Author: DjPaulT

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.


Pride Month 2025 – Celebrating with Love, Respect, and Music

Each June, Pride Month allows us to honor the LGBTQ+ community — to celebrate resilience, visibility, creativity, and most of all, love. For decades, this month has stood as a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go in building a world where everyone can live authentically, safely, and joyfully.

Here at Burning the Ground, where we celebrate the music that helped shape generations — from underground dance floors to radio waves and neon-lit nights — it’s impossible to ignore the deep connection between the LGBTQ+ community and the world of remix culture, club anthems, and boundary-pushing expression. Pride lives in these grooves, in the bold beats of self-discovery, in the joy of being seen and heard.

But let’s be real: not everyone sees Pride Month the same way. Some feel unsure, uncomfortable, or even disagree with aspects of it. And while we may not all come from the same place, this space was always meant to be about connection. Through music, we’ve all learned that difference doesn’t have to divide — it can unite. It can teach. It can inspire.

Whether you’re out and proud, still on a journey, an ally, or just someone passing through — you are welcome here. You don’t have to have it all figured out. What matters is that we approach one another with kindness and a willingness to listen. No rainbow flag should feel like a wall; it should feel like an open door.

This month, we continue to honor the artists, DJs, producers, and fans — many of whom were and are part of the LGBTQ+ community — who brought the dance floor to life, often against the odds. Their courage, creativity, and rhythm echo through every remix we post.

Let’s turn the volume up, keep our hearts open, and remember what this music taught us: freedom feels like a beat you can move to.

Happy Pride Month.

— Paul
Burning the Ground