Tag: 12″

December 20, 2024

Material With Nona Hendryx / Cristina – It’s A Holiday / Things Fall Apart (UK 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1981

A Festive Throwback: Two Gems from the Original ZE Records Christmas Compilation.

This rare U.K. 12″ promo spotlights two standout tracks from the original 1981 release of A Christmas Record, the now-iconic holiday compilation by ZE Records. A unique blend of experimental and festive, the album became a cult classic, and these two tracks exemplify its groundbreaking style.

The first track, “It’s a Holiday” by Material featuring the soulful vocals of Nona Hendryx, was recorded during the same sessions that produced the band’s single “Bustin’ Out.” Nona, fresh off her years with Labelle and on the cusp of her 1980s solo career, became a favorite vocalist for Material’s mastermind, Bill Laswell. Her commanding presence on this track bridges the gap between funk, soul, and the avant-garde.

The second offering, “Things Fall Apart,” is a No Wave masterpiece by Cristina, an enigmatic artist known for her fusion of punk’s edge with disco’s infectious grooves. This track marked Cristina’s first collaboration with the innovative production duo Was (Not Was). Her trailblazing approach paved the way for artists like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, blending camp, self-awareness, and undeniable danceability in a way that was ahead of its time.

Both songs are presented here in their unaltered, original 1981 versions. Later reissues of A Christmas Record featured edited or altered takes, but this special promo preserves the brilliance of the original recordings in their purest form.

For fans of experimental holiday music, these tracks are must-listens—a perfect reminder of how ZE Records turned the Christmas album concept on its head, offering something truly bold and unforgettable.

SIDE A:
Material With Nona Hendryx – It’s A Holiday 7:12
Producer – Material

SIDE B:
Cristina – Things Fall Apart 4:34
Producer – The Was Bros*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Min

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: ZE Records – IPR 2052, Island Records – IPR 2052
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Disco

NOTES:
Pre-Release Limited Edition

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.

December 19, 2024

U2 – Desire (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

Released in September 1988, “Desire” was the lead single from U2’s album Rattle and Hum. With its pulsating rhythm inspired by the Bo Diddley beat and Bono’s impassioned lyrics, the song channeled the raw energy of rock and roll while addressing themes of ambition and social critique.

Produced by Jimmy Iovine, “Desire” is notable for its stripped-down, garage rock sound. The track captures the spirit of 50s and 60s rock influences while addressing themes of ambition, lust, and spirituality—hallmarks of U2’s storytelling.

Chart Performance:
“Desire” achieved significant commercial success. It became U2’s first #1 single, topping the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the top spot on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, highlighting its cross-genre popularity and resonance with fans worldwide. It also reached #1 in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The track earned U2 their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1989, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most celebrated songs.

Legacy:
Over the years, “Desire” has remained a staple in U2’s live performances, often igniting concert audiences with its infectious rhythm and high-energy delivery. Its enduring appeal lies in how it blends the vintage rock sound with U2’s socially conscious and energetic style.

For 80s and 90s music fans, “Desire” represents an era when rock music was a driving force for entertainment and social commentary. It’s a testament to U2’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

SIDE A:
Desire (Hollywood Remix) 5:23
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown*, Edna Wright
Engineer [Assistant] – Andy Batwinas
Engineer [Remix] – Taavi Mote
Producer [Additional], Programmed By [Additional] – Jeff Lorber
Remix [Remix Production By] – Louil Silas Jr., Taavi Mote

SIDE B:
Desire (7″ Version) 2:59
Mixed By – Shelly Yakus
Recorded By – Paul Barrett

Hallelujah (Here She Comes) 4:17
Mixed By, Engineer – David Tickle, Marc DeSisto
Other [Special Thanks To], Vocals [Additional], Organ [Hammond] – Billy Preston

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Desire	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#3
1988	Desire	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Island Records – 0-96600
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: Sep 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Artwork By [Design Based On An Idea By] – Steve Averll Works, Associates
Artwork By [Designed By] – DZN, The Design Group
Lyrics By – Bono
Music By – U2
Photography – Anton Corbijn
Photography [Back Cover] – Bill Rubenstein
Producer – Jimmy Iovine

NOTES:
From the forthcoming Paramount Motion Picture,
Opening November 4th 1988,
and Island Records album
“U2 Rattle and Hum”.

Track A Remixed at Larrabee Sound.
Track B2 Recorded at STS Studio, Dublin.

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.

December 18, 2024

Scritti Politti – Perfect Way (US 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985

NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: March 9, 2012

“Perfect Way” was only a modest hit in the UK, peaking at #48, but it became Scritti Politti’s biggest success in the U.S. The song entered the Billboard Top 40 on October 26, 1985, and spent 13 weeks on the chart, reaching its peak at #11.

Notably, the “Perfect Way” version featured on the ‘A’ side of this single is unique and otherwise unavailable elsewhere. It differs from the Kevorkian mix found on the standard UK and German 12″ singles. It is longer than the U.S. 12″ single version mixed by Alan Meyerson, François Kevorkian, and Josh Abbey (credited as Committee). While the label lists an incorrect runtime, the actual duration is 7:24.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Perfect Way (Way Perfect Mix Extended)+ 7:24
Mixed By – Alan Meyerson, Francois Kevorkian*, Josh Abbey

SIDE B:
Perfect Way (Single Version) 4:03
Mixed By – John Potoker

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Perfect Way	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#11
1985	Perfect Way	U.S. Billboard US Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#6

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – PRO-A-2357
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Gamson*, Maher*, Green*
Recorded By – Howard Gray

NOTES:
Original version available on the Warner Bros. album CUPID & PSYCHE 85

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.

December 17, 2024

Enigma – Sadness (Part 1) (Hot Tracks & Rhythm Stick Mixes) (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1990

If you’re a fan of Enigma’s groundbreaking 1990 hit “Sadness (Part 1),” you’re in for a treat! I’ve put together two very special remixes of this iconic track, both of which are vinyl-only exclusives. These mixes come from two of the most influential remix services of the 80s and 90s: Hot Tracks and Rhythm Stick.

Rhythm Stick Remix – Steve Bourasa

The Rhythm Stick version was expertly remixed by the legendary Steve Bourasa. Known for his innovative style, Bourasa takes “Sadness (Part 1)” to new heights by incorporating samples from “Hippie Chick” (Soho’s 1990 hit), adding a longer and more hypnotic intro, eerie chimes, and other intricate elements that give this version a haunting, atmospheric feel. Steve’s take elevates the mystique of the original while offering a fresh and dynamic club-ready twist. This remix is a true testament to his skill and creative vision.

Hot Tracks Remix – Volker Lindner

On the Hot Tracks side, the remix comes from Volker Lindner, a name you may not hear often since he only contributed a couple of remixes for the service. What makes this version stand out is its exclusivity. The mix was never widely circulated, making this vinyl pressing the definitive way to experience Lindner’s work. While Hot Tracks did include a version of this remix on some of their later “Best Of” compilations, it was heavily edited. Many of the original samples were removed due to rights clearance issues, which means that the full-length mix on this pressing remains the ultimate collector’s edition.

Why These Remixes Matter

Both the Rhythm Stick and Hot Tracks versions of “Sadness (Part 1)” represent an era when remix services ruled the dance floors. These vinyl-only treasures are a nostalgic reminder of a time when DJs and remixers pushed creative boundaries, crafting unique versions of hits for clubs and dance enthusiasts. For fans of Enigma and collectors of rare remixes, these two versions are a must-hear.

So whether you’re here for the ethereal vibes of Steve Bourasa’s extended mix or the elusive exclusivity of Volker Lindner’s Hot Tracks remix, both takes celebrate the brilliance of Enigma and the artistry of remix culture during its golden age.

Stay tuned for more rare gems and exclusive mixes here on Burning the Ground!

SIDE A:
Sadeness Part 1 (Hot Tracks Mix) 8:02
Remix – Volker Lindner

SIDE B:
Sadeness (Steve Bourasa Mix) 6:41
Remix – Steve Bourasa

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Custom

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Hot Tracks – SA 9-8
Series: Hot Tracks Series – 9-8
Rhythm Stick – RS2-7
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Compilation, Promo, 45 RPM, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Downtempo

CREDITS:

Producer – Steve Bourasa
Producer – Volker Lindner
Artwork 9Graphics0 – DjPaulT

NOTES
DJ USE ONLY

Buy Hot Tracks at DISCOGS

Buy Rhythm Stick 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.