Tag: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

Janet Jackson – Alright (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

12″ Single Released: March 4, 1990

“Alright” was the fourth single released from Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking Rhythm Nation 1814 album, and it brought with it a joyful, funky energy that stood out among the album’s harder-edged, socially conscious tracks. With bright horns, a classic swing vibe, and Janet’s signature layered vocals, “Alright” is a celebration of love and positivity wrapped in irresistible grooves.

The 12″ release is particularly special—packed with six different mixes, including standout work by remix legend Shep Pettibone, this record is a true gem for collectors and remix fans alike. Some of these versions, as far as I know, are vinyl-only, and getting them cleaned up properly was a labor of love.

I spent three days working on this 12″—most of the time went into visually removing clicks, pops, and other anomalies from the audio. It’s a meticulous process, but one I’m passionate about, and the end result is something I’m really proud of. In fact, I took most of yesterday off from posting just to focus entirely on this record.

I hope you enjoy the results as much as I do.

The song itself reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Janet’s fourth consecutive #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. Its iconic video—directed by Julien Temple—was a loving tribute to 1930s musicals, featuring cameos from legends like Cab Calloway, Cyd Charisse, and the Nicholas Brothers. Stylish, timeless, and loaded with charm, “Alright” remains a highlight of Janet’s incredible career.

Whether you’re hearing these mixes for the first time or rediscovering them, I think you’ll agree—Janet sounds more than alright. She sounds phenomenal.

SIDE A:
Alright (12″ R&B Mix) 7:18
Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Heavy D.*

Alright (7″ R&B Mix) 4:34

Alright (A Cappella) 3:28

SIDE B:
Alright (12″ House Mix) 8:27
Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Heavy D.*

Alright (Hip House Dub) 6:36
Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Heavy D.*

Alright (House Dub) 5:58

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1990 Alright U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #4
1990 Alright U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs #1
1990 Alright U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales #2
1990 alright U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs #2

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12351, A&M Records – SP 12351
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: Mar 4, 1990
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: House, Hip-House, New Jack Swing, Contemporary R&B

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the LP “Rhythm Nation 1814”

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.



George Michael – Monkey (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date September 24, 2013

“Monkey” is a hit single by George Michael from his debut solo album, Faith (1987). Released as the album’s fourth single in 1988, the song became a major success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The track showcases a funky, dance-oriented style, blending elements of pop and R&B, and was co-produced by George Michael and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

The lyrics reflect themes of addiction and unhealthy relationships, with Michael imploring someone to choose between him and their “monkey”—a metaphor for a habit or dependency. Its infectious beat, layered production, and cutting-edge remixes, including the popular Jam & Lewis remix, contributed to its club appeal and chart-topping performance.

“Monkey” also stands out for its music video, directed by Andy Morahan, featuring energetic visuals, including Michael performing alongside dancers and showcasing his signature style during the Faith era. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Michael’s versatility as an artist.

The remixes of “Monkey” played a significant role in its popularity, especially in the U.S. club scene. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, renowned producers known for their work with artists like Janet Jackson, created a special remix for the single release. This version amplified the track’s funky, percussive energy, enhancing its appeal on dance floors and radio stations alike. The remix was so impactful that it became the definitive version of the song played on U.S. radio.

In terms of chart performance, “Monkey” achieved significant success globally. While it became George Michael’s eighth #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, it also fared well on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Internationally, it charted within the top 10 in countries like Canada and Ireland, though it performed more modestly in the UK, peaking at #13 on the UK Singles Chart.

The single’s success cemented Michael’s reputation as one of the 1980s’ most versatile pop icons, capable of delivering everything from heartfelt ballads to irresistible dance tracks. “Monkey” also contributed to the massive commercial success of Faith, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1989.

SIDE A:
Monkey (Extended Version) 8:07

SIDE B:
Monkey (Acappella) 3:44
Monkey (Extra Beats) 3:43

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1988 Monkey U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
1988 Monkey U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs #8
1988 Monkey U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music  / Club Play #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 07849, Columbia – 44-07849
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop, Dance-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the LP “FAITH”

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.



Thelma Houston – You Used To Hold Me So Tight (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1984

“You Used to Hold Me So Tight” is a song written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for American singer Thelma Houston’s 1984 album Qualifying Heat. Released as a single in mid-1984, “You Used to Hold Me So Tight” became a success on the U.S. charts, peaking at number seven on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. Although it missed the Billboard Hot 100, the song peaked at number thirteen on the Hot Black Singles chart.

The single has been sampled in seven songs, notably among them “Ancodia” by 808 State from their 1989 album Ninety.

SIDE A:
You Used To Hold Me So Tight (12″ Version) 5:37

SIDE B:
You Used To Hold Me So Tight (Dub Version) 6:36
You Used To Hold Me So Tight (LP Version) 5:43

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1984 You Used To Hold Me So Tight U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play #7
1984 You Used To Hold Me So Tight U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #13

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23520
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Pinckneyville
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Electro, Boogie

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the MCA LP, MCA-5527 “Qualifying Heat”

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 3.0 (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 Human League – I Need Your Loving (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

Vinyl-only*

“I Need Your Loving” is a song by English synth-pop band The Human League, released as the second single from their fifth studio album, Crash (1986). The song was written by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, David Eiland, Langston Richey, Danny Williams and Herman Davis (a.k.a. Randy Ran).

Like many other tracks from the album, “I Need Your Loving” was aimed towards the US market, where the first single from Crash, “Human”, had reached number one. The single was recorded at the Flyte Time studios in Minneapolis under the production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis while the Human League had been in residence from February until April 1986. In the UK it was promoted with a cheaply and badly filmed music video and it became the band’s worst showing in the UK charts ever, only reaching number 72. Critics savaged the song at the time and the band has largely disowned it.

In the United States, the song reached number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on January 24, 1987, after spending eleven weeks on the survey. “I Need Your Loving” also peaked at number 52 on the Billboard R&B chart.

*Tracks A2, B1 and B2 are vinyl-only.

SIDE A:
I Need Your Loving (Extended Version) 7:18
I Need Your Loving (Acapella Version)* 3:46

SIDE B:
I Need Your Loving (Dub Version)* 6:43
I Need Your Loving (Instrumental Version)* 3:46

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1987 I Need Your Loving U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #44
1987 I Need Your Loving U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #52

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Virgin – VS900-12
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Produced for Flyte Time Productions, Inc.
From the LP “CRASH”

Manufactured in the U.K.

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 3.0 (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.