Tag: Europe

May 20, 2026

Milli Vanilli – Baby Don’t Forget My Number (Europe 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

German producer Frank Farian struck gold again in late 1988 with the release of “Baby Don’t Forget My Number,” the second single by pop-dance duo Milli Vanilli. Following the success of “Girl You Know It’s True,” the track helped catapult the group into international superstardom and cemented their place as one of the biggest pop acts of the late 1980s.

Released in December 1988 from the European debut album All Or Nothing, and later included on the U.S. counterpart Girl You Know It’s True (1989), “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” blended infectious dance grooves, catchy hooks, and polished production that dominated radio and dance floors alike. The single became Milli Vanilli’s first U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one in 1989, beginning a remarkable chart run that would eventually produce three consecutive U.S. chart-toppers.

Produced by Frank Farian, the mastermind behind acts such as Boney M., the song featured the signature late-80s Euro-dance sound that defined the era. Pulsating synths, heavy drum programming, and slick vocal arrangements made the track irresistible to pop audiences worldwide.

In the United States, “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” became a massive commercial success, earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Internationally, the single reached the Top 10 in seven countries and performed exceptionally well in Australia, where it remained on the charts for an impressive 36 weeks and also achieved gold certification.

The 12-inch single remains a favorite among collectors and club music fans, especially for its extended dance mixes that fully embraced the high-energy production style of the period. These longer versions stretched the groove into pure dancefloor bliss, giving DJs plenty of room for seamless club mixing during the peak of the late-80s dance-pop explosion.

Despite the controversy that would later surround Milli Vanilli, there is no denying the impact their music had on pop culture. Songs like “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” captured a specific moment in time when dance-pop ruled the airwaves, MTV was king, and extended 12-inch mixes were essential listening for club kids and radio fans alike.

Today, “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” stands as a nostalgic reminder of an era filled with flashy fashion, massive hooks, and larger-than-life pop production. Whether spinning on vinyl or blasting from a retro playlist, the track still delivers the same infectious energy that made it a worldwide smash nearly four decades ago.

SIDE A:
Baby Don’t Forget My Number (Pennsylvania Six-Five-Thousand Heart Line Mix) 8:56
Written-By – B. Nail, F. Farian

SIDE B:
Too Much Monkey Business 3:23
Written-By – B. Nail, F. Farian, H. Ruloffs, J. Davis

Baby Don’t Forget My Number (Radio Mix) 4:33
Written-By – B. Nail, F. Farian

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Weekly charts

Milli Vanilli: Baby Don’t Forget My Number (1988–1989)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)	17
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)	14
Canada Retail Singles (The Record)	1
Canada Top Singles (RPM)	3
Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)	1
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)	18
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)	3
France (SNEP)	17
Ireland (IRMA)	17
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	7
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	9
Norway (VG-lista)	5
Spain (AFYVE)	3
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	11
UK Singles (OCC)	16
US Billboard Hot 100	1
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)	10
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)	12
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)	9
US Cash Box Top 100	2
West Germany (GfK)	9

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Hansa – 611 841
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Breakbeat, Dub, Synth-pop, Pop Rap

CREDITS:

Design [Cover-Design] – H. Wegner*
Photography By – Esser & Strauss
Producer – Frank Farian
Vocals – Rob + Fab*

NOTES:
Recorded and Mixed at FAR Studios
Produced for FAR Music-Production 11/88

Printed in Germany

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-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono 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
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: 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

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April 23, 2026

Ten Ten – When It Rains (Europe 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

For today’s Closet 80s feature, we shine a light on a band that seemed poised to break through—but ultimately remained one of the decade’s more intriguing “what ifs.” Enter Ten Ten, a Richmond, Virginia-based New Wave outfit whose debut single “When It Rains” arrived in 1986 as a fully-formed statement of mood, melody, and transatlantic ambition.

Formed in 1984, Ten Ten—Mark Lewis (guitar/vocals), Peter Bell (bass), Don Ruzek (keyboards/guitar), and Lee Johnson (drums)—quickly found themselves in an unusual position for an American band. Rather than being compared to their U.S. contemporaries, the American press consistently drew parallels between Ten Ten and British acts. That association would ultimately shape the band’s trajectory.

Leaning into those comparisons, Ten Ten signed with the UK-based Chrysalis Records and focused much of their energy overseas. It was a strategic move that made perfect sense—their sound, driven by shimmering guitars and introspective lyricism, aligned naturally with the UK’s alternative and New Wave scenes of the time.

“When It Rains”, their debut single, encapsulates that aesthetic beautifully. There’s a cool, atmospheric restraint to the track—jangly guitars ripple across a steady rhythm while subtle keyboard textures add depth and mood. Mark Lewis delivers the vocal with a detached, almost wistful tone that enhances the song’s reflective quality. It’s not flashy—it’s immersive.

The single also benefited from a music video that received airplay on MTV in the spring of 1986, giving the band a valuable platform at a time when visual exposure could make or break a new act. While it didn’t catapult them into superstardom, it certainly helped cement their place within the alternative underground of the era.

Ten Ten’s momentum carried them onto some impressive tours. In autumn 1985, they hit the road with The Waterboys, followed by tours in 1986 supporting Simply Red and later Pete Shelley. These associations further reinforced their connection to the UK scene and exposed them to audiences that were already primed for their sound.

Despite these opportunities, Ten Ten never quite achieved the commercial breakthrough their music suggested was possible. Over the course of their career, they released just two singles and two albums, leaving behind a compact but compelling catalog. By 1991, after several years of playing club shows around their hometown of Richmond, the band quietly disbanded.

Listening back to “When It Rains” today, it’s easy to hear why Ten Ten stood out. The song captures a very specific mid-80s atmosphere—thoughtful, slightly melancholic, and deeply melodic—without sounding dated or overproduced. It’s the kind of track that rewards repeat listens, revealing more of its understated charm each time.

For collectors and fans of the era, Ten Ten represents one of those bands that slipped through the cracks—not for lack of talent, but perhaps due to timing, geography, or the unpredictable nature of the music industry.

If “When It Rains” is new to you, give it a spin and let it sink in. It’s a perfect example of why digging into the Closet 80s can be so rewarding—because sometimes the most memorable songs are the ones that never quite made it into the spotlight.

SIDE A:
When It Rains (Extended Version) 5:14

SIDE B:
Walk On (Live Version) 4:09
When It Rains (Edit) 4:17

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis – 608 429
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Europe
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Photography By [Cover] – Eric Watson (3)
Photography By [Coverback] – Neil Matthews
Producer – John Williams (3) (tracks: B1), Stephen Street (tracks: A, B2)

NOTES:
Ten Ten are: Mark Lewis (guitar/vocals), Peter Bell (bass), Don Ruzek (keyboards/guitar), and Lee Johnson (drums)

Printed In Germany

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

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

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March 13, 2026

Georgio – Lover’s Lane (Europe 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released in 1987, “Lover’s Lane” by Georgio became one of the standout singles from his debut album Sex Appeal. Issued on Motown Records, the track perfectly captured the sleek, synth-driven Minneapolis funk sound that was dominating dance floors in the mid-to-late 1980s.

A Minneapolis, Minnesota native, Georgio emerged during the era when the so-called “Minneapolis Sound”—popularized by artists like Prince and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis—was reshaping R&B and dance music. Blending crisp drum machines, glossy synthesizers, and sensual vocals, “Lovers Lane” delivered a smooth yet club-ready groove that resonated strongly with DJs and dance audiences.

The single became Georgio’s biggest hit, climbing to #2 on the dance chart published by Billboard, while also crossing over to #26 on the R&B chart and #59 on the Billboard Hot 100. With this success, “Lover’s Lane” marked Georgio’s third consecutive Top 10 entry on the Billboard Dance Chart, further establishing him as one of the era’s notable club music artists.

Driven by its hypnotic rhythm and seductive atmosphere, “Lover’s Lane” remains a prime example of late-’80s Motown venturing into the contemporary dance and electro-funk landscape. The song’s shimmering production and romantic late-night vibe helped it become a favorite in clubs and on mix shows, solidifying Georgio’s place in the dance music scene of the decade.

Today, “Lover’s Lane” stands as a reminder of a time when Motown was embracing the electronic pulse of the dance floor—delivering sophisticated grooves that kept DJs spinning and dancers moving well into the night.

SIDE A:
Lover’s Lane (New After Hours Vocal Mix) 6:06
Remix – Bruce Forest, Frank Heller

Lover’s Lane (Club Mix) 6:51
Remix – Bruce Forest, Frank Heller

SIDE B:
Lover’s Lane (Georgio’s Love Dance Mix) 7:19
Remix – Georgio (2)

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Georgio: *Lover’s Lane* (1987)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#59	1987
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#2	1987
US Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop Songs	#26	1987

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – ZT41612
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Written-By, Directed By, Arranged By, Producer – Georgio (2)

NOTES:
MAXI-SINGLE 12 INCH

In Album: “Sexappeal”

Printed in Germany by Topac – Imprimé en Allemagne par Topac

Made from masters of Motown Record Corporation

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.

January 9, 2026

Juicy – Beat Street Strut (Europe 12″) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

The Electric Pulse of 1984: Revisiting Juicy’s “Beat Street Strut”

When Beat Street hit theaters in 1984, it wasn’t just another film—it was a cultural dispatch from the front lines of hip‑hop’s early evolution. And tucked inside its gold‑certified soundtrack was a track that perfectly captured the era’s neon‑lit swagger: “Beat Street Strut” by Juicy. Released the same year, the song remains a time capsule of electro‑funk energy and downtown attitude.

A Duo With Deep Musical DNA

Juicy wasn’t a one‑hit curiosity—they were a sibling duo with serious musical pedigree. Jerry and Katreese Barnes, the powerhouse pair behind the name, were already carving out a space in R&B and dance music when “Beat Street Strut” arrived. Jerry would later join CHIC, while Katreese went on to win Emmys as musical director for Saturday Night Live. But in 1984, their focus was squarely on crafting sleek, synth‑driven grooves.

A Soundtrack Standout

“Beat Street Strut” wasn’t just a background track—it was part of the film’s sonic identity. The song appears on Beat Street (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Volume 1, a compilation executive‑produced by Harry Belafonte, who championed the film’s mission to spotlight hip‑hop culture authentically.

The track itself is a polished slice of electro, built on:

Punchy drum machine patterns
Glossy synth lines
A dance‑floor‑ready bass groove
A call‑and‑response chorus designed for club energy

The lyrics—flirtatious, rhythmic, and irresistibly catchy—fit right into the era’s blend of street style and pop accessibility. The hook, “Baby do the Beat Street strut,” became one of the soundtrack’s most memorable refrains.

Behind the Boards: A Who’s‑Who of 80s Production

The credits read like a roll call of early‑80s studio heavyweights. The single’s various releases list contributions from:

Arthur Baker, a defining architect of electro and hip‑hop production
Eumir Deodato, the Brazilian jazz‑funk legend who helped shape disco’s sound
Harry Belafonte, whose executive role helped bring hip‑hop into mainstream cinema

This blend of creative forces gave “Beat Street Strut” a polished, crossover‑ready sheen.

Chart Footprint and Legacy

While not a chart‑topper, the song made a respectable showing, peaking at #46 on the Billboard Dance chart in July 1984. More importantly, it became part of the Beat Street legacy—a film and soundtrack that helped introduce breakdancing, DJing, and street art to global audiences.

Today, “Beat Street Strut” stands as a reminder of a moment when hip‑hop was still raw, still rising, and still defining itself. Juicy’s contribution may not be the most famous track from the soundtrack, but it’s one of the most emblematic—slick, stylish, and pulsing with the optimism of a culture on the verge of worldwide impact.

Why It Still Matters

In an era where early hip‑hop history is being rediscovered and re‑evaluated, “Beat Street Strut” offers a glimpse into the genre’s formative years—before the mega‑stars, before the billion‑dollar industry, before the global takeover. It’s a reminder of the dance floors, block parties, and creative collisions that shaped the sound of a generation.

And sometimes, all it takes is one listen to that shimmering synth line to feel like you’re right back in 1984, strutting down the avenue.

SIDE A:
Beat Street Strut (Extended 12″ Version) 7:47

SIDE B:
Beat Street Strut (Instrumental) 7:36

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance — Juicy: *Beat Street Strut* (1984)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Dance Club Songs	#45	1984

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Atlantic – 786 943-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Europe
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – Arthur Baker, Harry Belafonte
Lyrics By – Katreese Barnes (tracks: A), Milton G. Barnes (tracks: A)
Mixed By [Special 12″ Mix By] – David Belafonte
Producer, Arranged By – Eumir Deodato
Written-By – Alan Palanker, Eumir Deodato

NOTES:
From the LP “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack BEAT STREET” on Atlantic Records and Cassettes.

Manufactured in Germany by Record Service GmbH, Alsdorf

Made in Germany

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.