Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985
REQUEST
“Oh Sheila” by Ready for the World is a standout track from the mid-1980s, showcasing the band’s unique blend of R&B and pop. Its catchy melody and smooth production helped it climb to the top of several Billboard charts, making it one of the defining songs of the era. The comparison to Prince is understandable, given the song’s funky style and rhythmic elements, which reflect his influence on the genre.
Melvin Riley Jr.’s decision to use a faux British accent adds an interesting layer to the song, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment with sound. The song’s lyrics, often interpreted as a nod to Sheila E., further contribute to its mystique and appeal. Overall, “Oh Sheila” remains a classic that captures the essence of 80s R&B.”
*De-notes vinyl-only
SIDE A:
Oh Sheila (Extended Version) 6:50
SIDE B:
Oh Sheila (Dubstrumental)* 4:01
Oh Sheila (Acappella)* 3:53
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Oh Sheila | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1985 | Oh Sheila | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #1 |
| 1985 | Oh Sheila | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #1 |
| 1985 | Oh Sheila | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | #6 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23572
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Electro, Funk
CREDITS:
- Engineer [Assistant] – Toni Greene
- Engineer [Remix] – Taavi Mote
- Producer – Ready For The World
- Remix – Louil Silas, Jr.*
- Written-By – G. Valentine*, G. Strozier*, M. Riley, Jr.*
NOTES:
Original version appears on the MCA LP, “Ready For The World”
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 3.0 (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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A real decade-defining gem! And catchy as anything. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it just reminds me of how standard it was back in the day to have, really to expect music this good. We had no idea how spoiled we were! But at least we had it. Thank you Paul for this transfer, and especially the exclusive mixes! And you can’t go wrong with Louil Silas, Jr. doing the remixing. He had the Midas touch on so many funk/R&B records.
Speaking of Louil Silas, Jr., do you know if you own this: https://www.discogs.com/release/1068554-Patti-LaBelle-Just-The-Facts
I do. I’m pretty sure I may have even posted it years ago 🙂
If you ever decide to do a new transfer I wouldn’t complain 🙂
Noted 🙂
Wow it’s been a long time since i heard this tune.
Thanks a lot for sharing it Paul.
I’m going to make like Morris Day and dance like the Time ;P
peace,
dj
Go for it 🙂
many thanks!
You’re welcome 🙂
This week, Paul, you’re really on fire with the posts! This is a fantastic selection following, Prince, from yesterday. My exposure to this song came during a summer television show focusing on the beach and teens. I immediately fell in love with the record. I love up-tempo dance records like this with booming drums. It’s a record that still sounds funky and fresh today as it did when first released. I also think about that great “1984” megamix you posted where they have this playing along with Sheila E’s “The Glamorous Life.” The two fit like a glove!! Thanks, a… Read more »
You’re welcome, Jeff. This Jam was everywhere that year.
Awesome! Back in the day a friend used this mix on a mixtape for me that was from a very crackly British import. Funny as my US LP was also very crackly and made me sad I didn’t buy the cassette at the time!
This song was mythological status with everyone saying it WAS Prince when it first hit the radio! So glad to have a clean transfer after all these years. Thanks for this gem!
You’re welcome, ING 🙂
Thank you VERY much for this terrific post, Paul! I really love these mixes better than the M&M mixes you posted awhile ago. Such a classic song and very catchy! I love the 4:27 breakdown with the beats echoing in the back…burned in my memory since 1985! Very sorry I haven’t been around here folks…some family problems all year, sadly. Have a great day everyone and thanks a million, Paul!
You’re welcome, Fred. I hope things get better for you 🙂
Hi Fred,
I too hope things get better for you in time. I’m sorry about what you are going through. I understand completely, as my wife and I are taking care of my mom and my sister, and it really is a tough and challenging situation. Paul, and his blog really helps me cope though.
Have a nice day and weekend and please know I’m thinking about you.
Jeff
am I too early?
Transfer expiredSorry, this transfer has expired and is not available any more
🙁
Above in reference to the 24/96
I just checked it is live now. 🙂
Thanks old friend
Getting transfer expired message just now as well.