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

Burning The Ground Exclusive

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

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.

March 31, 2025

Duran Duran – All She Wants Is (US 12″ Promo) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1988, Duran Duran had moved well beyond their early-’80s new wave roots. Their album Big Thing signaled a shift toward a more experimental, club-oriented sound, and All She Wants Is, one of its standout singles, exemplified this transformation.

Released as the second single from Big Thing, All She Wants Is was one of the band’s most unconventional and daring tracks. Stripping away the glossy pop sheen of their earlier hits, the song embraced a darker, industrial-infused groove inspired by the house and dance music trends of the late ’80s. Produced by Duran Duran alongside Jonathan Elias and Daniel Abraham, it featured pulsing beats, distorted vocals, and an eerie, hypnotic atmosphere that set it apart from anything they had done before.

Despite its departure from their signature sound, All She Wants Is proved successful. It reached #9 on the UK Singles Chart and #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., reaffirming the band’s ability to evolve while still making compelling music. On the U.S. Billboard Dance chart, it soared to #1, thanks in part to Shep Pettibone’s remixes, which amplified its club appeal. The song’s hypnotic rhythm and haunting chorus made it a favorite on dance floors, while its surreal music video—directed by Dean Chamberlain—added to its mystique with stop-motion animation and eerie lighting effects.

Beyond its chart performance, All She Wants Is showcased Duran Duran’s willingness to push creative boundaries—a trait that has helped them stay relevant for decades. Even today, the track remains a striking entry in their discography, a bold electronic departure that still captures the essence of what made Duran Duran one of the most exciting bands of their era.

For fans of late-’80s dance music and darker, edgier pop, All She Wants Is remains a fascinating listen—proof that Duran Duran was far more than just their early MTV-era hits. The track was ahead of its time and still sounds fresh today.

Official Remixes

The U.S. 12″ promo featured five remixes by Shep Pettibone, including the exclusive Euro House Dub II, which remains a vinyl-only track. Below is a breakdown of the various official remixes, with mix titles varying slightly by country:

45 Version / 7″ Version – Slight early fades of the album version, varying by release but only a few seconds shorter.
Euro House Mix / Euro Dub Mix – The same vocal house remix.
Euro House Dub I / House Dub – Identical instrumental house remixes.
Euro House Dub II – Exclusive to the U.S. promo 12″.
U.S. Master Mix – An electro/freestyle-inspired vocal remix.
U.S. Master Dub / Latino Dub – Identical instrumental remixes.

*Vinyl-only exclusive

SIDE A:
All She Wants Is (U.S. Master Mix) 7:21
All She Wants Is (U.S. Master Dub) 6:45

SIDE B:
All She Wants Is (Euro House Mix) 7:35
All She Wants Is (Euro House Dub I) 7:09
All She Wants Is (Euro House Dub II)* 5:44

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	All She Wants Is	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#22
1988	All She Wants Is	U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks	#24
1988	All She Wants Is	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – SPRO-79482, Capitol Records – SPRO-79483
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Gold sleeve
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Composed By – Taylor*, Rhodes*, Lebon*
Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Engineer [Remix] – Goh Hotoda
Producer – Daniel Abraham, Duran Duran, Jonathan Elias
Remix – Shep Pettibone

NOTES:
Issued in plain white, silver or gold generic die-cut jacket with info sticker.

Mix titles on sticker vary slightly from what is on the labels; the tracklist here is a combination of the two.

Info on sticker:
New Mixes by Shep Pettibone
Promotional use only. Not for sale.

Info on labels:
Remixed by Shep Pettibone for MasterMix Productions.
(Original version appears on the LP “Big Thing” C1-90958)

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.

March 26, 2025

Shining a Spotlight on Shep Pettibone: The Remix Architect of the 80s and 90s

I wanted to shine a spotlight on one of the most influential remixers and producers of the 1980s and 90s: Shep Pettibone. A visionary in the studio, Pettibone redefined what a remix could be, turning standard pop tracks into club anthems and paving the way for dance music’s evolution.

The Early Years

Born in 1959, Shep Pettibone first gained recognition as a DJ and remixer in the early 1980s, working with Salsoul Records. His early reworkings of disco and post-disco tracks showcased his ability to extend, reshape, and inject new energy into songs. It wasn’t long before major labels and artists took notice of his unique approach to remixing.

Defining the Remix Culture

By the mid-80s, Pettibone had become the go-to remixer for some of the biggest names in pop and dance music. He brought his signature sound—punchy basslines, crisp percussion, and extended dance breaks—to songs by artists such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, and George Michael. His remixes were more than just extended versions; they often reimagined the structure of a song, adding new instrumental elements and building up to explosive climaxes perfect for the dancefloor.

Some of his most celebrated remixes, known for their innovative production and dancefloor appeal, include:

Madonna – “Into the Groove (You Can Dance Remix)” (1987)
Pet Shop Boys – “West End Girls (Shep Pettibone Mastermix)” (1986)
Janet Jackson – “Miss You Much (Shep’s House Mix)” (1989)
George Michael – “Hard Day (Shep Pettibone Remix)” (1987)

The Madonna Connection & Chart Domination

Pettibone’s collaborations with Madonna cemented his status as a top-tier producer. He remixed multiple tracks for her, but it was their work together on 1990’s Vogue that truly defined his career. Co-writing and co-producing the song, Pettibone crafted a house-inspired masterpiece that became a global phenomenon. He later worked extensively on Madonna’s Erotica album (1992), blending deep house grooves with edgy pop and R&B.

Beyond the 90s

As the remix culture evolved and new producers emerged, Pettibone gradually stepped away from the mainstream music industry. He focused on other ventures, including opening the Paradise Nightclub in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Though no longer actively remixing, his influence remains undeniable, with modern DJs and producers still citing his work as a major inspiration.

Legacy

Shep Pettibone transformed the role of the remixer from someone who merely extended a track to a true artist who could reshape and elevate a song into something fresh and exciting. His contributions to dance and pop music continue to be celebrated, and his work remains a staple for DJs and collectors alike.

For fans of 80s and 90s remixes, Pettibone’s catalog is essential listening. His work serves as a reminder of an era when the 12” single ruled the dancefloor, and the right remix could make all the difference.

Let me know in the comments—what is your favorite Shep Pettibone remix?

March 21, 2025

Madleen Kane – You Can (US 12″) (1981)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

A Disco Classic with Moroder’s Magic

Some songs capture the spirit of an era so perfectly that they remain timeless. You Can, the 1981 single by Madleen Kane, is one of those tracks—an irresistible blend of disco and early ’80s dance energy, fueled by the legendary production of Giorgio Moroder.

Kane, a Swedish-born model-turned-singer, had already made a name for herself in the disco scene, but You Can became one of her biggest hits. Co-written by Yolanda Yvette Adams, Donald Ray Atkins, and Marcus Ecby, the song soared to the top of the dance charts, spending three weeks at number one. It was a defining moment for Kane, as it became her only Billboard Hot 100 entry, peaking at #77.

The track pulsates with Moroder’s signature electronic rhythms and hypnotic synth lines, creating an infectious groove that made it a dancefloor staple. The B-side, Fire in My Heart, was also a fan favorite, further cementing Kane’s status in the club scene.

While You Can may not have reached mainstream pop stardom, its impact on dance music is undeniable. It’s a song that still shines on retro club playlists and remains a cherished piece of the early ’80s dance movement.

Crank up the volume and let Madleen Kane remind you why the disco beat never truly fades.

SIDE A:
You Can (Special 12 Inch Version) 5:35
Remix – Brian Reeves, Jean-Claude Friederich
Written-By – G. Moroder, P. Bellotte

SIDE B:
Fire In My Heart (Special 12 Inch Version) 6:46
Remix – Sylvester Levay, Will Crocker
Written-By – G. Moroder, S. Levay

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1981	You Can	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#77
1981	You Can	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance / Disco	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chalet Records – CH802
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop, Disco

CREDITS:
Producer – Giorgio Moroder

NOTES:
Produced for Friederich Prod. S.A.

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.