Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988
Request
NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration
Originally posted August 18, 2016
“Theme from S-Express” is a defining track in the acid house genre, showcasing the innovative sampling techniques of the late 1980s. Released by S’Express, the song features a catchy blend of samples, particularly drawing from Rose Royce’s “Is It Love You’re After” and TZ’s “I Got the Hots for You.” The use of the hi-hat from an aerosol spray adds a unique touch.
The title references the 42nd Street Shuttle in New York City, linking the song to urban culture. While it achieved significant success in the UK, hitting number one for two weeks, its performance in the US was more modest, peaking at number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 but reaching the top of the Hot Dance Club Play chart. The track also made an international impact, ranking well in Australia and West Germany. Its influence remains evident in the dance music scene today.
In the U.S.A. versions, an unnamed vocalist provided replacements for some of the vocal samples (“Uno, dos, uno dos tres quatro!”, “No, that’s good!”, and scream for daddy near the end that turned into “scream for mommy”.)
*De-notes vinyl-only
PLATFORM 1:
Theme From S-Express (12″ U.S.A. Mix)* 5:57
Theme From S-Express (7″ U.S.A. Mix) 3:56
PLATFORM 2:
The Trip (Microdot House Mix) 5:41
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Theme From S-Express | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #91 |
| 1988 | Theme From S-Express | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15377, Rhythm King – V-15377
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Acid House
CREDITS:
- Arranged By [Strings & Orchestration] – Mark Moore
- Artwork By [Sleeve Assembled By] – Kay-Ray-Zee At Bite It!
- Engineer [Noise Engineer] – Mark M*, Pascal*
- Hihat [Hairspray], Vocals [B Vox] – Jocasta (3)
- Mastered By – HW*
- Photography By – Kevin Davies (2)
- Producer – Mark Moore, Pascal Gabriel
- Trumpet [Noise Boogie Factor] – Mark D (6)
- Vocals [Vox], Clarinet [Microdot] – Michellé
- Written-By – M. Moore*, P. Gabriel*
NOTES:
S-Express samples courtesy of:
Karen Finley “Tales Of Taboo”
T-Z “I Got The Hots For You”
Rhythm King Music
Recorded in England
Printed in U.S.A.
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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Love this post❤️❤️❤️, Thank you🙏🙏🙏
Actually, it is “uno, dos, tres, cuatro”.
Though most DJs played the import version that made it #1 dance, this might explain how the US version paled in comparison because of the sample clearances would have been cost-prohibited here: Samples: • Arpeggio bassline, synthesizers & horns samples taken from Rose Royce – Is It Love You’re After (Long Version). • Background loop from Company B – Full Circle. • “Countdown is progressing” vocal sample taken from Chilling, Thrilling Sounds Of The Haunted House. • “Uno, dos, uno dos tres quatro” samples of Debbie Harry taken from Deborah Harry – Feel The Spin and the start from Gil… Read more »
Hey DJ XREY,
Thanks for the full list of samples included on the import version of the record. I thought it was cool, and I didn’t realize, that there was something from the Disney album, “Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House” on this record. Kinda appropriate as it is October and Halloween right around the corner! Way to go, Paul!!
I love the Peech Boys sample at the end. I had the 12-inch, but didn’t have the acapella on my pressing.
Very cool music trivia, so thanks again!
Jeff
“Originally posted August 18, 2046” 🙂 I always thought this was a futuristic jam, but didn’t know HOW futuristic it became! Paul, weren’t there like 25+ different versions of this when it was current? It seemed to be one of the longer-lasting house hits at the time, staying on DJ lists with different remixes over a year.
I know the US had alternate mixes that were released internationally. From what I understand the USA mixes are pretty much the same as the UK but the samples differ.
They sound VERY different Paul. Only plus with the US mixes is what is being said in the samples is clearer…but musically not so good.
I know it is futuristic lol just caught my typo 🙂
Fascinating! I love this track but never knew different samples were used overseas! I don’t think I’ve ever heard the original then! 🤔
I always thought the “uno dos uno dos tres quatro” was from the intro to Debbie Harry’s “I Feel The Spin.”
This track was, and remains, a master class example of the creativity that can be found in sampling! Things like The Avalanches “Since I Met You” may not exist if tracks like this didn’t set the bar!
Thanks again!
Probably had to do with rights issues they are usually different depending on where you are in the world.
Great dance track! And so influential with its use of sampling. Thank you Paul for the new transfer!!
You’re welcome, retro Hound 🙂
I see you originally posted this track 21 years into the future, Paul! 🙂 It’s amazing the write-up didn’t mention the constant sampling of Karen Finley’s “Tales Of Taboo”…which is/was a filthy filthy song. Thanks for the repost, Paul!!
It’s filthy but one of my favorites.
Lol, I just caught what I did. I was just making sure you guys were paying attention 🙂
Thank you for this, Paul! Much appreciated. But man, it’s such a drag to hear these US versions without the original samples. Womp womp 😉
Oh, Paul!! I am so thrilled that you redid this one. Sadly, I lost a lot of your rips from this period of time, so I’m rejoicing to have a song you’ve newly ripped back in my collection. Thanks so much! Sampling was everywhere during this time period, and I was overjoyed! It’s so great trying to place the “sample” from where it was taken in the first place. I understand why it doesn’t happen that much anymore. Clearance rights can get really expense, so if you’re not rich, the sample couldn’t be used. I still wish for a repeat… Read more »
You’re welcome, Jeff unfortunately greed gets in the way of many creative things. I loved the S-Express albums.