Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988
NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration
Original post date September 24, 2013
“Monkey” is a hit single by George Michael from his debut solo album, Faith (1987). Released as the album’s fourth single in 1988, the song became a major success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The track showcases a funky, dance-oriented style, blending elements of pop and R&B, and was co-produced by George Michael and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
The lyrics reflect themes of addiction and unhealthy relationships, with Michael imploring someone to choose between him and their “monkey”—a metaphor for a habit or dependency. Its infectious beat, layered production, and cutting-edge remixes, including the popular Jam & Lewis remix, contributed to its club appeal and chart-topping performance.
“Monkey” also stands out for its music video, directed by Andy Morahan, featuring energetic visuals, including Michael performing alongside dancers and showcasing his signature style during the Faith era. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Michael’s versatility as an artist.
The remixes of “Monkey” played a significant role in its popularity, especially in the U.S. club scene. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, renowned producers known for their work with artists like Janet Jackson, created a special remix for the single release. This version amplified the track’s funky, percussive energy, enhancing its appeal on dance floors and radio stations alike. The remix was so impactful that it became the definitive version of the song played on U.S. radio.
In terms of chart performance, “Monkey” achieved significant success globally. While it became George Michael’s eighth #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, it also fared well on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Internationally, it charted within the top 10 in countries like Canada and Ireland, though it performed more modestly in the UK, peaking at #13 on the UK Singles Chart.
The single’s success cemented Michael’s reputation as one of the 1980s’ most versatile pop icons, capable of delivering everything from heartfelt ballads to irresistible dance tracks. “Monkey” also contributed to the massive commercial success of Faith, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1989.
SIDE A:
Monkey (Extended Version) 8:07
SIDE B:
Monkey (Acappella) 3:44
Monkey (Extra Beats) 3:43
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Monkey | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1988 | Monkey | U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs | #8 |
| 1988 | Monkey | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 07849, Columbia – 44-07849
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop, Dance-pop
CREDITS:
- Artwork [Artwork By] – George Michael, Norman Moore
- Engineer [Engineered By] – Steve Hodge
- Lacquer Cut By [Runout Etching ❀] – Brian Gardner
- Photography By [Photo By] – Chris Cuffaro
- Producer [Produced By] – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
- Producer [Produced By], Written-By, Arranged By – George Michael
- Remix [Special Re-mix By] – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
NOTES:
From the LP “FAITH”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
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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thanks, mate!
You’re welcome, mate 🙂
I miss George. Thanks for this upgrade, PaulT.
You’re welcome, Muff Diver
Great share Paul, thank you. George was one of my favourite artists in the 80s and I fell in love with his look in the Careless Whisper video. Monkey was an awesome mix, and unsurprisingly did well as a Faith single… I think there were 6 singles. I loved the remixes of Hard Day if you still have that 12 inch. The shep pettibone edit is exclusive to the 12″ and pretty rare and could do with a sweep of your magic brush. Thank you… and squeezes from Cape Town.
You’re welcome, David. It is good to see your comment it has been a while. Squeezes 🙂
Jam And Lewis are definitely in my top 10 of producers, remixers. Remixing GM was one of the best things they did too, i also liked their work with Janet Jackson and the gospel group Sounds Of Blackness in the early 90’s.
Cheers Paul
Cheers, Mark 🙂
I have the cassette single of this, thank you Paul for the upgrade!
You’re welcome, Lee 🙂
I need to give these remixes a listen! Of course I know the radio version, but if Jam & Lewis are involved it’s a done deal. Wow, when I think of who ruled the charts in 1987/88 it’s George Michael, INXS and U2! And boy did he have the look down: The hair, stubble, aviator shades, black jacket, blue jeans and cowboys boots… And of course the butt, lol. Thank you Paul!!
George gave us the whole package during this period. He knew how to re-invent himself from Wham! to sex bomb.
What can I say, Paul? A great track by an artist without compare. Not my favourite GM track but still a great one. My favourite version is the dub mix from the promo single cd. It´s more or less only a longer, slightly remixed single version but I love it.
There is no other like George.
This song is so freaking HOT!! Definitely, one of my favorite Jam & Lewis remixes! I loved this incarnation of George Michael! It’s like he stepped off the “Bad Boys” 12-inch cover and became this street tough singer. Almost a Tom of Finland minstrel with nods to Prince. This was my favorite version of the singer and I appreciate you, Paul, for your stellar restorations!!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff. George certainly knew how to appeal to his audience men and women.
Fantastic! This is a reminder that I need to listen to more George Michael. Last night I was reminded, too, as I heard his version of ‘The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.’
George was a force in pop music for sure.
This remix was a huge turning point for me in George Michael fandom. It took it UP past 10, didn’t it? This, along with Listen Without Prejudice, made me a lifelong fan. I liked some Wham! & solo tracks prior, but this remix blew my mind! If anyone thought I Want Your Sex was him trying to play in Prince’s sandbox, having Jam & Lewis remix this track was cementing that he definitely could! And the video! It just captured the energy that a great live concert makes you feel in spades! Classic!
Thanks for this rip!!!
I agree with everything you said. “Monkey” was kind of a lifeless album track, but when they remixed it for radio, I adored its energy and creativity. I loved “Listen Without Prejudice”.
I agree ! I think I was a junior in High School when the album dropped & I remember my girlfriend’s friend saying it was his best song, I was like, it’s just ok – not his best. Then the video hit the airwaves with the single remix and I was like WWWOW!!!
It has always amazed me how the production on a song can transform it! Another great example is Nellee Hooper’s remix of Wendy & Lisa’s Waterfall. Simply amazing! Or for those who appreciate something left of center: Moby’s Sub Mix of Beat It…mind blowing fun!
Jam and Lewis going crazy on the remix tip with an overload of sampled 808 cowbells. Prefer their more creative, funkier and crazier long 12-inch version output earlier in their career when they had something to prove eg SOS Band, Thelma Houston, Cherrelle etc. In 1988 Jam and Lewis were lazily phoning it in and cashing those fat remix paychecks. Girl friend, that is one awfully sad looking ill-fitting hat George is wearing in that video. The fashion police must have had a field day with that damn hat. Thanks for the share!
This was another instance where I thought the remix enhanced the LP version, much like the Nile Rodgers remix for Duran Duran’s “The Reflex. “I don’t think either song would have had the success it had without its respective 7” remix versions. I also thought George looked adorable in the hat.
Exactly!
I’m starting to suspect that fake Martika is just an AI robot. The text above certainly sounds chatGPT-generated (especially the penultimate sentence); but for now I’m really enjoying the show. 🙂
Thanks, Paul! This song was THE JAM back in the day and the Extended Mix was stunning. Thanks for the great rip! p.s. the Faith album was absolutely incredible, too…played soooo much!
You’re welcome, Fred. I think this is the best remix Jam & Lewis ever did there is so much creativity involved.
Best remix they ever did? 🤔😁 Hmmm now you’re going to have me combing the archives to see! You may be right though! So many of their produced tracks the best remixes I can think of were done by someone else, although the Mama Mix of I Miss You Much I believe was them, but this is simply one of the best 12” versions ever. Through it on a mixtape with Pettibone’s mix of The Pleasure Principle and the Dance Mix of Let’s Go Crazy and the Krazy version of Seal’s Crazy and you have the start of something beautiful!
Thanks for the share. He had a really great voice!
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you. I absolutely love George.
You’re welcome 🙂