Burning The Ground Exclusive
NEW 2026 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration
Original post date: September 23, 2016
British new wave band ABC released “The Look Of Love” in May 1982 as the third single from their debut album “The Lexicon of Love.” Produced by the legendary Trevor Horn, the track became one of the band’s signature songs, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles Chart and reaching #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. With its sophisticated mix of synth-pop, funk grooves, lush orchestration, and sharp lyrical wit, “The Look Of Love” helped define the sound and style of early ‘80s pop music.
The single itself was an ambitious concept divided into four interconnected sections referred to as “Parts One, Two, Three and Four.” Each segment explored different moods and arrangements while maintaining the song’s sleek and cinematic identity. Martin Fry’s cool, detached vocal delivery paired perfectly with Trevor Horn’s polished production techniques, creating a track that sounded unlike anything else on radio at the time.
For American audiences, Mercury Records issued a special 12″ remix in 1982 featuring a completely different take on the song by Trevor Horn. This exclusive U.S. remix became highly sought after by club DJs and collectors due to its extended structure, added instrumental passages, and deeper dub influences. Included on the U.S. 12″ was the rare “U.S.A. Remix Dub,” also known among fans as “Part Five.”
Although the U.S.A. Remix Dub later appeared on the compilations “Absolutely” and “Look Of Love – The Very Best Of ABC,” both versions were edited. The full-length mix also surfaced on the poorly mastered “Remix Collection” CD, leaving vinyl enthusiasts searching for the original 12″ pressing to experience the remix properly.
After its original release, the 1982 U.S. Remix became increasingly difficult to find, and demand for the record grew steadily among DJs and devoted ABC fans. Original copies of the Mercury Records 12″ often commanded high prices on the collector’s market. Recognizing the ongoing demand, Neutron Records, the band’s UK label, eventually issued a limited-edition promotional 12″ repress of the Trevor Horn remix under the title “Special Remix.” While not considered an official re-release of the single, it gave collectors another opportunity to obtain the legendary mix without paying premium import prices.
Today I am revisiting this classic with a NEW 2026 meticulous audio restoration and transfer from my original U.S. Mercury Records 12″ pressing. Every effort has been made to preserve the warmth, dynamics, and punch of the original vinyl while presenting these rare mixes in the best possible quality.
Whether you remember hearing “The Look Of Love” on MTV, in the clubs, or blasting through late-night radio in 1982, this remains one of the defining singles of the decade and a shining example of Trevor Horn’s groundbreaking studio craftsmanship.
SIDE A:
The Look Of Love (USA Remix – Dub Version) 7:39
Remix [Uncredited] – ABC
Remix [Uncredited] – Trevor Horn
SIDE B:
The Look Of Love (Part 3 – Dance Version) 4:17
Remix [Uncredited] –John Luongo
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 7 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 16 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 1 |
| Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) | 4 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 12 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 12 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 11 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 5 |
| Spain (AFYVE) | 15 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 8 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 4 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 18 |
| US Dance/Disco Top 80 (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Rock Top Tracks (Billboard) | 32 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 | 9 |
| West Germany (GfK) | 36 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – MDS-4023, Mercury – 6400 751
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Stereo, 53
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, New Wave
CREDITS:
- Producer [Produced By] – Trevor Horn
- Written-By – ABC
NOTES:
From the album SRM-1-4059 “The Lexicon Of Love”
Printed in U.S.A.
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
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
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.
