Burning The Ground Exclusive
If you’ve followed the quirky trajectory of Kajagoogoo, you know their journey from the breakout synth-pop of White Feathers to the more experimental corners of their later work was anything but predictable. By 1985, the band, now simply billed as Kaja, released their third album, Crazy Peoples Right to Speak, and with it came a single that encapsulated both their pop sensibilities and their willingness to push boundaries: “Shouldn’t Do That.”
Released by Parlophone/EMI America, “Shouldn’t Do That” didn’t storm the charts like their early hits, peaking at #63 in the UK, but it remains a fascinating slice of mid-80s new wave. Its layered synths, driving rhythm, and unmistakable melodic flair demonstrate that even as the band evolved, they retained the catchy hooks that made them a staple of early-80s British pop.
Interestingly, the single also found a home beyond the record charts. It was included in the soundtrack of 1985’s Santa Claus: The Movie, adding an unexpected pop edge to the festive film. For many fans, this placement cemented the track’s quirky charm—playful enough for a family movie, yet still very much a product of Kaja’s distinctive new wave style.
“Shouldn’t Do That” may not be the band’s most famous track, but it’s a perfect snapshot of a group experimenting with identity, sound, and expression in the mid-80s. For collectors, 80s enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the paths Kajagoogoo/Kaja explored after their initial fame, it’s an essential listen.
SIDE A:
Shouldn’t Do That (Disciplined) 6:58
Mixed By – Ken Scott
SIDE B:
Charm Of A Gun 4:27
Backing Vocals – Lezlee Cowling
Guitar [Solo] – Michael Thompson
Mixed By – Nick Beggs, Paul Ryan (2), Steve Askew (2), Stuart Croxford Neale
Shouldn’t Do That (Undisciplined) 5:59
Mixed By – Nick Beggs, Paul Ryan (2), Steve Askew (2), Stuart Croxford Neale
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12R 6106
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Design – The Square Red Studio
- Drums – Dave Mattocks*
- Guitar – Steve Askew (2)
- Lacquer Cut By – Nickz*
- Lead Vocals, Bass – Nick Beggs
- Photography By – Peter Ashworth
- Producer – Ken Scott
- Vocals, Keyboards – Stuart Croxford Neale
- Written-By – N. Beggs*, S. Askew*, S. Neale*
NOTES:
Made in England
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.
Founded in Cologne in 1986 by Frank Schmitz (guitar, vocals) and Stephan Koch (keyboards, vocals, production), German synth-pop outfit State Of The Art came together with a clear vision: to shape their years of school band and local music experiences into a polished, professional project. In 1987, Stephan’s brother Georg Koch joined on drums, completing the trio.
