Tag: Halloween

Whodini – The Haunted House Of Rock (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1983

Halloween is finally here! and it’s time for one last Spooky Season Spin one such standout song is Whodini’s 1983 hit, “The Haunted House of Rock.” Released as a Halloween single, this song not only showcases Whodini’s lyrical style and creativity but also helps bridge the gap between hip-hop and seasonal novelty music.

Formed in Brooklyn in the early 80s, Whodini was one of the pioneering groups in hip-hop, blending R&B, funk, and early hip-hop styles. The trio, originally consisting of Jalil Hutchins, Ecstasy (John Fletcher), and DJ Drew Carter (aka Grandmaster Dee), made a name for themselves with their catchy hooks and fresh beats, standing out in a rapidly growing hip-hop scene. With hits like “Friends,” “Freaks Come Out at Night,” and “Five Minutes of Funk,” Whodini quickly established themselves as a key player in 80s hip-hop. “The Haunted House of Rock” was one of their earliest hits and brought something unexpected—a hip-hop track made specifically for Halloween.

Released in 1983, “The Haunted House of Rock”* was produced by Larry Smith, who also worked with Run-D.M.C. and helped shape the sound of early hip-hop. The song opens with a haunting synth line that immediately sets the tone. Its eerie yet funky beat lays the groundwork for the perfect Halloween track, blending 80s electronic vibes with Whodini’s unique style of storytelling rap.

The lyrics take listeners on a tour of a fictional haunted house party, where classic monsters like Dracula, the Mummy, and the Invisible Man join forces with Whodini for a night of eerie revelry. Hutchins and Fletcher use the song to describe a spooky yet entertaining scene full of thrills and chills, making it as fun as it is fantastical.

The production on “The Haunted House of Rock” is quintessentially 80s, leaning heavily into synthesizers, drum machines, and that unmistakable hip-hop groove. The song uses creative sound effects and samples that add to its supernatural theme. From creaky door sounds to ghostly moans, the production choices enhance the atmosphere, transforming the song into a haunted audio experience that fits right in with Halloween playlists. Larry Smith’s work on this track is a testament to his ability to blend genres, and his influence can be felt in many of Whodini’s subsequent works.

Upon its release, “The Haunted House of Rock” garnered attention for its creativity and originality. At a time when hip-hop was still finding its identity, Whodini dared to bring a fun, seasonal twist to the genre. The song remains a unique piece of hip-hop history—a Halloween-themed rap that set the stage for future holiday hits. While it may not have reached the chart-topping heights of Whodini’s later songs, it remains a beloved part of their catalog and a go-to Halloween track for hip-hop enthusiasts.

The song was later included on Whodini’s debut album, “Whodini,” which featured other hits that would go on to define the group’s career. Despite being a novelty track, “The Haunted House of Rock” has endured over the decades as a Halloween staple, making it a perfect addition to any spooky-themed playlist.

In an era where Halloween music often leans heavily on horror movie soundtracks and pop hits, Whodini’s “The Haunted House of Rock” stands out as one of the rare early hip-hop songs specifically for the holiday. Its playful lyrics, spooky vibes, and retro sound capture Halloween’s essence while offering a classic hip-hop taste that still resonates with fans today.

Whether you’re a hip-hop head or just looking to add some 80s flavor to your Halloween festivities, “The Haunted House of Rock” is a must-listen.

  • All tracks are vinyl-only

SIDE A:
The Haunted House Of Rock (Extended Version) 6:35
The Haunted House Of Rock (Haunted Mix) 4:33

SIDE B:
The Haunted House Of Rock (Vocoder Version) 5:29
The Haunted House Of Rock (Acapella) 1:55

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Jive – JD1-9026Arista – JD-1-9026
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Hip Hop, Pop
Style: Electro, Boom Bap, Pop Rap

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the LP “Whodini”

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.



Fat Boys – Are You Ready For Freddy (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

“Are You Ready for Freddy” is a single by the Fat Boys, released in 1988 to coincide with the release of “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master.” This unique collaboration merges hip-hop with horror, as the song features Robert Englund himself, in character as Freddy Krueger, delivering his iconic lines. The track features the Fat Boys’ trademark humor and beatboxing style, making it both catchy and eerie.

In the song, Freddy raps alongside the Fat Boys, warning listeners to be “Ready for Freddy” as he claims his next victims. It’s a playful take on the horror genre, mixing Freddy’s menacing persona with the Fat Boys’ fun and energetic delivery.

In the video, Prince Markie Dee’s “Uncle Frederick” has died, and his lawyer (Bert Remsen) meets the group outside the Nightmare on Elm Street house. The lawyer informs Markie that he must spend the night inside Uncle Frederick’s home to earn his inheritance, so the group enters. Not long after, Freddy Krueger appears and begins to chase the band throughout the house, slashing with his claw while stopping to rap.

This track remains a memorable example of how hip-hop crossed over with other genres and pop culture phenomena in the 80s, creating unexpected and memorable pairings.

The song was also included in the Fat Boy’s LP “Coming Back Hard Again”.

+ All tracks are vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Are You Ready For Freddy (12″ Version) 7:00
Are You Ready For Freddy (7″ Version) 3:34

SIDE B:
Are You Ready For Freddy (Dub Version) 6:17
Back And Forth (12″ Version) 5:14

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Tin Pan Apple – 887 894-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Pop Rap

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Latin Rascals Productions Inc.
Special Thanks to Kevin Benson, Tony Bongiovi, Freddy Krueger, Bill Stettner, and Joe Zynczak.
Original Version on the Tin Pan Apple/Polydor LP “Coming Back Hard Again” (835809-1)
Samples “For The Love Of Money” by The O’Jays.

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.



Edgar Winter – Frankenstein 1984 (US 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1983

Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein ’84” is a reimagined version of his classic instrumental hit, Frankenstein, originally released in 1972. The 1984 version takes the rock instrumental to a new level by incorporating the synthesizer-heavy sound that had grown popular in the 80s. This updated version brings an electronic twist to the original’s signature guitar and keyboard riffs, adding a bit of synth-pop flair to the song while maintaining its hard rock roots.

While the original Frankenstein is famous for its progressive rock elements and complex arrangement (including a memorable drum solo), Frankenstein ’84 leans into a mix of rock and 80s electronic elements, blending synthesizers with heavy guitar and electronic drums. This remake underscores Winter’s versatility and his ability to innovate across genres, showcasing his musical skills in guitar, saxophone, and synthesizer.

The Frankenstein ’84 remix didn’t achieve the same chart-topping success as the original Frankenstein, which had been a major hit in 1973, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most iconic rock instrumentals of its time. Despite its innovative remix production and appeal within 80s dance scenes, Frankenstein ’84 was more of a cult favorite than a chart hit.

While the remix breathed new life into the classic, introducing it to a younger, more dance-oriented audience, it didn’t chart significantly in the U.S. or internationally. However, Frankenstein ’84 maintained a presence on 12” singles and in clubs, where extended and remixed versions of popular songs were frequently played. This version became popular among fans of Edgar Winter and the synth-heavy remix styles of the era, securing a legacy as a unique 80s reinterpretation of a 70s rock classic.

The music video for Frankenstein ’84 embraced the energetic and experimental spirit of the 80s, mirroring the song’s transformation into a danceable, synth-driven rock piece. In the video, Edgar Winter plays a prominent role, performing his famous synthesizer riffs and saxophone solos with a futuristic edge. The visuals are full of 80s flair, with neon lighting, strobe effects, and a surreal, almost sci-fi aesthetic that complements the track’s title and its Frankenstein theme.

Set against a dramatic, dark backdrop with flashes of color, the video has a Frankenstein-esque lab atmosphere. Winter is often shown surrounded by synthesizers, drum machines, and flashing lights, emphasizing the remix’s electronic makeover. The production leans heavily on visual effects that feel both eerie and futuristic, capturing the transformation of the original rock classic into an electrifying 80s remix.

The video reflects Edgar Winter’s eccentric style and adds an element of theatricality to the song, aligning with the era’s tendency to produce visually experimental music videos. This visual style helped to promote the remix to a new generation and allowed Winter’s eclectic musical persona to shine.

For this release, I have created custom artwork.

SIDE A:
Frankenstein 1984 (Monster Version) 9:48

SIDE B:
Frankenstein 1984 (Human Version) 4:54
Frankenstein 1984 (Monster Rap) 9:51

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Body Rock – BR 5001
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro

CREDITS:

NOYES:
MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :v) ANgiE M “MONSTER BREAKS” BR-5001-A ✩PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS,✩N.J.

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.



Deodato – S.O.S. Fire In The Sky (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1984

“S.O.S., Fire In The Sky” is a vibrant track from Deodato’s 1984 album Motion, released by Warner Bros. The song showcases a collaboration with vocalist Camille, with songwriting credits to Rick Suchow and Alan Palanker. Its energetic rhythm and captivating melody succeeded on the Billboard Dance Chart, where it stayed for 14 weeks, peaking in the Top 20 in 1985. Internationally, the song saw even greater success, entering the Top 10 on the pop charts in France and Holland, and securing the number one spot on the dance chart in Holland.

This track highlights Deodato’s versatility, blending his jazz-fusion style with pop and dance elements to create a memorable and chart-topping hit.

SIDE A:
S.O.S. Fire In The Sky (Special 12″ Disarmamix) 6:40
Edited By – Victor Flores
Written-By – Alan PalankerRick Suchow

SIDE B:
East Side Strut (LP Version) 5:37
Written-By – Eumir DeodatoSergio DiasVan Gibbs

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1984 S.O.S. Fire In The Sky U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play #6

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – 0-20287Warner Bros. Records – 9 20287-0 A
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Maxi-Single, 45 RPM, Allied Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
A: Original Version available on the Warner Bros. album “Motion”
B: From the Warner Bros. album “Night Cruiser”

Made in U.S.A.
Printed in U.S.A.

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.