Tag: 1989

July 30, 2025

Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy (US 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Originally released in 1988, “She Drives Me Crazy” marked the explosive return of British trio Fine Young Cannibals. Issued as the lead single from their second (and final) album The Raw & the Cooked (1989), the track became an instant classic—showcasing Roland Gift’s unmistakable falsetto and the band’s clever fusion of pop, soul, and funk.

Written by frontman Roland Gift and bassist David Steele, and co-produced by the band along with David Z (a longtime Prince collaborator), “She Drives Me Crazy” has one of the most iconic snare sounds of the era. The distinctive “pop” of the drum was no accident—David Z employed an inventive technique during the recording sessions at Prince’s famed Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis. The snare part was recorded separately, then played back through a speaker placed on top of the snare drum while a mic underneath captured the sound again—creating that sharp, tight punch that helped the track cut through on both radio and the dancefloor.

Chart-wise, the single became the band’s biggest hit. In the UK, it reached No. 5—making it their highest-charting release at home. But it was in the U.S. that the song really took off, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for a week in April 1989. It also topped charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Austria, and Spain, cementing Fine Young Cannibals’ global success. Two different music videos were shot for the track—one by French choreographer/director Philippe Decouflé and another by Pedro Romhanyi.

Today on Burning the Ground, I’m featuring the U.S. 12″ single, which includes three rare remixes by Justin Strauss: a club-friendly extended remix a Dub, and a tight edit version—none of which have been released digitally or appeared on commercial CD (except for a scarce promo) which included the Justin Strauss Remix. Strauss’s approach adds extra rhythmic space and re-sequencing, extending the groove while preserving the quirky charm of the original.

If, like me, you spent countless nights in record stores or at clubs chasing down mixes you knew weren’t on your regular 12″, this one’s for you. A peak pop moment, reimagined with the dancefloor in mind.

SIDE ONE:
She Drives Me Crazy (The Justin Strauss Remix) 7:42
Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Engineer [Remix] – Daniel Abraham
Keyboards – Eric Kupper
Producer [Additional], Remix – Justin Strauss

She Drives Me Crazy (Single Remix) 3:48
Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Engineer [Remix] – Daniel Abraham
Keyboards – Eric Kupper
Producer [Additional], Remix – Justin Strauss

SIDE A:
She Drives Me Crazy (David Z Remix) 7:05
Remix – David Z.

She Drives Me Crazy (Driven Crazy Dub) 5:33
Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Engineer [Remix] – Daniel Abraham
Keyboards – Eric Kupper
Producer [Additional], Remix – Justin Strauss

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard 12 Inch Singles Sales	#3
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play	#1
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#54
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks	#5

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: I.R.S. Records – IRS-23926
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Pinckneyville
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic, Pop, Stage & Screen
Style: Dance-pop, House

CREDITS:

Management – Tony Meilandt
Producer – David Z.
Written-By – Steele*, Gift*

NOTES:
The labels state Side One and Side A.

Tracks A1/A2/B2: Additional production for Just Right Productions.
Track A1 is also known as the “U.S. Mix”.

Management is written “Tony Meilandt AGM Management”

This release was pressed at the MCA Pressing Plant, Pinckneyville .

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.

July 29, 2025

Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy (US 12″ Promo) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today on Burning the Ground, I’m featuring a true promo-only gem from the tail end of the ’80s dance explosion: Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” the U.S. 12″ promo issued by MCA Records in 1989. This release was aimed squarely at club and radio DJs and includes six exclusive remixes not commercially available elsewhere—crafted by none other than legendary remixer and MCA A&R man Louil Silas Jr.

“She Drives Me Crazy” was the lead single from The Raw & the Cooked, the sophomore (and final) album by the British trio Fine Young Cannibals. Released in early 1989, the track quickly became a global smash, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian RPM chart, and topping charts across Europe. With its instantly recognizable snare snap and Roland Gift’s anguished falsetto, it was as odd as it was infectious—a rare collision of post-punk quirk and commercial pop genius.

But what makes this promo particularly exciting is what isn’t on the retail shelves.

📀 The Remixes
The promo-only U.S. 12″ features exclusive Louil Silas Jr. club and radio edits, reworking the original with added rhythmic punch and a more DJ-friendly structure. Silas, known for his polished R&B and dance remixes, gives the track a tighter, funkier foundation while preserving its tension and distinctive sonic identity. These mixes lean slightly more into the urban/club territory, reflecting the late ’80s U.S. remix culture that often reshaped British imports for American dancefloors.

🎤 Monie Love Rap Version
Also included is a special remix featuring a rap by British MC Monie Love, who was just breaking into the U.S. scene at the time. Her verse adds a dynamic, female perspective that contrasts sharply—but playfully—with the neurotic male energy of the original. It’s laid over a remix that sits closer to the album version than the club mixes but features subtle edits and production tweaks to mesh with Monie’s bars. This version was never commercially released and remains a rare slice of cross-Atlantic collaboration.

🔊 Promo-Only Appeal
As a promo, this 12″ wasn’t intended for retail sale, making it a sought-after collector’s item today—especially for fans of late-’80s remix culture. The exclusive mixes, tighter radio edits, and Monie Love feature encapsulate a time when labels went the extra mile to service dance floors and radio stations with unique content tailored to regional tastes.

Whether you were dancing to this in 1989 or discovering it anew, this promo captures She Drives Me Crazy at its most experimental and remix-forward. It’s a reminder of how major hits could take on a second life in the hands of remixers like Silas and boundary-pushers like Monie Love.

Stay tuned for more promo-only treasures coming soon to Burning the Ground.

SIDE A:
She Drives Me Crazy (Extended Version) 8:25
Featuring – Monie Love

She Drives Me Crazy (Radio Rap Version) 5:44
Featuring – Monie Love

SIDR B:
She Drives Me Crazy (Radio Edit) 5:20
She Drives Me Crazy (Instrumental) 4:53
She Drives Me Crazy (Percussapella) 4:53
She Drives Me Crazy (Bonus Beats) 4:35

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard 12 Inch Singles Sales	#3
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play	#1
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#54
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks	#5

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-17832
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Indie Rock

CREDITS:

Producer – David Z., Fine Young Cannibals
Remix – Louil Silas Jr.

NOTES:
From the LP “The Raw & the Cooked”

Promotional Only – 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.

July 9, 2025

Joyce “Fenderella” Irby – Mr. D.J. (US 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“Mr. D.J.” marked the solo breakout for Klymaxx founding member Joyce “Fenderella” Irby—bass player, songwriter, and all-around groove generator. Coming off her years of success with “I Miss You” and “Meeting in the Ladies Room,” Joyce hit the late ’80s club scene with this funk-driven jam featuring none other than the Original Human Beatbox, Doug E. Fresh.

Released in 1989 as the lead single from her debut solo LP Maximum Thrust, the track kicks off with Doug E.’s unmistakable vocal percussion before sliding into Joyce’s sweet and soulful plea for the DJ to keep her dancing. It’s an early example of R&B merging with hip-hop elements—before it became the mainstream formula.

The track was co-produced by Dallas Austin, who Joyce helped launch into the industry. He’d go on to produce hits for TLC, Boyz II Men, and Madonna—but this is where it all started.

“Mr. D.J.” hit #2 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and cracked the Dance charts too. It’s infectious, smartly produced, and undeniably funky.

This 12″ mix stretches the groove for the dancefloor, extending Doug E.’s beatbox breakdowns and giving the instrumental room to breathe. If you love that New Jack swing/R&B/hip-hop crossover sound of ’88–’90, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

SIDE A:
Mr. D.J. (Extended Version) 6:32
Featuring – Doug E. Fresh

SIDE B:
Mr. D.J. (Radio Edit) 4:07
Featuring – Doug E. Fresh

Mr. D.J. (Instrumental) 6:10

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1989	Mr. D.J.	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#2
1989	Mr. D.J.	U.S. Billboard Dance Music / Club Play	#23

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – MOT-4634
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Hip Hop, Funk / Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B

CREDITS:

Arranged By – Dallas Austin, Fenderella*
Executive Producer – Jheryl Busby, Joyce “Fenderella” Irby
Producer – Fenderella*
Remix – Timmy Regisford

NOTES:
Produced for Diva I Productions

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.

June 10, 2025

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:

Design – Richard Gray (2)
Engineer – David Richards
Photography By – Paul Rider (4)
Producer, Arranged By – David Richards, Queen
Written-By – Queen

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

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.