You definitely want to do the recurring product up front. That money is most important since it keeps the relationship between you and your customer alive for as long as possible. Plus it's the best way to keep your business alive. The other reason is that many merchants REQUIRE you to have your recurring product in the premier position.

Another option is to have your first product and recurring product tied into one payment.

"Buy Product A and get a 30-day free trial to our Membership Thing B"
Then upsell Product C

Works like a charm.