Burning The Ground Exclusive
Yesterday Luba told us that “The Best Is Yet To Come.”
Today we are getting a little more private.
Private Joy, that is.
For our next Ladies Of The 80s: Soundtrack Edition selection, we head back to 1985 for Cheyne’s “Private Joy,” from the soundtrack to one of the decade’s most wonderfully ridiculous teen comedies, Weird Science.
Written and directed by John Hughes, Weird Science stars Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith as Gary and Wyatt, two teenage boys who use a computer, a doll, and a little lightning to create their idea of the perfect woman.
Naturally, they get Kelly LeBrock.
Because apparently computers worked much better in 1985.
The movie also features Bill Paxton as Wyatt’s nightmare older brother Chet, along with Robert Downey Jr., Suzanne Snyder, Judie Aronson, and Vernon Wells. Weird Science opened in the United States on August 2, 1985.
And, of course, there was a soundtrack.
Oingo Boingo supplied the unforgettable title track, while the album also included Kim Wilde’s “Turn It On,” Max Carl’s “The Circle,” Wall Of Voodoo’s “Deep In The Jungle,” Killing Joke’s “Eighties,” The Lords Of The New Church, Taxxi, and others.
Then there was Cheyne.
Her contribution, “Private Joy,” has another very important name attached to it.
Prince.
“Private Joy” was written and originally recorded by Prince for his 1981 album Controversy. It was one of those wonderfully playful Prince tracks filled with synthesizers, rhythm machines, attitude, and just enough weirdness to make it unmistakably his.
Cheyne was not the first woman to cover it. La Toya Jackson recorded “Private Joy” for her 1984 album Heart Don’t Lie.
But Cheyne’s version takes the song somewhere else.
Produced by Greg Phillinganes and Jimmy Iovine, with vocal production by Louil Silas Jr., the Weird Science recording gives “Private Joy” a harder, more electronic 1985 makeover. AFI’s official film credits confirm Phillinganes and Iovine as producers and Silas as vocal producer.
The result fits Weird Science beautifully.
It is bright.
Synthetic.
Playful.
A little strange.
In other words, perfect for a movie about two teenagers creating Kelly LeBrock with a computer.
Cheyne herself is another interesting part of the story.
Earlier in 1985, she had topped Billboard’s Dance Club chart with “Call Me Mr. Telephone (Answering Service).”
And here is a great piece of 1980s pop trivia.
Before Madonna recorded “Into The Groove,” the song was originally intended for Cheyne, who was working with producer Mark Kamins at the time. Madonna ultimately decided to keep the song for herself.
Considering what happened to “Into The Groove,” that has to qualify as one of pop music’s great “what if?” moments.
Later that same year, MCA released “Private Joy” as a single from the Weird Science soundtrack.
Billboard featured the record as one of its Dance Picks in October 1985, listing the 5:28 version and crediting Greg Phillinganes and Jimmy Iovine as producers.
Despite the push, “Private Joy” does not appear to have reached Billboard’s major national singles charts.
Another one that slipped through the cracks.
Fortunately for us, MCA gave the song a US 12-inch release, and this is where things get especially interesting.
The 12-inch gives us the Extended Version, an Instrumental, and something wonderfully labeled “Bonus Beats Plus Bass.”
Now that is a title designed to get my attention.
Louil Silas Jr. handled the remix, taking the already electronic production and giving it considerably more room to move. The Extended Version runs 5:28, while the Instrumental stretches even longer at 5:46. “Bonus Beats Plus Bass” clocks in at 4:30.
The Instrumental is particularly fun because without Cheyne’s vocal, you can really dig into the machinery underneath the record.
And then there are those Bonus Beats.
Plus bass.
What else do we need?
“Private Joy” is exactly the kind of record I hoped to uncover when this series began.
A Prince composition.
A singer who had already topped the dance chart.
Production by Greg Phillinganes and Jimmy Iovine.
A remix by Louil Silas Jr.
A cult-classic John Hughes movie.
And a US 12-inch filled with versions that rarely get mentioned today.
Yet somehow, the record has become little more than a footnote.
Not here.
Gary and Wyatt needed a computer, a government mainframe, a Barbie doll, and a lightning storm to create their fantasy.
All we need is a turntable.
Welcome to my Private Joy.
SIDE A:
Private Joy (Extended Version) 5:28
SIDE B:
Private Joy (Instrumental) 5:46
Private Joy (Bonus Beats Plus Bass) 4:30
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23583
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Taavi Mote
- Engineer [Assistant] – Fred Howard
- Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Jimmy Iovine
- Producer [Vocals], Remix – Louil Silas, Jr.*
- Written-By – Prince
NOTES:
Original version appears on the MCA LP MCA-6146, Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack, “Weird Science”.
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-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono 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
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: 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
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Just a year earlier, La Toya Jackson had released the song on the album *Heart Don’t Lie*. A single release—including a maxi version—was also planned, though this only materialized in Japan. Ultimately, the plan fell through. It wasn’t until 2012 that the extended dance mix was released on an expanded edition of the album. I wasn’t aware that anyone else had covered the song immediately after that.
This is so great, thanks so much Paul! Huge Weird Science fan, so much fun, and the soundtrack is outstanding. Great pick selecting one of the lesser known tracks from the movie! Love that is still got a single with a great remix too. The Prince version is so great, but this one is up there. And who doesn’t love a Prince cover?! I love how they really do bring unique touches from the new artist stepping into the spotlight (and really, covering a Prince track is no small thing). Love the write up too – computers were indeed better,… Read more »
Thank you so much, JP! You caught me. How could I possibly forget the most important ingredient in the entire experiment? Computer? Check. Doll? Check. Lightning storm? Check. Bras on our heads? NOW we’re doing science! I agree about Cheyne’s version too. Covering Prince is no small task because his originals have so much personality, but the best covers do not simply imitate him. They bring something new to the song, and Cheyne’s very 1985 production gives “Private Joy” a completely different character. And now you have sent me down another rabbit hole with the Kelly LeBrock and “Maneater” story.… Read more »
Thank you, Paul.Another missing 12″ jumps into my collection. I know the movie and I can still vaguely remember this song. The credits are full of big names. Btw. if someone wants to sell his 1985 computer, please send me an offer. The bill is being paid by Paul 😉 (because of his comment : “….apparently computers worked much better in 1985” 🙂
Thank you so much, Toxicaudio! I love that another missing 12-inch has found its way into your collection. You are right about the credits too. Greg Phillinganes, Jimmy Iovine, Louil Silas Jr., and a Prince composition make for a pretty impressive lineup for a record that has become so obscure. As for that 1985 computer, I think I need to add a disclaimer to the post: DJ Paul T is not responsible for the purchase of any vintage equipment capable of creating Kelly LeBrock. Although if you find one that actually works like Gary and Wyatt’s, we may need to… Read more »
Thank you Professor DJ Paul T. Your write up is like a well detailed annotation while reading Shakespeare, giving meaning to what otherwise would go over most people’s heads. I had no idea this existed, Cheyne is a fascinating character who had a lot of A listers behind her in one way or another, perhaps the desire was for her to be like Madonna, but things did not fall into place….I’ve always wondered if there was more of a Madonna element in Mr Telephone than disclosed, either in writing or with some backing vocals, one telltale sign is the piano… Read more »
Thank you so much, Joey! “Professor DJ Paul T” made me laugh. I promise there will be no final exam. Cheyne really is a fascinating little chapter in 1980s pop history. When you look at the people surrounding her, Mark Kamins, Greg Phillinganes, Jimmy Iovine, Louil Silas Jr., and then the connection to “Into The Groove,” it certainly feels as though there were some very big expectations for her career. Your observation about the piano in “Call Me Mr. Telephone” and the You Can Dance mix of “Into The Groove” is interesting too. I have never seen anything confirming additional… Read more »
Wow! This just keeps getting better and better! Thank you for another rare 12″, Paul! I love Prince, and it seems that all covers of his songs by female artists are always amazing! Glad to add this to my collection! What an amazing back story with Cheyne almost taking Madonna’s spot.
Thank you so much, Axel F80! Prince songs really do seem to invite great female interpretations, and Cheyne’s “Private Joy” is another fascinating example.
And that “Into The Groove” connection is such a great piece of 80s history. Cheyne was originally intended to record the song before Madonna ultimately kept it for herself. Just imagine how differently things might have turned out if that had happened!
I’m thrilled to add another rare 12-inch to your collection. This series keeps uncovering some wonderful little surprises. Thank you again!
The Prince version of Private Joy has always been a favorite of mine. Looking forward to this version. Thanks.
Thank you so much, DJ U4ic! Prince’s original is such a great track, and I think that makes hearing another artist take it on even more interesting.
Cheyne gives “Private Joy” a very different 1985 flavor, and the 12-inch versions really let the production stretch out.
I hope you enjoy this one. Thanks again!
Man, Paul, this is really intriguing! Your write-up is delightful and has me buzzing to hear these cuts! The movie, “Weird Science” was so memorable. I had so much pleasure watching it over at my friend’s house on video. And oh, Kelly LeBrock certainly captured my imagination, leading to “private joys”!! I can hardly wait to hear this cover of a Prince song! You’ve hyped-up the record so well, Paul!
Thanks in advance!!
Jeff
Thank you so much, Jeff! Weird Science really is one of those movies that could only have come out of the 1980s. The premise, the cast, the music, all of it is completely over the top in the best possible way. I think you are going to have a lot of fun with Cheyne’s version of “Private Joy.” It keeps the playful spirit of Prince’s original but gives it a very different 1985 soundtrack feel, and the 12-inch mixes take that even further. I’m glad the write-up got you curious before you even heard the record. That is half the… Read more »
“Because apparently computers worked much better in 1985.“ 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hilarious!
Private Joy has always been one of my favorite Prince songs. Bizarre it wasn’t a single and interesting again, like I Feel For You, how it got covered by multiple females!
The credits in this are insane! 😎👀. I don’t remember this version, but OF COURSE I have the 45 of Weird Science! And the John Hughes box set… was this on there??? Now I have to look!!!!
Awesome post!!! Thanks!!!!
It is not on the Life Moves Pretty Fast box set! Well how unfortunate!
That is so sad. Thanks for curing my curiosity.
Yeah, as fun of a boxed set it is, I feel they could’ve went all-in on it instead of the sampler it actually is, even at 4 discs!
Thank you so much, ING! I had to have a little fun with the computer logic in Weird Science. Apparently one lightning storm and a few keystrokes could accomplish quite a lot in 1985. I agree about “Private Joy.” It is such a great Prince track, and it is fascinating that both La Toya Jackson and Cheyne took a shot at it. Much like “I Feel For You,” it proves how easily a Prince composition could take on a completely different personality in someone else’s hands. And those credits really are ridiculous. Greg Phillinganes, Jimmy Iovine, Louil Silas Jr., plus… Read more »