BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1979
“Pop Muzik” is a 1979 hit song by M, a project by Robin Scott.
The single was released in the UK first, peaking at number two on 12 May 1979, unable to break Art Garfunkel’s 6-week stint at number one with “Bright Eyes”. In August of that same year, it was released in North America, where it eventually climbed all the way to number one in Canada on 27 October and in the US on 3 November.
Along with Scott, other musicians who played on the track were his brother Julian Scott (on bass), then unknown keyboardist Wally Badarou, Canadian synthesiser programmer John Lewis (who died of AIDS in 1985), Drummer Phil Gould (who later became one of the founding members of the group Level 42) and Brigit Novik, the backing vocalist.
The single was bolstered by a promotional video that was well received. The clip featured Scott as a DJ singing into a microphone from behind an exaggerated turntable setup, at times flanked by two female models who sang and danced in a robotic manner. One of the sight gags in the video depicted Brigit Novik dressed in blue who actually recorded the backup vocals which are then mimed by the models.
The single’s B-side, “M Factor”, was featured in two different versions. The original cut appeared on the first UK and European releases of the single, while a slightly remixed version appeared on the single released in the United States and Canada.
The image of the baby on “Pop Muzik”‘s single disc pictures Robin Scott’s daughter, named Berenice, who is now a singer and piano/keyboard player and composer and involved with her father’s friend Phil Gould and Wally Badarou projects.
SIDE A:
Pop Muzik (Long Version) 5:00
Edited By – Nick Launay
SIDE B:
M Factor 2:32
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Pop Muzik | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1979 | Pop Muzik | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play | #4 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Sire – DSRE 8887
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Written-By – Robin Scott
NOTES:
Made In U.S.A.
Find The 12″ 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
Will you be posting the “new mix” version of M’s “Moonlight And Muzak”? I’m anxious to hear that version:
http://www.discogs.com/M-Moonlight-And-Muzak-New-Mix/release/203274
Thanks! 😀
Thanks for upping one of the classics of synthpop. This, along with Yazoo’s ‘Situation’ were the first 12″s I actually wore out (no worries, I had backups). 😉 However, as much as a I hate to blaspheme, the ’89 (Britannia) remix by Simon Rogers has spoiled me when it comes to Pop Muzik. That actually pumped up the track a bit along latter-synthpop lines. I hope you consider adding that one to your collection as well. It’s my go to version on the iPod these days. Hey Paul, have you also seen the double-grooved ’79 issue? It’s a conversation piece,… Read more »
Hey Paul, hope you are feeling better. Thanks again for the great music. I was hoping if you can, if you have them can you post “M”‘s other twelves MOONLIGHT AND MUZAK, THAT’S THE WAY THE MONEY GOES, and MODERINE MAN. I have all of these but due to the way the singles were produced I have never been able to listen to them. Thanks all the best A J
Oh boy. I second this. I’d love to see some mixes of Moonlight & Muzak pop up. It’s been years since I’ve seen any 12″ of that; much less heard it.
Thanks!
Classic synth pop at its best, I reckon.
Thanks for your superior rips, Paul 🙂
Oh, do I remember this well. Back in 1979 it was “my song” and I remember my parents bought me his album on cassette. I love the long version and I do love the ending, however to new listeners it sounds like a smudged CD!! Thanks Paul for a true musical memory.
Jeff
very good track remmber it well im sure it was bought back to life in late 80s with a remix
Always loved the song “Pop Muzik” i was never a big fan of the ending of it, but loved the rest of the song. M Factor is a classic. Thanks Paul 🙂
You’re welcome Brian 🙂
Clearly your new stylus is excelling you Paul..
Pop Muzik, is unique, end of.
Awesome, Thanks as always for the rip! 🙂
You’re welcome Ex15 🙂
“Pop Muzik” is one of a very few songs to comfortably straddle the New Wave/Disco fence. I have Disco comps and New Wave comps that each include it and I’ve never seen another song from the same era embraced by both camps, other than Blondie’s “Rapture”. Sure, we can debate about what tunes are actually a nice marbling of New Wave/Disco, but very few are accepted as representatives of both genres by each genre’s enthusiasts. Thanks DJPT!
You’re welcome Dana 🙂
Thank you this has been on my want list for awhile just never got around to buying it! And if you ever get the overpriced Q. Lazzarus that would be awesome. Also one other oddball that is selling for too much on discogs is the UK promo of Lindsey Buckingham “Go Insane” that has a promo-only dub on it. Sounds interesting! Keep up the great work.
I agree Mixhunter very over priced but also very rare.
Perhaps you could start a fundraising campaign to raise money to buy some of the more expensive rare 12″ singles? I, for one, would definitely donate to the cause!
Excellent choice, Paul.
Thanks!
By the way, can I make you a request?
Do you have any of this 12 or 7 inches? http://www.discogs.com/Q-Lazzarus-Goodbye-Horses/master/3006
It’s a great song taken from the classic film “The Silence of the Lambs” and not featured in the soundtrack album. I think it could be a good addition to this splendid blog.
Sorry for the inconvenience and many thanks again. 🙂
Sorry Murdock it’s been in my wantlist for years. The 12″ is very expensive and hard to get 🙂
Ok, Paul. Don’t worry.
I didn’t know it was an expensive 12″.
Thanks for your quick reply.
Regards. 🙂
Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome Omar 🙂
Nice to have the US B-side! Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome Stefano 🙂