Burning The Ground Exclusive
In the mid-1980s, British singer-songwriter Belouis Some (born Neville Keighley) emerged with a stylish, synth-driven sound that fused pop hooks with an art-rock edge. Following the success of “Imagination” and “Some People,” his next single, “Jerusalem,” found him exploring a darker, more introspective side — a moody, atmospheric track that underscored his reputation as one of the era’s more intriguing voices.
Released in July 1986 as the fourth and final single from his debut album Some People, “Jerusalem” failed to make much commercial impact, peaking at #98 in the UK. Yet for fans and collectors of 1980s 12″ records, it remains a fascinating release — a deep cut brimming with sonic detail, haunting imagery, and a beautifully produced extended version.
The Sound of “Jerusalem”
Produced by Pete Schwier, Steve Thompson, and Michael Barbiero, “Jerusalem” blends shimmering synths with a steady pulse and a quietly powerful vocal from Belouis Some. The result is both cinematic and mysterious — a song that feels as much about atmosphere as melody.
Thompson and Barbiero, whose production credits include work with David Bowie, Talking Heads, and The Psychedelic Furs, brought a transatlantic sheen to the track. Their 12″ remix amplifies its tension and texture, pulling the listener into a shadowy emotional space that fits perfectly within the late-night synthpop aesthetic of 1986.
Lyrically, the song’s imagery is evocative rather than literal:
“You paint your face like it’s Jerusalem,
You lead the way like Jerusalem…”
Even Belouis Some admitted the track was “a bit depressing… just me trying to be clever,” but that introspection gives the song its depth. Its ambiguity, combined with his Bowie-esque delivery, creates a sense of isolation and grandeur that makes it linger long after the final notes fade.
The 12″ Single
The UK 12″ (Chrysalis CHS 12 2969) offered fans two versions of “Jerusalem” — a Long Version and an Instrumental Version — alongside an exclusive Dance Mix of “Target Practice”, another track from Some People that gets a muscular, rhythmic reworking here.
For collectors and DJs, this makes the 12″ essential. The mixes emphasize the song’s layered production and underscore Belouis Some’s ability to merge sophistication with dance-floor sensibility.
Critical Response
Although it didn’t climb the charts, “Jerusalem” was well received by critics who recognized its depth. Smash Hits described it as “haunting” and “David Bowie-inspired,” an apt comparison given the theatrical vocal phrasing and dark romantic tone. In hindsight, “Jerusalem” stands as one of Belouis Some’s most artful moments — sophisticated, moody, and meticulously crafted.
Legacy
For 12″ enthusiasts, “Jerusalem” represents exactly what makes 1980s vinyl culture so enduring: extended versions that breathe, production that rewards close listening, and B-sides that surprise. The addition of the “Target Practice (Dance Mix)” gives this release extra value, showing how Belouis Some and his producers viewed remixing as an art form rather than an afterthought.
It may not have topped the charts, but “Jerusalem” remains a rewarding listen — a slice of mid-80s sophistication that bridges pop ambition with post-new wave introspection. For those who collect, spin, or simply admire the craft of 12″ singles, this one’s a must-hear.
There was not a music video produced for this single.
SIDE A:
Jerusalem (Long Version) 5:56
Jerusalem (Instrumental Version) 5:54
SIDE B:
Target Practice (Dance Mix) 6:02
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12 R 6134, Parlophone – 12R 6134
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synthpop
CREDITS:
- Design – Accident (8)
- Photography By – Eric Watson (3)
- Producer – Belouis Some (tracks: A1, A2), Pete Schwier (tracks: A1, A2), Steve Thompson • Michael Barbiero*
- Remix – Joe Melotte* (tracks: B), Martin Freeland (tracks: B)
- Written-By – Belouis Some
NOTES:
From the LP “SOME PEOPLE”
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
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Thank you for another fantastic synthpop gem! This entire album is perfect and I did not have this 12″ yet!
You’re very welcome, Axel.
That’s a smooth groove Dj Paul 🙂
The last 3 days really flow so well together, what an ear you have to pick them all this week!
This is another track I was not too familiar with, really enjoyed letting the sounds flow over me. Quite a haunting, meditative aura it invokes.
Great way to end the week, I feel more relaxed!
The B side was really fun too – catchy, great refrain, cool synths. I will always love how 80’s B sides can hold their own with lead singles.
Thanks, JP!
I’m really glad you picked up on that flow — I was hoping the last few posts would complement each other in mood and sound. “Jerusalem” definitely has that haunting, late-night quality, and I agree, the “Target Practice” (Dance Mix) B-side is such a hidden gem. Those crisp synths and that hypnotic refrain are pure mid-80s magic.
It’s always fun to end the week on something that feels both introspective and danceable — the perfect mix of atmosphere and energy. Appreciate you listening along and taking the journey with me!
Regarding why Jerusalem didn’t achieve a musical impact upon its release, nor a high position on the music charts at the time, it’s what we discussed in the post about Tears For Fears – Suffer The Children: it doesn’t have a music video, and that was essential in the mid-80s, especially if you had to compete with the great icons of the decade, and of all time. That doesn’t detract from the great song that is Jerusalem, but it’s a magical detail, a fine line that can make you cross from success to failure. Perhaps Neville Keighley (Belouis Some) thinks… Read more »
Excellent points as always, Ruben! You’re absolutely right — the absence of a music video likely played a huge role in “Jerusalem” slipping under the radar. In the MTV-driven mid-80s, visuals could make or break a single, and with so many iconic videos dominating the airwaves, an artist really needed that extra push to stand out. Without one, even a beautifully produced track like “Jerusalem” could easily be overlooked. I agree, it’s one of those fine lines between success and obscurity — timing, promotion, and presentation were everything back then. And yes, “Animal Magic” is a fantastic mention! Totally in… Read more »
I’m not sure of this, but could it be possible that “Jerusalem” was meant as a stopgap single released by Parlophone against his wishes while Belouis Some prepared his second album? I believe that “Round, Round” from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack had already been released by the time “Jerusalem” appeared. Perhaps this is why a video was never produced?
Regardless, it makes for an interesting discussion point.
Thank you once again for all the work you do, Paul. We really appreciate it!
Thompson and Barbeiro need their own installment in Arthur Baker’s Dance Masters series. Their mixes were so good.
Thank you!
I definitely agree!
Jeff
I always enjoyed your previous Belouis Some 12” singles you posted in the past, and this one is no exception either.
Target Practice was one of my favourites as was his biggest hit Imagination.
Thanks Paul 🙂
Thanks so much, Mark! I’m really glad you enjoyed this one too.
Belouis Some had such a distinctive sound — that mix of cool sophistication and sharp production always hits the spot. “Target Practice” is definitely a standout B-side, and of course “Imagination” remains timeless — one of those tracks that perfectly captures the mid-80s atmosphere.
Appreciate you following along and revisiting these with me! More gems like this to come.
Had not listened to Belouis Some, well since the 80s! But really enjoying this one, Paul, thanks!!
That’s awesome to hear, Raymond! Glad this one brought Belouis Some back onto your radar after all these years. “Jerusalem” really shows his moodier, more atmospheric side — quite a contrast to “Imagination,” but just as rewarding in its own way. Thanks for giving it a fresh listen and for stopping by to share that!
Incredible write-up, Paul!! You have described this record beautifully. Belouis Some is a favorite f mine and I’m jazzed to hear this one later. I can’t thank you enough for this week’s shares! I love this place!!
Have a great weekend, Paul, Retro Hound, Song_and_Dance, DJ Xrey, Axel, JP, and the rest!
Jeff
Hey, thanks my friend! Wishing you the same as well.
And I totally agree with your sentiments!!
Thanks so much, Jeff!
I really appreciate that — I had a great time putting this one together. Belouis Some doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, so it’s awesome to see how much love there still is for his work. “Jerusalem” is one of those tracks that just grows on you with every listen.
And thank you for the kind words about the site — it truly means a lot. It’s this amazing community that keeps it all fun and rewarding.
More Neville please!
You got it, Mike. I am sure I will post more in the future.