Quincy Jones Featuring Patti Austin – Razzamatazz (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1981

“Razzamatazz” is a lively, jazz-infused track by Quincy Jones, featuring the soulful vocals of Patti Austin. It’s from Jones’ 1981 album “The Dude”, a groundbreaking release that showcases his incredible versatility as a producer, composer, and arranger. The album itself is a genre-blending masterpiece, merging elements of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop, and “Razzamatazz” stands out as a prime example of this fusion.

The song’s upbeat tempo, vibrant brass section, and lively rhythm embody the playful energy of its title. Austin’s vocals add an infectious spark, perfectly complementing the lush instrumentation. “Razzamatazz” became one of the album’s hits, especially popular in the UK, where it reached the Top 20 on the singles chart, giving Quincy Jones a significant presence in pop and R&B.

“The Dude” was highly acclaimed, earning several Grammy Awards and becoming a commercial success. “Razzamatazz” helped to reinforce Jones’ reputation not just as a jazz musician but as a crossover artist capable of appealing to pop audiences worldwide. The song remains a classic example of early 80s jazz-pop, with its dynamic rhythm and colorful production still resonating with listeners.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Razzamatazz (Special Extended Version)+ 4:55
Written-By – Rod Temperton

SIDE B:
Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me (Special Extended Version)+ 5:22
Written-By – Stephanie Andrews, Stevie Wonder

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12040
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: Jun 6, 1981
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Jazz, Soul

CREDITS:

Producer – Quincy Jones
Vocals, Featuring – Patti Austin

NOTES:
Both tracks are special extended versions from the A&M album “The Dude”.
Patti Austin appears courtesy of Qwest Records.

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 12, 2024

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

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.