BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1985
“Act Of War” is a 1985 single with lyrics by Elton John’s longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, this song uses war as a metaphor for a stormy interpersonal relationship. It was the era of the Cold War, when the United States and Russia had nuclear weapons ready for attack. Explosions appear in the song to encourage the theme, and the video opens with the United States president answering his phone near the “button” which would supposedly launch the missiles. The jelly beans he eats are a reference to Ronald Reagan, the real president at the time who enjoyed the treats. It’s a catchy and upbeat tune from a resurgent Elton John, perhaps with an anti-nuclear sentiment similar to “99 Luftballons,” but it couldn’t get traction in America, where the song was ignored. “Act Of War” was a top 40 hit in the UK reaching #32.
Elton duets with soul singer Millie Jackson on this song. Jackson is an R&B star well known in the black community, but just under the mainstream radar. Like Tina Turner, who was first offered the duet but turned it down, Jackson has impressive looks and a stunning voice, and she could have crossed over to the Pop world had things gone a bit differently. In an interview with Millie Jackson, she explained: “Didn’t happen. Don’t care. In America I think in order to be a pop star you’ve got to have management. And I always managed myself. I was never looking to become that crossover pop star. Let white folks cross over to me. I call myself the poor people’s queen. Because once you get to the top there’s only one way to go.”
“Act Of War” was released only as a single, but later it was added to Elton’s “Ice on Fire” CD, having been recorded the same year. The song also features guitar by Nik Kershaw.
Several remixes were released for “Act Of War” this UK only limited edition contains exclusive remixes by Australian remixer/producer Julian Mendelsohn.
SIDE A:
Act Of War (Part 5) Vocal 7:30
SIDE B:
Act Of War (Part 6) Instrumental 4:20
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: The Rocket Record Company – EJSR 812
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Limited Edition
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Producer – Gus Dudgeon
Remix –Julian Mendelsohn (tracks: A), Stuart Epps (tracks: B)
Written-By – Bernie Taupin, Elton John
Find The 12″ On DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut III
Cartridge: Ortofon Super
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Speed Control: Pro-Ject Speed Box S
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Tung-Sol 12AX7ECC803-S Gold Electron Tube
Soundcard: ESI Juli@
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removeal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
