Burning The Ground Exclusive
Today’s Pride Month feature transports us straight to a fantasy realm of disco lights, roller skates, and synth-drenched euphoria—“Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra, the unforgettable title track from the 1980 cult musical film Xanadu.
I’m spotlighting the European 12” single, which includes the album version of “Xanadu” backed with “Fool Country,” a track featured in the film but not included on the official soundtrack. As a special treat, I’ve also added a bonus remix: the “Re-Glittered Mix” by Steve Anderson of DMC fame—a Pride-ready version that’s pure sparkle and spectacle.
🪩 Chart Success
“Xanadu” became a massive international hit. In the UK, it soared to #1 on the Singles Chart—making it ELO’s only UK #1 hit. In the U.S., it peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning both Olivia and ELO another top 10 pop smash. The song’s jubilant fusion of Jeff Lynne’s symphonic rock production with Olivia’s airy, crystalline vocals captured the hearts of both disco and pop fans alike.
🎶 Soundtrack Anniversary
Here’s something special: the Xanadu soundtrack turns 45 years old today! Released in the U.S. June 1980, the album has become a cult classic—featuring side A by Olivia Newton-John and side B by ELO. While the film itself polarized critics, the music became a beloved part of pop culture, especially within LGBTQ+ communities who embraced its theatricality, glam, and fantasy.
🌈 A Legendary Mardi Gras Performance
Another magical Pride moment: In 2008, Olivia performed “Xanadu” live at Sydney’s Mardi Gras, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event. Wearing a dazzling disco sequin kimono, she took the stage at 4AM at the Royal Hall Of Industries before a crowd of over 18,000 fans—serving vocals, glam, and sheer joy. The remix she performed to? Yes, the very same Steve Anderson Re-Glittered Mix included here. The audience, as you’d expect, went wild.
Why “Xanadu” for Pride Month?
Because it’s joyful. It’s camp. It’s fantasy. And it’s a radiant reminder that escapism, glamour, and individuality are powerful tools of self-expression. Olivia Newton-John has always been a beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community, and Xanadu is one of the glittering jewels in her crown.
This track is an open invitation to dream—to step out of the gray and into the neon. And during Pride, what could be more fitting?
🎶 “Now that I’m here, now that you’re near… in Xanadu.” 🎶
SIDE A:
Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra – Xanadu 3:30
Producer – Jeff Lynne
Written-By – Lynne*
SIDE B:
Olivia Newton-John – Fool Country 2:28
Producer – John Farrar
Written-By – Farrar*
BONUS REMIX:
Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra – Xanadu (Re-Glittered Mix) 10:30
Remix – Steve Anderson And His Merry Mirrorball Men*
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Xanadu | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #8 |
| 1980 | Xanadu | U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary | #2 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Jet Records – JET 12.185, Jet Records – 12.185
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1980
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop, Disco
NOTES:
Made in Holland
Side A Taken from the soundtrack album “Xanadu”
Bonus Remix taken from DMC Hit Mixes 195
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
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