Tag: 1986

March 31, 2026

Models – Cold Fever (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1985, Models had fully refined their sleek, synth-driven sound, culminating in their fourth studio album Out of Mind, Out of Sight. While the title track and “Barbados” found broader international attention, it was the album’s fourth single, “Cold Fever,” that delivered one of the band’s most atmospheric and underrated moments.

Built on shimmering keyboards, icy textures, and a driving mid-tempo groove, “Cold Fever” perfectly captures the polished sophistication that defined mid-’80s new wave. The production—handled by Mark Opitz—leans into a cinematic quality, layering synth lines over a tight rhythm section while Sean Kelly’s detached yet emotive vocal adds a sense of cool distance.

Unlike the brighter, more radio-friendly singles from the album, “Cold Fever” feels moodier and more introspective, almost nocturnal in tone. It’s a track that rewards repeat listens, revealing subtle production details and textures that often go unnoticed on first spin.

The single also found modest international success, reaching #29 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States, #22 in New Zealand, and #36 in Australia—further evidence of the band’s growing global reach during this period.

Issued in the United States in 1986 as a 12″ single, this pressing leans into the track’s atmospheric qualities, extending the arrangement for club play. The added space allows the synth textures and rhythmic pulse to breathe, making it a perfect fit for late-night sets where mood and groove take center stage.

Although it didn’t achieve the same chart success as its predecessors, “Cold Fever” stands today as a testament to Models’ ability to balance pop sensibility with artful restraint. For fans of sophisticated new wave, it remains a hidden gem within an already stellar album.

Did You Know?
Out of Mind, Out of Sight became the band’s most successful release, spawning multiple hit singles and solidifying Models as one of Australia’s premier acts of the era.

Fellow Australian band INXS were fans of Models; their manager, Chris Murphy, signed them to his MMA management company.

SIDE A:
Cold Fever (Extended Mix) 6:41
Out Of Mind Out Of Sight (“Live” Version) 4:02

SIDE B:
I Hear Motion (Extended Mix) 6:29
Preacher From The Black Lagoon 2:59

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Models: *Cold Fever* (1986)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#29	1986
New Zealand	#22	1986
Australia (Kent Music Report)	#36	1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Geffen Records – 0-20494, Mushroom – 0-20494, Geffen Records – 9 20494-0 A, Mushroom – 9 20494-0 A
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave

CREDITS:

Mixed By – Mark Opitz (tracks: A2), Nick Launay (tracks: B1)
Photography By – Eric Watson (3)
Producer – Mark Opitz (tracks: A1, A2, B2), Nick Launay (tracks: B1)
Remix – Julian Mendelsohn (tracks: A1)

NOTES:
Specially-priced Maxi Single.

Mixed At – Rhinoceros Studios

Track A2: Recorded live at Melbourne Concert Hall, Melbourne, Australia. Mixed at Rhinoceros Studios

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-Jec Tube Box DS2
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
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.

March 11, 2026

Oran “Juice” Jones – The Rain (Remix) (US 12″ Promo) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Smooth R&B Meets Street-Corner Drama

Released in 1986, The Rain by Oran ‘Juice’ Jones became one of the most memorable and unconventional R&B hits of the decade. Blending smooth soul with a spoken-word monologue that unfolds like a dramatic confrontation, the track stood apart from nearly everything else on radio at the time. Its cinematic storytelling and unforgettable mid-song breakdown helped make it an instant classic of 80s R&B.

An Unlikely Hit for Def Jam

Jones, born in Houston, Texas, was among the first R&B artists signed to Def Jam Recordings, the pioneering label founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. During the mid-80s, Def Jam was primarily known for groundbreaking hip-hop acts such as LL Cool J and Beastie Boys, making Jones’ polished R&B sound somewhat of an outlier on the roster.

Still, the label took a chance—and it paid off. “The Rain” showcased that Def Jam could reach beyond hip-hop and deliver a crossover R&B smash.

The Monologue That Made History

Musically, the song begins as a slick mid-80s soul groove built on drum machines, shimmering synths, and Jones’ smooth vocals. But halfway through, the track takes an unexpected turn when Jones launches into a spoken tirade after catching his girlfriend with another man.

The monologue—equal parts heartbreak, anger, and biting humor—plays out like a late-night street argument set against a rainy city backdrop. Lines like “I saw you—and him—walking in the rain…” instantly became part of pop culture lore, giving the song a theatrical edge rarely heard in mainstream R&B.

Chart Success and MTV Rotation

Despite its unusual structure, the single was a massive hit. “The Rain” topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

The dramatic music video—featuring Jones confronting his unfaithful lover in the rain—became a staple on MTV, further cementing the song’s place in 80s pop culture.

From the Album Juice

“The Rain” was the standout single from Jones’ debut LP Juice. While the album produced a few additional singles, none matched the cultural impact or staying power of his breakout hit.

A Timeless 80s Moment

Nearly four decades later, “The Rain” remains one of the most distinctive singles of the 1980s. Its blend of smooth R&B, storytelling, and spoken-word drama turned what could have been a typical slow jam into something unforgettable.

Whether remembered for its catchy groove or its legendary spoken confrontation, “The Rain” still stands as one of the most unique hit records of its era.

SIDE A:
The Rain (Remix) 5:12
Juice’s Groove (Bonus Beats) 2:46

SIDE B:
The Rain 5:09

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Oran “Juice” Jones: *The Rain* (1986)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#9	1986
US Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop	#1	1986
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#7	1986
Australia (Kent Music Report)	#85	1986
UK Singles Chart	#4	1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label:Def Jam Recordings – CAS 2496, Columbia – CAS 2496
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Hip Hop, Funk / Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues

CREDITS:

Producer – Russell Simmons, Vincent F. Bell*

NOTES:
Demonstration Not For Sale.
Taken from the Def Jam/Columbia LP Oran “Juice” Jones

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

**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.

March 3, 2026

Teena Marie – Lips 2 Find U (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

A 1986 Quiet Storm Gem from Teena Marie

In 1986, Teena Marie released “Lips 2 Find U” as a single from her album Emerald City, further cementing her status as one of R&B’s most sophisticated singer-songwriters of the decade.

While it may not be the first title that comes up in casual conversation, the single made a respectable impact, climbing to #28 on the Billboard Black Singles chart — proof that Teena’s core audience was locked in and listening.

The Emerald City Sound

By the mid-’80s, R&B production was evolving rapidly. Drum machines were sharper, synth textures glossier, and arrangements more layered. Yet Teena always found a way to keep warmth in the mix.

“Lips 2 Find U” sits squarely in that sweet spot — polished but intimate. The production is sleek, with airy keyboards and subtle rhythm programming that give the song space to breathe. It’s not bombastic. It’s not chasing pop crossover trends. It’s mood-driven and mature.

And that’s exactly why it works.

A Charting Slow Burn

Reaching #28 on the Billboard Black Singles chart may not qualify as blockbuster status compared to earlier hits like Lovergirl or the funk classic Square Biz, but it reflects something equally important: consistency.

By 1986, Teena wasn’t a novelty or a breakout artist — she was an institution within R&B. Songs like “Lips 2 Find U” reinforced her credibility with Quiet Storm programmers and adult soul audiences who valued emotional nuance over flash.

Vocals That Whisper and Soar

What makes the track endure is her performance.

Teena Marie had extraordinary vocal control. On this record, she leans into sensuality with restraint. The phrasing is delicate, almost conversational at times, then gently lifts into those signature soaring notes that remind you just how powerful her instrument truly was.

It’s longing without melodrama. Romance without excess.

Why It Deserves Rediscovery

For collectors and deep-dive fans, “Lips 2 Find U” represents a fascinating period in Teena’s career — post-breakthrough, fully autonomous, refining her sound in an increasingly digital era.

It’s the kind of single that may not dominate greatest-hits playlists but rewards anyone willing to explore beyond the obvious tracks. And for those of us who appreciate the art of the slow burn, it’s essential listening.

Teena Marie didn’t just deliver hits. She built moods.
And “Lips 2 Find U” is one of her most elegant.

SIDE A:
Lips 2 Find U 5:11

SIDE B:
Lips 2 Find U (Instrumental) 5:09

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Teena Marie: *Lips 2 Find U* (1986)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot Black Singles	#28	1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49-05376
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Synth-pop, Funk

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – Larkin Arnold
Mixed By, Producer, Written-By – Teena Marie
Photography – Randee St. Nicholas

NOTES:
Special Version from the Epic LP:
“Emerald City”

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

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.

January 29, 2026

Wild Blue – Fire With Fire (US 12″ Promo) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Closet 80s is a recurring series spotlighting overlooked and forgotten gems from the decade—songs that may not have dominated the charts but left a lasting impression. These are the records that still spark memories, reward rediscovery, and prove that some of the best ’80s music lived just outside the spotlight.

Wild Blue – Fire With Fire (1986)

Some songs feel inseparable from their moment—and Fire With Fire by Wild Blue is one of those lost 80s gems that deserves another listen.

Released in 1986, Fire With Fire was written specifically for the film of the same name, giving the track an immediate cinematic urgency. The song was written and produced by Chas Sandford, best known for co-writing John Waite’s Missing You. His knack for emotionally direct, radio-ready songwriting is all over this track—polished, dramatic, and built to connect.

Wild Blue were a Chicago-based band fronted by lead singer Renee Varo, whose powerful yet controlled vocal performance gives the song its emotional core. Firmly rooted in the AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) world, Fire With Fire balances melody and muscle, letting the verses simmer before the chorus opens up with conviction and fire.

The song enjoyed strong exposure beyond radio thanks to its music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV. In the mid-’80s, that kind of visibility mattered, and Fire With Fire fit perfectly alongside the era’s emotionally charged rock and pop visuals.

On the charts, the single debuted at #89 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on May 17, 1986, eventually peaking at #71. While it never became a major hit, its MTV presence and AOR appeal helped it leave a lasting impression. The track would later appear on Wild Blue’s debut album, No More Jinx, cementing its place as the band’s defining moment.

Fire With Fire is exactly the kind of record Closet 80s was made for—a song that may not have dominated the charts, but still captures the sound, ambition, and emotion of its time. Turn it up and rediscover a track that proves some fires never really go out.

SIDE A:
Fire With Fire (Edit) 3:30

SIDE B:
Fire With Fire (Long Version) 4:41

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance — Wild Blue: *Fire With Fire* (1986)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#71	1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis – VAS-2289
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Pop, Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Engineer – Gary McGachan
Mixed By – Chas Sandford, Gary McGachan
Producer – Chas Sandford
Written-By – C. Sandford*

NOTES:
For Promotional Use Only

From the forthcoming LP “No More Jinx” and the Motion Picture “Fire With Fire.”

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

**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.