guernica release paved the way for Unrest's further releases on the 4AD imprint.

75 knots is equal to 86.4 miles/hour.