Tag: 1986

November 7, 2025

Belouis Some – Jerusalem (UK 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In the mid-1980s, British singer-songwriter Belouis Some (born Neville Keighley) emerged with a stylish, synth-driven sound that fused pop hooks with an art-rock edge. Following the success of “Imagination” and “Some People,” his next single, “Jerusalem,” found him exploring a darker, more introspective side — a moody, atmospheric track that underscored his reputation as one of the era’s more intriguing voices.

Released in July 1986 as the fourth and final single from his debut album Some People, “Jerusalem” failed to make much commercial impact, peaking at #98 in the UK. Yet for fans and collectors of 1980s 12″ records, it remains a fascinating release — a deep cut brimming with sonic detail, haunting imagery, and a beautifully produced extended version.

The Sound of “Jerusalem”

Produced by Pete Schwier, Steve Thompson, and Michael Barbiero, “Jerusalem” blends shimmering synths with a steady pulse and a quietly powerful vocal from Belouis Some. The result is both cinematic and mysterious — a song that feels as much about atmosphere as melody.

Thompson and Barbiero, whose production credits include work with David Bowie, Talking Heads, and The Psychedelic Furs, brought a transatlantic sheen to the track. Their 12″ remix amplifies its tension and texture, pulling the listener into a shadowy emotional space that fits perfectly within the late-night synthpop aesthetic of 1986.

Lyrically, the song’s imagery is evocative rather than literal:

“You paint your face like it’s Jerusalem,
You lead the way like Jerusalem…”

Even Belouis Some admitted the track was “a bit depressing… just me trying to be clever,” but that introspection gives the song its depth. Its ambiguity, combined with his Bowie-esque delivery, creates a sense of isolation and grandeur that makes it linger long after the final notes fade.

The 12″ Single

The UK 12″ (Chrysalis CHS 12 2969) offered fans two versions of “Jerusalem” — a Long Version and an Instrumental Version — alongside an exclusive Dance Mix of “Target Practice”, another track from Some People that gets a muscular, rhythmic reworking here.

For collectors and DJs, this makes the 12″ essential. The mixes emphasize the song’s layered production and underscore Belouis Some’s ability to merge sophistication with dance-floor sensibility.

Critical Response

Although it didn’t climb the charts, “Jerusalem” was well received by critics who recognized its depth. Smash Hits described it as “haunting” and “David Bowie-inspired,” an apt comparison given the theatrical vocal phrasing and dark romantic tone. In hindsight, “Jerusalem” stands as one of Belouis Some’s most artful moments — sophisticated, moody, and meticulously crafted.

Legacy

For 12″ enthusiasts, “Jerusalem” represents exactly what makes 1980s vinyl culture so enduring: extended versions that breathe, production that rewards close listening, and B-sides that surprise. The addition of the “Target Practice (Dance Mix)” gives this release extra value, showing how Belouis Some and his producers viewed remixing as an art form rather than an afterthought.

It may not have topped the charts, but “Jerusalem” remains a rewarding listen — a slice of mid-80s sophistication that bridges pop ambition with post-new wave introspection. For those who collect, spin, or simply admire the craft of 12″ singles, this one’s a must-hear.

There was not a music video produced for this single.

SIDE A:
Jerusalem (Long Version) 5:56
Jerusalem (Instrumental Version) 5:54

SIDE B:
Target Practice (Dance Mix) 6:02

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12 R 6134, Parlophone – 12R 6134
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synthpop

CREDITS:

Design – Accident (8)
Photography By – Eric Watson (3)
Producer – Belouis Some (tracks: A1, A2), Pete Schwier (tracks: A1, A2), Steve Thompson • Michael Barbiero*
Remix – Joe Melotte* (tracks: B), Martin Freeland (tracks: B)
Written-By – Belouis Some

NOTES:
From the LP “SOME PEOPLE”

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.

October 16, 2025

Robey – I Surrender (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

French-Canadian actress, songwriter, and singer Louise Robey, known professionally as Robey, released “I Surrender” as her fourth single in 1986. The song was issued exclusively as a 12″ single in the United States and Canada, making it a standout in her discography and a sought-after collectible among fans of 1980s dance music.

Unlike her earlier singles, “I Surrender” did not appear on her self-titled debut album from 1985, which featured her breakout hit cover of “One Night in Bangkok.” Instead, this track was a non-album single that further showcased Robey’s dramatic vocal delivery and her flair for cinematic, synth-driven production.

Built around a steady club beat, lush synth textures, and Robey’s signature sultry vocals, “I Surrender” embodies the Hi-NRG and electro-pop sound that defined the mid-80s dancefloor. The single reached #47 on the Billboard Dance Chart in October 1986, becoming Robey’s final charting single in the U.S.

Although it didn’t achieve mainstream success, “I Surrender” remains a fascinating slice of mid-80s club culture — a shimmering, emotional track that captures the moment when pop, dance, and performance art all collided under the strobe lights.

Outside of her music career, Robey is perhaps best remembered for her role as Micki Foster on the cult TV series Friday the 13th: The Series. Her unique blend of glamour, mystery, and charisma made her a defining figure of 1980s pop culture — and “I Surrender” stands as a perfect example of her musical style and artistic spirit.

SIDE A:
I Surrender 6:06
Executive Producer – Joel Diamond
Producer – Mark Berry
Written By – D. Batteau, D. Freeman, J. Ingram

SIDE B:
I Surrender (Dub Mix) 4:53
Executive Producer – Joel Diamond
Producer – Mark Berry
Written By – D. Batteau, D. Freeman, J. Ingram

Paris, Paree 5:45
Executive Producer – Joel Diamond
Producer – Marcus Barone
Written By – Louise Robey, M. Barone

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance — Robey: I Surrender (1986)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Dance Club Songs	#47	1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis – 4V9 43018
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Photography – Guy W. Cearley

NOTES:
Recorded at Broccoli Rabe Studios 1986

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.

August 19, 2025

Charlie Sexton – Hold Me (US 12″ Promo) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In 1986, a teenage guitar prodigy from Austin, Texas was already making waves in the rock and pop world. Charlie Sexton, only 16 years old at the time, released Hold Me as the third single from his debut album Pictures for Pleasure.

Produced by hitmaker Keith Forsey—best known for his work with Billy Idol and producing the Flashdance and Breakfast Club soundtracks—the track showcases Sexton’s blend of youthful energy, guitar-driven rock, and glossy mid-80s production. While his earlier single Beat’s So Lonely became his breakout hit, Hold Me revealed a more melodic and vulnerable side to his artistry.

Pictures for Pleasure positioned Sexton as both a guitar slinger and a rising pop star, balancing polished hooks with the grit of his bluesy Texas roots. It was an impressive debut for someone who, at an age when most were still figuring out high school, was already signed to MCA Records, touring internationally, and appearing on MTV.

Though Hold Me didn’t climb the charts as high as its predecessor, it remains a strong entry in Sexton’s early catalog—a testament to his undeniable talent and the industry’s faith in his star potential. Listening today, the single still captures that mid-80s blend of sophistication and youthful intensity, with Sexton’s vocals carrying both polish and passion.

Charlie Sexton would go on to work with an incredible roster of artists—eventually becoming a longtime member of Bob Dylan’s touring band—but Hold Me is a reminder of his remarkable beginnings. At just 16, he wasn’t just chasing the dream; he was living it.

SIDE A:
Hold Me (Long Version) 4:27

SIDE B:
Hold Me (Short Version) 3:56

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-17149
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Producer – Keith Forsey
Written-By – D. Oppenheim*, I. Schuster*, L.J. Little*

NOTES:
Management: Tim Neece

From the Charlie Sexton Album “Pictures For Pleasure”

12″ Promotional Single 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 18, 2025

Paul McCartney – Press (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In July 1986, Paul McCartney returned to the pop charts with “Press”, the lead single from his sixth solo studio album, Press to Play. Released on July 14, 1986, the song marked a distinct step into mid-80s production for McCartney, pairing his classic songwriting style with glossy, synth-driven textures and a bright pop sheen.

Produced by Hugh Padgham, who was well-known for his work with Genesis, The Police, and Phil Collins, “Press” blended jangly guitars, drum programming, and layered keyboards to create a contemporary sound. The song’s lyrics are a lighthearted metaphor, comparing love and communication to the simple act of pressing a button.

Chart Performance

“Press” had a modest chart run compared to McCartney’s earlier hits. In the U.S., it reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #10 on the Adult Contemporary chart, while in the U.K., it stalled at #25 on the Singles Chart. Though not one of his biggest successes, it remains a curious and charming entry in his catalog, capturing McCartney’s willingness to experiment with the evolving sounds of the 1980s.

Music Video

The “Press” music video by Paul McCartney was filmed entirely on the London Underground. Specifically, McCartney takes the tube from South Kensington to Piccadilly Circus. The video, directed by Philip Davey, features McCartney singing the song while traveling on the Jubilee line.

✨ While “Press” may not hold the same iconic status as McCartney’s earlier solo hits, it stands as an underrated gem from his 80s output—playful, catchy, and very much of its era. For fans of 12-inch singles and synth-infused pop, it’s a fun one to revisit.

SIDE A:
Press (Video Soundtrack) 4:44
It’s Not True 5:47

SIDE B:
Hanglide 5:16
Press (Dub Mix) 6:29

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1986	Press	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#21

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15235, MPL (2) – V-15235
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: Jul 16, 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Lacquer Cut By – Wally*
Mixed By – Bert Bevans (tracks: A1, B2), Julian Mendelsohn (tracks: A2), Matt* (tracks: B1), Mac* (tracks: B1), Steve Forward (tracks: A1, B2)
Producer – Hugh Padgham
Producer, Written-By – Paul McCartney

NOTES:
Tracks A1 and B2 are different mixes from the album version.
Track A2 was issued as a CD bonus track.
Track B1 was issued as a non-album track.

Buy the 12″ from 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.