Author: DjPaulT

Tina Turner – Love Explosion (Australia 12″) (1979)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

 

To continue the Burning the Ground celebration of Pride Month, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on a dazzling deep cut from the legendary Tina Turner — a woman whose strength, style, and soul have long made her an icon in the LGBTQ+ community.

Released only in Australia in 1979, Love Explosion (Extended Version) clocks in at 7:00 of pure dancefloor fire. Produced by Alec R. Costandinos (of Cerrone and Love & Kisses fame), known for his orchestral Eurodisco arrangements, this special mix pulses with glittering strings, driving basslines, and Tina’s unmistakable vocals — raw, sexy, and full of power. This is disco at its most cinematic, and Tina sounds like she’s conquering galaxies with every breath.

The B-side, “Sunset on Sunset,” cools things down into a sizzling rock groove — perfectly capturing that post-party moment when the city still hums with electric possibility.

While the Love Explosion album was overlooked at the time, tracks like this remind us how Tina was never afraid to experiment or push boundaries, both musically and personally.

What makes this post especially meaningful during Pride Month is that Tina Turner was widely considered a queer ally. She was an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and a beacon for those struggling with identity, self-expression, or escaping trauma. In 1982, she performed at the inaugural Gay Games, and she remained a consistent supporter of HIV/AIDS charities throughout the ’80s and beyond. Her music — and her story of resilience — inspired countless LGBTQ+ fans around the world.

So as we celebrate Pride and the music that moves us, let’s raise the volume for Love Explosion — a fierce, fabulous anthem from a woman who always knew how to ignite our hearts.

With love and rhythm,
Paul (DJPaulT)

SIDE A:
Love Explosion (Extended Version) 7:00

SIDE B:
Sunset On Sunset 3:36

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Interfusion – X13055
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition
Country: Australia
Released: 1979
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Disco, Rhythm & Blues

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Super Giant 45 RPM

From the Interfusion album “Love Explosion” LP 7085

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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-Ject 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.


The B-52’s – Private Idaho (US 12” Promo) (1980)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Hold onto your beehives, kids—today we’re teleporting back to the zany, post-punk planet of The B-52’s, and this time… you’re headed straight to your own Private Idaho! 🌵💃

From their sophomore album Wild Planet, “Private Idaho” is a woozy swirl of surf rock, sci-fi twang, and cryptic political commentary—all shaken up in that unmistakable B-52’s cocktail. Fred Schneider’s shout-speak delivery, Cindy and Kate’s glorious harmonies, and that reverb-drenched guitar? Chef’s kiss! This track struts, strangles, and spins like a disco ball in a trailer park—and we LOVE it.

Released in late 1980, “Private Idaho” became the band’s second U.S. charting single, peaking at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching #5 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart—a major feat for such a gleefully unorthodox group. Down under, the song was a surprise hit, reaching #11 in Australia, where it remains a cult favorite.

This 12″ promo packs the full-length LP version, but what makes it truly special is the B-side: an instrumental version of “Party Out Of Bounds”—the opening track of Wild Planet! This mix is exclusive to Private Idaho singles and isn’t widely available elsewhere. It’s an absolute party-starter, even without the vocals—kitschy, manic, and full of that signature B-52’s sass.

🎈🎶 These two tracks are a celebration of the group’s fearless weirdness, queer-coded joy, and wild energy—making them perfect for Pride Month. Long before mainstream culture caught on, the B-52’s were unapologetically themselves, creating space for all the freaks, misfits, and dancefloor dreamers to come together and let go.

🌀So whether you’re lost in your own Private Idaho or just partying out of bounds—this 12” is a reminder to embrace the odd, crank up the fun, and dance like you’ve got a bouffant on fire!

Stay bold, stay loud, stay proud!

SIDE A:
Private Idaho 3:34
Written-By – C. Wilson, F. Schneider, K. Pierson, K. Strickland, R. Wilson*

SIDE B:
Party Out Of Bounds (Instrumental) 4:30
Written-By – K. Strickland, R. Wilson

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1980 Private Idaho U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #74
1980 Private Idaho U.S. Billboard Dance / Club Songs #5

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – PRO-A-890
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: Aug 1980
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave, Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the Warner Bros. Album BSK 3471 Wild Planet.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.


George Michael – Freedom (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“I think there’s something you should know… I think it’s time I told you so…”

We’re taking Pride Month to the next level today with one of the most powerful anthems of self-liberation ever recorded—George Michael’s “Freedom ’90” (also known simply as “Freedom”) A bold declaration, a pop rebellion, and a deeply personal statement wrapped in a slammin’ groove, this track marked a turning point in George’s career and personal evolution.

Following the overwhelming fame of Faith, George Michael was ready to shed the image that had defined him. He famously refused to appear in the music video for Freedom! ’90—instead, letting a lineup of supermodels lip-sync the lyrics in a beautifully stylized, iconic clip. The burning jukebox, the exploding leather jacket, the shattered guitar—all symbols of a past he was torching on his own terms.

More than a personal manifesto, the song resonated with countless fans who felt the pressure to perform identities that weren’t truly theirs. “Freedom! ’90” became—and remains—a defiant celebration of choosing authenticity over expectation.

For the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the 90s, this track hit hard. George Michael would later come out publicly, but even before then, this song felt like a coded cry of self-emancipation. It still gives chills, pumps fists, and fills dance floors.

From its gospel-tinged backing vocals to its laid-back funk groove and emotional punch, Freedom! ’90 is a timeless Pride anthem for anyone who’s ever had to break free just to be who they are.

SIDE A:
Freedom (Back To Reality Mix) 6:14

SIDE B:
Fantasy 5:02
Freedom (Album Version) 6:25

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1990 Freedom U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #8
1990 Freedom U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #27
1990 Freedom U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #16

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 73584, Columbia – 44-73584
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop, Dance-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
“Freedom” taken from the Columbia release LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE 46898

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.


Donna Summer – This Time I Know It’s For Real (US 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

The Queen of Disco meets the Kings of Hi-NRG.

To kick off Pride Month with absolute euphoria, I’m posting one of Donna Summer’s finest late-’80s dance anthems—“This Time I Know It’s For Real”. Released in 1989, this track marked a bold comeback and a stunning collaboration with UK production powerhouse Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). And yes—it still hits.

After years of genre-hopping in the ’80s, Donna returned to her roots on the dancefloor with this glossy, synth-loaded smash. It climbed to #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit worldwide—her first UK Top 10 in almost a decade.

The 12″ version stretches the joy a little longer, and if you grew up hearing this in the clubs—or maybe roller-skating under mirror balls—it’s pure serotonin. For many of us, Donna Summer wasn’t just a disco icon; she was a spiritual mother of the dancefloor. Her music was freedom, sweat, style, and everything Pride stands for.

This song is also a nod to new beginnings—proof that it’s never too late for a second act, for reinvention, for love that finally feels real.

🌈 Pride Month Note:
There’s no better way to honor Pride than by turning up a Donna Summer track—because whether you were on the floor at Studio 54 or twirling in your bedroom, her voice gave us permission to feel fabulous, free, and fearless.

Happy Pride. Long live the Queen. Turn it UP.

SIDE A:
This Time I Know It’s For Real (Extended Remix) 7:22
Written-By – Summer, Stock Aitken Waterman

SIDE B:
If It Makes You Feel Good (LP Version) 3:45
Written-By – Stock Aitken Waterman*

This Time I Know It’s For Real (Instrumental) 3:34
Written-By – Summer, Stock Aitken Waterman

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #7
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #2
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs #5
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Atlantic – 0-86415
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Recorded at PWL

Printed in U.S.A.

A. Remixed from Atlantic LP 81987 – “Another Place And Time”
B1. From Atlantic LP 81987 – “Another Place And Time”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.