Tag: 1989

Queen – Scandal (UK 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released on October 9, 1989, “Scandal” was the fourth single taken from Queen’s thirteenth studio album, The Miracle. Although not one of their biggest chart hits, it peaked at number 25 in the UK. “Scandal” is a powerful track fueled by frustration, privacy, and defiance. And during Pride Month, it’s raw emotion and context that hit even deeper.

The song was written by Brian May but credited to the whole band, as was Queen’s custom during this era. It was a direct response to the press intrusion into both May’s and Freddie Mercury’s private lives. The tabloids had been circling Mercury for years, speculating about his health and sexuality. “Scandal” was Queen firing back, and the passion in Mercury’s vocal makes it unmistakably personal.

It’s no surprise that “Scandal” resonates within LGBTQ+ circles—not only for its theme of media scrutiny but also for its fierce dignity in the face of judgment. Mercury, a queer icon whether he publicly claimed the title or not, brought intensity and truth to the performance. The song becomes an anthem of endurance, a refusal to be defined by rumors or shame.

Today’s post features the rare and dramatic Extended Version from the 12″ single. Clocking in at over six minutes, this mix allows the song to breathe even more deeply—building tension with added instrumental breaks and extra emotional weight.

The B-side, “My Life Has Been Saved,” offers a more contemplative contrast and would later be reworked for Made in Heaven. But on this 12″, it stands as a poignant pairing to the storm of “Scandal.”

As we celebrate Pride, “Scandal” reminds us that the fight for truth, identity, and dignity has always been part of the queer experience. Freddie Mercury, with all his vulnerability and power, remains one of our most enduring symbols.

SIDE A:
Scandal (12″ Version) 6:34

SIDE B:
Scandal (7″ Version) 4:42
My Life Has Been Saved 3:15

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12 QUEEN 14, Parlophone – 12QUEEN 14
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1989
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
“Scandal” Taken from the album “The Miracle”.

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.


Donna Summer – This Time I Know It’s For Real (US 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

The Queen of Disco meets the Kings of Hi-NRG.

To kick off Pride Month with absolute euphoria, I’m posting one of Donna Summer’s finest late-’80s dance anthems—“This Time I Know It’s For Real”. Released in 1989, this track marked a bold comeback and a stunning collaboration with UK production powerhouse Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). And yes—it still hits.

After years of genre-hopping in the ’80s, Donna returned to her roots on the dancefloor with this glossy, synth-loaded smash. It climbed to #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit worldwide—her first UK Top 10 in almost a decade.

The 12″ version stretches the joy a little longer, and if you grew up hearing this in the clubs—or maybe roller-skating under mirror balls—it’s pure serotonin. For many of us, Donna Summer wasn’t just a disco icon; she was a spiritual mother of the dancefloor. Her music was freedom, sweat, style, and everything Pride stands for.

This song is also a nod to new beginnings—proof that it’s never too late for a second act, for reinvention, for love that finally feels real.

🌈 Pride Month Note:
There’s no better way to honor Pride than by turning up a Donna Summer track—because whether you were on the floor at Studio 54 or twirling in your bedroom, her voice gave us permission to feel fabulous, free, and fearless.

Happy Pride. Long live the Queen. Turn it UP.

SIDE A:
This Time I Know It’s For Real (Extended Remix) 7:22
Written-By – Summer, Stock Aitken Waterman

SIDE B:
If It Makes You Feel Good (LP Version) 3:45
Written-By – Stock Aitken Waterman*

This Time I Know It’s For Real (Instrumental) 3:34
Written-By – Summer, Stock Aitken Waterman

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #7
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #2
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs #5
1989 This Time I Know It’s For Real U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Atlantic – 0-86415
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Recorded at PWL

Printed in U.S.A.

A. Remixed from Atlantic LP 81987 – “Another Place And Time”
B1. From Atlantic LP 81987 – “Another Place And Time”

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.


The Touch with Terence Trent D’Arby – I Want To Know (International Lady) (Europe 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1989

I Want to Know (International Lady)” is a track by The Touch featuring Terence Trent D’Arby. Originally recorded in 1984 for the album Love on Time, the album gained renewed attention when it was re-issued in 1989 under the title Early Works, following D’Arby’s global success as a solo artist. In 1989, the “I Want to Know (International Lady)” was released as a 12″ vinyl maxi-single in Germany, marking its official debut as a standalone release.

Before his rise to fame with his debut solo album, Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby (1987), D’Arby was a member of The Touch. He joined the band while stationed in Germany during his military service. “I Want to Know (International Lady)” reflects his early musical style, blending elements of rock and funk.

The song also gained recognition for being featured in the 1984 German film Schulmädchen ’84, further solidifying its place in D’Arby’s early career history.

SIDE A:
I Want To Know (International Lady) (Club Mix) 6:53

SIDE B:
Weekend 3:47
I Want To Know (International Lady) (Radio Version) 4:27

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: IMP – 889 001-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Maxi-Single, 45 RPM
Country: Europe
Released: 1989
Genre: Rock, Funk / Soul
Style: Pop Rock, Funk, Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Recorded at FAR Music-studios, Rosbach 1983.
Digital remix at FAR Music-studios, Rosbach 1989.

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.



Prince – Batdance (US 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1989

NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Originally posted October 31, 2012

“Batdance” is a fascinating blend of musical innovation and pop culture, showcasing Prince’s ability to fuse different elements into a cohesive track. Released in 1989 as part of the “Batman” soundtrack, it became a significant hit, reaching number one in the U.S. and marking Prince’s return to the top of the charts after several years.

The last-minute decision to replace “Dance with the Devil” highlights Prince’s instinct to prioritize the song’s tone, opting for something more upbeat and energetic. The song’s structure is unique, with its dynamic shifts between chaotic beats and funk, which reflects the duality of the Batman character itself.

Incorporating snippets from various unreleased tracks and even the classic 1966 “Batman Theme,” “Batdance” serves as a rich tapestry of Prince’s musical ideas. The use of film dialogue adds an immersive layer, connecting the song directly to the movie’s narrative.

The U.S. 12″ promo’s exclusive radio edits further emphasize Prince’s meticulous approach to his music, catering to different formats while maintaining the essence of the track. Overall, “Batdance” not only captured the zeitgeist of its time but also solidified Prince’s status as a versatile and visionary artist.

*De-notes exclusive vinyl-only

BAT SIDE:
Batdance (The Bat Mix) 7:16
Batdance (The Bat Mix Radio Edit)* 4:10

THIS SIDE:
Batdance (Vicki Vale Mix) 5:57
Batdance (Vicky Vale Mix Radio Edit)* 4:15

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1989 Batdance U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
1989 Batdance U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks #1
1989 Batdance U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #1
1989 Batdance U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs #18

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – PRO-A-3702
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Dance-pop, Minneapolis Sound, House

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Generic black sleeve with die-cut circular hole which the label can be viewed

Side A label:
[1989 Batman™ logo on orange background]

Side B label:
[tracklist & credits, track B2 appears incomplete as “Batdance (Radio Edit)”]
Promotion Only. Not For Sale. From the Motion Picture Soundtrack album Batman™” a Warner Bros. film

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 3.0 (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.