Rumblings
Eleven months had passed since A&M US requested a follow up single. They finally lost patience with the unprofessionalism of Factory Records. Reade, implementing what she thought was agreed company policies and procedures, mailed copies of the new single to A&M US. They rejected the track, more on a business footing than artistic, thus leaving the band free to negotiate with other interested parties. Profile Records (home to Run DMC among others), heard "Can’t Afford" on constant rotation in New York night clubs on import and were amazed that A&M had declined to exercise the option. Reade, as Overseas Licensing Manager, negotiated with Profile Records who wanted to move fast and put the record out on the streets as bootleg recordings were already beginning to surface.
Read more about this topic: 52nd Street (band)