Charlie Sexton – In Deep (US 12″) (1987)

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Originally posted December 29, 2011

A Lost Gem from a Guitar Virtuoso

Charlie Sexton is a name that resonates with fans of rock, blues, and new wave, known for his exceptional guitar work and smooth vocals. While many may immediately think of his breakout 1985 hit “Beat’s So Lonely,” his lesser-known track “In Deep” showcases a different side of his artistry.

“In Deep” was featured on the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack (1987), a collection of songs that complemented the high-energy action film. Produced by Keith Forsey, the track captures the sleek, polished sound of the era, blending Sexton’s blues-rock sensibilities with a cinematic edge. The song also benefited from remixes by the legendary Shep Pettibone, adding a dance-friendly appeal to its atmospheric production. However, no music video was shot for the single, and the remixes remain exclusive to vinyl releases.

The track stands out for its emotive vocal delivery, haunting guitar work, and infectious melody. While it may not have been a chart-topping hit, it remains a hidden gem in Sexton’s discography, demonstrating his versatility as a musician and performer.

Though Charlie Sexton would later become known for his work with Bob Dylan as a longtime guitarist in Dylan’s touring band, songs like “In Deep” highlight his depth as a solo artist. This track is worth revisiting for fans of late-’80s rock and those who appreciate skilled musicianship with heartfelt songwriting.

SIDE A:
In Deep (Extended Version) 5:48

SIDE B:
In Deep (Single Version) 4:18
In Deep (Dub Version) 4:25

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23786
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Arranged By – Scott Wilk
Producer – Keith Forsey
Remix – Shep Pettibone
Written-By – Charlie Sexton, Scott Wilk

NOTES:
Original version appears on the “Beverly Hills Cop II” Motion Picture Soundtrack album MCA-6207

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

April 3, 2025

The Flirts – You & Me (US 12″) (1985)

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A Dance Floor Gem That Deserved More

The Flirts were a vocal trio with a rotating lineup, masterminded by producer Bobby Orlando. Known for their infectious dance tracks and stylish aesthetic, the group became a staple of the Hi-NRG and dance music scenes in the 1980s. One of their standout singles, You & Me, was released in 1985 as part of their album Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads. Despite being a club sensation, the song never quite broke through to mainstream pop success—but its legacy as a dance floor favorite remains strong.

The Track and Its Sound

Produced by Bobby Orlando, You & Me embodied the high-energy, synth-driven sound that defined his work. Co-written with Clifton “Jiggs” Chase, the song was a prime example of the pulsating electronic beats and catchy hooks that Orlando was known for. The vocals for this track were delivered by Tricia Wygal, Debra “Debbie” Gaynor, and Christina Criscione, bringing a lively and engaging performance to the song’s upbeat rhythm.

Dance Chart Domination

In the U.S., You & Me climbed to the number-one spot on the dance chart for a week, thanks in large part to a remix by legendary DJ and producer Shep Pettibone. Pettibone’s remixing skills helped elevate many tracks into club anthems, and this one was no exception. The song’s infectious beat and club-friendly production made it a must-play for DJs in the mid-’80s dance scene.

The “Rags to Riches” Music Video

To further promote the single, The Flirts released a music video featuring a “Rags to Riches” storyline, reinforcing the glamour and fun-loving spirit of the group. At one point in the video, a mock Billboard headline proclaimed “The Flirts Are Hits,” capturing the excitement surrounding the trio. Unfortunately, despite this promotional push, You & Me—like most of The Flirts’ singles—failed to cross over to the pop charts.

A Legacy of Dancefloor Magic

Although You & Me never became a pop hit, it remains a classic among dance music enthusiasts. The Flirts, with their ever-changing lineup and Bobby Orlando’s signature production, left an indelible mark on the Hi-NRG and Italo-disco scenes. Songs like this continue to be rediscovered by retro dance music fans, proving that even the most overlooked tracks can have lasting influence.

For those who appreciate ’80s dance music at its best, You & Me is a must-listen. Whether you first heard it in the club, saw it on TV, or are just now discovering it, this single is a shining example of the era’s infectious energy and production brilliance.

SIDE A:
You & Me 6:20

SIDE B:
You & Me (Instrumental) 6:51
You & Me (Dub) 6:07

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	You & Me	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS Associated Records – 4Z9-05284
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Hi NRG, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Mastered By – BK*
Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Producer – B. Orlando*
Written-By – B. Orlando*, C. Chase*

NOTES:
from the LP “Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

April 2, 2025

Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) (Europe 12″) (1985)

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NEW 2025 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Originally posted February 4, 2013

Few songs encapsulate the sound of the mid-80s like West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys. Originally released in 1984, the song was re-recorded in 1985 with producer Stephen Hague. It became an international hit in 1986, topping charts worldwide. Its mix of moody synth-pop, hip-hop-inspired beats, and Neil Tennant’s signature deadpan delivery created a track that still resonates today. But for remix enthusiasts, one particular version stands out—the Shep Pettibone Mastermix.

Shep Pettibone, a legend in the remix world, was at the height of his powers in the mid-to-late ’80s, working with artists like Madonna, New Order, and Janet Jackson. His take on West End Girls amplifies its dancefloor appeal, giving it a sharper, club-friendly edge while retaining the song’s atmospheric charm. Clocking in at over eight minutes, Pettibone’s remix extends and reshapes the track, introducing new percussive elements, enhanced synth layers, and a driving rhythm that makes the song even more energetic and dynamic.

One of the standout elements of the Shep Pettibone Mastermix is its use of breakdowns and vocal manipulation. Tennant’s vocals are layered and looped, adding depth and drama to the track. The bassline, already a defining feature of the original, is pushed forward, creating a groove that feels tailor-made for dance floors. The result is a remix that not only respects the essence of the song but elevates it into something fresh and dynamic.

It’s important to note that the Shep Pettibone Mastermix that appears on the 12″ single is not the same version that appeared on DISCO: The Remix Album. Additionally, to my knowledge, neither version on the 12″ single has appeared on CD. The B-side A Man Could Get Arrested is also a different version than the one that appears on the Alternative compilation or the Please Further Listening edition.

Though the Shep Pettibone Mastermix wasn’t the most commercially promoted remix of West End Girls, it remains a favorite among DJs and collectors, capturing a moment when remix culture was beginning to redefine pop music. It’s a testament to both Pet Shop Boys’ innovative songwriting and Pettibone’s ability to transform great songs into club classics.

For those who appreciate the extended mix era, this remix is a must-listen—a perfect blend of the Pet Shop Boys’ signature style and Shep Pettibone’s remix mastery. If you haven’t revisited it in a while, now’s the time to put it back on and experience West End Girls in a whole new way.

SIDE A:
West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) 8:13
Producer – Stephen Hague
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone

SIDE B:
West End Dub 9:35
Producer – Stephen Hague
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone

A Man Could Get Arrested 4:21
Producer – Bobby Orlando, The Pet Shop Boys*
Remix – Frank Roszak

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks	#26
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play	#1
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#36
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks	#37

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 060-20 0998 6, EMI – 1C K 060 20 0998 6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Europe
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Written-By – Tennant / Lowe

NOTES:
Tracks A and B1: Mixing and additional production for Mastermix Productions

Printed in Germany
Made in EEC.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

April 1, 2025

Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth (US 12″) (1987)

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Heaven Is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle’s Timeless Anthem

Released in 1987, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” remains one of the defining songs of the decade. Performed by Belinda Carlisle, former lead singer of The Go-Go’s, the track catapulted her into solo superstardom and became an instant classic of the late ’80s pop-rock sound.

A Chart-Topping Smash

Written by hitmakers Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” was the lead single from Carlisle’s second solo album, Heaven on Earth. The song quickly became a global phenomenon, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping charts in several other countries, including the UK and Canada. It was Carlisle’s first (and only) U.S. No. 1 hit, solidifying her place in pop history.

The Sound of the Late ’80s

The song’s lush production, soaring melodies, and anthemic chorus perfectly encapsulate the era’s signature sound. Produced by Nowels, the track features a driving beat, shimmering synths, and a powerful vocal performance from Carlisle. Many of the era’s biggest names contributed to the track—background vocals were provided by Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas, Chynna Phillips of Wilson Phillips, songwriter Diane Warren, as well as songwriters Nowels and Shipley. The song also features Thomas Dolby on synthesizers.

An Iconic Music Video

Adding to the song’s legendary status is its striking music video, directed by actress-turned-filmmaker Diane Keaton. Featuring dreamlike imagery, shadowy dancers, and celestial themes, the video perfectly complements the song’s uplifting lyrics about love and paradise. Carlisle, dressed in black against a darkened, glowing background, delivers a mesmerizing performance, making the video one of the most recognizable of the decade.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

Beyond its chart success, Heaven Is a Place on Earth has endured as a staple of ’80s nostalgia. The song has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, from Black Mirror to Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. It’s also a favorite in karaoke bars and ‘80s dance nights worldwide. The song’s message—finding heaven in love and human connection—remains just as powerful today as it was in 1987.

The Twelve-Inch Remix

For fans of extended mixes, the song’s 12″ version is a must-listen. The official remix, crafted by Shep Pettibone, extends the song’s euphoric energy with an extended intro and an even more driving beat, making it a dancefloor favorite. It’s another perfect example of how the ’80s took pop hits and transformed them into club anthems.

A Song That Never Fades

More than three decades later, Heaven Is a Place on Earth continues to shine as one of the most beloved pop songs of its time. Whether you first heard it on the radio in 1987 or discovered it through a retro playlist, its magic remains undeniable.

SIDE A:
Heaven Is A Place On Earth (The Heavenly Version) 5:59

SIDE B:
Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Down To Earth Dub) 5:27
Heaven Is A Place On Earth (The Voice) 3:53

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1987	Heaven Is A Place On Earth	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1987	Heaven Is A Place On Earth	U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary	#7

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23808, MCA Records – MCA 23808
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Edited By – Tuta Aquino
Edited By, Producer [Additional], Remix – Shep Pettibone
Engineer [Remix] – Steve Peck
Lacquer Cut By – TJ*
Producer, Written-By – Rick Nowels
Written-By – Ellen Shipley

NOTES:
From the MCA LP “HEAVEN ON EARTH”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.