Tag: 1987

April 29, 2026

Michael Jackson – Bad (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In 1987, Michael Jackson faced what seemed like an impossible task, following the biggest-selling album of all time, Thriller. Most artists would have played it safe. Jackson did the opposite. He came back louder, tougher, and with something to prove. The result was “Bad,” a song that wasn’t just a hit single, it was a statement.

Released on September 7, 1987, as the second single from the album of the same name, “Bad” introduced a sharper and more aggressive side of Jackson. Gone was some of the wide-eyed wonder of Off the Wall and Thriller. In its place was confidence, attitude, and swagger. Written by Jackson himself and co-produced with Quincy Jones, “Bad” was built to make an impact. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 24, 1987, where it stayed for two consecutive weeks, becoming Jackson’s eighth U.S. No. 1 single.

Musically, “Bad” is driven by a punchy bassline, sharp percussion, and one of Jackson’s most commanding vocal performances. He spits out the lyrics with urgency and bravado, delivering lines that feel more like challenges than pop hooks. It was Jackson stepping into a harder streetwise image, even if he was still unmistakably Michael.

The inspiration for the song reportedly came from a real-life story Jackson had read about a student from a private school who was killed after returning to his old neighborhood and trying to prove he still belonged there. Jackson took that idea and transformed it into a song about identity, respect, and survival. It became less about being “bad” in the criminal sense and more about strength and self-definition.

Of course, no discussion of “Bad” is complete without the short film. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the full 18-minute video was far more ambitious than the average music promo of the era. Set in New York and filmed in black and white, it starred a young Wesley Snipes in one of his earliest screen appearances. The film gave the song a cinematic edge and helped cement the visual identity of the entire Bad era.

The choreography also became iconic. Jackson once again turned movement into part of the song’s DNA. The snapping, the sharp footwork, the aggressive stance, it all made “Bad” instantly recognizable. It was one of those performances that people tried to imitate the minute they saw it.

The larger Bad album went on to make history, becoming the first album ever to produce five Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, with “Bad” serving as one of its defining moments. It proved Jackson could survive the shadow of Thriller, even if critics at the time insisted on comparing the two.

Looking back now, “Bad” stands as one of the essential Michael Jackson singles. It was bold, stylish, and fearless. It showed that he wasn’t interested in repeating himself. He wanted to push forward, even under enormous pressure.

Nearly four decades later, “Bad” still sounds like an artist refusing to stand still.

Because sometimes the best response to impossible expectations is simple:

You ask, “Who’s bad?”

And Michael answers it himself.

SIDE A:
Bad (Dance Extended Mix Includes ‘False Fade’ ) 8:24
Remix – Bruce Swedien

Bad (7″ Single Mix) 4:08

SIDE B:
Bad (Dance Remix Radio Edit) 4:55
Remix – Bruce Swedien

Bad (Dub Version) 4:07
Bad (A Cappella) 3:49

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Michael Jackson: *Bad* (1987)
Chart (1987)	Peak position
Australia (Australian Music Report)	4
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)	9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)	1
Canada Retail Singles (The Record)	1
Canada Top Singles (RPM)	5
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)	1
Denmark (IFPI)	1
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)	1
Finland (Suomen virallinen singlelista)	6
France (SNEP)	4
Hungary (MAHASZ)	6
Ireland (IRMA)	1
Italy (Musica e Dischi)	1
Italy Airplay (Music & Media)	6
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	1
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	1
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	2
Norway (VG-lista)	2
South Africa (EMA)	4
Spain (AFYVE)	3
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)	4
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	3
UK Singles (OCC)	3
US Billboard Hot 100	1
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)	33
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard), Remix	1
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard), Remix	1
US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)	1
US Hot Crossover (Billboard)	1
US Cash Box Top 100	1
US CHR/Pop Airplay (Radio & Records)	1
West Germany (GfK)	4

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49 07462
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dance-pop

CREDITS:

Art Direction – Nancy Donald, Tony Lane (2)
Co-producer, Written-By – Michael Jackson
Lettering [“Bad” Lettering] – Jeffrey Spear
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography By – Sam Emerson
Producer – Quincy Jones
Recorded By, Mixed By – Bruce Swedien

NOTES:
Also Available: Michael Jackson’s LP “Bad” on Epic Records, Cassettes and Compact Disc.

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.

April 1, 2026

Lene Lovich – Lucky Number / New Toy (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Some songs define a moment—and then some songs feel like they arrived from an entirely different planet. “Lucky Number” by Lene Lovich is very much the latter.

Released in 1979 on the legendary Stiff Records, “Lucky Number” was Lovich’s breakthrough single and an early beacon of what would soon be labeled new wave. At a time when punk was beginning to splinter into more experimental forms, Lovich burst through with something theatrical, eccentric, and irresistibly catchy.

From the very first seconds, “Lucky Number” grabs hold with its hypnotic riff and off-kilter rhythm. But it’s Lovich’s voice—elastic, playful, and utterly unpredictable—that makes the track unforgettable. She yelps, coos, and leaps across octaves with a sense of controlled chaos, turning the song into a performance as much as a piece of music.

Co-written with Les Chappell, the track strikes a balance between its quirky sensibilities and a strong pop foundation. Beneath the art-school oddities lies a tight structure and undeniable hook—one that helped propel the single to No. 3 on the UK charts and introduced Lovich to a wider international audience.

What made “Lucky Number” so striking in 1979—and still today—is its refusal to conform. Lovich, with her wide-eyed stare and distinctive fashion (often described as a blend of cabaret and surrealist dream), stood apart from her contemporaries. While many artists were chasing either punk aggression or disco polish, she carved out a space that felt uniquely her own.

The song also became a staple of early music television, its quirky video perfectly matching Lovich’s persona. Long before MTV would dominate the landscape, artists like Lovich were already exploring how visual identity could amplify their sound.

For fans of 12-inch culture and extended mixes, “Lucky Number” is an interesting case. While it didn’t receive the same club-focused remix treatment that would dominate the early-to-mid ’80s, its punchy, concise arrangement is part of its charm. Every second feels intentional—there’s no excess, just pure, kinetic energy.

🔊 Special Note About This 12″ Release

This particular 12″ is the 1987 US reissue and features the “Slavic Dance Version” of “Lucky Number”—though interestingly, this mix is not indicated anywhere on the sleeve or label.

Even more exciting, this post features a brand new 2026 audio restoration and transfer, bringing fresh life and clarity to this unique version.

Longtime readers may remember that I originally posted this 12″ back on May 12, 2012—making this updated version a welcome revisit and upgrade for collectors and fans alike.

More than four decades later, “Lucky Number” still sounds fresh, strange, and exhilarating. It’s a reminder of a time when pop music was fearless, when individuality wasn’t just encouraged—it was the entire point.

For those digging through the roots of new wave, or simply looking for something delightfully different, “Lucky Number” remains exactly what its title promises: a rare and wonderful find.

SIDE A:
Lucky Number (Slavic Dance Version) 4:36
Written-By – Lovich, Chappell

SIDE B:
New Toy 3:20
Written-By – Dolby*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS Special Products – P 20135
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Art Direction – Michael Evanston

NOTES:
Manufactured by CBS Records/CBS Inc.

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 13, 2026

Georgio – Lover’s Lane (Europe 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released in 1987, “Lover’s Lane” by Georgio became one of the standout singles from his debut album Sex Appeal. Issued on Motown Records, the track perfectly captured the sleek, synth-driven Minneapolis funk sound that was dominating dance floors in the mid-to-late 1980s.

A Minneapolis, Minnesota native, Georgio emerged during the era when the so-called “Minneapolis Sound”—popularized by artists like Prince and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis—was reshaping R&B and dance music. Blending crisp drum machines, glossy synthesizers, and sensual vocals, “Lovers Lane” delivered a smooth yet club-ready groove that resonated strongly with DJs and dance audiences.

The single became Georgio’s biggest hit, climbing to #2 on the dance chart published by Billboard, while also crossing over to #26 on the R&B chart and #59 on the Billboard Hot 100. With this success, “Lover’s Lane” marked Georgio’s third consecutive Top 10 entry on the Billboard Dance Chart, further establishing him as one of the era’s notable club music artists.

Driven by its hypnotic rhythm and seductive atmosphere, “Lover’s Lane” remains a prime example of late-’80s Motown venturing into the contemporary dance and electro-funk landscape. The song’s shimmering production and romantic late-night vibe helped it become a favorite in clubs and on mix shows, solidifying Georgio’s place in the dance music scene of the decade.

Today, “Lover’s Lane” stands as a reminder of a time when Motown was embracing the electronic pulse of the dance floor—delivering sophisticated grooves that kept DJs spinning and dancers moving well into the night.

SIDE A:
Lover’s Lane (New After Hours Vocal Mix) 6:06
Remix – Bruce Forest, Frank Heller

Lover’s Lane (Club Mix) 6:51
Remix – Bruce Forest, Frank Heller

SIDE B:
Lover’s Lane (Georgio’s Love Dance Mix) 7:19
Remix – Georgio (2)

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Georgio: *Lover’s Lane* (1987)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#59	1987
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#2	1987
US Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop Songs	#26	1987

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – ZT41612
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Written-By, Directed By, Arranged By, Producer – Georgio (2)

NOTES:
MAXI-SINGLE 12 INCH

In Album: “Sexappeal”

Printed in Germany by Topac – Imprimé en Allemagne par Topac

Made from masters of Motown Record Corporation

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.

February 18, 2026

Los Lobos – La Bamba (UK 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

When La Bamba hit theaters in the summer of 1987, it didn’t just reintroduce audiences to the tragic story of Ritchie Valens — it reignited a rock ‘n’ roll classic and sent it roaring back to the top of the charts. At the center of that revival was East L.A.’s own Los Lobos and their electrifying remake of “La Bamba.”

From Veracruz to Rock ‘n’ Roll

“La Bamba” began life as a traditional Mexican folk song from the state of Veracruz, dating back centuries. In 1958, Ritchie Valens transformed the regional son jarocho standard into a groundbreaking rock ‘n’ roll single, fusing Spanish lyrics with a driving backbeat. His version became a landmark recording — one of the first Spanish-language songs to crack the U.S. pop charts.

Nearly three decades later, Los Lobos were tapped to record the entire soundtrack for the biopic about Valens’ life. Rather than simply imitate the original, the band infused “La Bamba” with their own muscular blend of rock, Tex-Mex, and roots influences, honoring the spirit of Valens while adding contemporary firepower.

Chart Domination in 1987

Released in June 1987, Los Lobos’ “La Bamba” quickly became a global phenomenon. The single became Los Lobos’ biggest hit and remains their only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its crossover appeal was remarkable — a Spanish-language rock song dominating mainstream pop radio in the MTV era.

A Cultural Milestone

Beyond its chart success, “La Bamba” was culturally significant. It reaffirmed the deep roots of Latin music within American rock history and introduced a new generation to Ritchie Valens’ legacy. For many listeners in 1987, this was their first exposure to a Spanish-language song at the very top of the pop charts.

The accompanying film, starring Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens, amplified the song’s emotional impact. Audiences didn’t just hear “La Bamba” — they experienced it as part of a story about family, ambition, identity, and loss.

The Sound: Then and Now

Los Lobos’ version is punchy and celebratory, driven by tight percussion, crisp guitar riffs, and an infectious call-and-response vocal. While faithful to the melody and structure of Valens’ hit, it carries a late-’80s production sheen that made it radio-ready for a new era.

Nearly 40 years later, the track remains a party staple, wedding favorite, and instant dance-floor igniter. Few remakes have so completely honored the original while simultaneously becoming definitive in their own right.

“La Bamba” is more than a cover — it’s a bridge between cultures, generations, and musical traditions. And in 1987, it proved that a song rooted in centuries-old folk tradition could still conquer the modern pop world.

MTV and Music Video

The song’s impact extended beyond radio and the box office — it also made a major splash on MTV.

The vibrant music video for “La Bamba,” directed by Sherman Halsey, perfectly blended performance footage from Los Lobos with scenes from the 1987 biopic La Bamba. Adding authenticity and emotional resonance, the clip featured Lou Diamond Phillips, who portrayed Ritchie Valens in the film.

The video became a staple of late-’80s MTV rotation and went on to win the 1988 MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film, further cementing the single’s cultural dominance. By combining cinematic storytelling with an explosive live-band energy, the clip helped introduce Valens’ legacy — and Los Lobos’ dynamic reinterpretation — to an even wider global audience.

A Bit Of Fun

I had a little fun with this one — something I rarely do.

I put together a friendly BTG radio edit of sorts, doing a bit of tasteful cut-and-paste work to tighten things up and give it a slightly different flow while keeping the spirit of the original intact—nothing too drastic — just a playful reimagining from the Burning The Ground lab.

I hope you enjoy this little twist as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

SIDE A:
La Bamba 2:53
Arranged By, Adapted By – Ritchie Valens
Producer – Mitchell Froom

SIDE B:
Charlena 2:47
Producer – Steve Berlin
Written-By – Herman B. Chaney, Manuel G. Chanez

Rip It Up 1:39
Producer – Steve Berlin
Written-By – John Marascalco, Robert A. Blackwell*

BONUS TRACK:
La Bamba (BTG Radio Edit) 2:12
Arranged By, Adapted By – Ritchie Valens
Producer – Mitchell Froom
Special Edit – DjPaulT

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Los Lobos: *La Bamba* (1987)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#1	1987
US Billboard Hot Latin Songs	#1	1987
US BillboardAdult Contemporary	#4	1987
US Billboard Hot Country Songs	#57	1987
US Billboard Mainstream Rock	#11	1987
Australia (Australian Music Report)	#1	1987
Canada Top Singles (RPM)	#1	1987
Finland	#11	1987
France	#1	1987
Greece	#1	1987
Ireland	#1	1987
New Zealand	#1	1987
Portugal	#1	1987
Spain	#1	1987
Switzerland	#1	1987
UK Singles	#1	1987
Zimbabwe	#1	1987

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: London American Recordings – LASHX 13
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock, Latin, Stage & Screen
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Photography By [Back Cover] – Paul Harris

NOTES:
From the forthcoming album “La Bamba, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”.

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.