BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1983
“AEIOU Sometimes Y” is the debut single by New York based synth pop duo Ēbn-Ōzn. “AEIOU” became an international MTV and dance club hit, reaching # 20 on the Billboard Club Chart. The single also received significant black radio play and remains a modern rock radio and 1980s music staple. AllMusic writes that the song “combines intelligence, melody, and weirdness in just the right doses. Accompanied by a video that featured a stream-of-consciousness rap about ‘this incredible Swedish girl,’ and with a more serious subtext about communication, it became a bizarre but deserved hit.”
Recorded in 1981, “AEIOU” has the distinction of being the first commercial single ever recorded entirely on a computer (a Fairlight CMI) in the United States and the subsequent album, Feeling Cavalier, the first such album. Ēbn-Ōzn’s use of the Fairlight CMI’s “sampling” functions makes them true pioneers of sampling, a music recording process, which was then revolutionary and is now common practice in 21st century sound music recording.
SIDE A:
AEIOU Sometimes Y (Long Version – Vocal) 7:38
SIDE B:
AEIOU Sometimes Y (Dub Version – Instrumental) 7:29
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
Year | Single | Chart | Position |
---|---|---|---|
1983 | AEIOU Sometimes Y | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #20 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Elektra – 0-67915
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Art Direction, Cover [Concept By] – Lynn Dreese Breslin
Backing Vocals [The Techettes] – Jimmy Lowell, Joe Berger, Ēbn-Ōzn
Computer [Fairlight Cmi], Synthesizer [Various], Guitar, Vocals [Occasional] – Ēbn*
Cover [Concept By] – Ēbn-Ōzn
Cover [Concept By], Photography By – Virginia Liberatore
Engineer [Assistant] – Bruce Buchalter, Gregory J. Moss
Engineer [Remix] – Dave Wittman
Lead Vocals, Vocals [Characterizations], Synthesizer [Occasional] – Ōzn*
Management [Direction] –Steven E. Machat*
Mastered By – Greg Calbi
Other [Hair] – Romeo
Other [Make-up] – Yuseff Rodney
Other [Nuts And Bolts] – Kenn Fink
Other [Styling] – Kim Hastreiter
Producer [Associate] –Robert Rosen
Producer, Recorded By, Programmed By – Ned Liben
Remix – John Luongo, Ēbn-Ōzn
Written-By – Ēbn-Ōzn
NOTES:
Recorded and programmed at M.S.P. Music, NYC.
Mastered at Sterling Sound.
Find the 12″ on DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
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 Removal: Manual
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
OH MAN, PLEASE DON’T HATE ME … BUT CAN YOU PLEASE RE-UP THIS ONE, TOO??
How is it possible that this gem is literally not available anywhere!
A classic. This was soooo edgy back in the day; still a little much to some ears, I’m sure, with the implied S&M. MTV rarely played this video; usually it turned up on HBO’s Video Jukebox for some reason.
Dipping into the stack of “weird and wacky” stuff this week, I see. 🙂
ORGASM times 10!!!! Man Paul, what a terrific single this is!! Definitely, one of my favorites. Loved the video and the overall sound of this record. You couldn’t go wrong with this band. Their debut album was so incredible as well and I finally got to pick up the reissue on compact disc just a few years ago. Sadly, no twelve inch mixes contained on the disc, but you have already given us “Bag Lady” and now this. How can I repay you for all you’ve given me? The music you showcase is so great. And for everybody that doesn’t… Read more »
Cheers Jeff! Thank you so much for the praise always loved this song and the 12″ makes it even better 🙂
Awesome. One of my favorite bands from high school. Their sole album, “Feeling Cavalier”, is one of the most unknown and underrated gems of the “early 80s”. I have these tracks, but in a low bitrate. Thanks for making them available in high-quality audio. You’re the best!
Don
Thank you Don I agree that album is awesome 🙂
Thanks Paul. Love this.
You’re welcome Omar 🙂