Tag: US

December 19, 2025

The Weather Girls – Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas) (US 12″ Promo) (1983)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: December 13, 2013

“Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas)” is a holiday song recorded by The Weather Girls for their 1983 album Success. Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer wrote the song. It mixes a Christmas theme with a disco-driven sound that fits the group’s early 1980s dance output.

The track had a quiet release. It was issued in the US and the UK as a promotional single and did not chart. This was the case even though a music video was filmed. As a result, the song remained hard to find and easy to miss during its original run.

The Weather Girls began as Two Tons o’ Fun and featured Izora Armstead and Martha Wash. Both singers brought gospel power and strong presence to the dance floor. The duo scored several dance hits, with their biggest success coming in 1982.

That peak arrived with “It’s Raining Men,” a song that became a defining moment in dance music. “Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas)” followed soon after and shows the same mix of humor and confidence, set against a festive backdrop.

For this holiday season, I have given this disco banger a meticulous new audio transfer. It brings new clarity to a track that has long deserved a closer listen.

SIDE A:
Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas) (Vocal) 6:30

SIDE B:
Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas) (Instrumental) 6:14

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – AS 1790
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Hi NRG, Disco

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – Charles Koppelman
Producer – Paul Jabara
Written-By – P. Jabara*, P. Schaffer*

NOTES:
Demonstration Not For Sale
Taken From The Columbia/Entertainment Co. LP “Success” BEC 38997

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
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.

December 18, 2025

Bobby Brown – “Every Little Hit” Megamix (US 12″ Promo) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

When Bobby Brown released Don’t Be Cruel in 1988, he didn’t just dominate radio—he owned the dance floor. Even years after its initial release, the album continued to generate club interest, and one of the more intriguing artifacts from that era is the promo-only single “Every Little Hit (Megamix)”, issued in the United States as a promo single sent out to radio stations, and DJ record pools.

Unlike a standard commercial release, Every Little Hit (Megamix) was created strictly as a DJ tool, servicing clubs and radio mix shows that were hungry for nonstop Bobby Brown energy. Rather than focusing on a single track, the megamix stitches together highlights from Don’t Be Cruel, effectively functioning as a rapid-fire celebration of the album’s biggest moments. It’s Bobby at full throttle—hooks stacked on hooks, beats barely given time to breathe, and an overall sense that this was designed to keep dance floors moving without interruption.

Megamixes like this were a staple of the late ’80s and early ’90s club scene. They served multiple purposes: a sampler for casual listeners, a transition-friendly weapon for DJs, and a reminder of just how many hits an artist had accumulated in a short period of time. In Bobby Brown’s case, the format made perfect sense. Don’t Be Cruel was packed with chart-toppers and club favorites, and hearing them collide in one continuous mix only reinforced how dominant his run truly was.

Because it was promo-only, Every Little Hit (Megamix) never received the kind of widespread recognition that his commercial singles did. It was not found in record store bins, and many fans never knew it existed unless they were plugged into club culture or radio at the time. That scarcity has helped turn it into a bit of a cult item today—especially among collectors who appreciate the unique role promo 12″s played in shaping how dance music was heard and experienced.

Every Little Hit (Megamix) stands as a snapshot of an era when remix culture was booming, DJs were tastemakers, and record labels understood the power of the club. It may not be the most talked-about Bobby Brown release, but it’s a fascinating reminder that sometimes the most exciting records were the ones never meant for the general public—only for the booth, the floor, and those lucky enough to hear them in the moment.

SIDE A:
“Every Little Hit” Mega Mix (Club Version) 8:58
A.1 Every Little Step
A.2 On Our Own
A.3 Don’t Be Cruel
A.4 My Prerogative

SIDE B:
“Every Little Hit” Mega Mix (Radio Edit) 6:11
B.1 Every Little Step
B.2 On Our Own
B.3 Don’t Be Cruel
B.4 My Prerogative

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-18116
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: RnB/Swing

CREDITS:

Co-producer – Bobby Brown (tracks: A.4, B.4)
DJ Mix [Megamix] – Steve Anderson
Executive-Producer – Louil Silas, Jr.*
Producer – Gene Griffin (tracks: A.4, B.4), L.A. And Babyface* (tracks: A.1 to A.3, B.1 to B.3)

NOTES:
Includes special edits of “Every Little Step”, “On Our Own”, “Don’t Be Cruel” and “My Prerogative”. Inspired by Bobby’s mega hit “Dance… Ya Know It!” and “Don’t Be Cruel” albums.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.

December 17, 2025

Will To Power – Say It’s Gonna Rain (New Remixes) (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

When Will To Power’s “Say It’s Gonna Rain” began gaining serious traction in U.S. dance clubs, Epic Records did what the best labels of the era often did: they went back to the multitracks and gave DJs something new to work with.

The result was a second U.S. 12″ single, titled “New Remixes”, released specifically to capitalize on the song’s growing club momentum. Rather than reusing earlier versions, Epic enlisted Justin Strauss and Murray Elias working together, a collaboration that brought a distinctly New York club sensibility to the project.

Together, Strauss and Elias reshaped the track with a clear understanding of dance-floor dynamics. Their remix emphasizes groove and atmosphere, allowing the song to breathe while subtly reinforcing its rhythmic drive. Alyson Williams’ vocal remains the emotional anchor, floating over a more streamlined, club-focused arrangement that feels tailor-made for late-night sets.

What makes this second 12″ particularly notable is its timing. It wasn’t issued as part of the song’s initial release campaign; instead, Epic responded directly to the record’s success in U.S. dance clubs. This kind of reactive release strategy—issuing fresh remixes after a song had already proven itself—was a hallmark of late-’80s club culture.

Today, the “New Remixes” 12″ stands as a snapshot of that moment when labels, remixers, and DJs were in close conversation. It’s not just a follow-up pressing, but a deliberate extension of the song’s life on the dance floor—and a reminder of how collaborative remix work could give a hit single renewed energy and relevance.

SIDE A:
Say It’s Gonna Rain (Popstand Remix) 8:37
Say It’s Gonna Rain (Acid Rain Dub) 6:39

SIDE B:
Say It’s Gonna Rain (Popstand Nueva York Remix) 7:27
Say It’s Gonna Rain (Orange Sunshine Dub) 6:33

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49 07589
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Freestyle, Electro, House

CREDITS:

Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Engineer [Remix] – Hugo Dwyer
Lacquer Cut By – Vlado*
Producer – Bob Rosenberg
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Re-mix] – Justin Strauss, Murray Elias
Written-By – B. Rosenberg*

NOTES:
Special Version From The Epic Lp: “Will To Power” FE 40940
Additional production & re-mix for Popstand Productions.
Edited for SOS Productions.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.

December 12, 2025

Army Of Lovers – My Army Of Lovers (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Few groups in pop history have embraced flamboyance, camp, and sheer spectacle quite like Sweden’s Army Of Lovers. With their over-the-top visuals, theatrical flair, and maximalist approach to dance music, they turned pop into performance art. And if any track captures their essence, it’s undoubtedly “My Army Of Lovers.”

Originally released in 1990 on their debut album Disco Extravaganza, the song gained wider international attention with its 1991 single release tied to Massive Luxury Overdose. It’s the version most fans remember — the track that cemented Army Of Lovers as icons of European dance and queer club culture.

A Sound Made for the Dancefloor

“My Army Of Lovers” is pure early-’90s Eurodance at its most theatrical. The track layers swirling strings, a strutting bassline, and dramatic synths, over which:

La Camilla’s commanding vocals glide effortlessly,
Alexander Bard’s spoken interjections add theatrical weight,
And a production style that mixes disco, Hi-NRG, and classical touches creates a sound both ironic and irresistible.

Unlike much of the era’s dance music, which leaned heavily into house or techno, Army Of Lovers blended genres into something entirely their own. The result is a track that’s simultaneously playful, opulent, and utterly danceable.

The Magic of the 12″ Mixes

Like many of their singles, the extended versions of “My Army Of Lovers” elevate the song to new heights. DJs were treated to:

Expansive intros perfect for the club floor,
Extra layers of orchestration and percussion,
A hypnotic groove that keeps dancers moving,
And room for every dramatic flourish to shine.

It’s one of those tracks that demands the 12″ treatment — the more you stretch it, the more the drama and energy unfold.

Visual Spectacle

Army Of Lovers weren’t just musicians; they were living art. The video for “My Army Of Lovers” is a feast of Renaissance-inspired costumes, glittering excess, and high camp. Every frame is theatrical, every pose exaggerated — it’s pop as performance, executed with style and wit.

Legacy

While the group never achieved massive success in the U.S., their influence on European pop and dance music is undeniable. “My Army Of Lovers” remains one of their defining tracks, a celebration of glamour, individuality, and unapologetic excess. Three decades on, it still sparkles: a musical reminder that pop can be dramatic, daring, and delightful all at once.

SIDE A:
My Army Of Lovers (Concrete Ghetto Mix) 8:47
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Emil Hellman, StoneBridge

My Army Of Lovers (Pisces Atmosphere Mix) 5:23
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Dave Rendall*

SIDE B:
My Army Of Lovers (Nuzak Remix Club Edit) 6:27
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Nuzak

My Army Of Lovers (Pisces Stratosphere Mix) 5:50
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Dave Rendall*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Giant Records – 0-40068, Giant Records – 9 40068-0, Ton Son Ton – 0-40068, Ton Son Ton – 9 40068-0, Reprise Records – 0-40068, Reprise Records – 9 40068-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: Downtempo, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Backing Vocals – Ixi Qaxi
Drum Programming – Emil Hellman
Engineer [Assistant] – Per Adebratt
Keyboards – Tim Norell
Lead Vocals – La Camilla
Producer, Mixed By – Anders Hansson, Ola Håkansson, Tim Norell
Programmed By, Engineer – Anders Hansson
Recorded By [Additional Vocals] – JM Fax
Written-By – Hansson*, Bard/Oson/Norell*, Tyrén*

NOTES:
Some copies have pressing plant ID “E A S T” embossed on center label.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.