Tag: 12″

Spear Of Destiny – Never Take Me Alive (UK 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“Never Take Me Alive” is a 1987 single by the English rock band Spear of Destiny, led by vocalist and songwriter Kirk Brandon. The song was featured on their fourth studio album, Outland, and became their biggest chart success, reaching #14 on the UK Singles Chart.

With its dramatic, almost cinematic lyrics, “Never Take Me Alive” tells the story of a fugitive on the run, willing to fight to the end rather than be captured. The song’s rebellious spirit and Brandon’s passionate, commanding vocal performance made it a standout track of the era. Musically, it blends post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock, with an anthemic chorus and driving instrumentation that set it apart from the more polished pop of the mid-’80s.

Spear of Destiny had built a cult following in the UK, and “Never Take Me Alive” remains one of their signature tracks. The song’s themes of defiance and resilience continue to resonate, making it a favorite among fans of ’80s alternative rock.

In the UK 10 Records released a limited edition double 12″ vinyl of their single “Never Take Me Alive,” featuring special edits by renowned producer and remixer Omar Santana. This version offered an extended take on the original track, showcasing Santana’s distinctive production style. The double pack also included an Omar Santana version of “Land of Shame,” another track from the band’s repertoire.

SIDE A:
Never Take Me Alive (Omar Santana Version) 8:33
Edited By [Super Edits By] – Omar Santana
Producer – Zeus B. Held

SIDE B:
The Man That Never Was 3:09
Producer – Brandon, Barnacle

SIDE C:
Land Of Shame (Omar Santana Version) 5:11
Edited By [Super Edits By] – Omar Santana
Producer – Zeus B. Held

SIDE D:
Jack Straw 4:25
Producer – Brandon, Barnacle

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: 10 Records – TENZ 162
Format: 2 x Vinyl, 12″, Limited Edition, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Breakbeat, Goth Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Super Edits on A and C by Omar Santana for The Hit Squad.

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.



The Icicle Works – Love Is a Wonderful Colour (UK 12″) (1983)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released in late 1983, Love Is a Wonderful Colour is the most well-known track by British alternative rock band The Icicle Works. Serving as the second single from their self-titled debut album, the song became the band’s biggest hit, reaching #15 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1984.

Led by Ian McNabb, The Icicle Works emerged from Liverpool’s vibrant post-punk and new wave scene, drawing comparisons to bands like Echo & The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes. Love Is a Wonderful Colour is a perfect example of the band’s signature sound—soaring melodies, grand instrumentation, and poetic lyrics. McNabb’s evocative vocals, combined with dramatic percussion and rich, layered production, create a cinematic feel that sets the song apart from many of its contemporaries.

Lyrically, the song is filled with vivid imagery and a sense of longing, though its exact meaning has been subject to interpretation. McNabb has described it as a song about the beauty and power of love, but its abstract poetry allows listeners to take their own meaning from it.

While The Icicle Works never achieved massive commercial success beyond this track, they maintained a devoted following throughout the 1980s and beyond. Ian McNabb later pursued a solo career, continuing to create music with the same passionate, anthemic quality that Love Is a Wonderful Colour embodies.

This song remains a standout for fans of 1980s alternative and new wave music—a timeless, euphoric anthem that captures the era’s grand, romantic spirit.

SIDE A:
Love Is A Wonderful Colour (Long Version) 6:44
Mixed By – Hugh Jones
Producer – David Lord

SIDE B:
Waterline 4:01
Producer – The Icicle Works

In The Dance The Shaman Led 3:43
Producer – The Icicle Works

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Beggars Banquet – BEG 99 T, Beggars Banquet – BEG 99(T)
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: Nov 4, 1983
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Indie Rock

CREDITS:
Written-By – McNabb*

NOTES:
B1, B2 produced with thanks to John Brierley

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.



Desireless – Voyage Voyage (Europe 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“Voyage, Voyage” is a 1986 synth-pop anthem by French singer Desireless (real name Claudie Fritsch-Mentrop). Released as the lead single from her debut album François (1989), the song became an international hit, topping the charts across Europe and beyond.

A Global Synth-Pop Hit
Despite being sung entirely in French, Voyage, Voyage broke language barriers and achieved commercial success in non-French-speaking countries. It reached #1 in Germany, Spain, Norway, and Sweden, while peaking at #2 in the UK—a rare feat for a French-language song at the time. It also charted well in Italy and the Netherlands, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable European pop songs of the late ‘80s.

Dreamy, Ethereal Sound
The song’s lush synth production, steady electronic beat, and atmospheric feel give it a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality. Its theme of travel and escapism, combined with Desireless’ deep and haunting vocals, made it a perfect fit for the late ‘80s electronic pop scene.

Production & Legacy
Produced by Jean-Michel Rivat, Voyage, Voyage draws influences from new wave and Eurodisco, aligning it with the styles of artists like Jean-Michel Jarre and Mylène Farmer. Over the years, the song has been covered and remixed multiple times, most notably by Kate Ryan in 2007.

Even today, Voyage, Voyage remains an enduring classic, often associated with the golden age of European synth-pop and a staple in retro ‘80s playlists.

SIDE A:
Voyage Voyage (Extended Remix) 6:50

SIDE B:
Voyage Voyage 4:22

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS – CBS 650175 6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Euro-Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
[Labels]
Ed. Rivat Music

[Sleeve]
Synthetiseurs, Programmation: Producteur
Prise de Son (Sound Recording): Studio d’Aguesseau
Mixage (Mixing): Studio Marcadet
Dédié à Gopala (Dedicated to Gopala)

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.



Instant Funk – Got My Mind Made Up (US 12″) (1978)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“I Got My Mind Made Up” is a 1978 disco-funk classic by Instant Funk, released on Salsoul Records. A defining track of the era, the song became a massive dancefloor hit, fusing deep funk grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and high-energy production.

From Simple R&B to a Club Anthem
The song’s original production was a simple 3-minute R&B track recorded on an 8-track tape, but that was only the beginning. It was transferred to 24-track tape at Blank Tapes, NYC, where producer Bunny Sigler and engineer Bob Blank began transforming it into a club anthem. Among the many enhancements, Bunny brought in a woman to deliver the now-iconic “Say what?” throughout the track. As she recorded, Bunny stood behind her, shouting instructions like “Scream!”, which were amplified and incorporated into the mix.

The Grueling Manual Remix Process
Remixing was a meticulous, manual process—no computerization was involved. Initially, legendary DJ Walter Gibbons attempted a remix but abandoned the project due to religious beliefs. Then, Ken Cayre, the owner of Salsoul Records, took a shot before it ultimately landed in the hands of Larry Levan. Working in Blank Tapes’ old Studio A, on a console without automation, the mix was assembled through painstaking tape splicing. To extend the groove that defines the song, four bars of the groove section were manually edited and repeated to create its now-familiar format. Bob Blank estimated that it took over 60 hours of mixing to finalize the versions that exist today.

The Legendary 12″ Versions
The original 12″ vinyl release of “I Got My Mind Made Up” featured what later became known as the “Disco Version”, running 9:46—marking Larry Levan’s second-ever remix credit! This version has appeared on all subsequent CD releases.

BUT… the flip-side of the 12″ featured a version running 7:11, a mix that has never been repressed or released in digital format—EVER! This makes the original 12″ pressing a sought-after collector’s item.

Chart Success & Lasting Influence
Upon release, “I Got My Mind Made Up” became a major success, spending three non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart, briefly interrupted by Sister Sledge’s “He’s the Greatest Dancer.” It also reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Disco chart, cementing its status as a dancefloor staple.

However, in a tragic turn of events, Salsoul Records removed and destroyed all of their multi-track masters from Blank Tapes in 1985—hundreds of recordings lost forever. Thankfully, some were saved by John Morales, and this master was one of them, preserving its legacy.

The song’s impact has lasted well beyond the disco era. Whether played in classic funk sets, sampled in modern productions, or rediscovered by new generations, “I Got My Mind Made Up” remains one of the most electrifying club anthems ever recorded.

*Vinyl-only

SIDE A:
I Got My Mind Made Up (Special 12 Inch Disco Mix) 9:46

SIDE B:
I Got My Mind Made Up (Special 12 Inch Disco Mix Edit)* 7:11

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1978 I Got My Mind Made Up U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #20
1978 I Got My Mind Made Up U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #1
1978 I Got My Mind Made Up U.S. Billboard Hot Dance / Disco #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Salsoul Records – SG 207
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Indianapolis
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Funk, Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Special 12 Inch Disco Mix
Produced for Bundino Productions

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.