Richard Marx – Don’t Mean Nothing (Extended Rock Mix) (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1987

“Don’t Mean Nothing,” released in 1987, was the debut single from Richard Marx, marking the beginning of his successful music career. The song is a rock anthem that highlights Marx’s powerful vocals and showcases his songwriting talent. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to the top of the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, setting a strong foundation for his debut album, “Richard Marx”, which would eventually go triple platinum.

The song was co-written by Marx and Bruce Gaitsch, and it delves into the disillusionment and realities of the entertainment industry. Lyrically, it speaks to the theme of broken promises and deception, particularly focusing on the challenges and betrayals faced by aspiring artists. Marx’s perspective came from personal experiences of navigating the music industry as a young artist, and the lyrics struck a chord with listeners who resonated with the song’s themes of determination and resilience.

Adding to its rock cred, the track features Eagles members Joe Walsh on slide guitar and Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit on background vocals, lending a distinct edge to the production. Joe Walsh’s guitar work brings a gritty texture to the song that complements Marx’s expressive, intense vocals.

The success of “Don’t Mean Nothing” helped establish Richard Marx as a prominent figure in the late ’80s rock scene, and the track remains a standout in his discography. It’s a powerful debut single that combined rock, introspective lyrics, and a no-nonsense perspective on fame. This was just the beginning of a series of hit singles for Marx, who would go on to chart numerous hits throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s.

In 1988, Marx was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Vocal Performance – Solo” for “Don’t Mean Nothing”. He competed against Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bob Seger, and Joe Cocker.

The MTV music video featured Cynthia Rhodes, who would later become Marx’s first wife, and actor G.W. Bailey from the Police Academy movies.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Don’t Mean Nothing (Extended Rock Mix)+ 6:16
Remix – David Cole (4)

SIDE B:
Don’t Mean Nothing (LP Version) 4:42
The Flame Of Love 3:38

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1987	Don’t Mean Nothing	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#3
1987	Don’t Mean Nothing	U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI-Manhattan Records – 12MT 26
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Producer – David Cole (4), Richard Marx
Written-By – B. Gaitsch*, R. Marx*

NOTES:
From the Album, Cassette and Compact Disc “Richard Marx”

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

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

November 8, 2024

Paul Parker – One Look (One Look Was Enough) (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1987

“One Look (One Look was Enough),” released in 1987, is a quintessential dance anthem by San Francisco-based Hi-NRG artist Paul Parker. Produced by Parker himself alongside Man Parrish, this single took the dance floors by storm and secured Parker his second #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. With its pulsating beats, electrifying synth lines, and Parker’s unmistakable, powerful vocals, “One Look” exemplifies the freestyle and Hi-NRG styles that dominated the late 80s. The track remains a staple of the era, highlighting Parker’s influential role in shaping the high-energy dance music that filled clubs and captivated audiences worldwide.

SIDE A:
One Look (One Look Was Enough) (Extended Dance Mix) 6:08
Mixed By – Randy Easterling

SIDE B
One Look (One Look Was Enough) (The Man Parrish Mix) 6:38
Mixed By – Man Parrish

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1987	One Look (One Look Was Enough)	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Dice Records – TGR 1011, Dice Records – TGR-1011, Dice Records – 1011
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: HiNRG, Freestyle, Electro

CREDITS:

Administrator [Administration] – Scott Williams (32)
Artwork – Joy Thomas (2)
Coordinator – Gary Gibson (3)
Engineer – Man Parrish, Phil Mehaffey
Engineer [Assistance] – Della Sahnger
Graphics, Design – Francine Dali
Management – Ken Crivello
Mastered By – Tom Coyne
Producer – Man Parrish, Paul Parker
Producer [Post Production] – Tom Weisser
Promotion – Bob Davis (23)
Written-By – P. Parker*

NOTES:
A. Mixed for A Maze Productions
Engineered for Cyberteknics and for Network Sound Studio.
Mastered for Frankford-Wayne, NYC

Jacket Made in Canada

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

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

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

November 7, 2024

Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985

NEW 2024 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Original post date: January 20, 2013

“Things Can Only Get Better” by Howard Jones is an iconic track that captures the upbeat, positive energy of the mid-80s synthpop era. Released in 1985 as the lead single from his second studio album, Dream Into Action, the song was an immediate hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #6 in the UK charts. Known for its infectious optimism, “Things Can Only Get Better” became an anthem of resilience and hope, qualities that resonated with fans worldwide.

The track showcases Jones’ skillful blend of synthesizers, upbeat rhythms, and introspective lyrics. Musically, it features a prominent bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a brass section that adds an extra layer of excitement to the track. The song’s melody is uplifting, with Jones’ dynamic vocals driving home the theme of perseverance. His lyrics focus on pushing through life’s challenges and remaining hopeful, with the refrain “Things can only get better” embodying the core message of positivity.

Jones, who had already made waves with hits like “New Song” and “What Is Love?”, continued to solidify his place in the 80s music scene with this release. Not only did Dream Into Action go on to become a commercial success, but the single also helped define his image as a thoughtful pop artist. Jones’s brand of synthpop was different in that he combined the new wave, electronic feel with introspective, almost philosophical lyrics—an approach that set him apart in a decade where flashy beats often took center stage.

“Things Can Only Get Better” has been widely regarded as a classic 80s anthem, even appearing in films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. Its infectious optimism still resonates today, and its message of hope continues to be a source of inspiration for listeners across generations.

SIDE A:
Things Can Only Get Better (LP Version) 4:05
What Is Love? (New Extended Version) 6:34
Lyrics By – Howard Jones, William Bryant (3)
Music By – Howard Jones

SIDE B:
Things Can Only Get Better (Extended Version) 7:26
New Song (New Version) 4:53

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#5
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks	#28
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play	#10
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#54
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks	#21

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Elektra ‎– 0-66915
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo, Yellow Sleeve
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Rupert Hine
Recorded By, Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Written-By – Howard Jones (tracks: A1, B1, B2)

NOTES:
Produced for Gestalt.
Mastered at Sterling.

Picture sleeve available in 3 other colors pink, white, and orange.

Printed in U.S.A.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

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

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

November 4, 2024

Honoring the Legacy of Quincy Jones: A Monumental Influence on Music

The music world has lost a true legend with the passing of Quincy Jones, an icon whose influence spanned genres, generations, and continents. Known for his unmatched contributions as a producer, composer, arranger, and visionary, Quincy Jones was a force of nature in the industry, forever changing the landscape of popular music.

A Career Like No Other

Quincy Jones’s career began in the 1950s, where he first made waves as a jazz trumpeter and later as a skilled arranger and composer. By the 1960s, he had expanded his talents, producing and arranging for legendary artists, including Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles. Over the decades, his work with Michael Jackson, most notably on the albums “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, and “Bad”, cemented his place in music history. “Thriller” remains the best-selling album of all time, a testament to Jones’s genius for blending genres and elevating pop music to an art form.

But his achievements didn’t stop there. Jones was also a trailblazer in film and television scoring, creating soundtracks that were just as innovative and moving as his studio albums. He worked on classics like “The Italian Job” and the theme song for “Sanford and Son”, which showed his versatility and grasp of popular culture.

Shaping the Sound of the 80s

For those of us who treasure 80s and 90s music, Quincy Jones’s work was nothing short of magical. He helped shape the era with a distinct sound that was bold, innovative, and unapologetically modern. Tracks like “Billie Jean” and “P.Y.T.” set the dance floors ablaze, while songs like “Human Nature” and “The Lady in My Life” showed his talent for blending soul, jazz, and pop. His work was influential across all realms of music, from hip-hop sampling to electronic remixes, making his mark on countless 12” singles from that era.

A Lasting Legacy

Quincy Jones wasn’t just a music producer; he was a cultural ambassador, a man with an uncanny ability to bridge worlds and bring people together through music. He won 28 Grammy Awards over his lifetime, was a Kennedy Center Honoree, and earned countless accolades, but his impact was far greater than any award could capture. Quincy Jones created a legacy that will endure as long as music exists, inspiring artists to push boundaries, take risks, and speak to the heart of humanity.

The World Remembers

As we reflect on Quincy’s passing, we remember a man who never stopped innovating, who challenged what was possible, and who left an indelible mark on the world. From his early days in jazz clubs to his final productions, his contributions were nothing short of phenomenal. Let us celebrate the life and legacy of Quincy Jones, whose music will continue to inspire, uplift, and unite us all.

A Final Note

Quincy Jones’s influence on music and culture is impossible to overstate. He shaped decades of music and inspired generations of artists. His loss will be felt deeply, but his spirit lives on in every note, beat, and harmony he helped create. The music world mourns today, but his legacy will continue to burn bright.

Rest in peace, Quincy Jones, and thank you for everything.

-DjPaulT