Tag: 1991

March 27, 2026

Heavy D. & The Boyz – Now That We Found Love (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

When Heavy D. & The Boyz dropped their exuberant take on “Now That We Found Love” in 1991, they didn’t just revive a classic—they transformed it into one of the most infectious party anthems of the early ‘90s.

Originally written by legendary songwriting duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the song was first recorded by The O’Jays in 1973 before being given a reggae-infused hit version by Third World in 1978. But it was Heavy D.’s buoyant, hip-house reinterpretation—powered by the unmistakable production of Teddy Riley—that brought the track roaring back into the spotlight for a new generation.

Lifted from the album Peaceful Journey, the single perfectly captured the moment when hip-hop, R&B, and dance music were colliding on mainstream radio. Built around a propulsive beat, bright synth stabs, and a chant-along chorus, the track radiates pure joy. Heavy D.’s charismatic delivery—equal parts smooth and commanding—rides the groove effortlessly, while the call-and-response hook makes it impossible not to move.

The single became a major crossover success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating dance floors worldwide. Its appeal was universal: hip-hop heads embraced its energy, clubgoers loved its beat, and pop audiences couldn’t resist its feel-good message.

What also sets this version apart is its visual identity. The music video, featuring energetic choreography and vibrant color, became a staple on MTV, further cementing Heavy D.’s image as one of hip-hop’s most accessible and charismatic frontmen. At a time when the genre was still carving out its mainstream identity, Heavy D. bridged the gap with style and positivity.

For collectors and DJs, the 12″ single is where things really get interesting. Extended mixes leaned further into the track’s club appeal, stretching out the groove and emphasizing its dancefloor roots. These versions highlight the genius of Teddy Riley’s production, allowing the rhythm to breathe while keeping the energy locked at a peak level—perfect for mixing into a late-night set.

More than three decades later, “Now That We Found Love” remains a timeless celebration. It’s a track that transcends eras—rooted in classic soul, reimagined through New Jack Swing, and immortalized as a dancefloor staple. And in the hands of Heavy D. & The Boyz, it became something truly special: a reminder that sometimes the best way to honor a song’s legacy is to completely reinvent it.

Whether you remember it from its chart run, club play, or those unforgettable spins on MTV, one thing is certain—once that beat drops, the love is easy to find.

SIDE A:
Now That We Found Love (Club Version) 5:47

SIDE B:
Now That We Found Love (7″ Radio) 4:18
Now That We Found Love (Instrumental) 5:23

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Heavy D & The Boyz: *Now That We Found Love* (1991)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Billboard Hot 100	#11	1991
US Billboard 12-Inch Singles Sales	#1	1991
US Billboard R&B Singles	#5	1991
Australia (ARIA)	#6	1991
Canada (Dance Urban)	#1	1991
UK Singles (OCC)	#2	1991

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA12-54088, Uptown Records – MCA12 54088
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Style: Hip-House

CREDITS:

Backing Vocals – Aaron Hall
Design – Reiner Design Consultants, Inc.
Executive-Producer – Andre Harrell, DJ Eddie F, Heavy D
Lyrics By [Rap Lyrics] – Heavy D
Mastered By – Herbie Jr*
Photography By – Nick Baratta
Producer, Instrumentation By – Teddy Riley
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble – Leon Huff*

NOTES:
Original version appears on the forthcoming Heavy D. & The Boyz album Peaceful Journey

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

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

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
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 12, 2025

Army Of Lovers – My Army Of Lovers (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Few groups in pop history have embraced flamboyance, camp, and sheer spectacle quite like Sweden’s Army Of Lovers. With their over-the-top visuals, theatrical flair, and maximalist approach to dance music, they turned pop into performance art. And if any track captures their essence, it’s undoubtedly “My Army Of Lovers.”

Originally released in 1990 on their debut album Disco Extravaganza, the song gained wider international attention with its 1991 single release tied to Massive Luxury Overdose. It’s the version most fans remember — the track that cemented Army Of Lovers as icons of European dance and queer club culture.

A Sound Made for the Dancefloor

“My Army Of Lovers” is pure early-’90s Eurodance at its most theatrical. The track layers swirling strings, a strutting bassline, and dramatic synths, over which:

La Camilla’s commanding vocals glide effortlessly,
Alexander Bard’s spoken interjections add theatrical weight,
And a production style that mixes disco, Hi-NRG, and classical touches creates a sound both ironic and irresistible.

Unlike much of the era’s dance music, which leaned heavily into house or techno, Army Of Lovers blended genres into something entirely their own. The result is a track that’s simultaneously playful, opulent, and utterly danceable.

The Magic of the 12″ Mixes

Like many of their singles, the extended versions of “My Army Of Lovers” elevate the song to new heights. DJs were treated to:

Expansive intros perfect for the club floor,
Extra layers of orchestration and percussion,
A hypnotic groove that keeps dancers moving,
And room for every dramatic flourish to shine.

It’s one of those tracks that demands the 12″ treatment — the more you stretch it, the more the drama and energy unfold.

Visual Spectacle

Army Of Lovers weren’t just musicians; they were living art. The video for “My Army Of Lovers” is a feast of Renaissance-inspired costumes, glittering excess, and high camp. Every frame is theatrical, every pose exaggerated — it’s pop as performance, executed with style and wit.

Legacy

While the group never achieved massive success in the U.S., their influence on European pop and dance music is undeniable. “My Army Of Lovers” remains one of their defining tracks, a celebration of glamour, individuality, and unapologetic excess. Three decades on, it still sparkles: a musical reminder that pop can be dramatic, daring, and delightful all at once.

SIDE A:
My Army Of Lovers (Concrete Ghetto Mix) 8:47
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Emil Hellman, StoneBridge

My Army Of Lovers (Pisces Atmosphere Mix) 5:23
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Dave Rendall*

SIDE B:
My Army Of Lovers (Nuzak Remix Club Edit) 6:27
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Nuzak

My Army Of Lovers (Pisces Stratosphere Mix) 5:50
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Dave Rendall*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Giant Records – 0-40068, Giant Records – 9 40068-0, Ton Son Ton – 0-40068, Ton Son Ton – 9 40068-0, Reprise Records – 0-40068, Reprise Records – 9 40068-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: Downtempo, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Backing Vocals – Ixi Qaxi
Drum Programming – Emil Hellman
Engineer [Assistant] – Per Adebratt
Keyboards – Tim Norell
Lead Vocals – La Camilla
Producer, Mixed By – Anders Hansson, Ola Håkansson, Tim Norell
Programmed By, Engineer – Anders Hansson
Recorded By [Additional Vocals] – JM Fax
Written-By – Hansson*, Bard/Oson/Norell*, Tyrén*

NOTES:
Some copies have pressing plant ID “E A S T” embossed on center label.

Buy the 12″ 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

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 11, 2025

Pet Shop Boys – Was It Worth It? (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the end of 1991, the Pet Shop Boys had firmly established themselves as synth-pop icons. Their first greatest hits compilation, Discography: The Complete Singles Collection, not only celebrated their decade-long run of chart-topping singles but also introduced two new songs: “DJ Culture” and “Was It Worth It?”. Released on 9 December 1991 by Parlophone, “Was It Worth It?” became the second and final single from the compilation, peaking at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. While it ended a streak of 16 consecutive top 20 hits dating back to West End Girls in 1985, the song remains a standout for its reflective optimism and danceable production.

Recorded at Sarm West with production group Brothers in Rhythm, the song was a collaborative effort. Neil Tennant began writing “Was It Worth It?” before their fourth studio album, Behaviour (1990), and Chris Lowe contributed the memorable chorus. Steve Anderson of Brothers in Rhythm added a piano part that Tennant likened to Black Box’s 1989 hit “Ride on Time”. The track features a call-and-response format, with backing vocals from Tessa Niles, Carol Kenyon, and Ghida de Palma, giving it a layered, uplifting feel.

Lyrically, Tennant described the song as “a reaffirmation of the worth of love, an ‘I am what I am’ sort of song.” He called it “a very gay song. Very gay positive. It’s basically saying: if I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.” Its upbeat message and celebratory tone make it one of the Pet Shop Boys’ most affirming singles, even if it didn’t achieve their usual chart success.

The B-side, “Miserablism”, produced by Harold Faltermeyer and mixed by Julian Mendelsohn, was originally intended for Behaviour but was removed late in the album’s process. Meanwhile, the single’s cover art is a charming nod to fan creativity: dolls of Tennant and Lowe crafted by Japanese fan Toshima Tada, holding bouquets of red roses reminiscent of the Behaviour album cover. The 7-inch back cover featured yellow roses, while the 12-inch opted for a blue background.

The accompanying music video, directed by Eric Watson, embraced a playful, theatrical energy. Shot in a club setting, it combined footage of the duo performing at Heaven with scenes of a vibrant, drag-filled crowd. Inspired by films like Saturday Night Fever and Hairspray, as well as the moveable clubnight Kinky Gerlinky, the video showcased extravagant costumes, dance, and pure fun—Chris Lowe famously appears in a towering orange Kenzo hat, doing absolutely nothing while the rest of the club revels.

Although “Was It Worth It?” didn’t break into the top 20, it remains an essential part of the Pet Shop Boys’ catalog: a perfectly crafted, celebratory pop song that affirms love, identity, and the joy of dancing through life’s choices.

SIDE A:
Was It Worth It? (12″ Version) 7:12
Producer – Brothers In Rhythm, Pet Shop Boys
Remix – Pet Shop Boys

Was It Worth It? (Dub Version) 5:12
Engineer – Paul Wright
Instrumentation By, Programmed By – Philip Kelsey
Producer – Brothers In Rhythm, Pet Shop Boys
Remix – Dave Seaman, Philip Kelsey

SIDE B:
Miserablism (Electro Mix) 5:35
Producer – Harold Faltermeyer, Pet Shop Boys
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Moby

Miserablism (Short Version) 4:11
Mixed By – Julian Mendelsohn
Producer – Harold Faltermeyer, Pet Shop Boys

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI Records USA – VNR-56243, EMI Records USA – VNR 56243
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Techno, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – Farrow*, PSB*, 3a*
Photography By – Robert Shackleton
Written-By – Pet Shop Boys

NOTES:
A2: Remixed for Creative Theives Conglomerate/DMC.

Printed in the U.S.A.

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.

December 10, 2025

Camouflage – Handsome (Germany 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today we’re stepping into an overlooked corner of early-’90s synthpop with “Handsome,” a track that deserved far more attention than it ever received. Released only in Germany as the second single from Camouflage’s 1991 studio album Meanwhile, “Handsome” marks a fascinating moment in the band’s evolution—one that often gets overshadowed by their late-’80s classics.

By the time Meanwhile arrived, Camouflage were already known for sleek, melodic synthpop craftsmanship, thanks to earlier hits like “The Great Commandment” and “Love Is a Shield.” But Meanwhile pushed them in a more organic, band-driven direction, integrating live instrumentation while still keeping their electronic backbone intact. “Handsome” sits right at the center of this stylistic shift.

Produced by a Synthpop Legend

A major part of what makes “Handsome” noteworthy is the involvement of producer Colin Thurston, whose résumé reads like a map of synthpop’s golden age. Thurston, of course, worked his magic on early Duran Duran, helped shape David Bowie’s landmark “Heroes”, and guided the earliest recordings of Talk Talk. His production touch on “Handsome” gives the track a polished, dynamic heft that blends Camouflage’s melodic sensibilities with the more muscular, rhythmic textures that defined early-’90s pop.

A Single That Slipped Through the Cracks

Despite its pedigree and strong production, “Handsome” ultimately failed to chart, making it one of Camouflage’s more obscure singles. Its limited German-only release didn’t help, but even so, it remains a gem for fans of the band and collectors of early-’90s synthpop. There’s an earnestness to the song—a push toward growth and reinvention—that reflects where Camouflage were artistically at the time.

The non-charting status doesn’t diminish its charm. If anything, it adds to the single’s cult appeal. It’s one of those tracks that rewards rediscovery, especially for listeners who enjoy the transition era between the analog synthpop of the ’80s and the increasingly hybrid sound of the ’90s.

Rediscovering Meanwhile Through “Handsome”

Revisiting “Handsome” today is a reminder that Camouflage were never content to simply repeat themselves. The band’s willingness to explore new textures, paired with Thurston’s experienced hand in the studio, results in a track that’s both quintessentially Camouflage and quietly adventurous.

If “Handsome” slipped past you the first time, now’s the perfect moment to give it a fresh listen. For fans of synthpop’s deeper cuts—and especially collectors of productions by Colin Thurston—this single is well worth pulling off the shelf again.

SIDE A:
Handsome (Psycho-Ray-Mix) 6:32
Instruments [Add. Instruments] – Ronda Ray
Mixed By – James Herter (2), Ronda Ray
Producer – Colin Thurston
Written-By, Composed By – Camouflage

SIDE B:
Love Is A Shield (12″ US Orbit Mix) 8:10
Engineer – Richard Dight
Producer – Axel Henninger*
Remix, Producer [Add. Production] – William Orbit
Vocals [Add. Vocals] – Sharon Musgrave
Written-By, Composed By – Heiko Maile, Marcus Meyn, Oliver Kreyssig, Peter Godwin

This Day 3:47
Producer – Colin Thurston
Written-By, Composed By – Camouflage

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Metronome – 867 495-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Germany
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Camouflage

NOTES:
A) Mixed at Atlantis Studio.
B1) Mixed at Guerilla Studios.

Made in Holland.

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.