Burning The Ground Exclusive
🌈 Pride Month – Off the Beaten Path 🌈
Every June, I like to mix things up a bit — blending the obvious Pride floor-fillers with songs that carry an emotional weight, or simply capture the spirit of resilience, intensity, and passion that defines so much of the LGBTQ+ experience. Today’s post is one of those unconventional choices.
This is the 1985 single remix of Quarterflash’s “Walking on Ice,” taken from their third studio album, Back Into Blue.
Released on Geffen Records, this version was featured on both the 7″ single and a rare US 12″ promo sent to radio stations. The remix is subtle yet effective, smoothing out the original album version and giving it a more polished, radio-friendly edge without losing the moody tension that makes the song so compelling.
Quarterflash, fronted by the incredible Rindy Ross, were known for their fusion of rock, pop, and that unmistakable saxophone. While they’re most associated with early hits like “Harden My Heart,” it’s songs like “Walking on Ice” that reveal their darker, more emotionally complex side.
“I walk on ice, I play with fire / For loving you, baby, I’d dance on wire…”
The lyrics paint a picture of love as risk, as danger — a balancing act that many LGBTQ+ listeners, especially those who came of age in the ’80s, will recognize all too well—loving boldly, despite fear. Risking it all to be true to yourself. These are Pride themes, even if they come wrapped in a rock ballad rather than a club banger.
🎧 This remix may not be flashy or well-known, but it has a place in the Pride Month soundtrack — a moment to reflect, to feel, and to remember that Pride isn’t just about celebration. It’s also about survival, truth, and heart.
SIDE A:
Walking On Ice (Remix) 3:46
SIDE B:
Walking On Ice (Remix) 3:46
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Geffen Records – PRO-A-2400
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Producer – Steve Levine
- Remix – Mike Shipley
- Written-By – Marv Ross
NOTES:
Promotion Copy – Not For Sale
From the Quarterflash album “Back Into Blue”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
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Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
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SOFTWARE:
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Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
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RESTORATION NOTES:
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FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
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Being born and raised in Portland, Oregon (home of Quarterflash), I loved seeing this post come up. I haven’t heard this remix (I don’t think). They have always been forward thinking and not afraid to push the envelope with their lyrics. Have you heard “Valerie” off their self-titled 1981 debut? It’s a song about a woman (Valerie) who drops subtle hints of her attraction to the female telling the story leading up to a kiss. Leaving the storyteller confused about her own attraction to Valerie. Great song regarding a topic that really wasn’t explored in 1981.
This is another new favourite song as I don’t remember this at all. 1985 was my first full year of buying singles regularly too.
Thanks for this rare gem, Paul 🙂
That’s so awesome to hear, Mark! 1985 was such a standout year for singles—what a time to start collecting! I’m thrilled Walking on Ice found its way onto your radar. It’s one of those hidden gems that really deserves more love, and I’m glad to give it a new moment in the spotlight. Thanks so much for listening and for your continued support! 😊
—Paul
Ooooh what a great curveball Paul!! First, I love this single. I actually own the 45 RPM remixed version. I love what you wrote about love as risk, danger – a balancing act. This single certainly evokes that feeling in a great beat. And what a talent of Rindy Ross and her husband Marv. Harden My Heart is one of those songs that from the opening sax solo and keyboards, it instantly evokes 1981/82. Thanks a million Paul!!
Thank you so much! I love that you have the 45—such a great mix, right? Rindy and Marv really had a unique musical chemistry, and you’re spot on about Harden My Heart—it’s like an instant time machine to the early ’80s. I’m glad you picked up on that theme of love-as-risk; Walking on Ice captures that tension so beautifully. Appreciate you being along for the ride this Pride Month and beyond. Thanks again! 🌈🎶
—Paul
Thanks for your great work with all these Treasures. I still hope for a few rare ones from Simple Minds an Peter Gabriel.
You’re very welcome.
What a fantastic record!! Paul, you can certainly pick them. I never heard of this track before but let me tell you that I love it! It’s so sad that it never made it. It’s just so short. I really wished that it would go on for a little longer. I always feel bad when records fall through the cracks. Thanks for shining a spotlight on records that certainly deserve a further listen. Thank you for including this in your Pride Month selections. Songs don’t have to be specific. They only need a reflection on events that speak to us… Read more »
Thank you, Jeff! I completely agree—sometimes the most powerful songs aren’t the ones that topped the charts, but the ones that speak to a certain feeling or moment. Walking On Ice may have slipped through the commercial cracks, but it absolutely deserves this second life. And you’re right—Pride songs don’t have to shout; they just have to resonate. I’m so glad this one struck a chord with you. Here’s to more hidden gems and unexpected reflections all month long. 💿🌈
—Paul