Tag: 1985

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

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.

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.

August 7, 2025

Jody Watley – Girls Night Out (UK 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: May 4, 2018

Before Jody Watley became a chart-topping solo sensation in the late 1980s, she was already redefining herself beyond her Shalamar roots. In 1985, she took her first bold steps into solo artistry with a sleek, dance-forward single “Girls Night Out”—a track that quietly laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Only released in Europe on Mercury Records, “Girls Night Out” marked Jody’s second solo single after her departure from Shalamar, following 1984’s “Where the Boys Are.” While it didn’t make a commercial splash at the time, the record showcases a confident, club-ready Watley stepping into the spotlight with style and poise.

The single was co-produced by Gary Langan, a founding member of the Art of Noise, bringing a distinctly British edge and studio sophistication to the production. Langan’s signature blend of synth-heavy textures and abstract funk grooves pairs perfectly with Jody’s smooth vocal delivery, creating a track that’s both polished and underground. You can hear echoes of Art of Noise’s experimental rhythms layered beneath a crisp pop sheen—blurring the lines between electro, post-disco, and early house.

Released as Mercury MERX 196, the 12″ features an Extended Dance Version that gives the song plenty of room to breathe on the floor. Thumping basslines, stabbing synths, and a no-nonsense vocal performance make this a criminally underrated gem from her pre-solo-album years. It’s pure mid-’80s club magic.

This rare vinyl release is a true collector’s piece and a fascinating glimpse at an artist on the verge of superstardom. Just two years later, Watley would explode onto the U.S. charts with her debut album and the hit single “Looking for a New Love.” But with “Girls Night Out,” she was already signaling that the future of pop and dance belonged to her.

So grab your heels, call your crew, and turn it up—tonight’s for the girls.

🎶💃

BTG EXCLUSIVE BONUS

As a special treat, I’ve also included the rare 7″ Version of “Girls Night Out,” which does not appear on the 12″ single and is being featured here on Burning the Ground for the very first time. This shorter edit brings a tighter, radio-friendly structure to the track without losing any of its bold attitude or groove.

This is a must-hear for completists and a great introduction for anyone unfamiliar with this early, essential chapter in Jody’s solo career.

SIDE A:
Girls Night Out (Dance Mix) 5:53
ngineer – Gary Langan
Producer – Bruce Woolley , Gary Langan
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

SIDE B:
My House (4-free) 4:52
Engineer – Simon Sullivan
Producer – Bruce Woolley
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

BONUS TRACK:
Girls Night Out (7″ Version) 3:36
ngineer – Gary Langan
Producer – Bruce Woolley , Gary Langan
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – Merx 196
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – Laurence Stevens
Photography By – Brian Aris

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.

June 23, 2025

Quarterflash – Walking On Ice (Remix) (US 12″ Promo) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

🌈 Pride Month – Off the Beaten Path 🌈

Every June, I like to mix things up a bit — blending the obvious Pride floor-fillers with songs that carry an emotional weight, or simply capture the spirit of resilience, intensity, and passion that defines so much of the LGBTQ+ experience. Today’s post is one of those unconventional choices.

This is the 1985 single remix of Quarterflash’s “Walking on Ice,” taken from their third studio album, Back Into Blue.

Released on Geffen Records, this version was featured on both the 7″ single and a rare US 12″ promo sent to radio stations. The remix is subtle yet effective, smoothing out the original album version and giving it a more polished, radio-friendly edge without losing the moody tension that makes the song so compelling.

Quarterflash, fronted by the incredible Rindy Ross, were known for their fusion of rock, pop, and that unmistakable saxophone. While they’re most associated with early hits like “Harden My Heart,” it’s songs like “Walking on Ice” that reveal their darker, more emotionally complex side.

“I walk on ice, I play with fire / For loving you, baby, I’d dance on wire…”

The lyrics paint a picture of love as risk, as danger — a balancing act that many LGBTQ+ listeners, especially those who came of age in the ’80s, will recognize all too well—loving boldly, despite fear. Risking it all to be true to yourself. These are Pride themes, even if they come wrapped in a rock ballad rather than a club banger.

🎧 This remix may not be flashy or well-known, but it has a place in the Pride Month soundtrack — a moment to reflect, to feel, and to remember that Pride isn’t just about celebration. It’s also about survival, truth, and heart.

SIDE A:
Walking On Ice (Remix) 3:46

SIDE B:
Walking On Ice (Remix) 3:46

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Geffen Records – PRO-A-2400
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Producer – Steve Levine
Remix – Mike Shipley
Written-By – Marv Ross

NOTES:
Promotion Copy – Not For Sale

From the Quarterflash album “Back Into Blue”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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

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.