Tag: 1984

September 30, 2026

Steve Miller Band – Shangri-La (Canada 12″) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1984, the Steve Miller Band had already enjoyed more than a decade of success, with classics such as “The Joker,” “Fly Like An Eagle,” and “Rock’n Me.” The band’s 1982 smash “Abracadabra” introduced Miller to a new generation of listeners, combining his familiar rock sound with synthesizers and a dance-friendly beat. Two years later, Miller continued experimenting with that formula on “Shangri-La.”

Released in 1984 as the lead single from the band’s thirteenth studio album, Italian X Rays, “Shangri-La” found Steve Miller moving even further into the electronic sounds of the decade. Written by Miller and bassist Kenny Lee Lewis, the song combined synthesizers, a funky bass line, electronic textures, and Miller’s unmistakable vocals. It was quite a departure from the guitar-driven rock that had made the band famous during the 1970s.

Italian X Rays was also a departure from a recording standpoint. The album was recorded digitally and made extensive use of electronic instruments and computer technology. Miller was enthusiastic about the new recording process and embraced the possibilities it offered.

“Shangri-La” reached No. 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 84 in Canada. Although it never matched the enormous success of “Abracadabra,” the single remains an interesting example of an established rock act experimenting with the increasingly electronic sound of the mid-1980s.

For the 12″ release, Capitol enlisted legendary New York DJ and remixer François Kevorkian, along with Jay Mark, to give “Shangri-La” a dance-floor makeover.

Kevorkian was already one of the most respected names in dance music, having worked with artists ranging from D-Train and Yazoo to Depeche Mode. His approach to remixing went well beyond simply extending a song. He could completely reshape a recording, bringing out its rhythm, creating new instrumental passages, and giving it an entirely different atmosphere.

The Extended Version of “Shangri-La” allows the song’s infectious groove to take center stage. The longer arrangement gives the percussion, electronic instrumentation, and funky bass line room to breathe, transforming Miller’s pop-rock single into something much more suited to the dance floor.

The Dub Version takes things even further, shifting attention away from the conventional song structure and toward the instrumental and rhythmic elements. It’s a particularly interesting listen for anyone who enjoys the more experimental side of eighties remixing.

Today’s featured record is my Canadian 12″ pressing on Capitol Records (V 75076). In addition to the Extended and Dub versions of “Shangri-La,” the record includes the original album version of “Abracadabra,” making this an especially nice pairing of Miller’s early-eighties dance-oriented material.

It’s also a reminder of an era when record companies weren’t afraid to hand a rock recording to a club remixer and see what happened. Sometimes those unlikely combinations produced some of the most interesting 12″ singles of the decade.

Enjoy!

SIDE A:
Shangri-La (Extended Club Mix) 7:32
Co-producer – Kenny Lee Lewis
Producer – Steve Miller
Recorded By – David Cole (4)
Remix – François Kevorkian, Jay Mark
Written-By – Kenny Lee Lewis, Steve Miller

SIDE B:
Shangri-La (Dub Version) 5:32
Co-producer – Kenny Lee Lewis
Producer – Steve Miller
Recorded By – David Cole (4)
Remix – François Kevorkian, Jay Mark
Written-By – Kenny Lee Lewis, Steve Miller

Abracadabra 5:10
Co-producer – Gary Mallaber
Producer – Steve Miller
Written-By – Steve Miller

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart (1984)	Peak Position
US Billboard Hot 100	57
Canada RPM Top Singles	84

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V 75076
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: Canada
Released: 1984
Genre: Rock, Pop
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Bass, Guitar, Co-producer – Kenny Lee Lewis
Drums, Percussion – Gary Mallaber
Keyboards – Byron Allred
Producer, Vocals – Steve Miller

NOTES:
Track A: “(Album Version available on forthcoming LP “ITALIAN X RAYS” SJ-12339)”
Track B1: “(Album Version available on forthcoming LP “ITALIAN X RAYS” SJ-12339)”
Track B2: “(from the LP “ABRACADABRA” ST-12216)”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: 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

PLEASE READ

There are two 24-Bit links; if one does not work, try the other

**24-bit FLAC Only Available For SIX Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal.

I appreciate your help.

September 23, 2026

Killing Joke – Eighties (UK 12″) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released in 1984, “Eighties” arrived during a period when Killing Joke were beginning to bring a little more melody into their dark, aggressive post-punk sound without losing any of the intensity that made them so distinctive.

The single actually predates the band’s 1985 album Night Time, where “Eighties” would later appear as the closing track. Released as a single in the spring of 1984, “Eighties” reached No. 60 on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for five weeks. Despite becoming one of Killing Joke’s best-known recordings, the single does not appear to have charted on the major national singles charts outside the UK.

At the center of the record is that unforgettable guitar riff from Geordie Walker. Cold, repetitive and almost hypnotic, it locks in with Paul Raven’s bass and Paul Ferguson’s pounding drums while Jaz Coleman delivers the vocal with his usual sense of urgency. The result sits somewhere between post-punk, rock and dance music. Killing Joke could be brutal, but they also understood rhythm.

And then there is the connection that almost everyone eventually notices.

Listen to the opening guitar figure of “Eighties,” then listen to Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.” The resemblance is hard to miss. It has become one of the most talked-about similarities in alternative rock history.

Of course, “Eighties” was already several years old before Nirvana arrived. Hearing it today is a reminder of just how much influence Killing Joke had on the alternative and industrial rock that followed.

For the 12-inch release, “Eighties” was given the full extended treatment with the 6:27 “Serious Dance Mix.” Rather than turning the song into something completely different, the longer version gives its relentless rhythm and guitar attack more room to breathe. The UK 12-inch also includes the original version and “The Coming Mix.”

The record was written by Jaz Coleman, Paul Ferguson, Paul Raven and Geordie Walker. “Eighties” would eventually become one of Killing Joke’s most recognizable recordings, even though it was never a major chart hit.

That seems fitting. Killing Joke were never really about fitting comfortably alongside whatever else was on the radio. “Eighties” sounds tense, mechanical and strangely danceable all at once.

More than forty years later, that guitar riff still jumps out of the speakers immediately.

And once you hear it, you probably won’t forget it.

SIDE A:
Eighties (Serious Dance Mix) 6:30

SIDE B:
Eighties 3:52
Eighties (The Coming Mix) 3:54

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EG – EGOX16, EG – 821 224-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: Apr 1984
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Post-Punk, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Bass – Raven*
Design [Sleeve Design] – Mike Coles (2)
Drums, Other [Weapons] – Big Paul Ferguson*
Guitar [Six String Righteousness], Vocals [Verbals] – Geordie*
Keyboards, Vocals [Verbals] – Jaz Coleman
Lacquer Cut By – Nickz*
Other [Helmsmanship, Insubordination] – Captain Fil ‘Oh No’
Other [The Nailing In] – Alex Zander Rasher, Brad Sugar Dick Nelson
Producer – Chris Kimsey
Written by – Killing Joke

NOTES:
Made in the UK

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

PLEASE READ

There are two 24-Bit links; if one does not work, try the other

**24-bit FLAC Only Available For SIX Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal.

I appreciate your help.

September 22, 2026

The Cars – Hello Again (Germany 12″) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2026 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Hello again everyone!

It feels really good to finally be back at Burning The Ground.

What was originally supposed to be a short break for vacation turned into a much longer absence than I had planned. Shortly after we returned home, my partner’s father passed away unexpectedly. The past couple of weeks have been difficult for our family, and I simply needed some additional time away.

I want to thank everyone who continued to visit Burning The Ground while I was gone, and especially those of you who reached out and checked in. Your continued support of BTG means more to me than you probably realize.

When I started thinking about what record should be the first one back on the turntable, this one seemed almost too perfect.

“Hello Again.”

Sometimes the record chooses itself.

Longtime BTG readers may remember this 12″ from the early days of the site. I originally posted it on December 2, 2010, then returned to it with a new rip in June 2015. Eleven years later, I thought it was time to pull this record from the archive once again and give it a completely new transfer using my current setup.

“Hello Again” was released in 1984 as the fourth single from The Cars’ fifth studio album, “Heartbeat City.” Written and sung by Ric Ocasek, the track became the fourth Top 20 single from the album in the United States, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 8 on Billboard’s Dance Music/Club Play chart and No. 22 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

“Heartbeat City” was produced by The Cars along with Robert John “Mutt” Lange. For the 12″ release, “Hello Again” was handed over to legendary producer and remixer Arthur Baker. Andy Wallace and The Latin Rascals provided additional editing, while Chris Lord-Alge and Tom Lord-Alge handled remix engineering.

The result is a nearly six-minute Extended Remix Version that takes the electronic side of the original even further. The German 12″ also includes the Dub Version, giving Arthur Baker and company even more room to play with the track’s rhythms, vocals, and electronic effects.

The B-side contains the shorter Single Version.

More than anything, though, the title of this record just felt right for today.

After vacation, loss, and some unexpected time away, I’m ready to get back to sharing the records we all love. I have plenty of vinyl waiting in the stacks and quite a few things planned for Burning The Ground in the weeks ahead.

So…

Hello again.

Turn it up, enjoy the music, and welcome back to Burning The Ground!

SIDE A:
Hello Again (Extended Remix Version) 5:56
Hello Again (Dub Version) 6:12

SIDE B:
Hello Again (Single Version) 3:47

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart (1984)	Peak Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	20
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock	22
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play	8

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Elektra – 966 929-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Germany
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Pop
Style: New Wave, Pop Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Art Direction – Carol Friedman
Design [Cover Design] – Jodee Stringham
Edited By – Andy Wallace (tracks: A1, A2), The Latin Rascals (tracks: A1, A2)
Engineer [Remix] – Chris Lord-Alge (tracks: A1, A2), Tom Lord-Alge (tracks: A1, A2)
Photography By [Cover] – James Wojcik
Producer – Robert John “Mutt” Lange*, The Cars
Remix – Arthur Baker (tracks: A1, A2)
Written-By – Ric Ocasek

NOTES:
Special versions from the LP “HEARTBEAT CITY”

Vinyl Transfer & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

PLEASE READ

There are two 24-Bit links; if one does not work, try the other

**24-bit FLAC Only Available For SIX Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal.

I appreciate your help.

August 4, 2026

Pointer Sisters – Neutron Dance / I’m So Excited (Japan 12″ Promo) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

BTG fans have spoken.

Ladies Of The 80s: Soundtrack Edition is officially returning for a fourth week!

To begin, we have the Pointer Sisters, one of the most successful and versatile female groups of the 1980s, with “Neutron Dance” from the blockbuster soundtrack to Beverly Hills Cop.

And because one Pointer Sisters classic is never enough, the flip side contains “I’m So Excited.”

Today’s record is a rare Japanese promotional 12-inch that pairs special extended versions of both hits. It is an unusual coupling that appears to have been created exclusively for the Japanese market.

What a way to begin week four.

“Neutron Dance” first appeared on the Pointer Sisters’ 1983 album Break Out. The album became the biggest commercial success of their career and produced an incredible run of singles, including “Automatic,” “Jump (For My Love),” “I’m So Excited,” and “Neutron Dance.”

Written by Allee Willis and Danny Sembello and produced by Richard Perry, “Neutron Dance” featured Ruth Pointer on lead vocals, with Anita and June supporting her.

Ruth was not immediately convinced by the song.

The word “neutron” made her think about bombs, violence, and the threat of nuclear war. Allee Willis encouraged her to stop worrying about the title and sing it with the same gospel spirit Ruth had developed in church.

That advice changed everything.

Ruth’s performance gives the track its soul. She does not simply sing over the electronic production. She attacks it with the force of a gospel performance, turning a strange title into a celebration of survival, determination, and joy.

The verses describe frustration and hardship, but the chorus refuses to surrender. Ruth sounds as though she is determined to keep moving no matter what happens around her.

Sometimes the best answer to trouble is to dance through it.

The song’s path to Beverly Hills Cop also involved a strange twist.

“Neutron Dance” had already appeared on Break Out when Allee Willis received a package from the movie’s producers. Inside was a copy of her own song, along with a request for new music that sounded like it.

Willis and Danny Sembello wrote Patti LaBelle’s “Stir It Up” for the film, but the producers also decided to use “Neutron Dance” itself.

Apparently, no one could write a better “Neutron Dance” than the original writers.

The song plays during the wild opening chase in Beverly Hills Cop. Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley is caught in the back of a speeding truck as it smashes through traffic and leaves destruction across Detroit.

The scene moves fast.

The song moves faster.

Released in December 1984, Beverly Hills Cop became one of the defining comedies of the decade. Its soundtrack was equally successful, featuring Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On,” Patti LaBelle’s “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up,” Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F,” and the Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance.” The album later won the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

The movie gave “Neutron Dance” the push it needed to become a major single.

It reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1985, becoming the fourth Top 10 hit released from Break Out and the final Top 10 pop hit of the Pointer Sisters’ career.

The music video continued the Beverly Hills Cop connection. Ruth, Anita, and June appear as unhappy movie-theater employees while scenes from the film play around them. Bronson Pinchot, who appeared in the movie as Serge, also joined the fun.

The record captures the Pointer Sisters at their commercial peak.

Ruth’s gospel-powered lead vocal is surrounded by synthesizers, electronic drums, handclaps, and a rhythm that never stops pushing forward. It sounds mechanical and human at the same time.

Then we turn the record over.

“I’m So Excited” had already lived more than one life before appearing on this Japanese promo.

Written by Anita, June, and Ruth Pointer with Trevor Lawrence, the song was originally released in 1982. That first release reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A remixed version returned in 1984, was added to later pressings of Break Out, and climbed to number nine. It became one of the group’s signature recordings and remains nearly impossible to hear without singing along.

While “Neutron Dance” features Ruth out front, “I’m So Excited” belongs to Anita.

She begins with a controlled sense of anticipation, but that control does not last long. By the chorus, the sisters are practically exploding out of the speakers.

The Japanese promotional 12-inch gives both songs extra room.

“Neutron Dance” was mixed by Bill Schnee and edited by Michael Brooks. The extended arrangement stretches the introduction, emphasizes the electronic rhythm, and allows Ruth’s vocal ad-libs to build toward the chorus.

“I’m So Excited” was remixed by Gabe Veltri and Jim Tract, with Trevor Lawrence credited as associate producer. Their version expands the percussion, vocals, and instrumental passages without weakening the song’s immediate pop appeal.

This is not simply a soundtrack single with an unrelated B-side.

It is a snapshot of the Pointer Sisters at the height of their powers.

One side gives us the gospel-charged electronic rush of “Neutron Dance.”

The other gives us the unstoppable celebration of “I’m So Excited.”

The Pointer Sisters had already traveled through gospel, jazz, country, funk, soul, rock, and disco before conquering 1980s pop. Few groups could move between so many styles while keeping their identity intact.

That range makes them perfect for Ladies Of The 80s.

Week four is here.

The readers are excited.

The Pointer Sisters are excited.

And somewhere in Detroit, Axel Foley is hanging from the back of a runaway truck.

Let’s do the Neutron Dance.

SIDE A:
Neutron Dance (Special Extended Version) 5:36
Edited By – Michael Brooks
Producer – Richard Perry
Remix – Bill Schnee

SIDE B:
I’m So Excited (Special Extended Version) 5:41
Producer – Trevor Lawrence
Remix – Gabe Veltri, Jim Tract

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Single	Chart	Peak Position
Neutron Dance	Australia (Kent Music Report)	4
Neutron Dance	Canada Top Singles (RPM)	1
Neutron Dance	Germany Singles Chart	18
Neutron Dance	Ireland Singles Chart	14
Neutron Dance	UK Singles Chart	31
Neutron Dance	US Billboard Hot 100	6
Neutron Dance	US Billboard Hot Black Singles	13
Neutron Dance	US Billboard Adult Contemporary	23
Neutron Dance	US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play	4
I’m So Excited	Canada Top Singles (RPM)	21
I’m So Excited	Ireland Singles Chart	6
I’m So Excited	UK Singles Chart	11
I’m So Excited	US Billboard Hot 100	9
I’m So Excited	US Billboard Adult Contemporary	25

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Planet (15) – PLR-12002
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: Japan
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Synth-pop, Soul

NOTES:
Track A: From the Paramount motion picture “Beverly Hills Cop.”

Special Extended Version 45 RPM

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

PLEASE READ

There are two 24-Bit links; if one does not work, try the other

**24-bit FLAC Only Available For SIX Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal.

I appreciate your help.