Tag: Europe

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

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

CREDITS:

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

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.



Desireless – Voyage Voyage (Europe 12″) (1986)

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“Voyage, Voyage” is a 1986 synth-pop anthem by French singer Desireless (real name Claudie Fritsch-Mentrop). Released as the lead single from her debut album François (1989), the song became an international hit, topping the charts across Europe and beyond.

A Global Synth-Pop Hit
Despite being sung entirely in French, Voyage, Voyage broke language barriers and achieved commercial success in non-French-speaking countries. It reached #1 in Germany, Spain, Norway, and Sweden, while peaking at #2 in the UK—a rare feat for a French-language song at the time. It also charted well in Italy and the Netherlands, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable European pop songs of the late ‘80s.

Dreamy, Ethereal Sound
The song’s lush synth production, steady electronic beat, and atmospheric feel give it a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality. Its theme of travel and escapism, combined with Desireless’ deep and haunting vocals, made it a perfect fit for the late ‘80s electronic pop scene.

Production & Legacy
Produced by Jean-Michel Rivat, Voyage, Voyage draws influences from new wave and Eurodisco, aligning it with the styles of artists like Jean-Michel Jarre and Mylène Farmer. Over the years, the song has been covered and remixed multiple times, most notably by Kate Ryan in 2007.

Even today, Voyage, Voyage remains an enduring classic, often associated with the golden age of European synth-pop and a staple in retro ‘80s playlists.

SIDE A:
Voyage Voyage (Extended Remix) 6:50

SIDE B:
Voyage Voyage 4:22

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS – CBS 650175 6
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Euro-Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
[Labels]
Ed. Rivat Music

[Sleeve]
Synthetiseurs, Programmation: Producteur
Prise de Son (Sound Recording): Studio d’Aguesseau
Mixage (Mixing): Studio Marcadet
Dédié à Gopala (Dedicated to Gopala)

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.



The Touch with Terence Trent D’Arby – I Want To Know (International Lady) (Europe 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1989

I Want to Know (International Lady)” is a track by The Touch featuring Terence Trent D’Arby. Originally recorded in 1984 for the album Love on Time, the album gained renewed attention when it was re-issued in 1989 under the title Early Works, following D’Arby’s global success as a solo artist. In 1989, the “I Want to Know (International Lady)” was released as a 12″ vinyl maxi-single in Germany, marking its official debut as a standalone release.

Before his rise to fame with his debut solo album, Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby (1987), D’Arby was a member of The Touch. He joined the band while stationed in Germany during his military service. “I Want to Know (International Lady)” reflects his early musical style, blending elements of rock and funk.

The song also gained recognition for being featured in the 1984 German film Schulmädchen ’84, further solidifying its place in D’Arby’s early career history.

SIDE A:
I Want To Know (International Lady) (Club Mix) 6:53

SIDE B:
Weekend 3:47
I Want To Know (International Lady) (Radio Version) 4:27

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: IMP – 889 001-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Maxi-Single, 45 RPM
Country: Europe
Released: 1989
Genre: Rock, Funk / Soul
Style: Pop Rock, Funk, Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Recorded at FAR Music-studios, Rosbach 1983.
Digital remix at FAR Music-studios, Rosbach 1989.

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.



Toto – Stranger In Town (Dance Mix) (Europe 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1984

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Original post date: October 3, 2013

“Stranger in Town” is a song by Toto, released in 1984 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Isolation.” Written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, it features lead vocals by Fergie Frederiksen, who had recently joined the band. The song is notable for its darker tone compared to some of Toto’s other hits and its compelling story about a mysterious figure entering a quiet town.

The lyrics tell a haunting narrative of a drifter or “stranger” who seems to bring trouble and fear wherever he goes. The song builds suspense, aligning with its thematic undercurrent of paranoia and danger.

Musically, “Stranger in Town” blends rock, synth-driven sounds, and Toto’s signature polished production. It performed well on the charts, particularly in the U.S., where it reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The music video, directed by Steve Barron, was also widely recognized. It features a noir-like theme where the band members appear as characters trying to track down this mysterious “stranger.” The video’s cinematic style complements the song’s mood of tension and intrigue.

+De-notes vinyl only.

SIDE A:
Stranger In Town (Dance Mix)+ 6:52
Written-By – D. PaichJ. Porcaro
Synthesizer [Additional Effects] – Mike Cohen

SIDE B:
Change Of Heart 4:10
Arranged By [Strings] – David PaichJames Newton Howard
Conductor [Orchestra] – James Newton HowardMarty Paich
Performer – London Symphony Orchestra, The
Written-By – D. PaichF. Frederiksen

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1984 Stranger In Town U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #30
1984 Stranger In Town U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks #7

CREDITS:
Label: CBS – CBSA 12.4461CBS – A 12-4461
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Europe
Released: 1984
Genre: Rock, Pop
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Special Version From The CBS Lp: “Isolation”

Made in Holland

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.