Tag: 1985

January 15, 2025

Blancmange – What’s Your Problem? (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive -1985

“What’s Your Problem?” is a song by the English synth-pop duo Blancmange, released on 27 August 1985 as the lead single from their third studio album Believe You Me. Written by Neil Arthur and Stephen Luscombe and produced by Stewart Levine, the song captures Blancmange’s signature blend of synth-driven melodies and witty lyrics.

Upon its release, “What’s Your Problem?” achieved moderate chart success, peaking at No. 40 in the UK Singles Chart and climbing to No. 30 in Ireland. A music video accompanied the single, gaining heavy rotation on the European music TV channel Music Box, further solidifying its presence during the mid-’80s synth-pop wave.

The 12″ Single Details:

One of the highlights of the 12″ release of “What’s Your Problem?” is its extended mix, offering fans a longer and more immersive version of the track. Interestingly, this extended mix is not explicitly mentioned on the sleeve or label, making it a subtle yet noteworthy feature for collectors and fans alike.

“What’s Your Problem?” is an extended mix but this is not mentioned on the release.

“Side Two” is an extended version of “22339” from the “Believe You Me” album.

“Living On The Ceiling” is the original 12″ version.

The inclusion of “Living On The Ceiling” on this 12″ single adds an extra layer of appeal, giving listeners a chance to enjoy one of Blancmange’s most beloved tracks in its original extended form.

Legacy

“What’s Your Problem?” may not have achieved the same level of success as some of Blancmange’s earlier hits, but it remains a memorable piece of their discography. The track showcases the duo’s knack for crafting catchy synth-pop tunes while exploring themes with a touch of humor and irony. For fans of ’80s synth-pop, the 12″ release of “What’s Your Problem?” is a must-have, thanks to its unique extended versions and its nod to the band’s earlier success with “Living On The Ceiling.”

SIDE A:
What’s Your Problem? 6:58
Producer –Stewart Levine

SIDE B:
Side Two 7:35
Producer –John Owen Williams*, Neil Arthur

Living On The Ceiling 5:37
Producer – Mike Howlett
Remix – Dennis Weinrich, John Owen Williams

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: London Records – BLANX 9, London Records – 882 073-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: Aug 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Artwork [Sleeve Conjured Up At] – Assorted Images
Written-By – Arthur*, Luscombe*

NOTES:
‘Living On The Ceiling’ not mentioned on back cover.

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 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.

November 25, 2024

Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas? (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the recording of Band-Aid’s iconic charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.

Written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song was created to raise funds for the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine relief efforts. Recorded in just one day at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, on November 25, 1984, the session brought together a supergroup of prominent British and Irish musicians assembled by Geldof and Ure.

Released in the UK on December 7, 1984, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” made an immediate impact, debuting at number one on the UK singles chart and holding the top spot for five weeks. It became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time, moving one million copies in its first week. By the end of 1984, it had sold over three million copies in the UK and topped the charts in 13 other countries. In the United States, despite limited radio play, the song sold approximately 2.5 million copies by 1985. Globally, it reached 11.7 million in sales by 1989, and its UK sales alone stood at 3.8 million by 2017.

The single raised £8 million within its first year, far surpassing Geldof’s initial expectations. Due to its success, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”was reissued on November 29, 1985, featuring an updated B-side titled *”One Year On (Feed the World).” This version included a spoken message from Geldof and Midge Ure and highlighted the tangible impact of the funds raised, listing the resources and aid provided. Notably, this updated version was only ever released on vinyl.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” remains a testament to the power of music to inspire change and unite people for a common cause.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Do They Know It’s Christmas? (12″ Mix) 6:17
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Remix – Trevor Horn

SIDE B:
One Year On (Feed The World)+ 4:34
Mastered By – BilBo (3)
Producer, Mixed By – Alvin Jeff Clark*, Midge Ure

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1984	Do They Know It’s Christmas?	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#13
1984	Do They Know It’s Christmas?	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#32

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Phonogram – FEED 112, Mercury – FEED 112
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Reissue
Country: UK
Released: Nov 29, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Holiday

CREDITS:

Written-By – Geldof*, Ure*

NOTES:
Many thanks to all the Record Companies of the artists involved.

It’s one year on since BAND AID first began to raise funds for famine relief.
With your help people have survived, now help BAND AID to help them stay alive.
If you would like to make a further donation-send it to:
Band Aid Trust
c/o Stoy Hayward
8 Baker Street
London W1M 1DA

Many thanks to all the people, too numerous to mention, who kindly donated their time and effort in the making this record.

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.

November 7, 2024

Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985

NEW 2024 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Original post date: January 20, 2013

“Things Can Only Get Better” by Howard Jones is an iconic track that captures the upbeat, positive energy of the mid-80s synthpop era. Released in 1985 as the lead single from his second studio album, Dream Into Action, the song was an immediate hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #6 in the UK charts. Known for its infectious optimism, “Things Can Only Get Better” became an anthem of resilience and hope, qualities that resonated with fans worldwide.

The track showcases Jones’ skillful blend of synthesizers, upbeat rhythms, and introspective lyrics. Musically, it features a prominent bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a brass section that adds an extra layer of excitement to the track. The song’s melody is uplifting, with Jones’ dynamic vocals driving home the theme of perseverance. His lyrics focus on pushing through life’s challenges and remaining hopeful, with the refrain “Things can only get better” embodying the core message of positivity.

Jones, who had already made waves with hits like “New Song” and “What Is Love?”, continued to solidify his place in the 80s music scene with this release. Not only did Dream Into Action go on to become a commercial success, but the single also helped define his image as a thoughtful pop artist. Jones’s brand of synthpop was different in that he combined the new wave, electronic feel with introspective, almost philosophical lyrics—an approach that set him apart in a decade where flashy beats often took center stage.

“Things Can Only Get Better” has been widely regarded as a classic 80s anthem, even appearing in films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. Its infectious optimism still resonates today, and its message of hope continues to be a source of inspiration for listeners across generations.

SIDE A:
Things Can Only Get Better (LP Version) 4:05
What Is Love? (New Extended Version) 6:34
Lyrics By – Howard Jones, William Bryant (3)
Music By – Howard Jones

SIDE B:
Things Can Only Get Better (Extended Version) 7:26
New Song (New Version) 4:53

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#5
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks	#28
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play	#10
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#54
1985	Things Can Only Get Better	U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks	#21

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Elektra ‎– 0-66915
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo, Yellow Sleeve
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Rupert Hine
Recorded By, Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Written-By – Howard Jones (tracks: A1, B1, B2)

NOTES:
Produced for Gestalt.
Mastered at Sterling.

Picture sleeve available in 3 other colors pink, white, and orange.

Printed in U.S.A.

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.