Tag: 12″

September 12, 2025

State Of The Art – Shout And Run (Germany 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In the late 1980s, Germany’s music scene had already become a vibrant melting pot of synths, glossy production, and sometimes melancholic vocals. Bands like State Of The Art may not have become household names globally, but within the synth-pop / new wave circuit, they crafted songs that captured both the energy and the restlessness of that time. One standout among their catalog is “Shout And Run,” released around 1988/1989.

Background: Who are State Of The Art

State Of The Art formed in the mid-1980s in Cologne. The core members included Stephan Koch (keyboard, vocals, production), Frank Schmitz (guitar, vocals), and Georg Koch (drums, programming).

They released a handful of singles: “Love Remains A Rebel” (1987), “Love Will Keep Us Together” (1988), and then “Shout And Run” toward the tail end of their activity before their disbandment/reformation under a new name (“Boys On Parade”).

The Song: Atmosphere, Themes, and Style

“Shout And Run” is built on the classic synth-pop foundation: synthesizers, upbeat drum machines, catchy melodies, and a blend of urgency and gloss that was characteristic of late ’80s pop in Germany (and elsewhere). The title alone suggests motion, tension, desire to break free (“run”) paired with a kind of confrontation or exclamation (“shout”).

Though full lyrics aren’t widely circulated, the song’s drift seems to contrast restlessness with a need for expression. The “shout” is a metaphor for being heard; the “run” implies escape or distancing. There’s something energetic—maybe even defiant—in that combination.

Chart Reception and Legacy

Though State Of The Art never released a full LP before their first disbandment, their singles had modest success in radio charts. “Shout And Run” came after “Love Remains A Rebel” and “Love Will Keep Us Together.” It was their third single and helped cement their place in the German synth/pop / radio music ecosystem of the time.

“Shout And Run” charted (Germany, radio) around #20 in early 1989.

Though the band would eventually change form (later becoming Boys On Parade) and evolve, songs like “Shout And Run” remain interesting touchpoints—they hint at what could have been had the band had more exposure, or had the LP followed through.

Why “Shout And Run” Matters

It encapsulates the tension of the era: between moving forward and being heard, between the synthetic and the human.
It shows how even bands without massive international fame contributed depth to the synth-pop movement.
For listeners today, it offers nostalgia but also relevance: themes of escape, expression vs suppression, urgency — those still resonate.

If you’re exploring the history of synth-pop, particularly in Germany, “Shout And Run” is one of those gems that’s worth rediscovery. It may not have topped global charts, but it’s part of the tapestry of that musical moment: electronic textures, emotional pulses, and a voice that wants to break through.

SIDE A:
Shout And Run (Pattern Event Mix) 5:34

SIDE B:
Shout And Run (Extended Mix) 5:00

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI Electrola – 1C 060-1 47417 6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Germany
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Pop
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Lyrics By – Stephan Koch
Music By – Henry Parlan, Stephan Koch, Ulrich Herter
Producer – Ulrich Herter

NOTES:
State Of The Art are: Frank Schmitz, Georg Koch, Stephan Koch
Made in EEC

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.

September 10, 2025

Classix Nouveaux – Forever And A Day (UK 12″) (1983)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the early 1980s, Classix Nouveaux had firmly carved out their place in the New Wave and post-punk landscape. Formed in London in 1979 from the ashes of X-Ray Spex, the band — fronted by the charismatic Sal Solo — quickly became known for their striking visual style, theatrical performances, and polished, synth-driven sound.

One of the gems in their catalog is “Forever and a Day,” a single released in 1983 from their third studio album Secret. By this point, Classix Nouveaux had refined their sound, moving away from the rawer edges of their early work toward a sleeker, more atmospheric approach.

A Shift in Sound

“Forever and a Day” captures the essence of this evolution. Built on shimmering synth textures, driving bass lines, and Sal Solo’s dramatic, soaring vocals, the track balances melancholy with romantic optimism. The production feels cinematic, reflecting the broader trend in early-to-mid ’80s New Wave toward lush, layered arrangements.

While the band never quite broke through on the same scale as contemporaries like Ultravox or Duran Duran, tracks like “Forever and a Day” show they had all the right ingredients — powerful hooks, emotional depth, and undeniable style.

Release & Reception

Issued as a single in 1983, “Forever and a Day” wasn’t a major chart hit, but it cemented Classix Nouveaux’s reputation as cult favorites in the New Wave scene. In some territories — particularly across Europe and in markets like Poland, where the band enjoyed a surprising level of popularity — the song gained significant airplay.

The single was accompanied by a 12″ release, which offered an extended version remixed ny Phil Thornalley (Johnny Hates Jazz, The Cure) aimed at dancefloors and club DJs. This longer version gave the band’s synth arrangements more room to breathe, making “Forever and a Day” a perfect fit for the era’s club culture.

Legacy

Though Classix Nouveaux disbanded shortly after the release of Secret, songs like “Forever and a Day” have stood the test of time, rediscovered by collectors and fans of the 12″ remix format. The track remains a shining example of how New Wave blended electronic experimentation with pop sensibility — dramatic, stylish, and achingly heartfelt.

For many fans, “Forever and a Day” is more than just a single — it’s a reminder of the fleeting brilliance of a band that deserved a bigger spotlight.

SIDE A:
Forever And A Day (Extended Version) 6:46
Mixed By – Phil Thornalley
Strings – Ann Dudley
Written-By – Mik Sweeny, Sal Solo

SIDE B:
Switch (Full Length Version) 6:41
Written-By – B.P. Hurding, Mik Sweeny*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Liberty – 12BP 419
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave

CREDITS:

Producer – Alex Sadkin
Sleeve – Edward Bell

NOTES:
Rear sleeve: Lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Chappell Music Ltd.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.

September 5, 2025

Stacy Lattisaw – Call Me (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1988, Stacy Lattisaw was already a seasoned performer despite her young age. Discovered as a teenager, she had been recording since the late 1970s and built a reputation as one of R&B’s most promising voices. Known for her sweet yet powerful vocal style, Stacy seamlessly navigated ballads and uptempo tracks, earning her a loyal following throughout the ’80s.

“Call Me” was released as the third single from her ninth studio album, Personal Attention, which dropped on January 21, 1988, through Motown Records. The album itself represented an important chapter in Stacy’s career, as she worked to expand her sound with more contemporary late-’80s R&B production while keeping the soulful essence that had carried her through the decade.

The single “Call Me” is a sleek mid-tempo groove that showcases Stacy’s effortless vocal delivery over polished instrumentation. While it didn’t soar to the top of the charts, it managed to carve out its place, peaking at #80 on the Billboard R&B Chart. Even though it wasn’t a major hit, the track reflects the transitional sound of R&B at the time—blending smooth melodies with danceable rhythms that leaned toward the New Jack Swing era just around the corner.

Looking back, “Call Me” captures Stacy at an interesting point in her journey. Just a few years later, she would step back from the recording industry altogether, leaving behind a catalog that has continued to earn appreciation from collectors, DJs, and fans of ’80s soul and R&B.

For those who treasure late-’80s Motown releases, “Call Me” stands as a reminder of Stacy Lattisaw’s unique talent—an artist who began her career as a child prodigy and matured into a singer with undeniable warmth, sincerity, and groove.

SIDE A:
Call Me (12″ Remix) 6:15

SIDE B:
Call Me (7″ Version) 4:09
Call Me (Dubsky Bass) 4:56

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Call Me	U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop	#80

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – MOT-4615
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk, Soul

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – Debbie Sandridge
Remix – Taavi Mote
Written-By – The Blitz (2)
Written-By, Producer – Lou Pace

NOTES:
Original version appears on the Stacey Lattisaw album, “Personal Attention”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.

September 4, 2025

Ready For The World – Cowboy (US 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the late 1980s, Ready For The World had firmly established themselves as one of the premier R&B acts of the decade. With their signature mix of Minneapolis-inspired funk grooves, lush balladry, and crossover pop appeal, the Flint, Michigan sextet built a strong reputation thanks to smash hits like “Oh Sheila,” “Love You Down,” and “Digital Display.”

“Cowboy,” however, marked a different chapter. Released in early 1989 as the fourth and final single from the group’s third studio album, Ruff N’ Ready (issued September 19, 1988, via MCA Records), the track stood out not only for its title but also for its adventurous sonic direction.

At a time when New Jack Swing was dominating R&B radio, “Cowboy” blended Ready For The World’s smooth harmonies and dance-driven production with a playful Western theme. Built around slinky funk basslines, tight percussion, and the group’s signature vocal layering, the song injected a unique character into late-’80s R&B. The lyrics and styling played with the cowboy archetype—romantic, mysterious, and bold—yet kept it firmly rooted in the urban contemporary soundscape.

While Ruff N’ Ready didn’t achieve the multi-platinum success of the band’s earlier work, it still showcased their willingness to evolve. Alongside ballads like “My Girly” (a Top 10 R&B hit), “Cowboy” proved that the group wasn’t afraid to experiment, even if it meant stepping outside traditional R&B boundaries.

For DJs and collectors, the U.S. 12″ is a real highlight. MCA tapped remix heavyweight Louil Silas Jr.—who was behind countless late-’80s and early ’90s R&B club mixes—to reimagine the track for dancefloors. His mixes gave “Cowboy” extra punch and extended its groove, with precise edit work by Greg Royal, another trusted name in the remix scene. The result is a set of versions tailored for the clubs, keeping the spirit of the original intact while stretching it into something DJs could ride.

Although “Cowboy” didn’t reach the commercial heights of earlier singles like “My Girly” or “Love You Down,” it stands as an underrated piece of the Ready For The World catalog—an example of their willingness to experiment, push genre boundaries, and embrace the remix culture of the late 1980s.

For fans of deep R&B cuts, “Cowboy” remains a gem worth saddling up with.

SIDE A:
Cowboy (Extended Version) 8:28

SIDE B:
Cowboy (Instrumental) 8:22
Cowboy (Bassapella) 4:47

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23948
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Funk

CREDITS:

Design – Georgopoulos/Imada*
Edited By [Edits By] – Greg Royal
Engineer [Remix Engineer] – David Bianco
Executive-Producer – Louil Silas, Jr.*
Management – Denny Vosburgh, Machat Productions, Steven Machat
Producer – Ready For The World
Remix – Louil Silas, Jr.*
Tracking By [Overdubs By] – Jeff Lorber
Written-By – G. Valentine*, M. Riley*

NOTES:
Original version appears on the MCA LP, “Ruff ‘N’ Ready”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.