Tag: 1986

Spandau Ballet – Fight For Ourselves (Extended Remix) (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

“Fight for Ourselves” is a song by English new wave band Spandau Ballet, released as the lead single from their 1986 album Through the Barricades. In the UK, the track reached number 15 on the Singles Chart, but it was met with largely negative reviews.

Background
While touring to promote their 1983 album True, Spandau Ballet noticed a newfound synergy in their live performances and sought to replicate that energy in their next studio effort. However, their attempt to achieve this with True co-producers Tony Swain and Steve Jolley on 1984’s Parade left the band dissatisfied. Guitarist and songwriter Gary Kemp later admitted, “We were afraid to take a big leap after True. The problem was that Parade didn’t reflect the live energy we had. People were disappointed with the record.” Kemp emphasized, “We’re a rock band now.”

Determined to evolve their sound, the band decided to part ways with Swain and Jolley. They brought in recording engineer Gary Langan, whom they had met while working with Trevor Horn, to co-produce a single track as a test before committing to him for the full album. The chosen song, originally titled “Everybody (We’ve Got to Fight for Ourselves)”, was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich during the winter of 1986. The experiment proved successful, and Langan co-produced the entire album.

Release and Commercial Performance
“Fight for Ourselves” was released in the UK on July 14, 1986, and peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band’s first lead single from an album to miss the top 10. The track fared better internationally, reaching number 5 in Italy, number 7 in Ireland, and number 10 on the European Hot 100. It also charted in other countries, including Spain (11), Australia and the Netherlands (16), Belgium (20), Switzerland (23), West Germany (32), and New Zealand (33).

Despite its moderate success, lead singer Tony Hadley reflected in his 2004 autobiography To Cut a Long Story Short that the single’s performance “hardly squared with our hopes of global success.”

Music Video
The music video for “Fight for Ourselves,” directed by Simon Milne, features a playful storyline in which two young women—one played by Paul Young’s then-girlfriend Stacey Smith—sneak into a Spandau Ballet concert. Using powers of invisibility, they interact with band members during the performance. Chroma key effects were employed for the disappearing and reappearing sequences. The exterior shots of the concert venue were filmed at 43 King Street, Covent Garden, London.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Fight For Ourselves (Extended Remix) 7:30

SIDE B:
Fight For Ourselves 4:22
Fight … The Heartache+ 4:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Reformation – TA7264, Reformation – TA 7264, CBS – TA7264, CBS – TA 7264
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: Jul 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Packaging by Movat/ Assorted Images
Made In England

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

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Arcadia – The Promise (Extended Remix) (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

“The Promise” was the third single released by Arcadia, the Duran Duran offshoot band. Issued by Parlophone in 1986 as their second UK single, it reached number 37 on the UK Singles Chart.

The track features uncredited backing vocals from Sting. During Arcadia’s recording sessions for “So Red the Rose” in Paris, the band attended a Sting concert and decided to invite him to contribute to their album. They were particularly intrigued by the vocal chemistry between Sting and lead singer Simon Le Bon, first heard on Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Sting graciously accepted, resulting in a collaboration that became one of the group’s favorite moments on the record. Enhancing the track further, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour delivered expressive guitar work that added a haunting and ethereal quality, especially in its climactic sections.

The single version of “The Promise” was trimmed significantly from the album’s original 7:28 runtime to a more radio-friendly 4:50. Even the “extended remix,” produced by Alex Sadkin and Ron Saint Germain, ran slightly shorter than the album cut, clocking in at 7:05. The B-side of the single featured an extended mix of the album track “Rose Arcana.”

While “So Red the Rose” didn’t reach the commercial success of Duran Duran’s biggest albums, it earned critical praise and has since developed a devoted fanbase. “The Promise” stands out as a highlight, celebrated for its ambitious artistry and the rare collaboration of such iconic talents. For fans of Duran Duran and 1980s art-rock, the song remains an underrated gem and a testament to the creative freedom Arcadia embraced during this transitional period in their careers.

Although Roger Taylor, the drummer for Arcadia, appeared in only a few promotional photos and the music video for Election Day, his primary focus was on the recording side of the project. Taylor also contributed percussion to The Power Station, another Duran Duran offshoot.

SIDE A:
The Promise (Extended Remix) 7:05
Mixed By – Alex Sadkin, Ron Saint Germain
Performer, Backing Vocals [Uncredited] – Sting
Written-By – Rhodes, Taylor, Le Bon

SIDE B:
Rose Arcana (Extended Mix) 5:35
Mixed By – Alex Sadkin, Larry Alexander
Written-By – Rhodes, Le Bon

The Promise (7″ Mix) 4:50
Mixed By – Alex Sadkin, Ron Saint Germain
Performer, Backing Vocals [Uncredited] – Sting
Written-By – Rhodes, Taylor, Le Bon

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone Odeon Series – 12 NSR 2
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Gold Sleeve
Country: UK
Released: Jan 1986
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
The version of “Rose Arcana” on this single is much longer than the album version (So Red The Rose), but it does not have a unique title.

Manufactured in the UK by EMI Records Limited.

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.



Lou Reed – The Original Wrapper (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

“The Original Wrapper” is a song by Lou Reed from his 1986 album “Mistrial”. The track is notable for its blend of rock and rap, with Reed delivering the lyrics in a style resembling spoken word or rap. The song’s title is a play on words, referencing the concept of being “original” while also sounding like “rapper.”

Lyrically, the song reflects Reed’s signature wit and social commentary, touching on consumer culture and staying true to oneself amid external pressures. Though not one of his biggest hits, “The Original Wrapper” stands out for its experimentation with different genres and its commentary on authenticity.

The song’s video was also in heavy rotation on MTV, showing Reed’s continuing influence on the 80s music scene. It was nominated for Best Editing at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.

The B-side

“Video Violence” reflects Reed’s criticism of the media and how television was becoming a pervasive and negative influence in society.

The song touches on themes of desensitization to violence and how the media can exploit human suffering for entertainment. Its tone and subject matter resonate with Reed’s overall interest in examining the darker sides of modern culture.

SIDE A:
The Original Wrapper (Extended Version) 7:55

The Original Wrapper (Remix Single Version) 4:46
Mixed By – Bruce Lampcov
Remix – Fernando Saunders, Larry Alexander, Lou Reed

SIDE B:
The Original Wrapper (Dub Version) 6:24
Mixed By – Bruce Lampcov
Remix – Fernando Saunders, Larry Alexander, Lou Reed

Video Violence (Remix Version) 4:45
Mixed By – Bruce Lampcov
Remix – Fernando Saunders, Lou Reed, Neil Dorfsman

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA Victor – PW 14427
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop
Style: Breakbeat, Hip Hop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Original Version on the LP Mistrial

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 25.0 (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.



Go West – True Colours (Japan 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

“True Colours” is a song by British band Go West, released on November 17, 1986, as the lead single from their second studio album Dancing on the Couch. It was written by Peter Cox and Richard Drummie, and produced by Gary Stevenson. “True Colours” reached No. 48 in the UK and No. 22 in Ireland.

The song was not released in the United States.

SIDE A:
True Colours (The Snake Charmer Mix) 5:04

SIDE B:
True Colours 3:56
XL5 2:52

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
OBI Strip: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis – S14-163
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Japan
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
‘True Colours’ Taken from the forthcoming album “Dancing On The Couch”

“Do not play table tennis before listening to this record”

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 3.0 (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.