Sade – The Sweetest Taboo (US 12″ Promo) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released in late 1985 as the lead single from Promise, Sade’s sophomore album, “The Sweetest Taboo” is a silky, sunlit groove that effortlessly blends jazz, pop, and soul into one of the most distinctive sounds of the decade. The track was written by Sade Adu and bandmate Martin Ditcham and produced by Robin Millar, who also helmed their debut Diamond Life.

Where Diamond Life introduced the world to Sade’s cool sophistication, Promise deepened the palette—more organic, more textured, and more confident. “The Sweetest Taboo” perfectly captures that evolution. Built around a gentle Latin-tinged rhythm, velvety guitar, and understated percussion, the song creates a mood that feels both romantic and timeless.

Lyrically, Sade describes a love so deep it feels almost forbidden—a passion that transcends words. Her vocal delivery is intimate and soothing, floating effortlessly over the groove. “There’s a quiet storm / And it never felt like this before,” she sings, inviting listeners into a serene emotional space few artists could craft so delicately.

The single became one of Sade’s signature hits, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in early 1986. It also found success across Europe, further cementing the group’s status as global icons of refined, emotive pop. The accompanying music video, directed by Brian Ward, mirrors the song’s warmth—featuring Sade in desert landscapes and dreamlike imagery that evoke both freedom and longing.

“The Sweetest Taboo” is more than just a hit single; it’s a defining moment in 1980s music—smooth yet soulful, intimate yet sophisticated. Nearly forty years later, its gentle rhythm and Sade’s unmistakable voice still sound like the essence of quiet passion.

SIDE A:
The Sweetest Taboo (Short Version) 4:24

SIDE B:
The Sweetest Taboo (Long Version) 5:27

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance — Sade: The Sweetest Taboo (1985)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Billboard Hot 100	#5	1985/86
US Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary	#1	1985/86
US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs	#3	1985/86
UK Singles Chart	#31	1985/86
Canada Top Singles (RPM)	#12	1985/86

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Portrait – RAS 2219
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Smooth Jazz, Soul

CREDITS:

Engineer [Production] – Mike Pela
Producer – Robin Millar
Written-By – Ditcham*, Adu*
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman
Lacquer Cut At – Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs
Produced For – Modern Media Ltd.
Published By – Silver Angel Music, Inc.

NOTES:
DEMONSTRATION
NOT FOR SALE
Taken From The Portrait Lp: “PROMISE”

“Long Version” is also known as “Extended Version”.

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.

November 12, 2025

Vitamin Z – Circus Ring (We Scream About) (Remix) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Sheffield-based pop duo Vitamin Z made their debut in 1985 with the album Rites of Passage, a record that blended stylish synth-pop with touches of rock and soul. One of its standout tracks is “Circus Ring,” a shimmering, emotional single that captures the lush, cinematic sound Vitamin Z became known for.

Formed by Geoff Barradale (vocals) and Nick Lockwood (bass and keyboards), Vitamin Z were part of the mid-’80s wave of UK bands who brought intelligence and sophistication to pop music. Their sound was sleek yet heartfelt—think a cross between Tears for Fears, The Blow Monkeys, and early Simple Minds—with an emphasis on melody, mood, and atmosphere.

“Circus Ring” was released as a single in 1985, following their debut hit “Burning Flame.” Produced by Ross Cullum (known for his work with Tears for Fears and Howard Jones), the song features a sweeping arrangement built on chiming guitars, shimmering synth textures, and Barradale’s emotive vocals. The lyrics use circus imagery as a metaphor for love and vulnerability, reflecting the bittersweet tone that runs throughout Rites of Passage.

The 12″ version of “Circus Ring” expands on the album cut with a fuller, more dynamic mix. Extended instrumental passages allow Lockwood’s basslines and the song’s layered percussion to shine, creating an immersive experience that showcases Cullum’s meticulous production. It’s a perfect example of how the extended mix could transform a great pop song into something truly cinematic.

Although Vitamin Z never achieved widespread commercial success beyond “Burning Flame,” they’ve maintained a loyal following among fans of sophisticated ‘80s pop. Songs like “Circus Ring” highlight the duo’s gift for combining emotional depth with stylish production—proof that even in an era of glossy pop, there was still plenty of heart beneath the surface.

SIDE A:
Circus Ring (We Scream About) (Remix) 7:00

SIDE B:
Circus Ring (We Scream About) (7″ Version) 4:40
Don´t Stop (To Listen To His Music) 3:57

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – MERX 186
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – JB*
Photography By – Brian Aris
Recorded By, Producer – Ross Cullum
Written-By – Barradale*, Lockwood*

NOTES:
From the album “Rites Of Passage”

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.

November 11, 2025

Remembering Richard Darbyshire (1960 – 2025)

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Richard Darbyshire, the unmistakable voice and songwriter behind Living In A Box. He died on November 10, 2025, at the age of 65.

A Voice Beyond Its Time

When Richard Darbyshire first sang the words “I’m living in a box…” in 1987, the world took notice. His commanding yet soulful voice helped propel the band’s self-titled debut single into the UK Top 5 and the US Top 20, instantly defining an era of sleek, intelligent pop.

Darbyshire’s vocals could shift effortlessly—from the propulsive energy of “Living In A Box” to the tender vulnerability of “Room in Your Heart.” His bandmates once described him as a “vocal craftsman whose range stretched from raw power to heart-melting warmth.”

The Man Behind the Music

Born in Stockport, Cheshire, in 1960, Darbyshire grew up surrounded by diverse influences. His family’s move to Japan when he was thirteen exposed him to American soul and R&B—Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Curtis Mayfield—artists whose depth and groove would stay with him for life.

Upon returning to the UK, he studied English Literature at Oxford before joining the Manchester band Zu Zu Sharks, a stepping stone that refined his songwriting and musicianship. That blend of literary sensitivity and soulful rhythm would later become the signature sound of Living In A Box.

A Career of Substance

With Living In A Box, Darbyshire and bandmates Anthony “Tich” Critchlow and Marcus Vere created a sophisticated mix of pop, funk, and electronic production that captured the late-’80s sound perfectly.

“Living In A Box” (1987) remains a defining single of the decade.
“Blow the House Down” (1989), featuring Brian May on guitar, reached the UK Top 10.
“Room in Your Heart” (1989) showcased the band’s emotional depth and became one of their most enduring hits.

After the band’s split, Darbyshire released his solo album How Many Angels in 1994, expanding on material originally written for a planned third Living In A Box record. His solo work revealed a more introspective songwriter—mature, reflective, and deeply melodic.

In later years, he turned his talents to writing and producing for artists including Lisa Stansfield, Jennifer Rush, and Level 42, as well as mentoring young musicians through songwriting workshops in London.

A Quiet Soul, a Lasting Influence

Those who knew Richard describe a man of quiet integrity—reluctant to chase fame, but endlessly devoted to his craft. “He hated the photo-shoots and TV appearances,” one friend said. “He thought it was all a bit daft. He was happiest with a guitar in his hands and a song in progress.”

Legacy and Reflection

For those of us who celebrate the 12″ era—those extended mixes and studio experiments that turned songs into soundscapes—Darbyshire’s work embodies that golden moment in pop history. His music balanced technical precision with genuine feeling, a quality that continues to resonate nearly four decades later.

Songs like “Living In A Box” and “Room in Your Heart” still sound as vibrant today as they did in the late ’80s—testament to his artistry and timeless appeal.

Farewell, Richard

Richard Darbyshire gave us music that moved both the heart and the feet. His voice—clear, passionate, unmistakably human—remains one of the defining sounds of the era.

Rest easy, Richard. Thank you for the songs, the soul, and the soundtrack you gave us.
Your music will always have a room in our hearts.

_ DjPaulT

November 7, 2025

Belouis Some – Jerusalem (UK 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In the mid-1980s, British singer-songwriter Belouis Some (born Neville Keighley) emerged with a stylish, synth-driven sound that fused pop hooks with an art-rock edge. Following the success of “Imagination” and “Some People,” his next single, “Jerusalem,” found him exploring a darker, more introspective side — a moody, atmospheric track that underscored his reputation as one of the era’s more intriguing voices.

Released in July 1986 as the fourth and final single from his debut album Some People, “Jerusalem” failed to make much commercial impact, peaking at #98 in the UK. Yet for fans and collectors of 1980s 12″ records, it remains a fascinating release — a deep cut brimming with sonic detail, haunting imagery, and a beautifully produced extended version.

The Sound of “Jerusalem”

Produced by Pete Schwier, Steve Thompson, and Michael Barbiero, “Jerusalem” blends shimmering synths with a steady pulse and a quietly powerful vocal from Belouis Some. The result is both cinematic and mysterious — a song that feels as much about atmosphere as melody.

Thompson and Barbiero, whose production credits include work with David Bowie, Talking Heads, and The Psychedelic Furs, brought a transatlantic sheen to the track. Their 12″ remix amplifies its tension and texture, pulling the listener into a shadowy emotional space that fits perfectly within the late-night synthpop aesthetic of 1986.

Lyrically, the song’s imagery is evocative rather than literal:

“You paint your face like it’s Jerusalem,
You lead the way like Jerusalem…”

Even Belouis Some admitted the track was “a bit depressing… just me trying to be clever,” but that introspection gives the song its depth. Its ambiguity, combined with his Bowie-esque delivery, creates a sense of isolation and grandeur that makes it linger long after the final notes fade.

The 12″ Single

The UK 12″ (Chrysalis CHS 12 2969) offered fans two versions of “Jerusalem” — a Long Version and an Instrumental Version — alongside an exclusive Dance Mix of “Target Practice”, another track from Some People that gets a muscular, rhythmic reworking here.

For collectors and DJs, this makes the 12″ essential. The mixes emphasize the song’s layered production and underscore Belouis Some’s ability to merge sophistication with dance-floor sensibility.

Critical Response

Although it didn’t climb the charts, “Jerusalem” was well received by critics who recognized its depth. Smash Hits described it as “haunting” and “David Bowie-inspired,” an apt comparison given the theatrical vocal phrasing and dark romantic tone. In hindsight, “Jerusalem” stands as one of Belouis Some’s most artful moments — sophisticated, moody, and meticulously crafted.

Legacy

For 12″ enthusiasts, “Jerusalem” represents exactly what makes 1980s vinyl culture so enduring: extended versions that breathe, production that rewards close listening, and B-sides that surprise. The addition of the “Target Practice (Dance Mix)” gives this release extra value, showing how Belouis Some and his producers viewed remixing as an art form rather than an afterthought.

It may not have topped the charts, but “Jerusalem” remains a rewarding listen — a slice of mid-80s sophistication that bridges pop ambition with post-new wave introspection. For those who collect, spin, or simply admire the craft of 12″ singles, this one’s a must-hear.

There was not a music video produced for this single.

SIDE A:
Jerusalem (Long Version) 5:56
Jerusalem (Instrumental Version) 5:54

SIDE B:
Target Practice (Dance Mix) 6:02

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12 R 6134, Parlophone – 12R 6134
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synthpop

CREDITS:

Design – Accident (8)
Photography By – Eric Watson (3)
Producer – Belouis Some (tracks: A1, A2), Pete Schwier (tracks: A1, A2), Steve Thompson • Michael Barbiero*
Remix – Joe Melotte* (tracks: B), Martin Freeland (tracks: B)
Written-By – Belouis Some

NOTES:
From the LP “SOME PEOPLE”

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.