Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released in July 1987, “True Faith” stands as one of New Order’s most enduring and critically acclaimed singles. Written specifically for their compilation Substance 1987, the track marked a creative peak for the band—seamlessly blending moody post-punk sensibilities with polished synth-pop and club-ready beats. It soared to #4 on the UK Singles Chart and became their first real breakthrough in the U.S., peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Co-produced with Stephen Hague (best known for his work with Pet Shop Boys and OMD), “True Faith” is layered with shimmering synths, dynamic drum programming, and Bernard Sumner’s unmistakably detached vocal delivery. The lyrics, while cryptic, are widely interpreted as reflecting personal struggles, particularly with addiction and emotional disconnection.
The single’s success was amplified by its surreal, artful music video directed by French choreographer Philippe Decouflé, featuring colorfully costumed performers in bizarre, theatrical movement—a staple of late-’80s MTV.
Included here is the 12″ remix by Shep Pettibone, whose club credentials need no introduction. His rework maintains the song’s brooding elegance while enhancing its rhythmic pulse for the dancefloor—striking a balance between underground edge and commercial appeal.
This post is particularly special as it marks the first vinyl transfer using the Ortofon Concorde Music Black cartridge, bringing out an even greater level of clarity, warmth, and precision in this pressing. The result is a faithful and dynamic reproduction of one of the most iconic singles of the era.
SIDE A:
True Faith (The Morning Sun Extended Remix) 9:02
SIDE B:
True Faith (Alternate Faith Dub) 10:44
1963 5:31
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | True Faith | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #32 |
| 1987 | True Faith | U.S. Billboard 12-Inch Singles Sales | #10 |
| 1987 | True Faith | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #3 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Qwest Records – 0 – 20733, Qwest Records – 9 20733-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, ARC Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Steve Peck (tracks: A, B1)
- Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Shep Pettibone (tracks: A, B1)
- Producer, Written-By – New Order, Stephen Hague
NOTES:
True Faith (The Morning Sun Extended Remix) is the same mix as “True Faith (Remix)” & “True Faith (Alternate Faith Dub)” is the same as “True Dub” from the UK remix 12″.
From the New Order album “Substance” on Qwest Records 1 – 25621
Made in USA
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
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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I still have that rip (Australia) you made in 2019, with 3 tracks. Thanks for this one.
Simply amazing transfer! This is one of my favorite all-time remixes ever. THANK YOU SO MUCH for yet another ICONIC MASTER-PIECE Vinyl!!!! Shep Pettibone & Steve Peck created a monster mix that is one of the true 80s remix gems. The memories from hearing this remix in my goto club for the first time takes me back to when everything was just enchanting and so full of optimism and hope.
You’re welcome, Martika. We were starting to worry about you. 🙂
amazing sound… new experience for my ears…
Thank you 🙂
GRACIAS!!!
De Nada 🙂
Fabulous work! Thanks so much for this fantastic site. I’m so glad to find here some polished jewels from the past. I LOVE IT! THANKS, Paul! I transfer myself, well, not as brilliant as you do, but okay, I would say. I’m just always annoyed by the inner groove distortion. How you you handle this? xx Christo
I strive to pick up records that come as close to mint condition as possible, but even brand-new vinyl can sometimes surprise you with imperfections. Unfortunately, that’s just a part of the vinyl experience. Another vital tip is to ensure that your stylus is perfectly aligned and that the counterweight is set precisely. Don’t forget to check the tracking force as well; getting these details right can make a world of difference in your listening experience.
Thank you so much for the amazing work you do.
Thank you for the comment, I appreciate it. 🙂
It sounds very clear, but there are some sibilant artifacts on the high pheeew sound that starts kicking in at about 10 seconds in and goes on until about 1:15, like the grooves are starting to push the needle out of the groove at the highest pitch of that repeating sound. It is a truly difficult sound for most setups, either being sibilant or dull depending on the needle. Compared to the original promo CD, this sounds a bit brighter. Might be the cut itself, the Aussie 12″ had some of that, but this one has a bit more of… Read more »
You are right, Joey. Every eight beats on the beat there is this odd sound in the left channel. My 12inch doesn´t have this. I listened to my record and Paul´s rip via my system and with headphones.
@Paul – maybe you can have a re-listen to this.
Thanks so much for the detailed feedback—I really appreciate it. You’re absolutely right about that high-frequency “pheeew” sound—it’s a notorious challenge, especially with that kind of pitch and intensity. I noticed it too and figured it might come down to how this particular pressing was cut. It’s one of those spots where you either get sibilance or lose clarity, depending on the setup. I haven’t yet hit the recommended 20-hour break-in period from Ortofon, so I’m hoping things will smooth out a bit more as the cartridge settles in. Glad to hear the overall clarity and depth are coming through,… Read more »
You’re right, it sounds a little harsh. But several factors play a role here. 1. New cartridge with a higher output voltage (and I believe that’s the reason!). 2. The break-in time hasn’t been reached yet. 3. The pressing itself. 4. The summing of various instruments and frequencies. The clap is only audible in the right channel. In the left channel, there’s a delayed open hi-hat. When the clap starts, it sounds harsh (see attached pic).
“New cartridge with a higher output voltage.” How can that be fixed?
That’s the problem, you can’t do it. Remember when you bought the Ortofon Concord Elite MK II? It had the same problem. I wrote to you that you wouldn’t be happy with it because it has an output voltage of 8.5mV. I had the Elite MKII too and was totally disappointed by the harsh sound. Try comparing it with the same record using your old Ortofon Black Cartridge. That way you can rule out whether it’s the pressing or the cartridge. But honestly, we’re complaining at a high level here… and little things drive us crazy.
Thank you Paul for this great 12″. Good to hear how the sound has improved. Was the recording made after the 20 hour break in time?
You’re welcome. No, it has not been 20 hours yet.
I still have your 2019 transfer of the Australia pressing and can definitely hear more detail and warmth with the new Concorde Black cartridge transfer.
Such a legendary track and remixes.
Thanks Paul 🙂
You’re welcome, Mark 🙂
Iconic. Simply one of those tracks that was perfectly fine in it’s original form along with the perhaps even better b-side 1963, but became a whole ‘nother amazing thing in Shep’s hands. Simply never wanted to hear the album version again after the remix, even the edit from the Bright Lights, Big City soundtrack beats the album version. Still prefer the numerous colored leaves version of the sleeve over the single leaf one though. I have this one on a short lived CD Video Single as well…
Thanks! Great way to kick off the new cartridge!
Totally agree—Shep really worked his magic on this one. It’s rare when a remix completely redefines a track, but that’s exactly what happened here. “1963” is such a gem too, but this mix took the A-side to another level. And yes! The multiple leaves sleeve is hands down the better artwork—more vibrant and memorable. Very cool that you have the CD Video Single version, those are tough to come by!
Glad you enjoyed it—and couldn’t think of a better way to break in the new cartridge. Thanks again!
What better way to show the capabilities of your new cartridge than with this iconic New Order single! Looking forward to “test driving” this new transfer. Absolutely iconic song, probably New Order’s best. Can’t help but think of this in the movie Bright Lights, Big City. Shep Pettibone’s involvement is bonus. And Stephen Hague had the Midas touch then. He produced the soundtrack for the great John Hughes movie Some Kind Of Wonderful. Thank you Paul!!
Absolutely—this track was the perfect choice to showcase what the new cartridge can do! So glad you’re looking forward to the transfer. I agree, it’s easily one of New Order’s finest moments, and that Bright Lights, Big City connection just adds to the nostalgia. Shep’s remixing brilliance and Stephen Hague’s golden touch really made magic here. Thanks so much for the kind words and support—it means a lot!
Thank you for the share Paul!
You’re very welcome 🙂
The True dub mix is probably my fave New Order remix of all. Not only True Faith but also, or even more, True Bliss!
Wow! Paul, your digitization of this sounds fantastic. Warmer, clearer, with more bass, just as you described the characteristics of the sound produced by your new cartridge.
Congratulations on the new acquisition. We all look forward to everything that follows, whether it’s a new transfer or a revisit to some of your favorites.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad the improvement came through—this new cartridge has brought out the best in the records I have listened to so far. I’m excited to keep sharing more, both fresh transfers and a few old favorites that deserve a proper revisit. Stay tuned—lots of good stuff ahead!
Can you post level 42 world machine 12” remixes
on the a side edits by Omar Santana (in the beginning only) remix by Shep Pettibone please
https://www.discogs.com/release/976523-Level-42-World-Machine-The-Shep-Pettibone-Remix
I will see what I can do, Mark 🙂
Thanks, Paul! The new Ortofon sounds great! Curious…why did you post this 12″ when you posted the Australian 12″ in the past which contains the same mixes + another track?
That didn’t cross my mind; that’s a good observation. I just had this one pulled and decided to transfer it.
Well, that was 6 years ago and a different territory pressing and a different cartridge, and it is no longer available… Great opportunity to do a digital shootout between the two if you have the old files. This 12″ is iconic and really would be missing from a Shep Pettibone remix series. Thanks again Paul, really looking forward to giving this a close listen.
You’re welcome, Joey 🙂
Hi Paul!!
Great that you’re using your new cartridge, especially out on a New Order twelve inch!! I can’t wait to check it out.
I hope you’re feeling well and you’re enjoying your new piece of audio equipment!!
Jeff
Hi Jeff!!
Thanks so much! It felt only right to break in the new cartridge with a New Order twelve-inch—those basslines really shine now. I’m feeling pretty good and definitely enjoying the improved sound. Can’t wait for you to hear it!
Talk soon,
Paul
amazing 12 inch, iconic remix, iconic song, thanks for all
You’re very welcome. 🙂
Thank You posting! How are you feeling?
Just tried a quick listen but listening via my PC’s built in DAC is offering a lot of Sibilance with that synthesizer note. Will try on my higher end headphone DAC later on to see if that disappears. How are you liking the $600 Ortofon Concorde Music Black cartridge so far?
I love it so far 🙂
One of the most complete packages from New Order: wonderful song, brilliant video and a remix that “burns the ground”.
Ooops…forgot to talk about the COVER: one of the greatest Peter Saville’s work!
I know that cover is Iconic!
As the years go by, I appreciate New Order more and more. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Raymond 🙂