Author: DjPaulT

August 25, 2025

Paul McCartney – Spies Like Us (US 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In late 1985, Paul McCartney added another unexpected entry to his eclectic catalog with the release of “Spies Like Us,” the theme song for the John Landis-directed comedy of the same name starring Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. While not remembered as one of McCartney’s most celebrated singles, the track is an interesting snapshot of mid-80s pop production, Cold War paranoia dressed in pop satire, and a Beatle experimenting with the MTV era.

Background

The film Spies Like Us was a goofy Cold War buddy comedy, and Warner Bros. wanted a big-name theme song to match. Enter Paul McCartney, who had already proven with “Live and Let Die” that he could craft cinematic pop with flair. This time, though, instead of lush orchestrations, McCartney leaned heavily into synths, drum machines, and Fairlight sampling, hallmarks of the mid-80s studio sound.

The single was produced by McCartney himself, with Hugh Padgham (known for his work with Genesis, Phil Collins, and The Police) contributing his signature gated drum textures.

The Song

“Spies Like Us” is a quirky mix of playful lyrics, staccato vocal chants, and punchy electronic rhythms. McCartney doesn’t play it straight; instead, the song mirrors the slapstick tone of the movie. The hook, “Ooh ooh, what do you do, no one else can dance like you,” is pure Macca—catchy and cheeky at the same time.

While not universally loved by critics (some dismissed it as lightweight compared to his more serious work), the track’s off-kilter energy feels in line with the zany espionage antics of Chase and Aykroyd. It’s Paul having fun, and that spirit comes through.

Chart Performance

Despite mixed reviews, “Spies Like Us” did surprisingly well commercially. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986, marking McCartney’s last U.S. Top 10 hit to date. In the UK, however, it stalled at #13.

The music video, directed by John Landis, featured McCartney performing the song intercut with clips from the film—though Chase and Aykroyd also appear goofing around as “backing musicians,” adding to the lightheartedness. MTV gave it steady rotation at the time.

Legacy

“Spies Like Us” is often overlooked when discussing McCartney’s career highlights, but it remains a fascinating curio. It captures a moment when one of the world’s greatest songwriters was still experimenting, still adapting, and still landing hits two decades after the Beatles.

Final thought: “Spies Like Us” may not sit alongside Band on the Run or Maybe I’m Amazed in McCartney’s pantheon, but it’s undeniably catchy, delightfully odd, and very much of its time. A Top 10 hit from a Cold War comedy—only Paul could pull that off.

SIDE A:
Spies Like Us (Party Mix) 7:13
Mixed By – John Potoker

Spies Like Us (Alternative Mix-Known To His Friends As “Tom”) 3:59
Mixed By – Art Of Noise*

SIDE B:
Spies Like Us (DJ Version) 3:48

My Carnival (Party Mix) 6:00
Mixed By – Gary Langan
Performed By – Paul McCartney And Wings*
Producer – Paul McCartney

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Spies Like Us	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#7
1985	Spies Like Us	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#31

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15212, MPL (2) – V-15212
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Misprint
Country: US
Released: Nov 18, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Lacquer Cut By – ES*
Photography By [Back Cover] – David Morse (2)
Photography By [Front Cover] – Linda McCartney
Producer – Padgham* (tracks: A1 to B1), McCartney* (tracks: A1 to B1), Ramone* (tracks: A1 to B1)
Written-By – Paul McCartney

NOTES:
Title Song From the Warner Bros. Motion Picture

A1 Mixed in New York
A2 Mixed in London
A1 & A2: From The Warner Bros. Motion Picture “Spies Like US”
B2 Recorded in New Orleans and Dedicated to Professor Longhair

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.

August 22, 2025

Mr. Mister – Kyrie (US 12″ Promo) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released around Christmas 1985, “Kyrie” became the second single from Mr. Mister’s second studio album, Welcome to the Real World. By March 1986, the soaring track had reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks, cementing the band’s place in mid-80s pop-rock history.

Following the chart-topping success of their previous single, “Broken Wings,” “Kyrie” further established Mr. Mister’s distinctive blend of thoughtful lyricism and anthemic, radio-ready production. The song is built on a driving synth-rock arrangement, with shimmering guitars and Richard Page’s earnest, urgent vocal delivery pushing the melody skyward.

The title, “Kyrie,” comes from the Greek phrase Kyrie eleison, which translates to “Lord, have mercy.” While the song isn’t overtly religious, its lyrics reflect a deeper, spiritual plea set against the backdrop of personal and universal searching. It’s a reflective anthem disguised as a massive pop hit.

Interestingly, lyricist John Lang (a frequent Mr. Mister collaborator and Richard Page’s friend since high school) wrote the words after surviving a near-fatal accident. That brush with mortality infused the song with its sense of reverence and vulnerability.

The music video, a staple on MTV, featured tour footage mixed with scenes of the band traveling across the American heartland, perfectly capturing the song’s sense of journey—both literal and spiritual.

“Kyrie” resonated with a wide audience, not just because of its polished 80s production, but also because of its universal message of hope, redemption, and perseverance. Even decades later, its soaring chorus—“Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel…”—still feels like an anthem for anyone navigating life’s uncertain paths.

*This 12″ promo was pressed on 100% virgin vinyl, dynamically enhanced for radio.

SIDE A:
Kyrie (Fade End) 4:33

SIDE B:
Kyrie (Acapella End) 4:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Kyrie	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1985	Kyrie	U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary	#11
1985	Kyrie	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA – JD-14248
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Drums – Pat Mastelotto
Guitar – Steve Farris (2)
Keyboards, Vocals – Steve George
Lead Vocals, Bass – Richard Page
Producer – Mr. Mister, Paul De Villiers
Written-By – Lang*, Page*, George*

NOTES:
From the “Welcome To The Real World” album.

Made in U.S.A.

Not for sale.

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.

August 21, 2025

Corey Hart – Dancing With My Mirror (Canada 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the mid-1980s, Canadian pop star Corey Hart had already carved out an impressive career. With the global smash Sunglasses at Night (1984) and the stirring anthem Never Surrender (1985), Hart became one of the most recognizable new voices of the decade. In 1986, he released his third studio album Fields of Fire, a record that further showcased his evolution as both a songwriter and producer.

The third single lifted from the album was “Dancing With My Mirror,” released in early 1987. Produced by Corey Hart and Phil Chapman, the track finds Hart combining his signature emotional intensity with a sleek pop-rock sound tailored for the late ‘80s airwaves. It’s a song full of energy and reflection—literally so, as the lyrics deal with confronting one’s own image, both physically and metaphorically.

Chart-wise, “Dancing With My Mirror” saw moderate success. In Canada, it reached #33 on April 18, 1987, while in the U.S. it peaked at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 two weeks earlier, on April 4. While not among Hart’s biggest hits, the single demonstrated his consistency as a chart presence through the decade.

Musically, the track blends driving guitars, bright synthesizers, and Hart’s trademark passionate vocal delivery. The song’s theme—dancing alone, facing your own reflection—captures the mix of confidence, vulnerability, and theatrical flair that defined Hart’s best work. It’s both playful and introspective, making it stand apart from the more straightforward pop ballads he was also known for.

Looking back, Fields of Fire was a pivotal album in Hart’s catalog. It balanced arena-ready anthems with moments of vulnerability, and “Dancing With My Mirror” perfectly reflects that balance. Though not as widely remembered today as some of his earlier hits, it’s a track that showcases Hart’s ambition, artistry, and ability to translate personal reflection into pop-rock energy.

For fans exploring Corey Hart beyond the obvious staples, this single is a rewarding listen—a snapshot of a rising artist navigating fame, identity, and creativity in the mid-‘80s.

MIRROR 1
Dancin’ With My Mirror (LP Version) 4:17

Dancin’ With My Mirror (Extended Version) 4:56
Remix – C. Hart, P. Northfield

MIRROR 2
Dancin’ With My Mirror (Instrumental Mix) 4:34
Remix – C. Hart, P. Northfield

Angry Young Man (Instrumental Mix) 5:06
Producer – R.Cannata
Remix – “Jellybean” Benitez*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1987	Dancing With My Mirror	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#88

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Aquarius Records (3) – AQ 12025
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: Canada
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design, Photography By – Erika Gagnon
Producer – C. Hart*, P. Chapman*

NOTES:
Remixed At – Le Studio

Album is 100% MAPL content

On the sleeve, is written Angry Young Man (Extended Mix) instead of (Instrumental Mix)

Album version from the LP “FIELDS OF FIRE”

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

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.

August 20, 2025

Partland Brothers – Soul City (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Hitting That Sweet Spot of Pop-Rock

In 1986, The Partland Brothers—Chris and G.P.—emerged from Colgan, Ontario, into the bigger world of Toronto’s music scene. Their debut album Electric Honey featured “Soul City,” an anthemic pop-rock track that became their defining moment, earning a spot in the Top 30 in Canada and climbing to No. 27 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100—making them true bona fide chart-hitters from the get-go.

Harmony & Production Worthy of Righteous Praise

What set “Soul City” apart was the duo’s intoxicating close-harmony vocals—drawing frequent comparisons to a modernized version of The Righteous Brothers. The production by Vini Poncia (known for working with McCartney, Lennon, Kiss, and more) polished the sound to gleaming perfection, ensuring their launch had all the hallmarks of a major new act.

Lyrics That Breathe Freedom and Adventure

At its heart, “Soul City” is about breaking free from the mundane—the thrill of the unknown. Lines like:

“Soul City, that’s where we’re heading
Dancing and singing ’til dawn…”

…paint a vivid picture of escapism, nightlife energy, and living without boundaries. The song urges listeners to step “into the moonlight,” chase the setting sun, and discover that state of mind—someone’s own Soul City—full of euphoria and possibility.

From Contest Winners to International Stages

Before the breakthrough, the brothers honed their chops in bands like Oliver Heaviside and even won the Q107 radio station’s Homegrown contest in 1983—an early spark that lit their path to Capitol Records in 1985. Following the release of Soul City, they toured with legends like The Moody Blues and The Beach Boys, and graced TV stages like American Bandstand and The Late Show with Arsenio Hall. They were also recognized at home with a Juno Awards nomination for Most Promising New Group in 1987.

A Brief Blaze, with Enduring Echo

Though “Soul City” remains their singular U.S. chart entry, its success opened doors—yet management setbacks delayed follow-ups. They released a handful of albums afterward (including Between Worlds in 1990 and Part Land, Part Water in 1993), but none reached the same heights.

Even so, the Partland Brothers persevered: backing music legend Ronnie Hawkins on stage and continuing to create and perform—even amidst personal challenges, like G.P.’s accident in recent years.

Final Thoughts

“Soul City” encapsulates that irresistible 1980s spirit—hopeful, escapist, and dance-fueled. With soaring harmonies, infectious rhythms, and lyrical zest, it’s not just a song—but an invitation: chase your soul’s ideal city, wherever music and freedom roam.

Whether you’re revisiting this gem or discovering it anew, “Soul City” stands timeless—for those who long to dance until dawn, live beyond the lines, and dare to follow the lights into the next great adventure.

SIDE A:
Soul City (Remix) 7:23

SIDE B:
Soul City (Instrumental) 6:12
Soul City (Single Version) 3:52

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1987	Soul City	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#27

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Manhattan Records – V-56060
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Composed By – Chris Partland, G.P. Partland
Producer – Vini Poncia
Remix – Bruce Forest (tracks: A), Frank Heller (tracks: A)

NOTES:
From the Album, Cassette & Compact Disc “Electric Honey”

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.