Burning The Ground Exclusive 1984
The song “Innocence in Danger” by the American new wave group of the same name was released in 1984 as part of their self-titled EP. Fronted by Angela Bond and Steve Parry, the band featured notable contributions from renowned musicians, including guitarist Carlos Alomar. The single also incorporated the work of New York-based Freestyle and House producer Nelson Cruz, alongside acclaimed producer, arranger, composer, and remixer Steve Thompson.
The B-side of the single found its way into a Latin Rascals “Paco Supermix,” circa 1984, which aired on New York City’s dance radio stations such as WKTU or KISS. The track stands out with its hard electro beats, sharp synth stabs, heavily echoed snares, and expertly placed pause breaks. Female vocals in both English and Spanish add a dynamic layer to the production. The influence of Nelson Cruz is unmistakable, as his extensive credits include work with artists ranging from Shannon to the FFWD project, spanning a variety of freestyle and electro classics. This dramatic mix, with its prominent hard drum fills and rhythmic intensity, effortlessly crosses into several genres of 1980s club music.
Unfortunately, this single marked the group’s final release. Despite its brief existence, “Innocence in Danger” stands as a testament to the innovative sounds of the era, combining a distinctive blend of electro, freestyle, and new wave elements. For fans of 80s underground club music, it remains a hidden gem worth revisiting.
SIDE A:
Innocence In Danger (Extended Version Club Mix) 5:11
Innocence In Danger (Short Version) 3:48
SIDE B:
Who Do You Think You Are? (Extended Version) 6:32
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49-04985
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave, Electro
CREDITS:
Mastered By – Tom Coyne
Mixed By – Nelson Cruz, Steve Thompson
Producer – Ivan Ivan, Steve Parry (3)
Written-By – A. Bond*, S. Parry*
NOTES:
Special version from the Epic E.P.: “Innocence In Danger”
Demonstration – Not For Sale
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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One of the Latin Rascals mixes that featured the track “Who Do You Think You Are?” is their classic Big Apple Productions II. This was one of their best megamixes that eventually ended up on bootleg pressings under the moniker Ser & Duff. There were several re-issues of this bootleg due to its popularity. This is the Rascals at their finest. Luckily I was able to buy the original bootleg at a DJ store in Denver when it was originally released back in 1984 when I was in high school. This classic megamix also appears on the (unoffical – as… Read more »
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OH MY GOD!!! I feel like I could do the male version of “Love To Love You Baby!!!” right now!!! PAUL! You’re a GOD!! I can’t thank you enough for this delicious slice of vinyl. I am in such a state because I’ve attempted writing a review to this but keep accidentally deleting my comments. This is the fourth time I’m trying to do so. I grew up heavily influenced by 92 WKTU on New York radio. They were the premier dance music station. Every day after school, I would come home and tune in to KTU to listen… Read more »
Jeff, this release has your name written ALL over it!! Just seeing how much in ecstasy you are makes me quite happy! But please, don’t squeeze the stuffing out of dear Paul, LOL!! Try to control yourself young man! I have to say, this record is very catchy as it’s got a mix of everything – dance club, break beats, edits and electric guitar! Thank you Paul!!
I started bursting out with laughter reding this, Retro Hound. I promise I’ll take it easy. I am thrilled you like the record as well!
Jeff
Jeff, thank you for this amazing review and insight into the New York scene at the time. I know very little about that scene, but more often than not, when you read how some artists/groups became famous, the roads always lead back to a New York DJ from the 80s who put some obscure record on heavy rotation, e.g. Madonna, Pet Shop Boys, etc. I can only imagine how heavily I would have been influenced by 92 WKTU on New York radio and being exposed to the newest “underground” dance beats before becoming mainstream successes. It must have been an… Read more »
Oh, Martika, it certainly was! WKTU started out as Disco 92, but was able to morph into a dance music power house. They even focused on some New Wave pieces too. It was a phenomenal time in my life being exposed to amazing music and DJs that really influenced my tastes. I’ve always been drawn to music with an edge, that pushed the envelope in the development of rhythmic sounds. And you Martika are a kindred spirit. I can see you being a DJ back then influencing me and the masses. You are indeed special, and I feel I’m obsessed!… Read more »
Gee Jeff, take a cold shower! I know how you must be energized by The Latin Rascals. They had a show out here on KPWR “Power 106” when they led the market in club bangers, dance, and hip-hop. I’m envious you grew up on ‘KTU. “Power” wasn’t as good as ‘KTU as NYC was the epicenter of the best ’80s dance tracks
Hey DJ XREY!! Perhaps I should! Your comment made me laugh! I really do feel I lucked out listening to the great WKTU and in hearing the Latin Rascals and their music mix mayhem!! What they did with magnetic tape and razorblades was nothing short of astounding, and even startling,too. I know I sometimes can be a bit graphic regarding my reactions to certain music. You see, edits remind me of sonic orgasms. As in any sort of sexual activity, there’s a build up and then a release. Edits to me parallel these physical sensations. I do apologize for too… Read more »
I’m intrigued- Always more 80’s obscurities are welcome!! But I’m also super duper curious about this Paco Supermix mentioned!!!!!!
You can give it a listen here: [WKTU] 92.3 Mhz, 92KTU (1984) Paco Supermix with Tony Sankitts (92KTU Classics)
Awesome! A survivor!!! Can’t wait, thanks!
Paco Navarro, a radio personality on 92 WKTU FM would air a twenty-minute music mix, called Paco’s Supermix: “At ten after four, Paco brings you more.” The highlight was when he got Tony Moran and Albert Cabrera (The Latin Rascals) to do their custom music mixes. This eventually got record labels’ attention and the Rascals got record deals doing their famous multi-edits on productions. Especially, Arthur Baker. Once I read that Mr. Baker jokingly said the guys should sell razor blades from all the work they do. It blows my mind, this cut and splice editing, Especially the machine gun… Read more »
Wow, thanks for that info! Sad indeed… I took radio production class once and it is no joke these razor blade edits!
Nowadays these great audio & video mixes can be easily done in programs like Adobe Audition, Audacity, Final Cut Pro, etc. The real OG artists all started out cutting tape with razor blades. In fact, a lot of stations in the ’80s couldn’t keep razor blades in stock for other reasons as well….:-O
Thank you thank you! This band is new to me and both of these singles are fantastic!
You’re welcome, Dean 🙂