This is the best version of Tainted Love/Where did our Love go. To help others out, this version was released at the same time Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret was released, 1982, but as an import from England. So if you had an album rock station, they probably played this version. The Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret version was very short, with "Where Did Our Love Go" completely edited out. Then there was the 45 version, which included both songs connected together, but with 2 minutes edited out of the middle section and 2 minutes chopped off the end of the song. If your looking for the song in particular, get this one and stay away from Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. You would think Non-Stop being the "album", it would have the longest version available. Wrong.

It's hard to do a survey of the great electropop singles of the 1980s without mentioning "Tainted Love" from the influential duo Soft Cell. Vocalist Marc Almond sings this song with the urgency of a scarred lover who's had his heart bruised too many times. The moody and dark synths underscore the pained lyrics which convincingly illustrate a picture of a relationship gone bad. "Tainted Love" stayed in the charts for weeks and weeks, and it's easy to see why. Not only did we connect with Almond's agony, it also provided ample proof that synth pop can carry emotion. But "Tainted Love" doesn't really hit its climax until it segues into their version of the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go." This single, which has the original 9-minute extended version, excludes the b-side "Memorabillia," which was featured on the original US 12-inch single. Also, the 1991 remix that surfaces here isn't bad, but it's rather unnecessary. Still, "Tainted Love" is a single definitely worth revisiting. Even after all these years, it remains untainted.

I agree with the previous caller that the version of Tainted Love from Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret was short and leaves you yearning for more. However, and it's a BIG however, the rest of the album is equally as brilliant. It really showcases 1) Marc's vocal abilities, 2) David's wizardry with sounds/the equipment and their songwriting skills. The depth of their world into which they take you when you listen to the lyrics, is nothing short of real. Just listen to Bedsitter, Frustration, Seedy Films, Secret Life and other singles not on the album: Torch, Insecure Me. I could go on and on. If you can find it, you MUST buy a copy of Non-Stop Ecstatic Dancing, a compilation of remixes that is phenomenal! ....

I love this song, Tainted Love, it must have been one of my very first records! Does anyone know what year it originally came out, and have you ever heard the 'extended version-long play'? Sometimes in Atlanta, Ga, Star 94 will play the long version- it is truely the greatest version ever created...

Marc Almond is a true DIVA. I have everything he has ever done with and without David Ball. His solo stuff is amazing. He is the Torch singer of all Torch singers!