Burning The Ground Exclusive
In 1985, 16-year-old Texas guitar prodigy Charlie Sexton released his debut album Pictures for Pleasure. Fresh out of the Austin music scene, Sexton had already built a reputation as a musician well beyond his years.
Following the success of his debut single “Beat’s So Lonely,” which reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an MTV staple, MCA Records issued “Impressed” as the album’s second single. While the track carried the same glossy production and atmospheric charm, “Impressed” unfortunately failed to chart.
Produced by Keith Forsey (Billy Idol, The Breakfast Club soundtrack), “Impressed” leans heavily into the mid-80s new wave/post-punk hybrid sound. With moody guitars, layered synth textures, and Sexton’s deep, mature-sounding vocal delivery, the song seemed tailor-made for radio and MTV rotation. The 12″ single featured extended and dance-oriented versions that gave the track a club-ready edge, contrasting the darker rock tones of the LP.
**As a bonus track, I have also included the 7″ Remix, which I transferred from the US promo 7″ single.
SIDE A:
Impressed (Mixed Impressions) (Extended Dance Remix) 6:19
Engineer [Remix] – Dave Concors
Remix – Arthur Barrow
SIDE B:
Impressed (Wanna Bet Dub) 7:26
Engineer [Remix] – Steve Parker (2)
Remix – Charlie Sexton, Steve Lillywhite
BONUS TRACK:
Impressed (7″ Remix) 3:45
Remix – Charlie Sexton, Michael Frondelli, Steve Lillywhite
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23622
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: Canada
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic. Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Producer – Keith Forsey
- Written-By – R. Wilson*, S. Krikorian*
NOTES:
Original version appears on the Charlie Sexton album “Pictures For Pleasure”
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
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Yup. Charlie has the whole “package”! LOL
If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Paul had a crush back when Sexton was on the charts!
Thanks for uploading this. Impressed is one of two songs from this album written by the iconoclastic Tonio K. (Steve Krikorian) that he included on his classic album Romeo Unchained. Interesting to compare both versions of each song.
Great musician, but also a real cool person. Besides being a DJ in many of Austin’s most legendary clubs (& part owner & manager of one), I also managed the Pro Audio department at the main Guitar Center for almost 10 years. I met Charlie during the 80s when he was out at one of the clubs I was DJing at. Over the years that followed I would see him now & then, but when I was at GC I saw him almost weekly to the point when he needed something, I would deliver it to the studio (usually Arlyn… Read more »
Scott, wow — what an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing that. I love hearing firsthand memories like this, especially from someone who was right in the middle of the Austin scene. It really adds another dimension to the music when you know the artist was not only talented but also a genuinely cool person. That Gueros story with your wife made me smile — I can only imagine how starstruck she must have been! I’m so glad these Sexton posts stirred up those memories for you. Thanks again for taking the time to share them — it… Read more »
Another great song, from the album “Pictures For Pleasure”.
Co-written by Steve Krikorian, aka Tonio K, who recorded his own version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqY-e4pc8Sw
Wow amazing Paul!! Such a perfectly-balanced AOR tune… Surprising it missed the Hot 100 altogether, even more so that it wasn’t a monster hit on the Rock Tracks chart. And what a great video! Charlie Sexton definitely had the look. Producer Keith Forsey’s stamp is all over this one with his glossy production and flourishes throughout. So excited for this addition to my Charlie Sexton ‘Paulography’! Big thank you and, of course, for the bonus of adding the 7″ Remix!! Have a relaxing Labor Day weekend to you Paul, Jeff, Martika, Fred, song_and_dance and everyone else here!!
Retro Hound, thank you! I couldn’t agree more — “Impressed” really had all the makings of a hit, so it’s surprising it slipped under the radar. And yes, Keith Forsey’s production fingerprints are everywhere on this one, which I love. I’m so glad this post adds another chapter to your Charlie Sexton “Paulography”! 🙂 The 7″ Remix was too good (and rare) not to share.
Wishing you a laid-back and enjoyable Labor Day weekend as well!
Love it, thank you for another Charlie Sexton post, Paul!
You’re welcome, Grant. Have a great weekend.
Thank you for another killer 12″, Paul! This song is easily as good and catchy as his prior hit. I’m not sure why it didn’t chart!
I’ve had the 2 remixes from the Mixed Impressions EP, but I’ve never heard the 7″ Remix, and I’m certain your transfer is miles better than my digital copy of the other two remixes!
Thank you, Axel! I’m with you — “Impressed” is every bit as strong as “Beat’s So Lonely,” so it’s a mystery why it didn’t connect on the charts. I’m glad you already had the Mixed Impressions EP — those remixes are such a time capsule of the mid-80s sound. The 7″ Remix is definitely a fun alternate take, and I tried to get the cleanest transfer possible from my promo single. Happy to share it here for fellow fans like you!
yeah, I’m starting to appreciate 7″ remixes more and more. Previously, I always assumed they were the same as the album versions, but I’m starting to realize that they are often really good (short) remixes!
Thank you for this one, Paul, especially for the very rare 7″ remix from the promo 45. Never released on CD or digitally and most likely never will!
You’re very welcome, Jason! 🙂 The 7″ Remix is definitely one of those hidden gems that never made the leap to CD or digital, and like you said, probably never will. That’s exactly why I love doing these transfers — to keep these rare mixes alive and out there for people who appreciate them. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Incredible!! I’m all tingling with happiness, Paul, because you’re giving us yet another Charlie Sexton record!! I love this guy! His look, his voice, his musicianship! It checks all the boxes for me! I love my synths, but there are times when I just clamor over a balls-to-the-wall rock record. Especially a rock 12-inch remix! There are even synths in this one to boot!! My ears, body, and orifices are creaming! Whoa, so grateful, to you Paul, again!! I hope you and your family have a thoroughly fantastic Labor Day weekend!! Enjoy, if you’re having a Barbeque with the Beats!!… Read more »
Jeff, I’m right there with you — Charlie had the whole package: the look, the voice, and the chops. “Impressed” really does walk that perfect line between rock energy and those slick mid-80s synth touches, which makes it such a fun 12″ to revisit. I’m so glad you’re enjoying these Sexton posts as much as I am digging them out.
Wishing you and your family an amazing Labor Day weekend as well! And yes — I’ll definitely be cranking the beats alongside the barbeque!