Tag: Bobby Orlando

April 3, 2025

The Flirts – You & Me (US 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

A Dance Floor Gem That Deserved More

The Flirts were a vocal trio with a rotating lineup, masterminded by producer Bobby Orlando. Known for their infectious dance tracks and stylish aesthetic, the group became a staple of the Hi-NRG and dance music scenes in the 1980s. One of their standout singles, You & Me, was released in 1985 as part of their album Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads. Despite being a club sensation, the song never quite broke through to mainstream pop success—but its legacy as a dance floor favorite remains strong.

The Track and Its Sound

Produced by Bobby Orlando, You & Me embodied the high-energy, synth-driven sound that defined his work. Co-written with Clifton “Jiggs” Chase, the song was a prime example of the pulsating electronic beats and catchy hooks that Orlando was known for. The vocals for this track were delivered by Tricia Wygal, Debra “Debbie” Gaynor, and Christina Criscione, bringing a lively and engaging performance to the song’s upbeat rhythm.

Dance Chart Domination

In the U.S., You & Me climbed to the number-one spot on the dance chart for a week, thanks in large part to a remix by legendary DJ and producer Shep Pettibone. Pettibone’s remixing skills helped elevate many tracks into club anthems, and this one was no exception. The song’s infectious beat and club-friendly production made it a must-play for DJs in the mid-’80s dance scene.

The “Rags to Riches” Music Video

To further promote the single, The Flirts released a music video featuring a “Rags to Riches” storyline, reinforcing the glamour and fun-loving spirit of the group. At one point in the video, a mock Billboard headline proclaimed “The Flirts Are Hits,” capturing the excitement surrounding the trio. Unfortunately, despite this promotional push, You & Me—like most of The Flirts’ singles—failed to cross over to the pop charts.

A Legacy of Dancefloor Magic

Although You & Me never became a pop hit, it remains a classic among dance music enthusiasts. The Flirts, with their ever-changing lineup and Bobby Orlando’s signature production, left an indelible mark on the Hi-NRG and Italo-disco scenes. Songs like this continue to be rediscovered by retro dance music fans, proving that even the most overlooked tracks can have lasting influence.

For those who appreciate ’80s dance music at its best, You & Me is a must-listen. Whether you first heard it in the club, saw it on TV, or are just now discovering it, this single is a shining example of the era’s infectious energy and production brilliance.

SIDE A:
You & Me 6:20

SIDE B:
You & Me (Instrumental) 6:51
You & Me (Dub) 6:07

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	You & Me	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS Associated Records – 4Z9-05284
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Hi NRG, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Mastered By – BK*
Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Producer – B. Orlando*
Written-By – B. Orlando*, C. Chase*

NOTES:
from the LP “Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads”

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.

April 2, 2025

Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) (Europe 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Originally posted February 4, 2013

Few songs encapsulate the sound of the mid-80s like West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys. Originally released in 1984, the song was re-recorded in 1985 with producer Stephen Hague. It became an international hit in 1986, topping charts worldwide. Its mix of moody synth-pop, hip-hop-inspired beats, and Neil Tennant’s signature deadpan delivery created a track that still resonates today. But for remix enthusiasts, one particular version stands out—the Shep Pettibone Mastermix.

Shep Pettibone, a legend in the remix world, was at the height of his powers in the mid-to-late ’80s, working with artists like Madonna, New Order, and Janet Jackson. His take on West End Girls amplifies its dancefloor appeal, giving it a sharper, club-friendly edge while retaining the song’s atmospheric charm. Clocking in at over eight minutes, Pettibone’s remix extends and reshapes the track, introducing new percussive elements, enhanced synth layers, and a driving rhythm that makes the song even more energetic and dynamic.

One of the standout elements of the Shep Pettibone Mastermix is its use of breakdowns and vocal manipulation. Tennant’s vocals are layered and looped, adding depth and drama to the track. The bassline, already a defining feature of the original, is pushed forward, creating a groove that feels tailor-made for dance floors. The result is a remix that not only respects the essence of the song but elevates it into something fresh and dynamic.

It’s important to note that the Shep Pettibone Mastermix that appears on the 12″ single is not the same version that appeared on DISCO: The Remix Album. Additionally, to my knowledge, neither version on the 12″ single has appeared on CD. The B-side A Man Could Get Arrested is also a different version than the one that appears on the Alternative compilation or the Please Further Listening edition.

Though the Shep Pettibone Mastermix wasn’t the most commercially promoted remix of West End Girls, it remains a favorite among DJs and collectors, capturing a moment when remix culture was beginning to redefine pop music. It’s a testament to both Pet Shop Boys’ innovative songwriting and Pettibone’s ability to transform great songs into club classics.

For those who appreciate the extended mix era, this remix is a must-listen—a perfect blend of the Pet Shop Boys’ signature style and Shep Pettibone’s remix mastery. If you haven’t revisited it in a while, now’s the time to put it back on and experience West End Girls in a whole new way.

SIDE A:
West End Girls (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) 8:13
Producer – Stephen Hague
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone

SIDE B:
West End Dub 9:35
Producer – Stephen Hague
Remix, Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone

A Man Could Get Arrested 4:21
Producer – Bobby Orlando, The Pet Shop Boys*
Remix – Frank Roszak

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks	#26
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play	#1
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#36
1986	West End Girls	U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks	#37

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 060-20 0998 6, EMI – 1C K 060 20 0998 6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Europe
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Written-By – Tennant / Lowe

NOTES:
Tracks A and B1: Mixing and additional production for Mastermix Productions

Printed in Germany
Made in EEC.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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 7, 2024

Bobby “O” – I’m So Hot For You (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1982

“I’m So Hot For You” was the debut 12″ single release by an American record producer, indie record label owner, songwriter, and musician. Bobby Orlando (aka Bobby’O). He is regarded as an innovator in the Hi-NRG genre for developing his signature sound, using a “powerful beat” and “new wave-style” vocals with the help of a “heavy [synthesizer] bass”, synthesizers, piano, guitars, cowbells his style was referred to as Boystown or just simply gay disco.

“I’m So Hot For You” peaked at #17 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Chart the track was remixed by FunHouse DJ supreme – John “Jellybean” Benitez.

Despite being known as a hyper-macho, incredibly cocky, rampantly homophobic ex-boxer who made gay disco. Bobby Orlando made his strange mark on LGBTQ+ music even producing hits for gay icons Divine, and Pet Shop Boys. Bobby Orlando became a legend in the ’80s through many disco and Hi-NRG records released on his independent label, O Records.

“I’m So Hot For You” is currently used in the Gay nightclub scene in the Netflix original series “Eric”.

A music video was not filmed for this release.

SIDE A:
I’m So Hot For You 5:13

SIDE B:
Still Hott 4 U 4:06

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1982	I’m So Hot For You	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play	#17

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: “O” Records – OR 718
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic
Style: Hi NRG, Synth-pop, Disco

CREDITS:

Mastered By – AM*
Mixed By [Dance Mix] – John “Jellybean” Benitez
Producer [Assistant] – Cathy Pescevich, Denny O’Connor, Tom Lazarus
Producer [Associate] – Danny Weiss
Producer, Written-By – Bobby Orlando

NOTES:
Manufactured
and Distributed by Vanguard Recording Society, Inc.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

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.

March 23, 2022

Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls ’86 (Germany 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

“West End Girls” was the first Pet Shop Boys song released on a label, and is arguably the song most commonly associated with the band.

The original version of the song was released in 1984 produced by famed Hi-NRG mogul Bobby Orlando, the single was released on his Bobcat Records label. It was not a huge hit in the Boys’ home country, but it did fairly well in the States and in Italy. Under the Bobby O umbrella, ‘West End Girls’ was remixed and repackaged several times, saturating the world’s record stores with multiple formats of this single.

In 1986 after the band signed with Parlophone Records the song was remixed, and titled “Remix ’86” this was to capitolize off of the re-recorded hit version that had been released in 1985.

SIDE A:
West End Girls (Remix ’86) 5:03
Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – Elvine*
Producer – B. Orlando*
Recorded By [Remix] – Franke*
Remix – Tess (2)
Written-By – Tennant – Lowe*

SIDE B:
Theme For The Pet Shop Boys (Part 1/Remix ’86) 5:04
Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – Elvine*, Hurricanes*
Remix –Tess (2)
Written-By – Elvine*, Tess (2)

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: ZYX Records – 5391, ZYX Records – ZYX 5391
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Germany
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Lacquer Cut By – SST Brüggemann GmbH

NOTES:
Remixed at Hurrican Studio Munich
℗ 1986

Find the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
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 making a donation using PayPal. Thank you for your help.