BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1984
“One Night in Bangkok” is a song originally sung by the British actor and singer Murray Head (verses) and Swedish singer and songwriter Anders Glenmark (choruses) on the 1984 concept album for the musical Chess. Its music was composed by former ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and its lyrics were written by Tim Rice and Ulvaeus.
The release topped the charts in many countries, including South Africa, West Germany, Switzerland and Australia. It peaked at no. 3 in both Canada and the United States in May 1985, and at no. 12 in Head’s native United Kingdom.
In the US two seperate 12″ promo’s were issued one containing two edits of “One Night In Bangkok” and the other containing the “extended version”. Insted of making two seperate posts I have included the “extended version” with this release.
SIDE A:
One Night In Bangkok (U.S. Radio Edit) 4:07
SIDE B:
One Night In Bangkok (Original European Hit) 3:15
One Night In Bangkok (Extended Version) 5:38
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | One Night In Bangkok | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #3 |
| 1984 | One Night In Bangkok | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #89 |
| 1984 | One Night In Bangkok | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #5 |
| 1984 | One Night In Bangkok | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | #8 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA – JR-13989, RCA – JD-13989
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Engineer – Michael B. Tretow
Producer – Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Tim Rice
Vocals – Anders Glenmark
Written-By – Andersson*, Ulvaeus*, Rice*
NOTES:
From the album “CHESS”
Find the 12″ on DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
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
More fab fun! THANK YOU. This also sounds better than the remastered version I have from a CD.
This is a great extended mix! Thanks!
Excellent post Paul.
Is there any chance you’ll be posting the Hot Tracks Mix mentioned? Or the slightly extended version of Merano on the B side of most of the 12” releases?
Great post and great quality rip (as always) Thanks again DjPaulT for all the hard work ripping ,cleaning and uploading all these gems. MAybe you’re interested on this: I have this in a 7″ 45 RPM, the odd thing about it, is that has Merano on the B side and the full 5:38 Extended on the A side. Actually I have 2 copies of it. Since is a reprint from Central America, it doesn’t have the same quality as the Euro or US version. And it sounds with some scratch too. But in case you’re interested contact me so I… Read more »
Hi Partytimeboy thank you for offering however I already have a copy of the 7″ with Merano on the b-side. Cheers and hugs 🙂
Rutger Gunnarsson was a fantastic bass player, thanks Paul for the music!
I agree CL love that bass 🙂
For information only:
Singles from Chess are available on the CD “Chess Pieces” at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00004SNAY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
But not ONIM 12 inch version
I’m sure Paul’s rips sound way better. I bet it makes Paul feel bad when people say this is on CD. Like his work is inferior. Paul’s work is very valuable and most times sounds better than CD versions. You could at least say thank you. I know Paul puts many hours into these songs for us.
There is NO “One Night in Bangkok (Extended Version)” on the CD. There is NONE of that single on the CD. So Paul cannot feel bad. I repeat, there is NO extended version of “One Night in Bangkok” on that CD. This post is to allow people who want the other singles, like “The Arbiter”, “Nobody’s Side”, etc., which are different mixes from the “Chess” soundtrack. I hope that is made very clear in plain English, esp for Chris C. Please don’t rise to defend what does not need defending. Paul’s rips are great! There! I repeat, there is NO… Read more »
Hank – do you know if the version of “The Arbiter” included on that CD is the one they used for the music video that was part of the “Chess Moves” video collection? I’ve never been able to find that recording separate from the video, and I’d love to have a copy!
The US radio edit is a very nice version. This version is actually the 12 inch version which swaps the orchestral intro with a new pop intro and omits the awkward ‘Chess’ intermezzo (which I never liked). The so-called ‘Original European Edit’ of 3:15 is totally unknown to me as a European 🙂 The single version (not only in Europe, but worldwide I believe) is 3:54 (it’s the LP version with an edit of the orchestral intro). This 3:15 version is the US radio edit which skips the pop intro. Not specially mixed for that purpose, you can hear RCA… Read more »
Thanks for all the info Stefano 🙂
Oh snap – this was the first 12″ single that I ever purchased. Loved the song and still know every lyric, but I haven’t had it in any medium for probably 25 years. Lotta good memories from this post. I don’t express my appreciation nearly enough for your efforts and generosity – can’t thank you enough, Paul. Stay well.
Thank you Shelf it’s good to see you 🙂
Thank you so much, Paul!
you’re welcome André 🙂
A real classic and finally I get a decent rip!
Thanks Paul 🙂
you’re welcome Ex15 🙂
Thank you, Paul. This one ought to be pretty popular!
you’re welcome Dean 🙂
awesome.. Chess indeed has been remastered and re released There are 3 bonus songs: Press Conference – The Ambrosian Singers Intro Mountain Duet (Der Kleine Franz) – London Symphony Orchestra Anthem – London Symphony Orchestra The 3rd Disk which is a DVD has the following 1. Magasinet Special: Chess 1984 – London Symphony Orchestra, Tommy Körberg, Elaine Paige, Murray Head, Anders Eljas, The Ambrosian Singers, Denis Quilley, Barbara Dickson, Björn Skifs 2. One Night In Bangkok – Murray Head 3. Nobody’s Side – Elaine Paige 4. The Arbiter – Björn Skifs 5. I Know Him So Well – Elaine Paige,… Read more »
Thanks Risildowgtn 🙂
Thank you very much for this Paul.
Can I make you a request?
Can you post “Living In A World (Turned Upside Down)” by Private Lives?
Huge thanks my friend. I really appreciate all the effort you put in Burning The Ground. Cheers!
you’re welcome Willy 🙂
Thanks for this classic! One of my faves as a kid.
you’re welcome Ryan 🙂
Saw Chess in London in 1988. So awesome to see this performed live.
The night we went, Murray’s role was being played by his brother, Anthony Head. Back then we knew Anthony from the series of Taster’s Choice coffee commercials in the US. Today, he’s better known as Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Thanks for the smiles, Paul.
Very cool Chris thank you for the mini bio on Anthony Head 🙂
Many thanks!!
you’re welcome Neil 🙂
thanks for this, i remember i had this 12”. or maybe it was a different 12” because it had extended version on side 1 and “Merano” on side 2. thanks again DJPaul for another classic 12” 🙂
your very welcome Brian 🙂
You’re magnificent, Paul!!!
now I think it’s time also for the Robey’s version of this song.
can I ask you if you got Say When! “Save me” and/or Blind Date “Your heart keeps burning” too?
many thanks.
Thank you BE.D12″ 🙂 I do not have Say When! or Blind Date if you want to donate I would be happy to find them. Thanks
Nice surprise, good to have different hard to get versions of this classic. Wasn’t this song composed by the guys from ABBA? It certainly has the sound somehow.
Indeed the ABBA guys were involved Martijn 🙂
Wow, did I ever love this song back in 84. I’ve never heard the remixes, though. Awesome post!
Thank you Don 🙂
When this popped on my screen, I felt the goosebumps erupt all over me Paul! Really! Thank God for you! I hear that they’re releasing the soundtrack album all over again (if not already), but I don’t think they’re including these versions. You always, always,ALWAYS!!!! come to our rescue. You make me cry tears of happiness A LOT dear Paul! You are my patron saint of the 12-inch remix. I have so much love and adoration for you, you just don’t know.
With tears,
Jeff
Oh the Bangkok bliss of it all!! Just basked in the light of your rip Paul! So incredible to have the extended version once again. I have the twelve, but with no turntable, I’m at a loss. Playing it reminds me of the excellent remix version by Lester Temple from Hot Tracks. I love how Mr. Temple incorporated Robey’s version of the song, going back and forth on certain lines. AND!! his awesome inclusion of Danny Elfman’s “Gratitude (Tornado Mix)” going in and out his mix. I’m so happy you have Danny Elfman’s 12-inch on your site Paul. That’s a… Read more »
That is an awesome Hot Tracks mix Jeff pretty sure they were based right here in Tulsa when they did that mix. I ued to go hang out there in the late 80’s because it was about two miles from where I lived. Great memories 🙂
Every time I think of Hot Tracks, I think of you Paul and vice versa. How cool that must have been hanging out at a place that helped define remix culture. Hot Tracks has such a legacy of remixes and has been the home of many remix legends like Chris Cox, Cameron Paul, Bradley Hinkle and others. I love the tidbits you share with us, plus a lot of the original 12-inches they used to create their special versions. You are indeed an exquisite audio archivist who preserves the legacy of dance music and its remixes. I hope one day… Read more »
Thanks Paul. A classic from 1984.
your welcome Omar 🙂