Just a quick heads-up that the Burning the Ground Spring fundraiser will be kicking off on Tuesday, April 7.
This is something I do twice a year to help keep the site running—covering hosting, equipment, and of course sourcing the vinyl needed to preserve and share these rare 12″ mixes and extended versions that we all love.
I’ll share all the details on the 7th, but I wanted to give you a little lead time so you can plan to take part if you’d like. Every contribution, big or small, truly makes a difference.
Thanks for sticking with me and for continuing to keep the music spinning!
When Heavy D. & The Boyz dropped their exuberant take on “Now That We Found Love” in 1991, they didn’t just revive a classic—they transformed it into one of the most infectious party anthems of the early ‘90s.
Originally written by legendary songwriting duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the song was first recorded by The O’Jays in 1973 before being given a reggae-infused hit version by Third World in 1978. But it was Heavy D.’s buoyant, hip-house reinterpretation—powered by the unmistakable production of Teddy Riley—that brought the track roaring back into the spotlight for a new generation.
Lifted from the album Peaceful Journey, the single perfectly captured the moment when hip-hop, R&B, and dance music were colliding on mainstream radio. Built around a propulsive beat, bright synth stabs, and a chant-along chorus, the track radiates pure joy. Heavy D.’s charismatic delivery—equal parts smooth and commanding—rides the groove effortlessly, while the call-and-response hook makes it impossible not to move.
The single became a major crossover success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating dance floors worldwide. Its appeal was universal: hip-hop heads embraced its energy, clubgoers loved its beat, and pop audiences couldn’t resist its feel-good message.
What also sets this version apart is its visual identity. The music video, featuring energetic choreography and vibrant color, became a staple on MTV, further cementing Heavy D.’s image as one of hip-hop’s most accessible and charismatic frontmen. At a time when the genre was still carving out its mainstream identity, Heavy D. bridged the gap with style and positivity.
For collectors and DJs, the 12″ single is where things really get interesting. Extended mixes leaned further into the track’s club appeal, stretching out the groove and emphasizing its dancefloor roots. These versions highlight the genius of Teddy Riley’s production, allowing the rhythm to breathe while keeping the energy locked at a peak level—perfect for mixing into a late-night set.
More than three decades later, “Now That We Found Love” remains a timeless celebration. It’s a track that transcends eras—rooted in classic soul, reimagined through New Jack Swing, and immortalized as a dancefloor staple. And in the hands of Heavy D. & The Boyz, it became something truly special: a reminder that sometimes the best way to honor a song’s legacy is to completely reinvent it.
Whether you remember it from its chart run, club play, or those unforgettable spins on MTV, one thing is certain—once that beat drops, the love is easy to find.
SIDE A: Now That We Found Love (Club Version) 5:47
SIDE B: Now That We Found Love (7″ Radio) 4:18 Now That We Found Love (Instrumental) 5:23
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
Chart Performance – Heavy D & The Boyz: Now That We Found Love (1991)
Chart
Peak Position
Date
US Billboard Billboard Hot 100
#11
1991
US Billboard 12-Inch Singles Sales
#1
1991
US Billboard R&B Singles
#5
1991
Australia (ARIA)
#6
1991
Canada (Dance Urban)
#1
1991
UK Singles (OCC)
#2
1991
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA12-54088, Uptown Records – MCA12 54088
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Style: Hip-House
At the height of early ’90s pop, when teen idols were crossing over from television screens to radio playlists, Joey Lawrence made his musical debut with the infectious single Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix. Released on February 15, 1993, via MCA Records subsidiary Impact Records, the track introduced a 16-year-old Lawrence to the pop music landscape with a polished, radio-ready sound that perfectly captured the era.
Built around a bright, new jack swing–influenced groove and an undeniably catchy hook, “Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix” leans into the optimistic, feel-good energy that dominated early ’90s Top 40. It’s the kind of track that feels tailor-made for repeat spins—light, melodic, and effortlessly charming, much like Lawrence’s on-screen persona at the time.
The single made a respectable entrance on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at #68 on March 6, 1993. From there, it steadily climbed over a 20-week chart run, eventually peaking at #19 on May 8, 1993—no small feat for a debut single from a teen actor making the leap into music. Across the Atlantic, the song performed even better, reaching #13 on the UK Singles Chart, further cementing its international appeal.
Lifted from his self-titled debut album Joey Lawrence, the single remains the standout hit from his brief recording career. While many actor-turned-singers struggled to find credibility, Lawrence managed to carve out a genuine pop moment, thanks in part to strong production and a sound that fit seamlessly alongside contemporaries of the time.
Looking back, “Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix” is a perfect snapshot of 1993—an era when pop was playful, hooks were king, and teen idols could still dominate both TV and the charts. For those who lived through it, the track delivers a warm dose of nostalgia; for new listeners, it’s a reminder of a time when pop music didn’t take itself too seriously—and didn’t need to.
Whether you remember it from heavy radio rotation or are discovering it for the first time, this one still hits with that unmistakable early ’90s charm.
SIDE A: Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix (Album Version) 4:05 Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix (D. Abraham Slam Mix) 4:01
SIDE B: Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix (D. Abraham Alternate Extended Mix) 5:15
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
Chart Performance – Joey Lawrence: Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix (1993)
Chart
Peak Position
Date
US Billboard Hot 100
#19
1993
US Billboard Top 40 / Mainstream
#10
1993
US Billboard Top 40 / Rhythm Crossover
#34
1993
Canada (RPM)
#50
1993
UK Singles Chart
#13
1993
Australia (ARIA)
#68
1993
Ireland (RMA)
#22
1993
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label:mpact Records (3) – IPT12-54584, Impact Records (3) – IPT12 54584
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1993
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: New Jack Swing, Synth-pop
The late ‘80s and early ‘90s were filled with larger-than-life personalities, and few embodied that flashy, genre-blending spirit quite like Louie Louie. A singer, dancer, and actor with undeniable charisma, Louie Louie carved out a unique space in pop with his 1990 hit “Sittin’ in the Lap of Luxury.” Now, with the news of his passing on March 20 at the age of 63, it feels like the right moment to revisit the song that brought him into the Top 40—and into the memories of pop fans everywhere.
Released as the lead single from his debut album The State I’m In, “Sittin’ in the Lap of Luxury” perfectly captured the slick, polished sound of its era. Built on a groove that blends pop, dance, and a touch of new jack swing attitude, the track showcased Louie Louie’s confident vocal style and flair for theatrical delivery. It wasn’t just a song—it was a statement. And audiences responded.
The single became Louie Louie’s only entry into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40, peaking at #19 in 1990. While he never repeated that level of mainstream chart success, the track remains a defining moment of his recording career—a glossy, infectious anthem of indulgence and ambition that still sounds right at home alongside the era’s biggest dance-pop hits.
Before his recording career took off, Louie Louie paid his dues as a dancer in Las Vegas, where he honed the stage presence that would later define his performances. That same charisma caught the attention of pop royalty—he famously appeared as the love interest in Madonna’s iconic 1984 video for “Borderline,” a role that gave him early exposure on MTV and helped establish his on-screen appeal.
By the time he stepped into the spotlight as a recording artist, Louie Louie had already built a strong visual identity—and that carried over into the music video for “Sittin’ in the Lap of Luxury.” Directed by a then up-and-coming Michael Bay, the clip is a stylish, high-energy affair filled with striking imagery and attitude, hinting at the cinematic flair Bay would later bring to Hollywood blockbusters.
Over the years, Louie Louie released four albums and even found himself connected to the orbit of Prince through collaborations tied to the Paisley Park scene. While he never became a household name on the level of his contemporaries, his work reflects a fascinating cross-section of late ‘80s pop—where dance, R&B, and visual storytelling collided in bold, colorful ways.
“Sittin’ in the Lap of Luxury” stands today as both a time capsule and a testament: a reminder of an artist who brought style, ambition, and undeniable presence to everything he did. With his recent passing, the song takes on an added poignancy—capturing Louie Louie at his brightest, living out the very dream he sang about.
For those who remember it, it’s a nostalgic return to a vibrant moment in pop history. And for those discovering it now, it’s a perfect introduction to an artist who, if only for a moment, truly sat in the lap of luxury.
SIDE A: Sittin’ In The Lap Of Luxury (Sheps Jam – Louie’s Fav) 6:48 Sittin’ In The Lap Of Luxury (Shep’s Dub Deluxe) 6:40
SIDE B: Sittin’ In The Lap Of Luxury (Shep’s / Dizzy Acid Mix) 5:06 Sittin’ In The Lap Of Luxury (Urban 7″) 4:14 Sittin’ In The Lap Of Luxury (Shep’s Shortcut) 4:26
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
Chart Performance – Louie Louie: Sittin’ In The Lap Of Luxury (1990)
Chart
Peak Position
Date
US Billboard Hot 100
#19
1990
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play
#11
1990
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Maxi-Singles Sales
#17
1990
US Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Singles
#74
1990
Australia (ARIA)
#51
1990
Canada Top Singles (RPM)
#34
1990
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: WTG Records – 41 73168
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: New Jack Swing, Synth-pop
