Burning The Ground Exclusive

Before the massive international success of “The NeverEnding Story,” Limahl found himself navigating uncertain waters.

Fresh from his very public split with Kajagoogoo in 1983, Christopher Hamill, better known to the world as Limahl, suddenly had something to prove. As the instantly recognizable voice behind hits like “Too Shy,” many questioned whether his success had been tied to the band, or if he could stand on his own. Rather than retreat, Limahl embraced the challenge and launched a solo career that allowed him greater creative control and a chance to define himself beyond the image that had made him an early MTV favorite.

As Pride Month continues here at Burning The Ground, it’s fitting to spotlight another LGBTQ+ artist who helped shape the sound and style of the 1980s. Long before artists felt comfortable discussing their sexuality publicly, Limahl’s distinctive look, theatrical presence, and refusal to conform made him an important figure for many fans who saw something of themselves reflected in pop music’s outsiders and individualists.

Released on May 21, 1984, “Too Much Trouble” served as the second single from Limahl’s debut solo album, Don’t Suppose. Written by Limahl himself and produced by Tim Palmer and Dave Harris, the track showcased a darker, more introspective side of the singer than audiences may have expected after the bright optimism of his debut solo hit “Only for Love.”

Built around icy synthesizers, dramatic percussion, and Limahl’s unmistakable vocal delivery, “Too Much Trouble” captures the emotional exhaustion that comes from a relationship trapped in a cycle of conflict and uncertainty. There is a tension running through the song, balancing polished pop craftsmanship with a restless undercurrent that mirrors the turbulence described in the lyrics.

Commercially, the single wasn’t the breakthrough EMI had hoped for. In the UK, “Too Much Trouble” peaked at No. 64 on the Official Singles Chart, spending three weeks in the Top 75. It found a warmer reception elsewhere in Europe, reaching No. 26 in Germany and No. 23 in Finland.

History, however, has a funny way of rewriting narratives.

Overshadowed at the time by what came next, “Too Much Trouble” has gradually become something of a hidden gem among Limahl fans. Just a few months later, he would achieve worldwide success with Giorgio Moroder’s unforgettable theme from The NeverEnding Story, a song that would forever define his solo career. In retrospect, “Too Much Trouble” feels like an intriguing snapshot of an artist in transition. Determined to establish his own identity, experimenting with mood and texture, and refusing to simply recreate the formula that had already made him famous.

Listening today, the record stands as a reminder that some of the most interesting moments in an artist’s career aren’t always the biggest hits. Sometimes they’re the risks taken between the chart successes, when the path forward isn’t clear and reinvention is still taking shape.

For those willing to dig a little deeper into Limahl’s catalog, “Too Much Trouble” rewards repeated listens. It is sophisticated synth-pop with an edge of melancholy, delivered by one of the decade’s most distinctive voices.

Not every chapter of an artist’s story becomes a headline. Some become cult favorites.

And sometimes, that’s even more rewarding.

SIDE A:
Too Much Trouble (Lovers Heartbeat Mix) 6:18

SIDE B:
Too Much Trouble (7″ Version) 3:32
You’ve Been Gone For A Little While (Too Much Trouble – Reprise) 2:04

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI – 12LML 2
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

• Cover – T + CP*
• Engineer – Tim Palmer
• Hair – Michael John (12)
• Make-Up [Make Up] – Sue Mann
• Management – Gaff Management
• Photography By – Brian Aris
• Producer – De Harris, Tim Palmer
• Words By, Music By – Limahl

NOTES:
Manufactured in the UK by EMI Records Limited

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

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

PLEASE READ

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Password: burningtheground

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