Author: DjPaulT

Paul McCartney – Press (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In July 1986, Paul McCartney returned to the pop charts with “Press”, the lead single from his sixth solo studio album, Press to Play. Released on July 14, 1986, the song marked a distinct step into mid-80s production for McCartney, pairing his classic songwriting style with glossy, synth-driven textures and a bright pop sheen.

Produced by Hugh Padgham, who was well-known for his work with Genesis, The Police, and Phil Collins, “Press” blended jangly guitars, drum programming, and layered keyboards to create a contemporary sound. The song’s lyrics are a lighthearted metaphor, comparing love and communication to the simple act of pressing a button.

Chart Performance

“Press” had a modest chart run compared to McCartney’s earlier hits. In the U.S., it reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #10 on the Adult Contemporary chart, while in the U.K., it stalled at #25 on the Singles Chart. Though not one of his biggest successes, it remains a curious and charming entry in his catalog, capturing McCartney’s willingness to experiment with the evolving sounds of the 1980s.

Music Video

The “Press” music video by Paul McCartney was filmed entirely on the London Underground. Specifically, McCartney takes the tube from South Kensington to Piccadilly Circus. The video, directed by Philip Davey, features McCartney singing the song while traveling on the Jubilee line.

✨ While “Press” may not hold the same iconic status as McCartney’s earlier solo hits, it stands as an underrated gem from his 80s output—playful, catchy, and very much of its era. For fans of 12-inch singles and synth-infused pop, it’s a fun one to revisit.

SIDE A:
Press (Video Soundtrack) 4:44
It’s Not True 5:47

SIDE B:
Hanglide 5:16
Press (Dub Mix) 6:29

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1986 Press U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #21

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15235, MPL (2) – V-15235
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: Jul 16, 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Tracks A1 and B2 are different mixes from the album version.
Track A2 was issued as a CD bonus track.
Track B1 was issued as a non-album track.

Buy the 12″ from 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.


My Decision on Disco Friday — Let’s Keep the Groove Alive!

First off, a big glitter ball thank you to everyone who dropped a comment on my last post—you’ve truly lit up my dance floor. I have to say, I was a bit surprised to see so many new names in the mix. It makes me wonder… where have you been hiding during my Disco Friday sets? Don’t be shy—jump in and share your thoughts more often!

After reading through your feedback on whether to keep spinning Disco Friday or pull the plug, the results are in—and the crowd has spoken. Most of you want to keep the disco beats rolling! But, like any good DJ, I’m switching up the setlist just a little. Instead of dropping a disco 12″ every single Friday, I’ll spin them whenever the mood—and the mirror ball—strikes. That way, I’m not locked into the same groove every week and can mix in other tracks that inspire me.

I adore disco, but I also like to keep my playlist fresh and unpredictable. This way, Disco Friday will still happen… just not on every Friday. Think of it as a surprise club appearance—you never know when the fever will hit!

So, when I feel that irresistible pull to the dance floor, you’ll get a Disco Friday post. And even if the track I’m spinning isn’t your jam, I’d still love to see your friendly comments—they keep the vibe alive.

Lastly, I’m taking a short break this week to spend some much-needed quality time with my family.

Much love and appreciation to all of you—keep the groove going!

—Paul

Disco Friday: Keep It or Can It?

Alright, my fabulous BTG family — let’s talk.

Every Friday, I’ve been pulling out those glitter-drenched 12-inch disco delights to send us into the weekend with a little extra sparkle. I love doing it… but here’s the tea:

Disco Friday posts aren’t exactly setting the dancefloor on fire. Fewer comments, fewer downloads — it’s like half the crowd went to the bar before the best part of the song. 🥂

So here’s my question…
Do you still want the full-on Disco Friday experience every week?
Or should I shake it up, post other stuff on Fridays, and just drop disco tracks in now and then when the mood strikes?

No hard feelings either way — I just want to make sure the music here keeps your toes tapping and your speakers happy.

Sound off in the comments, and let’s decide if Disco Friday stays or takes a little vacation.

Stay gold, stay groovy, and keep on dancin’,
—Paul 💿🔥

Jody Watley – Girls Night Out (UK 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: May 4, 2018

Before Jody Watley became a chart-topping solo sensation in the late 1980s, she was already redefining herself beyond her Shalamar roots. In 1985, she took her first bold steps into solo artistry with a sleek, dance-forward single “Girls Night Out”—a track that quietly laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Only released in Europe on Mercury Records, “Girls Night Out” marked Jody’s second solo single after her departure from Shalamar, following 1984’s “Where the Boys Are.” While it didn’t make a commercial splash at the time, the record showcases a confident, club-ready Watley stepping into the spotlight with style and poise.

The single was co-produced by Gary Langan, a founding member of the Art of Noise, bringing a distinctly British edge and studio sophistication to the production. Langan’s signature blend of synth-heavy textures and abstract funk grooves pairs perfectly with Jody’s smooth vocal delivery, creating a track that’s both polished and underground. You can hear echoes of Art of Noise’s experimental rhythms layered beneath a crisp pop sheen—blurring the lines between electro, post-disco, and early house.

Released as Mercury MERX 196, the 12″ features an Extended Dance Version that gives the song plenty of room to breathe on the floor. Thumping basslines, stabbing synths, and a no-nonsense vocal performance make this a criminally underrated gem from her pre-solo-album years. It’s pure mid-’80s club magic.

This rare vinyl release is a true collector’s piece and a fascinating glimpse at an artist on the verge of superstardom. Just two years later, Watley would explode onto the U.S. charts with her debut album and the hit single “Looking for a New Love.” But with “Girls Night Out,” she was already signaling that the future of pop and dance belonged to her.

So grab your heels, call your crew, and turn it up—tonight’s for the girls.

🎶💃

BTG EXCLUSIVE BONUS

As a special treat, I’ve also included the rare 7″ Version of “Girls Night Out,” which does not appear on the 12″ single and is being featured here on Burning the Ground for the very first time. This shorter edit brings a tighter, radio-friendly structure to the track without losing any of its bold attitude or groove.

This is a must-hear for completists and a great introduction for anyone unfamiliar with this early, essential chapter in Jody’s solo career.

SIDE A:
Girls Night Out (Dance Mix) 5:53
ngineer – Gary Langan
Producer – Bruce Woolley , Gary Langan
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

SIDE B:
My House (4-free) 4:52
Engineer – Simon Sullivan
Producer – Bruce Woolley
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

BONUS TRACK:
Girls Night Out (7″ Version) 3:36
ngineer – Gary Langan
Producer – Bruce Woolley , Gary Langan
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – Merx 196
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

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.