Tag: John Luongo

October 13, 2026

Baby Go Boom – Life Can Be A Hurtful Thing (Canada 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2026 Transfer
New Meticulous Audio Restoration

Originally posted on August 25, 2014, this obscure synth-pop gem returns to Burning The Ground with a brand new 2026 transfer. It’s another entry in my “Closet 80’s” series, where we dust off those forgotten records that deserve another listen.

Baby Go Boom was a short-lived British new wave/synth-pop project that released just one single, “Life Can Be A Hurtful Thing.” Originally issued in the UK in May 1984 on Innervision Records, the song combined catchy melodies with a dance-oriented sound that fit comfortably alongside the synth-pop and electronic dance records of the period.

Despite its commercial potential, the single struggled to find an audience. The original 1984 release reached No. 104 on the extended UK singles chart, narrowly missing the Top 100. However, the story didn’t end there.

In 1986, Island Records gave “Life Can Be A Hurtful Thing” a second chance, reissuing the single in the UK, Canada, and Australia with updated mixes. American remixer John Luongo, whose work helped shape the sound of countless dance records during the late 1970s and 1980s, provided a fresh six-minute U.S. Remix. Dennis Weinreich also contributed a shorter remix, giving the song another opportunity to connect with radio listeners.

The John Luongo remix is the main attraction here. Its extended arrangement gives the track more room to breathe on the dance floor while retaining the melodic charm of the original recording. It’s a fine example of how a good remix could give an overlooked single a new lease on life.

Unfortunately, even with Island Records behind the reissue, Baby Go Boom never achieved the commercial success that might have led to a full-length album. The group disappeared, leaving “Life Can Be A Hurtful Thing” as its only single and a curious footnote in British synth-pop history.

For collectors and fans of lesser-known 1980s music, records like this are exactly what make digging through old 12-inch singles so rewarding. Not everything worth hearing made the charts or received heavy radio airplay. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that slipped through the cracks.

I first shared this Canadian 12-inch on August 25, 2014. More than twelve years later, I’ve returned to the record for a completely new 2026 transfer. Whether you’re rediscovering this one or hearing Baby Go Boom for the very first time, I hope you enjoy another forgotten slice of 1980s synth-pop.

And that, after all, is what “Closet 80’s” is all about!

SIDE A:
A. Life Can Be A Hurtful Thing (U.S. Remix) 6:04
Remix – John Luongo

SIDE B:
B1. Life Can Be A Hurtful Thing 2:44
Remix – Dennis Weinreich

B2. Perfect Thing 3:07

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Island Records – IS 1092
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Canada
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – Island Art
Photography – Mike Prior
Producer – Liam Henshall
Written-By – Gerrish*, Klevatt*, Sanderson*

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

PLEASE READ

There are two 24-Bit links; if one does not work, try the other

**24-bit FLAC Only Available For SIX Days!

Password: burningtheground

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May 8, 2026

ABC – The Look Of Love (USA Remix – Dub) (US 12″) (1982)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2026 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: September 23, 2016

British new wave band ABC released “The Look Of Love” in May 1982 as the third single from their debut album “The Lexicon of Love.” Produced by the legendary Trevor Horn, the track became one of the band’s signature songs, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles Chart and reaching #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. With its sophisticated mix of synth-pop, funk grooves, lush orchestration, and sharp lyrical wit, “The Look Of Love” helped define the sound and style of early ‘80s pop music.

The single itself was an ambitious concept divided into four interconnected sections referred to as “Parts One, Two, Three and Four.” Each segment explored different moods and arrangements while maintaining the song’s sleek and cinematic identity. Martin Fry’s cool, detached vocal delivery paired perfectly with Trevor Horn’s polished production techniques, creating a track that sounded unlike anything else on radio at the time.

For American audiences, Mercury Records issued a special 12″ remix in 1982 featuring a completely different take on the song by Trevor Horn. This exclusive U.S. remix became highly sought after by club DJs and collectors due to its extended structure, added instrumental passages, and deeper dub influences. Included on the U.S. 12″ was the rare “U.S.A. Remix Dub,” also known among fans as “Part Five.”

Although the U.S.A. Remix Dub later appeared on the compilations “Absolutely” and “Look Of Love – The Very Best Of ABC,” both versions were edited. The full-length mix also surfaced on the poorly mastered “Remix Collection” CD, leaving vinyl enthusiasts searching for the original 12″ pressing to experience the remix properly.

After its original release, the 1982 U.S. Remix became increasingly difficult to find, and demand for the record grew steadily among DJs and devoted ABC fans. Original copies of the Mercury Records 12″ often commanded high prices on the collector’s market. Recognizing the ongoing demand, Neutron Records, the band’s UK label, eventually issued a limited-edition promotional 12″ repress of the Trevor Horn remix under the title “Special Remix.” While not considered an official re-release of the single, it gave collectors another opportunity to obtain the legendary mix without paying premium import prices.

Today I am revisiting this classic with a NEW 2026 meticulous audio restoration and transfer from my original U.S. Mercury Records 12″ pressing. Every effort has been made to preserve the warmth, dynamics, and punch of the original vinyl while presenting these rare mixes in the best possible quality.

Whether you remember hearing “The Look Of Love” on MTV, in the clubs, or blasting through late-night radio in 1982, this remains one of the defining singles of the decade and a shining example of Trevor Horn’s groundbreaking studio craftsmanship.

SIDE A:
The Look Of Love (USA Remix – Dub Version) 7:39
Remix [Uncredited] – ABC
Remix [Uncredited] – Trevor Horn

SIDE B:
The Look Of Love (Part 3 – Dance Version) 4:17
Remix [Uncredited] –John Luongo

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – ABC: *The Look Of Love* (1982)
Chart (1982)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)	7
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)	16
Canada Top Singles (RPM)	1
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)	4
Ireland (IRMA)	12
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	12
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	11
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	5
Spain (AFYVE)	15
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)	8
UK Singles (OCC)	4
US Billboard Hot 100	18
US Dance/Disco Top 80 (Billboard)	1
US Rock Top Tracks (Billboard)	32
US Cash Box Top 100	9
West Germany (GfK)	36

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – MDS-4023, Mercury – 6400 751
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Stereo, 53
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, New Wave

CREDITS:

Producer [Produced By] – Trevor Horn
Written-By – ABC

NOTES:
From the album SRM-1-4059 “The Lexicon Of Love”

Printed in U.S.A.

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

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

February 13, 2026

ABC – Valentine’s Day (Japan 7″) (1982)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2026 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: February 13, 2014

Few debut albums in pop history have arrived as fully formed and sonically lavish as The Lexicon of Love by ABC. Released in 1982 and produced by Trevor Horn, the album was a masterclass in orchestral pop sophistication. While it spawned major international hits, one of its most intriguing and elusive singles was a Japan-only release: “Valentine’s Day.”

And what better excuse to spotlight this rarity than February 13th or 14th, depending on where you are. Consider this a special Burning the Ground Valentine — a deep cut pulled from the grooves rather than the greeting card aisle. ❤️

A Japanese-Only 7-Inch

Issued exclusively in Japan in 1982 on Mercury Records, “Valentine’s Day” appeared as a 7-inch single backed with “The Look Of Love (Part 3).” The single did not chart, and no music video was produced, making it a comparatively quiet release during an otherwise high-profile campaign for The Lexicon of Love.

But what truly elevates this pressing for collectors is the B-side.

The Dancefloor Connection

“The Look Of Love (Part 3)” is not simply an instrumental reprise — it is a dance-oriented remix by legendary remixer John Luongo. Known in the early ’80s for transforming pop tracks into extended club workouts, Luongo reimagined ABC’s lush pop classic into a more rhythm-driven, floor-friendly mix.

While the original album version of “The Look Of Love” leaned heavily into sweeping orchestration and romantic drama, Luongo’s remix emphasizes groove and propulsion. It strips back some of the ornate grandeur and highlights the rhythm section, making it tailor-made for early ’80s dance floors. For fans of 12-inch culture and remix history — something I know many of us live for — this version represents an important bridge between new wave sophistication and club sensibility.

“Valentine’s Day” — Romance Without Irony

The A-side, meanwhile, showcases a slightly different emotional tone. “Valentine’s Day” feels more earnest than some of the album’s sharper, more sardonic singles. Martin Fry’s theatrical delivery remains front and center, but the track leans into vulnerability rather than clever detachment.

Within the broader narrative arc of The Lexicon of Love, the song plays like a sincere confession amid the stylish heartbreak. It’s polished, dramatic, and impeccably arranged — yet emotionally exposed.

A Hidden Gem for Collectors

Because this single was issued only in Japan and never charted, it remains a fascinating curio in ABC’s discography. No video, no major promotion — just a beautifully pressed 7-inch pairing a heartfelt album cut with a bona fide dance remix by one of the era’s most respected club architects.

For collectors of international variations and remix history, this release captures something special: the moment when glossy British pop met American club culture on the flip side of a Japanese 45.

And sometimes, that’s where the most interesting stories are hiding — not always on the charts, but in the grooves.

SIDE A:
Valentine’s Day 3:41

SIDE B:
The Look Of Love (Part 3) 4:17

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – 7PP-85
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: Japan
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Trevor Horn
Written-By, Performer – ABC

NOTES:
Side B remixed by John Luongo but not credited.
Made in Japan

Buy the 7″ 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.

February 10, 2026

Then Jerico – Fault (The New York City Mixes) (UK 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Before Then Jerico became synonymous with glossy late-80s sophisti-pop and chart success, there was “Fault.” Released in 1985 as a stand-alone, non-album single, it’s one of those quietly fascinating moments where you can hear a band standing right on the edge of something bigger—but not quite there yet.

“Fault” arrived two years before their 1987 debut album First (The Sound of Music) and, despite impeccable credentials, it slipped through the cracks. The single failed to chart, making it a genuine Closet 80s artifact: overlooked at the time, but far more interesting in hindsight.

What immediately jumps out is the production team. Martin Rushent, fresh from redefining British pop with The Human League, Heaven 17, and Buzzcocks, gives “Fault” a taut, modern sheen. There’s a restrained elegance here—clean synth lines, controlled drama, and a sense of tension that never fully explodes. It’s not chasing the charts; it’s testing the water.

The remix comes courtesy of John Luongo, already establishing himself as a master of extended versions and club-ready polish. His touch adds space and momentum, subtly nudging “Fault” toward the dancefloor without sacrificing its introspective core. It’s less about peak-time payoff and more about atmosphere—very much of its moment.

Vocally, Mark Shaw sounds more guarded here than on later hits like “Big Area” or “Let Her Fall.” There’s a cool detachment in his delivery that suits the song’s emotional ambiguity. Lyrically, “Fault” circles themes of responsibility and fracture—personal accountability hinted at rather than spelled out—another sign that Then Jerico hadn’t yet leaned into the widescreen romanticism that would define their later work.

In retrospect, “Fault” feels like a bridge track: one foot in early-80s synth sophistication, the other stepping toward the polished pop-rock confidence that would finally break them through. It may not have charted, but it matters. Songs like this show how bands evolve—not overnight, but through these small, nearly forgotten releases that quietly shape what comes next.

For fans digging deeper than the hits, “Fault” is a reminder that the 1980s were full of near-misses and slow burns. Sometimes the most revealing tracks are the ones history almost forgot.

SIDE A:
Fault (Club Mix) 6:47
Mixed By – John Luongo

SIDE B:
Fault (7″) 3:34
Mixed By – John Luongo

The Big Sweep (Club Mix) 4:49
Mixed By – Philth Tennant, T.J.

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: London Records – LONX 63, London Records – 882 047-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Engineer – Neil O’Connor (2), Timm Baldwin
Keyboards – Ben Angwin
Lyrics By – Shaw*
Performer [Then Jerico] – Stainthorpe*, Shaw*, Taylor*, Wren*
Photography By – Roger Eaton
Producer – Martin Rushent
Sleeve – Shaw*
Written-By – Then Jerico

NOTES:
“The New York City Mixes”
Summer ’85

First pressing with an inner sleeve with lyrics and photo of the band.

“Fault” Mixed at Sigma Sound, N.Y.
Produced & Engineered at Genetic Sound, U.K.

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.