Category: News

Quick Update – New Cartridge Incoming!

Hey everyone,

Just a quick heads-up — there won’t be a post today because I’m waiting on a new piece of gear that should arrive tomorrow: the Ortofon Concorde Music Black stylus and cartridge.

This new cartridge is replacing my four-year-old Ortofon 2M Black Plug & Play MkII, which has been my go-to since April 2021. It’s served me faithfully for thousands of rips, but it’s time to give it a well-earned retirement. Rather than just replace the stylus, I decided to go with the full Concorde Music Black cartridge — and here’s why:

Even though it looks different, the Concorde Music Black is essentially identical to the 2M Black in terms of sound and performance:

  • Both use the Nude Shibata stylus for ultra-precise tracking and top-tier detail.

  • They share the same moving magnet generator system and specs, offering that signature rich, dynamic Ortofon sound.

  • Frequency response, channel balance, and output levels are all nearly identical.

The biggest difference is the design. The Concorde version features an integrated headshell that plugs directly into my Technics SL-1200MK7 — no screws, no cartridge alignment, no hassle. Just plug in, set the tracking force (1.8g), and drop the needle.

👉 Ortofon Concorde Music Black – Official Product Page

A Huge Thank You

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has donated to Burning the Ground. This cartridge upgrade was made possible because of your support. Your donations directly fund the gear I use to preserve and share these amazing 12″ mixes — from cartridges and styli to software and equipment upkeep. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.

Once the new cartridge arrives and I’ve had a chance to break it in, I’ll be back with more music magic. Thanks again for sticking with me — and for being part of this music-loving community.

Stay tuned,
Paul

Goal Reached – Thank You!

Burning the Ground – April 2025 Fundraiser

I’m thrilled to share that we’ve officially reached our $1,500 fundraising goal for April!
Your kindness and generosity make it possible for Burning the Ground to keep spinning those rare 12″ mixes and extended versions you love.

Thanks to your support, the funds raised will go toward:
🔐 Hosting, security, monitoring & protection
📀 Purchasing requested vinyl for future posts
🛠️ Equipment maintenance and upgrades

This community is truly something special, and I’m so grateful for everyone who took the time to donate, share, or simply spread the word.

📅 Our next official fundraiser will be in October, but if you’d like to support the site any time of the year, you can do so by visiting the BTG Support Page or clicking any of the yellow PayPal Donate buttons throughout the site.

Every donation—big or small—helps keep BTG alive and thriving.

Thank you again for being a part of this journey and for helping preserve these musical gems!

Love & Light,
Paul

Burning the Ground – April 2025 Fundraiser

Help Keep the Music Alive!

Hello, friends and fellow music lovers,

It’s that time again — our April Fundraiser is officially underway!

Burning the Ground is a labor of love dedicated to preserving and sharing the rare 12″ remixes, extended versions, and hard-to-find vinyl gems of the ’80s, ’90s, and beyond. Whether you visit to relive a favorite dancefloor memory or discover something new, I’m grateful to have you as part of this passionate community.

Every six months, we run a small fundraiser to help keep the site running smoothly and securely. Our goal this April is $1,500.00 — every dollar makes a difference.

Your generous donations go directly toward:

  • 🔒 Website hosting, security, monitoring, and protection

  • 💿 Purchasing requested records for future posts

  • 🛠️ Equipment maintenance and upgrades

If you’d like to support Burning the Ground, you can make a secure donation via debit card, credit card, or PayPal by visiting our Donation Page on PayPal, or simply click any of the yellow Donate buttons throughout the site.

No amount is too small, and every contribution helps ensure that BTG continues to bring you the music you love. The next fundraiser will be in October, so now’s the perfect time to show your support if you’re able.

Thank you all so much for your continued support of Burning the Ground.
Whether you’ve donated, shared the site, or simply stopped by to enjoy a favorite track, you’re helping keep this music alive for generations of fans and collectors to come. I truly couldn’t do this without you. ❤️

Much love,
Paul
Burning the Ground



Update from Paul: Good News on My Recovery

Hi everyone,

It’s Paul, and I wanted to give you all an update. I recently saw my doctor after surgery, and he assured me that they successfully removed the cancer from my left kidney. The margins around it are also clear, which means I won’t need any further treatment like chemotherapy or radiation—great news! While the chances of recurrence aren’t zero, they’re very unlikely.

I’m healing well, though I need to avoid lifting anything over ten pounds for the next six weeks and avoid heavy exertion.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown—through messages, cards, gifts, and donations. It has truly meant the world to me and has been a huge part of my healing process. I love and appreciate you all so much.

I’m looking forward to getting back to posting on Burning the Ground soon! At first, posts may be a bit limited as I ease back into things, but I’m excited to return.

I appreciate your patience, and I’ll see you all soon.

—Paul