Category: News

Happy Memorial Day Weekend USA

Hey BTG friends,

I hope you’re ready to enjoy a long, relaxing, music-filled Memorial Day Weekend! Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to the lake, digging through crates at your favorite record store, or just kicking back with a classic 12″ on the turntable, this weekend is all about slowing down and appreciating the good things in life.

Memorial Day is also a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s a powerful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy—and the price that’s been paid to protect them. So while we celebrate, let’s also take a moment for reflection and gratitude.

Just a quick note—I’m taking today off from posting to recharge and enjoy the weekend myself. But don’t worry, Burning the Ground will be back very soon with more rare mixes and extended gems from the ’80s and ’90s that you won’t want to miss.

Until then, stay safe, spin something loud, and keep the music alive. 💿🔥

Happy Memorial Day!
– Paul

New Arrival: Concorde Music Black – First Impressions

Something new and exciting has landed in the Burning the Ground setup – my brand-new Concorde Music Black cartridge has arrived!

I’m currently in the early stages of breaking it in, which means I’ve been spinning record after record (not exactly a hardship). I’m giving it a proper workout across a variety of pressings and genres to let it really settle into its groove.

Let me tell you—it’s not often I swap out a cartridge and immediately hear such a dramatic difference. But this time? Night and day. The clarity, the depth, the punch… it’s all there. Everything feels more alive, more present, more musical. It’s one of those rare upgrades that makes you want to go back and rediscover your entire vinyl collection.

Needless to say, I’m already looking forward to transferring some vinyl with this beauty. Can’t wait to hear how it handles some of my favorite 12″ mixes and rare cuts.

More updates to come once the break-in period is complete, but for now—I’m impressed.

Stay tuned,
Paul

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