Tag: 1988

May 28, 2025

Information Society – What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) (Special Radio Promo) (US 12″ Promo) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“Pure energy…”

Bursting onto the late-’80s synthpop and freestyle scene with a sound that was futuristic, funky, and fueled by digital obsession, Information Society made their mark with the infectious 1988 hit “What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy).” Blending electronic dance rhythms with sci-fi aesthetics and a now-iconic sample from Star Trek, the track became an enduring staple of club culture and pop radio alike.

🚀 A New Wave of Synth

Formed in Minneapolis and later based in New York, Information Society fused the sharp, sequenced sensibility of synthpop with the bass-heavy grooves of freestyle and electro. Produced by Fred Maher and Paul Robb, “What’s On Your Mind” showcases the band’s flair for melodic hooks layered over state-of-the-art digital programming—cutting-edge for its time.

The track prominently features vocal samples of Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, licensed from Star Trek, delivering the phrase “pure energy,” which gave the song its subtitle. It was an early example of a pop hit using prominent sampling not just as texture, but as a hook.

📈 Chart Success

“What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went to #1 on the Dance Club Songs chart in 1988. It marked the band’s commercial breakthrough and remains their signature song. The track also helped establish Tommy Boy Records as a label at the forefront of electronic dance music in the U.S.

🎧 Timeless Techno-Romanticism

At its core, “What’s On Your Mind” is about communication breakdown in relationships—wrapped in shiny digital armor. It’s cold, clinical, and emotional all at once. With its clever use of sci-fi sampling and dancefloor drive, it captured the moment when synthpop crossed into the mainstream without losing its cool.

💿 About This Promo

While I’ve previously featured the commercial US 12″ single, this Special Radio Promo offers something a bit more exclusive—two rare radio edits that were originally scattered across various formats, including cassette singles and promotional CDs.

This promo was never commercially released, pressed in limited quantities strictly for radio station use. Designed to boost airplay, it features tailored edits that are harder to find and a must-have for collectors and completists alike.

This promo was issued in a TB 911 commercial retail picture sleeve with a cut in the corner; the back cover lists the tracks incorrectly.

SIDE A:
What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) (Pure Energy Mix) 4:35
Mixed By – Fred Maher, Roey Shamir

What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) (Pure Energy Radio Edit) 3:35
Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Mixed By – Fred Maher, Roey Shamir

SIDE B:
What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) (Club Radio Edit) 3:19
Edited By – Chep Nunez, The Latin Rascals
Mixed By – “Little” Louie Vega, Roman Ricardo

What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) (Club Mix) 7:58
Edited By – The Latin Rascals
Mixed By – “Little” Louie Vega*, Roman Ricardo

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988-89	What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#3
1988-89	What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#10
1988-89	What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play	#1
1988-89	What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play Maxi-Singles Sales	#2

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Tommy Boy – TB 911 PRO
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Retail Sleeve
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Freestyle, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Arranged By, Programmed By – Fred Maher, Paul Robb
Producer – Fred Maher
Written-By – K. Valaquen*, P. Robb*

NOTES:
Special radio Promo

Tracks are listed incorrectly on the sleeve.

From the album “INFORMATION SOCIETY”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.

May 22, 2025

Robert Palmer – Simply Irresistible (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In the summer of 1988, Robert Palmer stormed back onto the charts with “Simply Irresistible,” a bold, brash, and unapologetically confident anthem that became one of the defining hits of his career. Taken from his platinum-selling ninth studio album, Heavy Nova, the track showcased Palmer’s sleek fusion of hard rock swagger and dancefloor sheen — a formula he’d perfected since his Riptide days and the smash success of “Addicted to Love.”

Produced by Palmer himself, “Simply Irresistible” features an explosive horn section, stomping drums, and his signature vocal coolness, delivered with razor-sharp precision. The song’s infectious chorus, underscored by a wall of sound production, became an instant earworm that dominated radio and MTV alike.

The 12″ mix expands on the already high-octane energy of the single, giving DJs and fans a longer dose of that irresistible groove. Clocking in at just over six minutes, this extended version retains all the bombast of the original while giving the arrangement more breathing room — emphasizing the pulsing basslines, pounding percussion, and layers of synth and guitar that made the track a dance-rock juggernaut.

Visually, “Simply Irresistible” was immortalized by a striking music video directed by British fashion photographer Terence Donovan, featuring a cadre of identically styled women in black dresses and red lipstick, moving in mechanical precision. It was a continuation of the stylized aesthetic from “Addicted to Love” and helped cement Palmer’s image as the epitome of 80s cool.

Commercially, the single was a major success:

#2 on the US Billboard Hot 100

#1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart

Top 20 in Canada, Australia, and several European countries

Though some critics at the time were divided, accusing Palmer of recycling the formula that brought him success in 1986, fans embraced it wholeheartedly, and decades later, it’s still celebrated as a quintessential late-80s power pop anthem.

If Addicted to Love made Robert Palmer a superstar, “Simply Irresistible” proved it was no fluke — he truly had an irresistible formula.

SIDE A:
Simply Irresistible (Extended Version) 6:33

Simply Irresistible (7″ Version) 4:15

SIDE B:
Simply Irresistible (Instrumental) 4:46

Nova 2:56

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Simply Irresistible	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#2
1988	Simply Irresistible	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI-Manhattan Records – V-56095
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – David Harper (4)
Mixed By – Eric “ET” Thorngren*
Producer – Robert Palmer

NOTES:
Produced for Remlap Co. Inc., Direct Metal Mastering.

The album version can be heard on Heavy Nova.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.

April 9, 2025

Olivia Newton-John – The Rumour (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

NEW 2025 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Original post date May 31, 2017

Released in August 1988, “The Rumour” was the lead single and title track from Olivia Newton-John’s thirteenth studio album. Known for her wholesome image and soft pop hits, Olivia took a more mature and socially conscious turn on this record—addressing themes like tabloid gossip, environmental issues, and global awareness, all wrapped in polished late-’80s pop production.

Co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, “The Rumour” has an energetic bounce, driven by bright synths, a punchy rhythm section, and a hook that sticks. Elton didn’t just write the song—he also played piano and contributed backing vocals, adding an unmistakable touch of his signature flair to the track.

A stylish music video was filmed to promote the single, directed by Brian Grant (known for his work with artists like Whitney Houston and Duran Duran). The video featured slick, upbeat choreography by none other than Kenny Ortega, adding a vibrant visual energy that matched the song’s pop sophistication.

The track was also remixed for clubs by the legendary Shep Pettibone, who amped up the dancefloor appeal with extended instrumental breaks and a slick, late-’80s groove. Thanks to Shep’s remix, “The Rumour” found a second life on the dancefloor—peaking at #17 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, even if it only reached #62 on the Hot 100.

The 12″ version featured here includes Shep’s extended mix, which stretches out the shimmer and lets the groove breathe—Olivia never quite sounded like this before or since. It’s a sleek, underappreciated gem that showcases her versatility and willingness to evolve her sound.

Despite not being a huge commercial smash, “The Rumour” marks a fascinating era in Olivia’s career—one where she wasn’t afraid to experiment, speak her mind, and team up with pop royalty to craft something unique.

This one’s for the fans who remember when pop stars weren’t afraid to push boundaries—and still made it sound this good.

SIDE A:
The Rumour (12″ Extended Mix) 6:42
The Rumour (7″ Mix) 4:00

SIDE B:
The Rumour (12″ Dub) 4:14
The Rumour (Instrumental) 4:00

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	The Rumour	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#62
1988	The Rumour	U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary Tracks	#33
1988	The Rumour	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#17
1988	The Rumour	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Maxi-Singles Sales	#42

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23890
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: Aug 13 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Mixed By – Shep Pettibone, Steve Peck
Photography By – Herb Ritts
Producer – Elton John, James Newton Howard
Remix [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone
Written-By – Elton John & Bernie Taupin

NOTES:
Original versions appear on the Olivia Newton-John album “The Rumour” (MCA-6245)

Remix And Additional Production By Shep Pettibone For Mastermix Productions

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

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 7, 2025

Prince – Glam Slam (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Following the spiritual ecstasy of Alphabet St., Prince dove deeper into the sacred-meets-sensual waters with his second single from the Lovesexy album: the lush, layered, and provocatively titled “Glam Slam.” Released in 1988, the track continues Prince’s mission of merging flesh and faith—blending erotic overtones with a spiritual undercurrent in a way only he could pull off.

Musically, “Glam Slam” is a complex piece, sharing its DNA with Parade-era grooves like “Life Can Be So Nice.” Percussive, moody, and sprinkled with orchestral flourishes (courtesy of synth strings), the original album version ends on an almost cinematic note. But on the 12″ remix, Prince hands the controls over to Shep Pettibone and Steve Peck—who transform the track into a full-fledged dance floor jam. Their remix amps up the beats, adds new instrumental layers, and injects just enough sampling magic to give it that late-’80s Shep polish, all without losing the song’s original mystique.

The B-side, “Escape (Free Yo Mind From This Rat Race),” deserves its own spotlight. Though it shares a chorus sample from “Glam Slam,” this is no simple remix. Prince strips the original down and rebuilds it as a funk-laced, anti-violence anthem with an infectious bassline and socially conscious lyrics. “Escape” moves away from the divine sensuality of Lovesexy and lands squarely on the dancefloor—preaching liberation from drugs, gangs, and the toxic cycles of urban life.

True fans will notice that the opening lines of “Escape” are recycled from the unreleased Camille cut “Rebirth of the Flesh.” Those same lines even opened shows on the Lovesexy World Tour, segueing directly into “Erotic City”—a moment of pure Prince genius.

While “Glam Slam” may not have scaled the charts like some of his earlier hits, its layered production, spiritual themes, and remix treatment make it one of the more underrated gems in the Purple One’s vast catalog. And “Escape”? Just another reminder that even Prince’s B-sides were better than most artists’ A-game.

Burning the Ground Recommends:
Don’t sleep on the 12″ remix. It’s a Shep Pettibone masterclass. And “Escape” deserves heavy rotation—especially if you’re into the funkier, rawer side of Paisley Park.

SIDE A:
Glam Slam (Remix) 8:52
Edited By – The Latin Rascals
Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone
Remix – Shep Pettibone, Steve Peck

SIDE B:
Escape (Free Yo Mind From This Rat Race) 6:27

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Paisley Park – 0-21005
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, SRC Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Minneapolis Sound

CREDITS:

Written By – Prince

NOTES:
Original version from the Paisley Park Album LOVESEXY

Side A : Additional production for Mastermix Productions.

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.