Tag: 1990

En Vogue – Hold On (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In early 1990, a stunning new girl group from Oakland, California, stormed onto the music scene with tight harmonies, fierce attitude, and a fresh spin on classic soul. En Vogue’s debut single “Hold On” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural reset. Soulful, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in R&B history, the track launched the quartet into the spotlight and paved the way for a decade of success.

The Hook That Caught the World
The album version and radio edit of “Hold On” begin with a bold move—an a cappella rendition of The Jackson 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You”, performed with chilling precision by Dawn Robinson. It was a jaw-dropping introduction to a group that could sing circles around the competition. But when it came time to hit the clubs, the Extended Version went in a different direction—trimming the a cappella intro in favor of a straight drop into the groove.

New Jack Swing Meets Classic Soul
Produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, “Hold On” rides the New Jack Swing wave, pairing layered harmonies with a deep bassline and slick, mid-tempo funk. Lyrically, it’s a cautionary tale—encouraging listeners not to let go of love too quickly. The vocal blend of Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson, and Terry Ellis is immaculate, each voice adding warmth and texture.

12″ Maxi-Single
The US 12″ release featured several versions aimed squarely at DJs and collectors. While the Extended Version brings a stronger club-ready feel, some fans missed the powerful impact of that a cappella opening. Still, it gave DJs a tight, beat-driven version to work into sets without disrupting the floor’s momentum.

Chart Takeover
“Hold On” had an incredible global impact for a debut single, particularly strong in the U.S. and U.K., where it topped or neared the top of both R&B and pop charts. The single also enjoyed crossover dancefloor success, peaking high on club charts and even going #1 in Canadian urban formats.

The single was Certified Platinum by the RIAA.

It also helped launch En Vogue’s debut album, Born to Sing, into Platinum territory, and laid the foundation for hits like “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” and “Free Your Mind.”

Legacy & Influence
“Hold On” remains a landmark debut—bridging the soul of Motown with the hip-hop-informed swagger of the ’90s. En Vogue weren’t just a girl group—they were a vocal powerhouse and style icon. The track’s impact echoes through decades of R&B girl groups that followed.

SIDE A:
Hold On (Extended Version) 5:20

SIDE B:
Hold On (Instrumental) 3:58
Hold On (Dub Version) 3:58

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1990 Hold On U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #2
1990 Hold On U.S. Billboard Hot &B/Hip-Hop Songs #1
1990 Hold On U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs #5

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Atlantic – 0-86234
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Pressed at Specialty Records Corporation.

From the LP “Born To Sing”

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.


Malcolm McLaren And The House Of McLaren – Deep In Vogue (UK 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today’s Pride Month post dives into one of the boldest pre-mainstream celebrations of ballroom culture: Deep in Vogue by Malcolm McLaren and the House of McLaren. Released in 1989—before Madonna brought voguing to the masses—this track was a cultural time capsule and a tribute to the underground scene that shaped a generation of queer identity, dance, and fashion.

Malcolm McLaren, best known as the former manager of the Sex Pistols, was no stranger to subculture. With Deep in Vogue, he turned his fascination to New York’s ballroom scene—specifically the voguing houses that thrived in Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. Collaborating with Mark Moore (of S’Express) and William Orbit, McLaren sampled raw audio from Paris Is Burning (prior to its theatrical release), as well as original beats, house grooves, and runway-ready attitude.

This wasn’t just music—it was documentation.

The single features the fierce chant: “Strike a pose! Strike a pose!” long before those words became iconic. It features contributions from members of the House of McLaren, and it’s steeped in the language, style, and pageantry of ballroom culture. Unlike the glossy pop of Madonna’s “Vogue” the following year, this record feels gritty, real, and reverent—a beat-driven love letter to the creativity and resilience of LGBTQ+ communities who carved out safe spaces in a hostile world.

This 12″ helped usher voguing into the mainstream without stripping away its defiance. It’s a celebration from the underground rather than about it. A song that not only embraces Pride, but helps define it through self-expression, movement, and the refusal to apologize.

For anyone passionate about queer history, dancefloor evolution, or the intersections of activism and art, Deep in Vogue remains essential listening. It’s more than a house track—it’s a mirrorball manifesto.

The song’s music video features none other than Willie Ninja, the legendary godfather of voguing, whose style, grace, and competitive fire helped define an era. His presence in this video is not just fierce—it’s foundational. Willie helped bring ballroom to the world stage, and his legacy continues to inspire dancers, artists, and activists today.

Tragically, like so many icons from this period, Willie Ninja was lost to AIDS-related complications in 2006. His story, and that of countless other queer talents of color, is a heartbreaking reminder of how the HIV/AIDS epidemic devastated an entire generation of artists, thinkers, and performers. Deep in Vogue doesn’t just celebrate a culture—it preserves it, and the people who made it unforgettable.

💿✨ Celebrate Pride. Celebrate expression. Celebrate the ballroom.

SIDE A:
Deep In Vogue (Banjie Realness) 9:04
Producer – David Lebolt, Malcolm McLaren, Phil Ramone
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Mark Moore, William Orbit

SIDE B:
All Night Long 4:55
Producer – Malcolm McLaren

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – WALTZ T6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Made in the U.K.
From the LP “WALTZ DARLING”

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.


George Michael – Freedom (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“I think there’s something you should know… I think it’s time I told you so…”

We’re taking Pride Month to the next level today with one of the most powerful anthems of self-liberation ever recorded—George Michael’s “Freedom ’90” (also known simply as “Freedom”) A bold declaration, a pop rebellion, and a deeply personal statement wrapped in a slammin’ groove, this track marked a turning point in George’s career and personal evolution.

Following the overwhelming fame of Faith, George Michael was ready to shed the image that had defined him. He famously refused to appear in the music video for Freedom! ’90—instead, letting a lineup of supermodels lip-sync the lyrics in a beautifully stylized, iconic clip. The burning jukebox, the exploding leather jacket, the shattered guitar—all symbols of a past he was torching on his own terms.

More than a personal manifesto, the song resonated with countless fans who felt the pressure to perform identities that weren’t truly theirs. “Freedom! ’90” became—and remains—a defiant celebration of choosing authenticity over expectation.

For the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the 90s, this track hit hard. George Michael would later come out publicly, but even before then, this song felt like a coded cry of self-emancipation. It still gives chills, pumps fists, and fills dance floors.

From its gospel-tinged backing vocals to its laid-back funk groove and emotional punch, Freedom! ’90 is a timeless Pride anthem for anyone who’s ever had to break free just to be who they are.

SIDE A:
Freedom (Back To Reality Mix) 6:14

SIDE B:
Fantasy 5:02
Freedom (Album Version) 6:25

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1990 Freedom U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #8
1990 Freedom U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #27
1990 Freedom U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #16

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 73584, Columbia – 44-73584
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop, Dance-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
“Freedom” taken from the Columbia release LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE 46898

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.


Moev – In And Out (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“In And Out” is a standout track by Canadian electronic band Moev, featured on their 1990 album Head Down. The song exemplifies the group’s moody, synth-driven aesthetic, blending darkwave textures with a strong melodic sensibility that set them apart from many contemporaries in the industrial and synth-pop scenes.

A notable element of “In And Out” is the haunting backing vocals provided by a then-rising star, Sarah McLachlan. Her contribution adds an ethereal layer to the track, contrasting the raw, emotionally charged vocals of lead singer Dean Russell.

Dean Russell’s distinctive delivery brought an aching vulnerability to Moev’s sound during the late 1980s and early ’90s. Tragically, Russell passed away in 1994 from complications related to AIDS. His death marked the end of an era for the band, which disbanded shortly afterward.

Head Down, and particularly “In And Out,” remains a powerful snapshot of a band at the height of its creative powers—fusing melancholy lyrics, brooding synths, and poignant performances. The song is both a product of its time and a lasting tribute to Russell’s artistry.

SIDE A:
In And Out (12″ Remix) 6:38
Backing Vocals – Sarah McLachlan
Keyboards [Additional] – Eric Kupper
Mixed By – Bruce Calder
Producer [Additinal For Remix] – Tony Garcia (6)
Producer, Recorded By – John Fryer
Recorded By – Ken Marshall
Recorded By [Assistant] –  David Chiasson

In And Out (Dub) 4:31
Backing Vocals – Sarah McLachlan
Keyboards [Additional] – Eric Kupper
Mixed By – Bruce Calder
Producer [Additinal For Remix] – Tony Garcia (6)
Producer, Recorded By – John Fryer
Recorded By – Ken Marshall
Recorded By [Assistant] –  David Chiasson

SIDE B:
In And Out (Radio Remix) 4:11
Backing Vocals – Sarah McLachlan
Mixed By – Michael R. Hutchinson*
Producer, Recorded By – John Fryer
Recorded By – Ken Marshall
Recorded By [Assistant] –  David Chiasson

Alibis (CBC Live) 4:59
Drums – Ron Thaler
Engineer – David Olgilvie*
Lead Vocals –  Cal Stephenson
Producer – Kevin Komoda

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Naer Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Rebel Rec. – SPV 055-30933
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Recorded at Mushroom Studios

From the album “HEAD DOWN”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.