Tag: Gary Langan

August 25, 2025

Paul McCartney – Spies Like Us (US 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In late 1985, Paul McCartney added another unexpected entry to his eclectic catalog with the release of “Spies Like Us,” the theme song for the John Landis-directed comedy of the same name starring Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. While not remembered as one of McCartney’s most celebrated singles, the track is an interesting snapshot of mid-80s pop production, Cold War paranoia dressed in pop satire, and a Beatle experimenting with the MTV era.

Background

The film Spies Like Us was a goofy Cold War buddy comedy, and Warner Bros. wanted a big-name theme song to match. Enter Paul McCartney, who had already proven with “Live and Let Die” that he could craft cinematic pop with flair. This time, though, instead of lush orchestrations, McCartney leaned heavily into synths, drum machines, and Fairlight sampling, hallmarks of the mid-80s studio sound.

The single was produced by McCartney himself, with Hugh Padgham (known for his work with Genesis, Phil Collins, and The Police) contributing his signature gated drum textures.

The Song

“Spies Like Us” is a quirky mix of playful lyrics, staccato vocal chants, and punchy electronic rhythms. McCartney doesn’t play it straight; instead, the song mirrors the slapstick tone of the movie. The hook, “Ooh ooh, what do you do, no one else can dance like you,” is pure Macca—catchy and cheeky at the same time.

While not universally loved by critics (some dismissed it as lightweight compared to his more serious work), the track’s off-kilter energy feels in line with the zany espionage antics of Chase and Aykroyd. It’s Paul having fun, and that spirit comes through.

Chart Performance

Despite mixed reviews, “Spies Like Us” did surprisingly well commercially. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986, marking McCartney’s last U.S. Top 10 hit to date. In the UK, however, it stalled at #13.

The music video, directed by John Landis, featured McCartney performing the song intercut with clips from the film—though Chase and Aykroyd also appear goofing around as “backing musicians,” adding to the lightheartedness. MTV gave it steady rotation at the time.

Legacy

“Spies Like Us” is often overlooked when discussing McCartney’s career highlights, but it remains a fascinating curio. It captures a moment when one of the world’s greatest songwriters was still experimenting, still adapting, and still landing hits two decades after the Beatles.

Final thought: “Spies Like Us” may not sit alongside Band on the Run or Maybe I’m Amazed in McCartney’s pantheon, but it’s undeniably catchy, delightfully odd, and very much of its time. A Top 10 hit from a Cold War comedy—only Paul could pull that off.

SIDE A:
Spies Like Us (Party Mix) 7:13
Mixed By – John Potoker

Spies Like Us (Alternative Mix-Known To His Friends As “Tom”) 3:59
Mixed By – Art Of Noise*

SIDE B:
Spies Like Us (DJ Version) 3:48

My Carnival (Party Mix) 6:00
Mixed By – Gary Langan
Performed By – Paul McCartney And Wings*
Producer – Paul McCartney

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	Spies Like Us	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#7
1985	Spies Like Us	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#31

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15212, MPL (2) – V-15212
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Misprint
Country: US
Released: Nov 18, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Lacquer Cut By – ES*
Photography By [Back Cover] – David Morse (2)
Photography By [Front Cover] – Linda McCartney
Producer – Padgham* (tracks: A1 to B1), McCartney* (tracks: A1 to B1), Ramone* (tracks: A1 to B1)
Written-By – Paul McCartney

NOTES:
Title Song From the Warner Bros. Motion Picture

A1 Mixed in New York
A2 Mixed in London
A1 & A2: From The Warner Bros. Motion Picture “Spies Like US”
B2 Recorded in New Orleans and Dedicated to Professor Longhair

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.

August 7, 2025

Jody Watley – Girls Night Out (UK 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: May 4, 2018

Before Jody Watley became a chart-topping solo sensation in the late 1980s, she was already redefining herself beyond her Shalamar roots. In 1985, she took her first bold steps into solo artistry with a sleek, dance-forward single “Girls Night Out”—a track that quietly laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Only released in Europe on Mercury Records, “Girls Night Out” marked Jody’s second solo single after her departure from Shalamar, following 1984’s “Where the Boys Are.” While it didn’t make a commercial splash at the time, the record showcases a confident, club-ready Watley stepping into the spotlight with style and poise.

The single was co-produced by Gary Langan, a founding member of the Art of Noise, bringing a distinctly British edge and studio sophistication to the production. Langan’s signature blend of synth-heavy textures and abstract funk grooves pairs perfectly with Jody’s smooth vocal delivery, creating a track that’s both polished and underground. You can hear echoes of Art of Noise’s experimental rhythms layered beneath a crisp pop sheen—blurring the lines between electro, post-disco, and early house.

Released as Mercury MERX 196, the 12″ features an Extended Dance Version that gives the song plenty of room to breathe on the floor. Thumping basslines, stabbing synths, and a no-nonsense vocal performance make this a criminally underrated gem from her pre-solo-album years. It’s pure mid-’80s club magic.

This rare vinyl release is a true collector’s piece and a fascinating glimpse at an artist on the verge of superstardom. Just two years later, Watley would explode onto the U.S. charts with her debut album and the hit single “Looking for a New Love.” But with “Girls Night Out,” she was already signaling that the future of pop and dance belonged to her.

So grab your heels, call your crew, and turn it up—tonight’s for the girls.

🎶💃

BTG EXCLUSIVE BONUS

As a special treat, I’ve also included the rare 7″ Version of “Girls Night Out,” which does not appear on the 12″ single and is being featured here on Burning the Ground for the very first time. This shorter edit brings a tighter, radio-friendly structure to the track without losing any of its bold attitude or groove.

This is a must-hear for completists and a great introduction for anyone unfamiliar with this early, essential chapter in Jody’s solo career.

SIDE A:
Girls Night Out (Dance Mix) 5:53
ngineer – Gary Langan
Producer – Bruce Woolley , Gary Langan
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

SIDE B:
My House (4-free) 4:52
Engineer – Simon Sullivan
Producer – Bruce Woolley
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

BONUS TRACK:
Girls Night Out (7″ Version) 3:36
ngineer – Gary Langan
Producer – Bruce Woolley , Gary Langan
Written-By – B. Woolley* , J. Watley*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – Merx 196
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – Laurence Stevens
Photography By – Brian Aris

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.

August 6, 2025

Jody Watley – Where The Boys Are (UK 12″) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: September 10, 2013

Before she became an international Grammy-winning pop icon, Jody Watley briefly took a detour into the UK club scene with a short-lived—but fascinating—solo launch. “Where The Boys Are” was her first solo single following her departure from Shalamar in the early 1980s, and it’s a gem that has flown under the radar for far too long.

Released exclusively in Europe and Australia on Mercury Records in 1984, “Where The Boys Are” marked a bold attempt at rebranding Watley as a club-ready solo act. Issued under just her first name—Jody—the track was part of an early effort to craft a full-length solo album while she was living in the UK. Unfortunately, neither this single nor the follow-up “Girls Night Out” generated significant traction, and the proposed album was ultimately shelved.

But that doesn’t mean the music lacked fire. On the contrary, “Where The Boys Are” pulses with classic mid-80s dancefloor energy—full of bouncing synths, moody grooves, and Jody’s unmistakable charisma. It’s sleek, stylish, and sassy—laying the early groundwork for the confident pop/fashion hybrid image she would perfect by the end of the decade.

The B-side of both singles was “My House (4-Free),” a track that would find unexpected life years later. In 1990, it was reworked into a club hit for Paul Lekakis, best known for his Hi-NRG anthem “Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room).”

None of the versions on this rare 12″ have ever been released on CD or digital platforms, making this a prized find for vinyl collectors and Watley completists.

Of course, the story doesn’t end here—Jody returned stronger than ever in 1987 with her U.S. debut self-titled album, which spun off multiple hits and earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist. But this 1984 single is where it all began—an early taste of her future solo stardom, waiting to be rediscovered.

SIDE A:
Where The Boys Are (The Long Way Home Mix!) 6:10
Producer, Engineer – Gary Langan

SIDE B:
Where The Boys Are (7″ Version) 3:16
Producer, Engineer – Gary Langan

My House (4-Free) 4:52
Engineer – Simon Sullivan

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury ‎– JODY 112
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – Neville Brody
Other [Assistant] – Ben Murphy
Photography By – Tim O’Sullivan
Producer – Bruce Woolley
Written-By – Bruce Woolley, Jody Watley

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.

November 20, 2024

Spandau Ballet – Fight For Ourselves (Extended Remix) (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

“Fight for Ourselves” is a song by English new wave band Spandau Ballet, released as the lead single from their 1986 album Through the Barricades. In the UK, the track reached number 15 on the Singles Chart, but it was met with largely negative reviews.

Background
While touring to promote their 1983 album True, Spandau Ballet noticed a newfound synergy in their live performances and sought to replicate that energy in their next studio effort. However, their attempt to achieve this with True co-producers Tony Swain and Steve Jolley on 1984’s Parade left the band dissatisfied. Guitarist and songwriter Gary Kemp later admitted, “We were afraid to take a big leap after True. The problem was that Parade didn’t reflect the live energy we had. People were disappointed with the record.” Kemp emphasized, “We’re a rock band now.”

Determined to evolve their sound, the band decided to part ways with Swain and Jolley. They brought in recording engineer Gary Langan, whom they had met while working with Trevor Horn, to co-produce a single track as a test before committing to him for the full album. The chosen song, originally titled “Everybody (We’ve Got to Fight for Ourselves)”, was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich during the winter of 1986. The experiment proved successful, and Langan co-produced the entire album.

Release and Commercial Performance
“Fight for Ourselves” was released in the UK on July 14, 1986, and peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band’s first lead single from an album to miss the top 10. The track fared better internationally, reaching number 5 in Italy, number 7 in Ireland, and number 10 on the European Hot 100. It also charted in other countries, including Spain (11), Australia and the Netherlands (16), Belgium (20), Switzerland (23), West Germany (32), and New Zealand (33).

Despite its moderate success, lead singer Tony Hadley reflected in his 2004 autobiography To Cut a Long Story Short that the single’s performance “hardly squared with our hopes of global success.”

Music Video
The music video for “Fight for Ourselves,” directed by Simon Milne, features a playful storyline in which two young women—one played by Paul Young’s then-girlfriend Stacey Smith—sneak into a Spandau Ballet concert. Using powers of invisibility, they interact with band members during the performance. Chroma key effects were employed for the disappearing and reappearing sequences. The exterior shots of the concert venue were filmed at 43 King Street, Covent Garden, London.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Fight For Ourselves (Extended Remix) 7:30

SIDE B:
Fight For Ourselves 4:22
Fight … The Heartache+ 4:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Reformation – TA7264, Reformation – TA 7264, CBS – TA7264, CBS – TA 7264
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: Jul 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design [Packaging By] – Assorted Images, Movat*
Engineer – Gary Langan
Photography By [Group] – Stevie Hughes
Producer – Gary Langan, Spandau Ballet
Written-By – Gary Kemp

NOTES:
Packaging by Movat/ Assorted Images
Made In England

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

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.