Tag: 1985

September 17, 2025

Kaja – Shouldn’t Do That (Disciplined) (UK 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

If you’ve followed the quirky trajectory of Kajagoogoo, you know their journey from the breakout synth-pop of White Feathers to the more experimental corners of their later work was anything but predictable. By 1985, the band, now simply billed as Kaja, released their third album, Crazy Peoples Right to Speak, and with it came a single that encapsulated both their pop sensibilities and their willingness to push boundaries: “Shouldn’t Do That.”

Released by Parlophone/EMI America, “Shouldn’t Do That” didn’t storm the charts like their early hits, peaking at #63 in the UK, but it remains a fascinating slice of mid-80s new wave. Its layered synths, driving rhythm, and unmistakable melodic flair demonstrate that even as the band evolved, they retained the catchy hooks that made them a staple of early-80s British pop.

Interestingly, the single also found a home beyond the record charts. It was included in the soundtrack of 1985’s Santa Claus: The Movie, adding an unexpected pop edge to the festive film. For many fans, this placement cemented the track’s quirky charm—playful enough for a family movie, yet still very much a product of Kaja’s distinctive new wave style.

“Shouldn’t Do That” may not be the band’s most famous track, but it’s a perfect snapshot of a group experimenting with identity, sound, and expression in the mid-80s. For collectors, 80s enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the paths Kajagoogoo/Kaja explored after their initial fame, it’s an essential listen.

SIDE A:
Shouldn’t Do That (Disciplined) 6:58
Mixed By – Ken Scott

SIDE B:
Charm Of A Gun 4:27
Backing Vocals – Lezlee Cowling
Guitar [Solo] – Michael Thompson
Mixed By – Nick Beggs, Paul Ryan (2), Steve Askew (2), Stuart Croxford Neale

Shouldn’t Do That (Undisciplined) 5:59
Mixed By – Nick Beggs, Paul Ryan (2), Steve Askew (2), Stuart Croxford Neale

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12R 6106
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – The Square Red Studio
Drums – Dave Mattocks*
Guitar – Steve Askew (2)
Lacquer Cut By – Nickz*
Lead Vocals, Bass – Nick Beggs
Photography By – Peter Ashworth
Producer – Ken Scott
Vocals, Keyboards – Stuart Croxford Neale
Written-By – N. Beggs*, S. Askew*, S. Neale*

NOTES:
Made in England

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
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.

September 2, 2025

Atlantic Starr – Freak-A-Ristic (US 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the mid-1980s, Atlantic Starr had already established themselves as a versatile force in R&B, known for their smooth ballads and energetic funk grooves. In 1985, the band entered a new chapter with the release of As the Band Turns, their sixth studio album. The lead single, “Freak-A-Ristic,” marked a turning point for the group—both musically and in terms of lineup.

Following the departure of longtime lead singer Sharon Bryant, Atlantic Starr underwent major changes. Four other members—drummer Porter Carroll, Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, trumpeter William Sudderth III, and saxophonist Koran Daniels—also exited, leaving the Lewis brothers (David, Jonathan, and Wayne) to restructure the group. Stepping into the spotlight was Barbara Weathers, whose smooth, confident vocals gave Atlantic Starr a fresh sound and direction.

Released in 1985, “Freak-A-Ristic” delivered a tight blend of funk, soul, and dance grooves, perfectly fitting the era’s club scene. The track showcased the band’s ability to reinvent themselves while keeping their signature polished musicianship intact. Listeners responded strongly on R&B radio: the single climbed to #6 on the Billboard R&B chart, while also reaching #90 on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, it found success in New Zealand, where it peaked at #38.

Though not as widely remembered as their later crossover ballads like “Always” and “Secret Lovers,” “Freak-A-Ristic” was essential in bridging Atlantic Starr’s early funk-driven sound with the smoother, more pop-friendly style that would bring them major mainstream success later in the decade. It also introduced the world to Barbara Weathers, who would become a key voice on some of the group’s biggest hits.

With its funky basslines, slick horn arrangements, and dance-floor energy, “Freak-A-Ristic” remains a snapshot of Atlantic Starr’s resilience and adaptability during a period of major transition.

SIDE A:
Freak-A-Ristic (Special Dance Mix) 6:30

SIDE B:
Freak-A-Ristic (Dub Mix) 6:53

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Freak-A-Ristic	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#90
1985	Freak-A-Ristic	U.S. Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop	#6

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12126
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk

CREDITS:

Art Direction – Chuck Beeson
Design, Painting – Larry Vigon
Engineer – Fred Law
Engineer [Remix] – Bill Bottrell
Mixed By [Mixologist] – David Lewis, John McClain, Jonathan Lewis, Wayne Lewis (2)
Producer – David Lewis, Wayne Lewis (2)
Producer [Associate] – Jonathan Lewis
Written-By – David E. Lewis*

NOTES:
Taken from the A&M album “As The Band Turns”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.

August 29, 2025

Charlie Sexton – Impressed (Canada 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In 1985, 16-year-old Texas guitar prodigy Charlie Sexton released his debut album Pictures for Pleasure. Fresh out of the Austin music scene, Sexton had already built a reputation as a musician well beyond his years.

Following the success of his debut single “Beat’s So Lonely,” which reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an MTV staple, MCA Records issued “Impressed” as the album’s second single. While the track carried the same glossy production and atmospheric charm, “Impressed” unfortunately failed to chart.

Produced by Keith Forsey (Billy Idol, The Breakfast Club soundtrack), “Impressed” leans heavily into the mid-80s new wave/post-punk hybrid sound. With moody guitars, layered synth textures, and Sexton’s deep, mature-sounding vocal delivery, the song seemed tailor-made for radio and MTV rotation. The 12″ single featured extended and dance-oriented versions that gave the track a club-ready edge, contrasting the darker rock tones of the LP.

**As a bonus track, I have also included the 7″ Remix, which I transferred from the US promo 7″ single.

SIDE A:
Impressed (Mixed Impressions) (Extended Dance Remix) 6:19
Engineer [Remix] – Dave Concors
Remix – Arthur Barrow

SIDE B:
Impressed (Wanna Bet Dub) 7:26
Engineer [Remix] – Steve Parker (2)
Remix – Charlie Sexton, Steve Lillywhite

BONUS TRACK:
Impressed (7″ Remix) 3:45
Remix – Charlie Sexton, Michael Frondelli, Steve Lillywhite

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23622
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: Canada
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic. Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Keith Forsey
Written-By – R. Wilson*, S. Krikorian*

NOTES:
Original version appears on the Charlie Sexton album “Pictures For Pleasure”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.

August 22, 2025

Mr. Mister – Kyrie (US 12″ Promo) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released around Christmas 1985, “Kyrie” became the second single from Mr. Mister’s second studio album, Welcome to the Real World. By March 1986, the soaring track had reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks, cementing the band’s place in mid-80s pop-rock history.

Following the chart-topping success of their previous single, “Broken Wings,” “Kyrie” further established Mr. Mister’s distinctive blend of thoughtful lyricism and anthemic, radio-ready production. The song is built on a driving synth-rock arrangement, with shimmering guitars and Richard Page’s earnest, urgent vocal delivery pushing the melody skyward.

The title, “Kyrie,” comes from the Greek phrase Kyrie eleison, which translates to “Lord, have mercy.” While the song isn’t overtly religious, its lyrics reflect a deeper, spiritual plea set against the backdrop of personal and universal searching. It’s a reflective anthem disguised as a massive pop hit.

Interestingly, lyricist John Lang (a frequent Mr. Mister collaborator and Richard Page’s friend since high school) wrote the words after surviving a near-fatal accident. That brush with mortality infused the song with its sense of reverence and vulnerability.

The music video, a staple on MTV, featured tour footage mixed with scenes of the band traveling across the American heartland, perfectly capturing the song’s sense of journey—both literal and spiritual.

“Kyrie” resonated with a wide audience, not just because of its polished 80s production, but also because of its universal message of hope, redemption, and perseverance. Even decades later, its soaring chorus—“Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel…”—still feels like an anthem for anyone navigating life’s uncertain paths.

*This 12″ promo was pressed on 100% virgin vinyl, dynamically enhanced for radio.

SIDE A:
Kyrie (Fade End) 4:33

SIDE B:
Kyrie (Acapella End) 4:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Kyrie	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1985	Kyrie	U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary	#11
1985	Kyrie	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA – JD-14248
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Drums – Pat Mastelotto
Guitar – Steve Farris (2)
Keyboards, Vocals – Steve George
Lead Vocals, Bass – Richard Page
Producer – Mr. Mister, Paul De Villiers
Written-By – Lang*, Page*, George*

NOTES:
From the “Welcome To The Real World” album.

Made in U.S.A.

Not for sale.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.