Tag: 1990

February 4, 2026

Information Society – Informedleymation (US 12″ Promo) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today I’m spotlighting a very special 12″ release built for the dancefloor faithful and the Information Society deep divers. This one pulls together two Hot Tracks–exclusive remixes from the American electronic band Information Society, hailing from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota, at a moment when Hack was still pulsing through clubs and radio alike.

Side A features Informedleymation, a Hot Tracks medley crafted by Glenn Cattanach that dives deep into the band’s second studio album, Hack. Rather than leaning solely on the obvious choice, Cattanach smartly anchors the mix around the era’s hit “Think”, while seamlessly weaving in four additional cuts from the album. Working directly from the Hack CD and assembling the mix via DAT, he achieved a crystal-clear, full-frequency medley that still sounds pristine today. It’s a masterclass in early-’90s remix craftsmanship—clean, punchy, and designed to keep momentum locked from start to finish.

Flip the record and Side B delivers the Digital Remix of “How Long,” originally released as the second single from Hack in 1991. Here, the track gets an entirely new lease on life thanks to a remix by legendary DJ, remixer, and producer Chris Cox. Cox brings his unmistakable touch to the mix, sharpening the track’s rhythmic edge while preserving its emotional core. It’s sleek, club-ready, and unmistakably built for serious sound systems—proof of how a great remix can reframe a song without losing its soul.

Together, these two Hot Tracks mixes form a perfectly balanced 12″: one side celebrating the album as a whole through a thoughtfully constructed medley, the other zeroing in on a single track and pushing it straight onto the dancefloor. For fans of Information Society, remix culture, or the golden era of DJ record pools, this release is a reminder of just how inventive and influential that moment truly was.

A killer slice of early ’90s electronic history—pressed loud, mixed smart, and made to move bodies.

SIDE A:
Informedleymation 8:07
DJ Mix [Megamix] – Glenn Cattanach
Written-By – Maher, Valaquen, Robb*

1 – Come With Me
2 – Think
3 – Move Out
4 – How Long
5 – Now That I Have You

SIDE B:
How Long (Digital Remix) 6:17
Remix Chris Cox
Written-By – P. Robb*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Custom

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Hot Tracks – SA 9-9, Hot Tracks – SA 10-1
Series: Hot Tracks Series – 9-9, Hot Tracks Series – 10-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Compilation, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Style: House, Hip-House, Hi NRG, Euro House, Garage House

CREDITS:

Compilation Producer – Chris Cox
Custom Sleeve [Artwork] – DjPaulT

NOTES:
DJ Use Only

Buy Hot Tracks SA 9-9 at DISCOGGS

Buy Hot Tracks SA 10-1 at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.

December 9, 2025

Breathe – Say A Prayer (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today, we’re stepping into the smooth, late-80s/early-90s pop world of Breathe, the English band best known for their soft-focus, heartfelt hits “Hands to Heaven” and “How Can I Fall?” But in 1990, as the group tried to evolve their sound and keep pace with a new decade, they released the underrated “Say a Prayer.”

While not as widely remembered as their earlier chart-toppers, “Say a Prayer” stands out as one of Breathe’s most confident singles—lush, melodic, and built around David Glasper’s unmistakably warm and soulful voice. It was the lead single from their second and final album, Peace of Mind. In the U.S. the track reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart, giving the band one last significant moment on American radio.

The Sound

“Say a Prayer” is classic early-90s adult contemporary pop—smooth keys, soft rhythmic guitar, a steady mid-tempo beat, and that signature late-80s sheen that still had one foot in the previous decade. Glasper’s vocals carry the whole thing: emotionally direct without being over-the-top, and full of that breathy, intimate quality that helped Breathe stand out from their peers.

Lyrically, the song continues the band’s familiar themes—love, hope, longing—but with a slightly more mature tone than their 1988 material. If “Hands to Heaven” was the dream-pop ballad and “How Can I Fall?” was the heartbreak moment, “Say a Prayer” feels like the hopeful resolution.

Why It Matters

“Say a Prayer” didn’t reach the iconic status of Breathe’s earlier hits, but it has aged remarkably well. It’s one of those turn-of-the-decade singles that beautifully captures the transition from 80s pop romanticism into the sleek sound of the early 90s.

For fans of the band—or anyone who loves exquisitely crafted pop with emotional sincerity—“Say a Prayer” is a gem worth revisiting. Its warm production, thoughtful lyrics, and Glasper’s gorgeous vocal delivery make it a perfect reminder of why Breathe’s catalog continues to resonate long after their short time in the spotlight.

If you grew up with their music (or discovered them later), this one hits all the right nostalgic notes.

SIDE A:
Say A Prayer (Save My Soul 12″) 6:32
Say A Prayer (Save My Soul Dub) 5:47
Say A Prayer (LP Version) 3:49

SIDE B:
Say A Prayer (Oh Mercy! House 12″) 6:33
Say A Prayer (Oh Mercy! House Dub) 6:10
Say A Prayer (Oh! Mercy! House 7″) 3:52

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Breathe: *Say A Prayer* (1990)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#21	1990
US Billboard Adult Contemporary	#3	1990
Australia (ARIA Charts)	#97	1990
Canadian Singles (RPM)	#6	1990
UK Singles	#63	1990

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – 75021 2337 1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: House

CREDITS:

Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Producer – Bob Sargeant, Breathe (3)
Producer [Additional], Remix – Daniel Abraham (tracks: A1, A2)
Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Merv DePeyer*
Written-By – David Glasper, Marcus Lillington

NOTES:
Original version appears on the A&M album, cassette & compact disc “Peace Of Mind”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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 16, 2025

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:

Executive-Producer – David Lombard, Denzil Foster
Producer, Arranged By – Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy

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

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 25, 2025

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:

Producer – Malcolm McLaren (tracks: A)
Remix – Mark Moore (tracks: A), William Orbit (tracks: A)

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

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.