Tag: 1988

March 4, 2025

Gardner Cole – Live It Up (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

This record has always been one of my guilty pleasures. I love its uplifting lyrics about embracing life no matter what comes your way—something that feels especially relevant right now. Blending freestyle, synth-pop, and house, the track boasts remixes by Keith Cohen, Steve Beltran, and Arthur Baker.

“Live It Up” was the debut single from singer-songwriter Gardner Cole, released in 1988. Featured on his album Triangles, the track fused pop, R&B, and dance influences, embodying the polished, radio-friendly production style of the late ’80s.

While the song only reached #91 on the Billboard Hot 100, it found greater success in the clubs, peaking at #13 on the Billboard Dance Chart in October 1988, where it spent seven weeks. Though not a major pop hit, “Live It Up” became a club favorite, showcasing Cole’s knack for infectious melodies and sleek production.

Beyond his own recordings, Gardner Cole was a prolific songwriter. He co-wrote Open Your Heart for Madonna and penned songs for major artists like Jody Watley and Tina Turner.

For Jody Watley, he co-wrote Most of All, a standout from her 1987 self-titled debut. Released as a single, it became a dance floor hit, reaching #11 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

For Tina Turner, he contributed to Whatever You Want, featured on her 19895album Wild’s Dreams. The song blended Turner’s signature rock and R&B sound with a refined mid-’90s production.

Though Live It Up didn’t turn Gardner Cole into a household name, his behind-the-scenes contributions left a lasting mark on pop and dance music, ensuring his influence lived on well beyond the charts.

SIDE A:
Live It Up (12″ Club Mix) 7:00
Remix – Keith Cohen, Steve Beltran

Live It Up (Dub) 7:18
Remix – Keith Cohen, Steve Beltran

Live It Up (Remix/Edit) 4:44
Remix – Keith Cohen, Steve Beltran

SIDE B:
Live It Up (12″ Remix) 7:26
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Arthur Baker

Live It Up (Acid Dub) 6:24
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Arthur Baker

Got Me Curious 3:58

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Live It Up	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#91
1988	Live It Up	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance / Club Play	#13

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – 0-21015
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Acid House, Synth-pop, Freestyle

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – Michael Ostin
Producer – Gardner Cole
Written-By – Danny Sembello (tracks: A1 to A3, B1, B2), Gardner Cole

NOTES:
1 to A3, and B1/B2 From the Warner Bros. album △’s

B1/B2 Additional production and mix by Arthur Baker for Arthur Baker Inc.

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.

December 19, 2024

U2 – Desire (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

Released in September 1988, “Desire” was the lead single from U2’s album Rattle and Hum. With its pulsating rhythm inspired by the Bo Diddley beat and Bono’s impassioned lyrics, the song channeled the raw energy of rock and roll while addressing themes of ambition and social critique.

Produced by Jimmy Iovine, “Desire” is notable for its stripped-down, garage rock sound. The track captures the spirit of 50s and 60s rock influences while addressing themes of ambition, lust, and spirituality—hallmarks of U2’s storytelling.

Chart Performance:
“Desire” achieved significant commercial success. It became U2’s first #1 single, topping the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the top spot on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, highlighting its cross-genre popularity and resonance with fans worldwide. It also reached #1 in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The track earned U2 their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1989, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most celebrated songs.

Legacy:
Over the years, “Desire” has remained a staple in U2’s live performances, often igniting concert audiences with its infectious rhythm and high-energy delivery. Its enduring appeal lies in how it blends the vintage rock sound with U2’s socially conscious and energetic style.

For 80s and 90s music fans, “Desire” represents an era when rock music was a driving force for entertainment and social commentary. It’s a testament to U2’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

SIDE A:
Desire (Hollywood Remix) 5:23
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown*, Edna Wright
Engineer [Assistant] – Andy Batwinas
Engineer [Remix] – Taavi Mote
Producer [Additional], Programmed By [Additional] – Jeff Lorber
Remix [Remix Production By] – Louil Silas Jr., Taavi Mote

SIDE B:
Desire (7″ Version) 2:59
Mixed By – Shelly Yakus
Recorded By – Paul Barrett

Hallelujah (Here She Comes) 4:17
Mixed By, Engineer – David Tickle, Marc DeSisto
Other [Special Thanks To], Vocals [Additional], Organ [Hammond] – Billy Preston

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Desire	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#3
1988	Desire	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Island Records – 0-96600
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: Sep 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Artwork By [Design Based On An Idea By] – Steve Averll Works, Associates
Artwork By [Designed By] – DZN, The Design Group
Lyrics By – Bono
Music By – U2
Photography – Anton Corbijn
Photography [Back Cover] – Bill Rubenstein
Producer – Jimmy Iovine

NOTES:
From the forthcoming Paramount Motion Picture,
Opening November 4th 1988,
and Island Records album
“U2 Rattle and Hum”.

Track A Remixed at Larrabee Sound.
Track B2 Recorded at STS Studio, Dublin.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.

December 12, 2024

George Michael – Monkey (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date September 24, 2013

“Monkey” is a hit single by George Michael from his debut solo album, Faith (1987). Released as the album’s fourth single in 1988, the song became a major success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The track showcases a funky, dance-oriented style, blending elements of pop and R&B, and was co-produced by George Michael and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

The lyrics reflect themes of addiction and unhealthy relationships, with Michael imploring someone to choose between him and their “monkey”—a metaphor for a habit or dependency. Its infectious beat, layered production, and cutting-edge remixes, including the popular Jam & Lewis remix, contributed to its club appeal and chart-topping performance.

“Monkey” also stands out for its music video, directed by Andy Morahan, featuring energetic visuals, including Michael performing alongside dancers and showcasing his signature style during the Faith era. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Michael’s versatility as an artist.

The remixes of “Monkey” played a significant role in its popularity, especially in the U.S. club scene. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, renowned producers known for their work with artists like Janet Jackson, created a special remix for the single release. This version amplified the track’s funky, percussive energy, enhancing its appeal on dance floors and radio stations alike. The remix was so impactful that it became the definitive version of the song played on U.S. radio.

In terms of chart performance, “Monkey” achieved significant success globally. While it became George Michael’s eighth #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, it also fared well on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Internationally, it charted within the top 10 in countries like Canada and Ireland, though it performed more modestly in the UK, peaking at #13 on the UK Singles Chart.

The single’s success cemented Michael’s reputation as one of the 1980s’ most versatile pop icons, capable of delivering everything from heartfelt ballads to irresistible dance tracks. “Monkey” also contributed to the massive commercial success of Faith, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1989.

SIDE A:
Monkey (Extended Version) 8:07

SIDE B:
Monkey (Acappella) 3:44
Monkey (Extra Beats) 3:43

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Monkey	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1988	Monkey	U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs	#8
1988	Monkey	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 07849, Columbia – 44-07849
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop, Dance-pop

CREDITS:

Artwork [Artwork By] – George Michael, Norman Moore
Engineer [Engineered By] – Steve Hodge
Lacquer Cut By [Runout Etching ❀] – Brian Gardner
Photography By [Photo By] – Chris Cuffaro
Producer [Produced By] – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Producer [Produced By], Written-By, Arranged By – George Michael
Remix [Special Re-mix By] – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

NOTES:
From the LP “FAITH”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.

December 11, 2024

Blue Mercedes – See Want Must Have (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

Blue Mercedes, the vibrant pop music duo from London, England, made waves in the late 1980s with their distinctive mix of style and danceable beats. “See Want Must Have,” released in April 1988, was the second single from their debut album Rich and Famous.

The track’s infectious energy and polished production made it a standout, earning it chart success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the U.K., the song climbed to #57 on the Singles Chart, while in the U.S., it resonated with club-goers, reaching an impressive #18 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.

“See Want Must Have” exemplifies the duo’s knack for blending catchy melodies with a playful sense of luxury, cementing their place in the late ’80s pop and dance music scenes. It’s a track that continues to evoke the era’s glamorous, carefree spirit and remains a favorite among fans of retro dance music.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
See Want Must Have (Street Latin Wolff II) 8:48
Mixed By – Phil Harding & Ian Curnow

SIDE B:
See Want Must Have (Funk Ass Mix) 6:48
Mixed By – Mixmaster Phil Harding*

See Want Must Have (Street Latin Wolff II Dub)+ 5:58
Mixed By – The Mixmaster (2), The Yo Boy*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	See Want Must Have	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#18

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23857
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Phil Harding & Ian Curnow

NOTES:
Original version appears on the Blue Mercedes LP “Rich And Famous”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.