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'''Streethouse''' is a small [[village]] to the east of [[Wakefield]], the south of [[Normanton, West Yorkshire|Normanton]] and the west of [[Pontefract]] in [[West Yorkshire]]. Formerly a mining village, Streethouse retains a train station on the line between [[Wakefield]] and [[Pontefract]] and a miners' club. Unemployment and deprivation prompted several locals to leave and there have been periods when much of the housing has been uninhabited. Streethouse suffers from similar problems to [[Fitzwilliam, West Yorkshire|Fitzwilliam]] and [[Grimethorpe]], though on a lesser scale.
{| class="infobox" style="width: 20em; " cellspacing="0"
|- style="text-align: center;"
<tr><th style="background: #ffff00;" colspan="3">'''"Last Train To Trancentral"'''</th></tr><!--
--><tr><td colspan="3" align="center">[[Image:The KLF- Last Train To Trancentral (pure trance original).jpg|200px|Single cover]]</th></tr>
<tr><td colspan="3" align="center">[[Image:The KLF- Last Train To Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent).jpg|200px|Single cover]]</th></tr>
|- style="text-align:center;"
!style="background: #ffff00;" colspan="3" | [[Single (music)|Single]] by [[The KLF]]
A lot of crime is targeted at those who move into the village who do not have a history there. The police are unable to do anything as most people are related and will not report members of their family.
|-
| '''Released'''
| colspan="2" | March 1990 <small>(''Pure Trance 5'')</small>
April 1991 <small>(''Live from the Lost Continent'')</small>
|-
| '''Recorded'''
| colspan="2" | [[Trancentral]]
|-
| '''[[Music genre|Genre]]'''
| colspan="2" | [[House music]]
In other words Streethouse, a village of no fewer than 200 houses is full of dirty thieving inbreds. Remarkably, there are only 5 families within those 200 houses - its quite scary what freakish little creatures they manage to produce. We are talking seriously gimpy plonkers with a whole host of odd looking features and delinquency of epidemic proportions. Luckily the delightful people of Streethouse have access to a state-of-the-art chip shop, the only disadvantage being that it is a three minute walk away from most houses. In addition, when it rains the giant puddle provides a free bathing area, its just a shame it isn't in the middle of the road. The people of Streethouse are easily recognisable from quite a distance, usually the mucky white tracksuit bottoms, stripey Ben Sherman jumpers and Burberry cap's give them away, not to mention the manure-like smell. It is estimated that the average Streethouse villager has between none and three bath's per year, consumes between six and seven hundred tonnes of chips and approximately four hundred gallons of special brew per quarter. They go through roughly 50 pairs of stolen white trainers per year and they don't understand English - the chances of this being read by one of them is estimated to be about sixteen billion to one. All in all, Streethouse is without doubt one of the most dangerous places in the Northern hemisphere. Make sure you avoid at all costs!!
|-
| '''Length'''
| colspan="2" | 6:42 <small>(''Pure Trance Original'')</small>
5:36 <small>(''Live from the Lost Continent'')</small>
|-
| style="padding-right:1em;" | '''[[Record label|Label]]'''
| colspan="2" | [[KLF Communications]] <small>([[United Kingdom|UK]])</small>
[[Category:Villages in West Yorkshire]]
|-
| '''[[Record producer|Producer(s)]]
| colspan="2" | [[Bill Drummond|Drummond]]/[[Jimmy Cauty|Cauty]]
<!--
--><tr style="text-align:center;"><th style="background: #ffff00;" colspan="3">[[Top 40|Chart]] positions</th></tr><tr><td colspan="3">
<nowiki></nowiki><nowiki></nowiki>
* #2 <small>([[United Kingdom|UK]])</small>
* #- <small>([[United States|US]])</small>
* #5 <small>([[Australia]])</small>
* #6 <small>([[Switzerland]])</small>
</td></tr>
|}
'''"Last Train to Trancentral"''' is a song and - in different [[remixes|mixes]] - a series of singles by [[The KLF]], including "Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)", a commercially successful single of April 1991 that reached # 2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]] and achieved international [[top ten]] placings. "Last Train to Trancentral" is a central song within The KLF's work, and is distinctive for an uplifting string-orchestrated [[break (music)|break]].
==Origins and versions==
Many of the [[chord sequence]]s and instrumental melodies found within the various versions of "Last Train to Trancentral" were in common with an earlier track by The KLF, "Go To Sleep", from the soundtrack to their film ''[[The White Room (film)|The White Room]]''. Both the film and the soundtrack were abandoned in 1989, due to spiralling costs and the commercial failure of the soundtrack single "Kylie Said to Jason". However, much of the musical material was salvaged and substantially remodelled to form the basis of their later, commercially successful work.
===Pure Trance version===
The original March [[1990]] [[12"]] single release constituted the third of The KLF's "Pure Trance" series. The sleeve, emblazened with the number 5, reflects The KLF's prior intention that this be the fifth contribution to the series, but two titles ("Turn Up The Strobe" and "Love Trance") were never given formal releases.<ref>A few (less than ten) copies of "Love Trance" have been found in circulation, but Drummond and Cauty have not publicly confirmed their authenticity.</ref> An earlier version of "Pure Trance 5", entitled "E-Train to Trancentral", was also not released. The relationship between "E-Train..." and the later tracks "Go To Sleep" and "Last Train..." is unknown.
The "Pure Trance" version of "Last Train to Trancentral" is a [[minimalism|minimalist]] [[ambient house]] reworking of "Go To Sleep", stripped of that song's female vocal line and most of The KLF co-founder [[Bill Drummond]]'s narration. It features a strained, chordless synthesiser melody and a progressive instrumental build-up into a string-orchestrated [[break (music)|break]]. Some parts of the track are purely percussive, punctuated by the bleats of [[sheep]]. The track was incorporated into The KLF's February 1990 album ''[[Chill Out (album)|Chill Out]]'', for which they have been credited as pioneers of the ambient house genre. Indeed, upon its release, "Last Train to Trancentral (Pure Trance version)" was not easily categorised, with ''[[Record Mirror]]'' claiming that "it isn't a dance track"<ref>"Last Train from Transylvania", ''[[Record Mirror]]'', 16 December 1989 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=110 link]).</ref>.
{{sample box start variation 1|Audio samples:}}
{{multi-listen start|Audio samples of:}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=The_KLF_-_Last_Train_to_Trancentral_(Pure_Trance_version)_(excerpt).ogg|title="Last Train to Trancentral (Pure Trance version)"|description=A more upbeat section of the track, leading into percussive ambience.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=The_KLF_-_Last_Train_to_Trancentral_(Live_from_the_Lost_Continent)_(excerpt).ogg|title="Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)"|description=The same chord sequence, given the full-on "Stadium House" treatment.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=The_KLF_-_Last_Train_to_Trancentral_(LP version)_(excerpt).ogg|title="Last Train to Trancentral (LP version)"|description=The distinctive string-orchestrated break.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen end}}
{{sample box end}}
===LP version===
In March [[1991]], a version of "Last Train to Trancentral" appeared on The KLF [[LP]] ''[[The White Room]]''. Featuring vocals by [[reggae]] musician Black Steel and a rap by Ricardo Da Force, this [[house music|house]] reworking is not ambient, instead following a conventional [[song structure (popular music)|song structure]], and a rhythm that mimicks the sound of a train in motion along its tracks. This version uses the theme of a journey to act as a bridge between the two sides of the LP, from uptempo pop-house music to a [[downtempo]] collection of songs.
===Stadium House version===
In April 1991, some elements of the "LP Version" were further reworked into a commercially-minded single release. Entitled "Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)", this release formed the third and final instalment of The KLF's so-called "Stadium House Trilogy" of singles, following up "[[What Time Is Love?]]" and "[[3 a.m. Eternal]]" during the peak of the band's [[mainstream]] popularity. This version reached #2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]], and found [[top ten]] success internationally. The track preserves the [[chord progression]] and string break of previous versions, placed in the context of a relentless, [[sampling|sample]]-filled [[rave music|rave]] [[arrangement (music)|arrangement]]. Unlike the prior Stadium House offerings, no [[Rapping|rap]] is added, but the trilogy is consolidated by the presence of distinctive samples from both "What Time Is Love?" and "3 a.m. Eternal". As with much of The KLF's commercial output, the track is jubilant and highly [[self-reference|self-referential]], purporting that it has a message to deliver yet proceeding with deliberate ambiguity. Also typical of The KLF, it refers to ''[[The Illuminatus! Trilogy]]'' novels and the [[Mu (lost continent)|Lost Continent of Mu]]. The song features on The KLF's video ''[[The Stadium House Trilogy]]''.
A remix 12" accredited to [[The Moody Boys]] was released concurrently with the Stadium House arrangement. Entitled "The KLF Meets The Moody Boys Uptown", The Moody Boys' remixes bear little resemblence to the released song, drawing upon a chord sequence and vocal refrain from "Go To Sleep" which are not common to other versions of "Last Train to Trancentral".
==Reaction and influence==
''[[Record Mirror]]'' noted the "ethereal atmospherics" of the "Pure Trance" version,<ref>"Last Train To Trancentral" review, ''[[Record Mirror]]'', 6 January 1990 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=116 link]).</ref> but the single was poorly received by ''[[Melody Maker]]'', who interpreted it as a joke: "'Look how mischievous we are', the fatheads giggle!"<ref>"Last Train to Trancentral" review, ''[[Melody Maker]]'', 20 January 1990 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=119 link]).</ref> In comparing "Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)" to the KLF single "[[Justified and Ancient]]", ''[[NME]]'' called the former a "sheer frantic rush".<ref>Williams, S., "Justified and Ancient" review, ''[[New Musical Express]]'', 7 December 1991 ([http://libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=267 link]).</ref> ''[[NME]]'' also named the single as 15th best of 1991.<ref>''[[New Musical Express]]'', chart of the ''NME''s favourite singles of 1991, 21 December 1991.</ref>
"Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)" is used in the finale for [[Blue Man Group]]'s theatrical show. Blue Man Group's ''[[The Complex (Blue Man Group)|The Complex]]'' features pieces from the so-called "Rock Concert Instruction Manual", a tongue-in-cheek deconstruction of pop music and the rock concert experience; this alludes to the KLF Communications publication ''[[The Manual]]''.
==Trancentral==
'''Trancentral''' was described as "the spiritual home of The KLF".<ref>Cauty, C., "[[KLF Communications]] Info Sheet 7", December 1989 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=507 link]).</ref>
This concept is reinforced by the "LP Version" of "Last Train to Trancentral", which describes the journey to Trancentral as one of spiritual awakening, and the place itself as a forum for spiritual realisation. In describing his journey, rapper Ricardo Da Force says "A brand new day is dawning, a light that will annoint me, a sign from the subconscious, an angel sent to guide me, the searchin' will be over, the call will now be gentle...". He also says, "Relax - there's only one place I'm headed now: I'm going into Trancentral where I can, you understand, [[liberation|liberate]] and free the [[psyche]], balance my mind and my body...".<ref>Lyte, R., "Last Train to Trancentral (LP Version)", ''[[The White Room]]'', [[KLF Communications]] JAMS LP6.</ref> In The KLF's later output, it was implied that Trancentral was analogous to "Mu Mu Land" - the Lost Continent of Mu<ref>The KLF's December 1991 single, "[[Justified and Ancient|Justified and Ancient: Stand by The JAMs]]" includes the lyrics: "The last train left an hour ago, they were singing 'all aboard', all bound for Mu Mu Land...".</ref> - and that The KLF's journey "home" was ultimately unsuccessful.<ref>"[[KLF Communications]] Info Sheet 23", May 1992 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=514 link]).</ref>
In reality, Trancentral was the name of The KLF's [[recording studio]] in [[Stockwell]], that was also The KLF co-founder [[Jimmy Cauty|Jimmy Cauty's]] [[squatting|squat]]. Cauty lived at Trancentral for approximately 12 years until Autumn 1991, claiming on one occasion, "I hate the place. I've no alternative but to live here".<ref>[[Danny Kelly|Kelly, D.]], "Welcome To The Sheep Seats", ''[[New Musical Express]]'', 29 February 1992 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=297 link]).</ref> <ref name="Stubbs">Stubbs, D., "Pranks for the Memory", ''[[Melody Maker]]'', 16 February 1991 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=202 link]).</ref> Trancentral was described in February 1991 by a visiting ''[[Melody Maker]]'' journalist, who noted:
[[Image:The_KLF_-_Trancentral_Logo.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The KLF's 'Trancentral' logo: speakers arranged in a 'T' shape.]]
{{cquote|There's little evidence of fame or fortune. The kitchen is heated by means of leaving the three functioning [[stove|gas rings]] on at full blast until the fumes make us all feel [[stoned]], there's a bag of litter in the hallway that everybody trips over going in and out of the place, as well as a very old motorbike... And, pinned just above a working top cluttered with chipped mugs is a letter from a five-year-old fan, featuring a crayon drawing of the band.<ref name="Stubbs" />}}
Trancentral circa 1989 was described retrospectively as:
{{cquote|...a huge [[Victorian period|Victorian]] [[terraced house]]. In the basement were the [[ersatz]] 'Trancentral Studios', where [The KLF's] finest moments were recorded. The upper floors were home to Cauty and wife Cressida, herself an artist, and several others. Friends recall the good times, at the height of the [[rave|acid-rave scene]], when The KLF would throw 'really brilliant fuck-off parties', sometimes lasting all weekend, with a fairly relaxed attitude to uninvited house guests".<ref>Sharkey, A., "Trash Art & Kreation", ''[[The Guardian]] (Weekend)'', 21 May 1994 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=384 link]).</ref>}}
Trancentral is often mentioned in The KLF's work, and is the likely motivation behind a motif of The KLF, in which [[loudspeaker|speakers]] are arranged to form a capital T. This [[logo]] appeared on [[KLF Communications]] recordings and [[merchandise]].
==Personnel==
"Last Train to Trancentral (Pure Trance version)" was written and performed by The KLF ([[Bill Drummond]] and [[Jimmy Cauty]]). For other versions of the song, credit is given to Drummond and Cauty for [[record producer|production]], performance and [[programming (music)|programming]]. Additional contributors on these versions include:
* Ricardo Da Force - rap and narration
* Black Steel - vocals (except Moody Boys versions)
* Wanda Dee - vocals (the sample "Come on boy, d'ya wanna ride?") ("Live from the Lost Continent")
* Maxine Harvey - vocals ("LP version", Moody Boys versions)
* Nick Coler - keyboards
* [[Tony Thorpe]] - 'groove consultant' ("Live from the Lost Continent"), remixing (Moody Boys versions)
==Formats and track listings==
"Last Train to Trancentral (Pure Trance remix)" was aired as a UK [[12-inch single|12" single]] in March 1990, in an issue limited to 2000 copies.<ref>[[KLF Communications]], Information Sheet Eight, August 1990 ([http://www.libraryofmu.org/display-resource.php?id=508 link]).</ref> "Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)" was given an international release as a single on 22 April 1991. A single of [[remix|remixes]] by [[The Moody Boys]] was given a limited release on 6 May 1991.
{|class="wikitable"
! align="center" rowspan=2 |Format (and countries)
! colspan=3 |Track number
|-
!1
!2
!3
|-
| align="left" colspan=4 |'''Pure Trance 5'''
|-
| align="left" | 12" (UK)
|PR
|PO
|
|-
| align="left" colspan=4 |'''Live from the Lost Continent'''
|-
| align="left" | 7" single, cassette single
|lc
|H
|
|-
| align="left" | 12" single (US)
|LC
|H
|V
|-
| align="left" | 12" single (Denmark)
|LC
|lc
|H
|-
| align="left" | 12" single (elsewhere)
|LC
|H
|
|-
| align="left" | CD single (Austria)
|LC
|H
|PR
|-
| align="left" | CD single (elsewhere)
|lc
|H
|PR
|-
| colspan=4 align="left" |'''KLF Meets The Moody Boys Uptown'''
|-
| align="left" | 12" single, CD single
|B
|R
|V
|-
|}
'''Key'''
*PO - "Last Train to Trancentral (Pure Trance Original)" (5:50)
*PR - "Last Train to Trancentral (Pure Trance Remix)" (6:43)
*lc - "Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)" (radio edit) (3:37)
*LC - "Last Train to Trancentral (Live from the Lost Continent)" (5:36)
*H - "Last Train to Trancentral (The Iron Horse)" (4:12)
*V - "Last Train to Trancentral (Mu D. Vari-Speed Version)" (6:50)
*B - "Last Train to Trancentral (808Bass Mix)" (6:15)
*R - "Last Train to Trancentral (120 Rock Steady)" (6:09)
==References==
* [http://www.libraryofmu.org/index.php Library of Mu press archive] - a library of KLF-related press clippings
*[[Discogs.com]], [http://www.discogs.com/label/KLF+Communications KLF Communications discography]
*Longmire, Ernie et al (2005). [http://www.klf.de/discography/ KLF discography] <ref>Compiled by Ernie Longmire, this has been the authoratative KLF discography on the internet for some 10 years or more and has been the subject of long-term scrutiny and peer review by KLF fans and collectors. It is now maintained by the fan site klf.de.</ref>
*Author unknown (1991). "The KLF: Enigmatic dance duo" (feature and discography up to that time), ''[[Record Collector]]'' Magazine, April 1991.
==Footnotes==
<references/>
{{The KLF}}
{{The KLF singles}}
[[Category:KLF singles]]
[[Category:KLF Communications singles]]
[[Category:1990 singles]]
[[Category:1991 singles]]
[[Category:KLF songs]]
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