Tag: Louil Silas Jr

December 18, 2025

Bobby Brown – “Every Little Hit” Megamix (US 12″ Promo) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

When Bobby Brown released Don’t Be Cruel in 1988, he didn’t just dominate radio—he owned the dance floor. Even years after its initial release, the album continued to generate club interest, and one of the more intriguing artifacts from that era is the promo-only single “Every Little Hit (Megamix)”, issued in the United States as a promo single sent out to radio stations, and DJ record pools.

Unlike a standard commercial release, Every Little Hit (Megamix) was created strictly as a DJ tool, servicing clubs and radio mix shows that were hungry for nonstop Bobby Brown energy. Rather than focusing on a single track, the megamix stitches together highlights from Don’t Be Cruel, effectively functioning as a rapid-fire celebration of the album’s biggest moments. It’s Bobby at full throttle—hooks stacked on hooks, beats barely given time to breathe, and an overall sense that this was designed to keep dance floors moving without interruption.

Megamixes like this were a staple of the late ’80s and early ’90s club scene. They served multiple purposes: a sampler for casual listeners, a transition-friendly weapon for DJs, and a reminder of just how many hits an artist had accumulated in a short period of time. In Bobby Brown’s case, the format made perfect sense. Don’t Be Cruel was packed with chart-toppers and club favorites, and hearing them collide in one continuous mix only reinforced how dominant his run truly was.

Because it was promo-only, Every Little Hit (Megamix) never received the kind of widespread recognition that his commercial singles did. It was not found in record store bins, and many fans never knew it existed unless they were plugged into club culture or radio at the time. That scarcity has helped turn it into a bit of a cult item today—especially among collectors who appreciate the unique role promo 12″s played in shaping how dance music was heard and experienced.

Every Little Hit (Megamix) stands as a snapshot of an era when remix culture was booming, DJs were tastemakers, and record labels understood the power of the club. It may not be the most talked-about Bobby Brown release, but it’s a fascinating reminder that sometimes the most exciting records were the ones never meant for the general public—only for the booth, the floor, and those lucky enough to hear them in the moment.

SIDE A:
“Every Little Hit” Mega Mix (Club Version) 8:58
A.1 Every Little Step
A.2 On Our Own
A.3 Don’t Be Cruel
A.4 My Prerogative

SIDE B:
“Every Little Hit” Mega Mix (Radio Edit) 6:11
B.1 Every Little Step
B.2 On Our Own
B.3 Don’t Be Cruel
B.4 My Prerogative

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-18116
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: RnB/Swing

CREDITS:

Co-producer – Bobby Brown (tracks: A.4, B.4)
DJ Mix [Megamix] – Steve Anderson
Executive-Producer – Louil Silas, Jr.*
Producer – Gene Griffin (tracks: A.4, B.4), L.A. And Babyface* (tracks: A.1 to A.3, B.1 to B.3)

NOTES:
Includes special edits of “Every Little Step”, “On Our Own”, “Don’t Be Cruel” and “My Prerogative”. Inspired by Bobby’s mega hit “Dance… Ya Know It!” and “Don’t Be Cruel” albums.

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
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.

September 4, 2025

Ready For The World – Cowboy (US 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the late 1980s, Ready For The World had firmly established themselves as one of the premier R&B acts of the decade. With their signature mix of Minneapolis-inspired funk grooves, lush balladry, and crossover pop appeal, the Flint, Michigan sextet built a strong reputation thanks to smash hits like “Oh Sheila,” “Love You Down,” and “Digital Display.”

“Cowboy,” however, marked a different chapter. Released in early 1989 as the fourth and final single from the group’s third studio album, Ruff N’ Ready (issued September 19, 1988, via MCA Records), the track stood out not only for its title but also for its adventurous sonic direction.

At a time when New Jack Swing was dominating R&B radio, “Cowboy” blended Ready For The World’s smooth harmonies and dance-driven production with a playful Western theme. Built around slinky funk basslines, tight percussion, and the group’s signature vocal layering, the song injected a unique character into late-’80s R&B. The lyrics and styling played with the cowboy archetype—romantic, mysterious, and bold—yet kept it firmly rooted in the urban contemporary soundscape.

While Ruff N’ Ready didn’t achieve the multi-platinum success of the band’s earlier work, it still showcased their willingness to evolve. Alongside ballads like “My Girly” (a Top 10 R&B hit), “Cowboy” proved that the group wasn’t afraid to experiment, even if it meant stepping outside traditional R&B boundaries.

For DJs and collectors, the U.S. 12″ is a real highlight. MCA tapped remix heavyweight Louil Silas Jr.—who was behind countless late-’80s and early ’90s R&B club mixes—to reimagine the track for dancefloors. His mixes gave “Cowboy” extra punch and extended its groove, with precise edit work by Greg Royal, another trusted name in the remix scene. The result is a set of versions tailored for the clubs, keeping the spirit of the original intact while stretching it into something DJs could ride.

Although “Cowboy” didn’t reach the commercial heights of earlier singles like “My Girly” or “Love You Down,” it stands as an underrated piece of the Ready For The World catalog—an example of their willingness to experiment, push genre boundaries, and embrace the remix culture of the late 1980s.

For fans of deep R&B cuts, “Cowboy” remains a gem worth saddling up with.

SIDE A:
Cowboy (Extended Version) 8:28

SIDE B:
Cowboy (Instrumental) 8:22
Cowboy (Bassapella) 4:47

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23948
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Funk

CREDITS:

Design – Georgopoulos/Imada*
Edited By [Edits By] – Greg Royal
Engineer [Remix Engineer] – David Bianco
Executive-Producer – Louil Silas, Jr.*
Management – Denny Vosburgh, Machat Productions, Steven Machat
Producer – Ready For The World
Remix – Louil Silas, Jr.*
Tracking By [Overdubs By] – Jeff Lorber
Written-By – G. Valentine*, M. Riley*

NOTES:
Original version appears on the MCA LP, “Ruff ‘N’ Ready”

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.

July 29, 2025

Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy (US 12″ Promo) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today on Burning the Ground, I’m featuring a true promo-only gem from the tail end of the ’80s dance explosion: Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” the U.S. 12″ promo issued by MCA Records in 1989. This release was aimed squarely at club and radio DJs and includes six exclusive remixes not commercially available elsewhere—crafted by none other than legendary remixer and MCA A&R man Louil Silas Jr.

“She Drives Me Crazy” was the lead single from The Raw & the Cooked, the sophomore (and final) album by the British trio Fine Young Cannibals. Released in early 1989, the track quickly became a global smash, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian RPM chart, and topping charts across Europe. With its instantly recognizable snare snap and Roland Gift’s anguished falsetto, it was as odd as it was infectious—a rare collision of post-punk quirk and commercial pop genius.

But what makes this promo particularly exciting is what isn’t on the retail shelves.

📀 The Remixes
The promo-only U.S. 12″ features exclusive Louil Silas Jr. club and radio edits, reworking the original with added rhythmic punch and a more DJ-friendly structure. Silas, known for his polished R&B and dance remixes, gives the track a tighter, funkier foundation while preserving its tension and distinctive sonic identity. These mixes lean slightly more into the urban/club territory, reflecting the late ’80s U.S. remix culture that often reshaped British imports for American dancefloors.

🎤 Monie Love Rap Version
Also included is a special remix featuring a rap by British MC Monie Love, who was just breaking into the U.S. scene at the time. Her verse adds a dynamic, female perspective that contrasts sharply—but playfully—with the neurotic male energy of the original. It’s laid over a remix that sits closer to the album version than the club mixes but features subtle edits and production tweaks to mesh with Monie’s bars. This version was never commercially released and remains a rare slice of cross-Atlantic collaboration.

🔊 Promo-Only Appeal
As a promo, this 12″ wasn’t intended for retail sale, making it a sought-after collector’s item today—especially for fans of late-’80s remix culture. The exclusive mixes, tighter radio edits, and Monie Love feature encapsulate a time when labels went the extra mile to service dance floors and radio stations with unique content tailored to regional tastes.

Whether you were dancing to this in 1989 or discovering it anew, this promo captures She Drives Me Crazy at its most experimental and remix-forward. It’s a reminder of how major hits could take on a second life in the hands of remixers like Silas and boundary-pushers like Monie Love.

Stay tuned for more promo-only treasures coming soon to Burning the Ground.

SIDE A:
She Drives Me Crazy (Extended Version) 8:25
Featuring – Monie Love

She Drives Me Crazy (Radio Rap Version) 5:44
Featuring – Monie Love

SIDR B:
She Drives Me Crazy (Radio Edit) 5:20
She Drives Me Crazy (Instrumental) 4:53
She Drives Me Crazy (Percussapella) 4:53
She Drives Me Crazy (Bonus Beats) 4:35

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard 12 Inch Singles Sales	#3
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play	#1
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#54
1989	She Drives Me Crazy	U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks	#5

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-17832
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Indie Rock

CREDITS:

Producer – David Z., Fine Young Cannibals
Remix – Louil Silas Jr.

NOTES:
From the LP “The Raw & the Cooked”

Promotional Only – Not For Sale

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.

December 19, 2024

U2 – Desire (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

Released in September 1988, “Desire” was the lead single from U2’s album Rattle and Hum. With its pulsating rhythm inspired by the Bo Diddley beat and Bono’s impassioned lyrics, the song channeled the raw energy of rock and roll while addressing themes of ambition and social critique.

Produced by Jimmy Iovine, “Desire” is notable for its stripped-down, garage rock sound. The track captures the spirit of 50s and 60s rock influences while addressing themes of ambition, lust, and spirituality—hallmarks of U2’s storytelling.

Chart Performance:
“Desire” achieved significant commercial success. It became U2’s first #1 single, topping the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the top spot on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, highlighting its cross-genre popularity and resonance with fans worldwide. It also reached #1 in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The track earned U2 their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1989, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most celebrated songs.

Legacy:
Over the years, “Desire” has remained a staple in U2’s live performances, often igniting concert audiences with its infectious rhythm and high-energy delivery. Its enduring appeal lies in how it blends the vintage rock sound with U2’s socially conscious and energetic style.

For 80s and 90s music fans, “Desire” represents an era when rock music was a driving force for entertainment and social commentary. It’s a testament to U2’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

SIDE A:
Desire (Hollywood Remix) 5:23
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown*, Edna Wright
Engineer [Assistant] – Andy Batwinas
Engineer [Remix] – Taavi Mote
Producer [Additional], Programmed By [Additional] – Jeff Lorber
Remix [Remix Production By] – Louil Silas Jr., Taavi Mote

SIDE B:
Desire (7″ Version) 2:59
Mixed By – Shelly Yakus
Recorded By – Paul Barrett

Hallelujah (Here She Comes) 4:17
Mixed By, Engineer – David Tickle, Marc DeSisto
Other [Special Thanks To], Vocals [Additional], Organ [Hammond] – Billy Preston

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Desire	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#3
1988	Desire	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Island Records – 0-96600
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: Sep 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Artwork By [Design Based On An Idea By] – Steve Averll Works, Associates
Artwork By [Designed By] – DZN, The Design Group
Lyrics By – Bono
Music By – U2
Photography – Anton Corbijn
Photography [Back Cover] – Bill Rubenstein
Producer – Jimmy Iovine

NOTES:
From the forthcoming Paramount Motion Picture,
Opening November 4th 1988,
and Island Records album
“U2 Rattle and Hum”.

Track A Remixed at Larrabee Sound.
Track B2 Recorded at STS Studio, Dublin.

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.