BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1982
Combo Audio was a new wave group from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois best known for their song Romanticide.
Romanticide was released as a single for Secret Records in 1982 and as part of the Combo Audio EP. Two videos for the song were made. The first was played on the RockAmerica cable music subscription service the second went into “power rotation” on MTV in early 1983 following the EP release. The song was the “top single” in Billboard and regular support and airplay followed in New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis and Los Angeles.
The version that appears here is a different mix than what appears on the “Combo Audio” mini album and “Living In Oblivion” Volume 1 CD. The b-side “It’s A Crime” is a non album track.
SIDE A:
Romanticide (7″ Mix) 3:37
Bass – Tom Broeske
Synthesizer [Additional] – Dana Walden
SIDE B:
It’s A Crime 2:33
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Secret Records (4) ?– CA-10051
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop
Credits: Co-producer [Associate Producer] – Richard Denhart
Design – Steven Larson (2)
Producer – Combo Audio, Dana Walden
NOTES:
Special version from the mini LP “COMBO AUDIO”
Find The 7″ On DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut III
Cartridge: Ortofon Super
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Speed Control: Pro-Ject Speed Box S
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Tung-Sol 12AX7ECC803-S Gold Electron Tube
Soundcard: ESI Juli@
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removeal: ClickRepair (DeClick Level 3)
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Cracking stuff here.
Thanks Paul 🙂
Paul, you really touch my soul with your music selections. I love this track so much and I can’t wait to hear this mix as I only know the one from the “Living In Oblivion” compilation. You do such a service introducing and re-introducing forgotten musical gems to your adoring public. Gosh, I can’t stress your importance as an individual enough Paul. You are rare and WONDERFUL!!!
I second the Hilary request. Her “Drop Your Pants” was another stand-out from the EP.
Again, many thanks and appreciation for an all-time favourite.
Jeff
Thank you Jeff it makes me really happy when I un-earth this rare stuff and people actually know what it is. Hugs 🙂
Unfortunately, “Drop Your Pants” never got local airplay…wonder why. 🙂
I actually love “I Live” as a runner-up myself.
nice rare track! great quality too!
love it!
x
Thank you Max 🙂
It’s exciting to see this track posted! What a great song, basically unheard of by the majority, and I’m thankful you gave it the usual DJPT treatment. You did an excellent rip, Paul, it sounds wonderful! Many thanks 😎
Thank you Woz I appreciate your comment. By the way it’s good to see you it’s been a while mate 🙂
It has been a while! Life has been just crazy enough to keep me away. But even if you don’t see me in the comments, remember that I’m one of your biggest supporters. Always have been and always will be!
Love the way you think Paul!
I use to request this track from the local alternative station (remember when humans worked there?), and rapped the nearest table with my knuckles in time. A classic. I only wish this got some kind of latter-era reissue with new mixes (ala Pop Muzik from M). I would’ve snapped it up!
Hey Paul, while you’re going classic domestic synthpop, why not try Hilary’s “Kinetic” EP? I think you’ll love that title track too. It was produced by Mike Thorne (Bronski Beat, etc producer), and could really do with a Hi-Q rip.
Thanks again. 🙂
hey Goodguy glad to see someone else who respects this single that means you have great taste. I will grab a copy of Hilary’s “Kinetic” EP it’s a good one 🙂
I’m genuinely flattered…coming from you that means a LOT. 😮
Again, I’m sure you know it by now, but I’m forever indebted to you for all your work to bring these tracks back to us in such glory. Life always detours me away from cracking open the storage boxes, dusting off the Technics, and giving it a novice’s attempt, but you are the dedicated professional.
I bow my head to you Paul, as always. 🙂
Oh, and I erred…it’s Hague, not Thorne. Whatamistakatomaka! 😮
Hey, speaking of him, have you heard any Jules & The Polar Bears? I know I have a copy of Phonetics somewhere, but haven’t listened to it in years.
A classic track indeed. Loving the rip quality as always! You’re the best, Paul!
Thank you Tim. I hope others will appreciate this forgotten gem too 🙂
Never heard of them Paul. But I do like the single. There’s so much forgotten new wave stuff from the US that never made it big but was nevertheless interesting as all the mainstream artists .
Omar this is one of my all-time favorite new wave tracks. I’m happy you like it too 🙂