Tag: Promo

Gwen Guthrie – Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (US 12″ Promo) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent is a song by American singer-songwriter Gwen Guthrie, released in 1986 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Good to Go Lover. Written and produced by Guthrie herself, the song became the biggest hit of her career, delivering a bold message of financial independence and self-worth wrapped in an irresistibly funky groove.

Blending smooth R&B, dancefloor-ready beats, and assertive lyrics, Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent set clear expectations for financial responsibility in relationships. With its unforgettable hook—“You got to have a J-O-B if you wanna be with me”—the track quickly became an anthem of empowerment, particularly resonating with women in the workforce during the mid-’80s.

Chart Performance

Chart-wise, the song had a moderate impact on the U.S. pop chart, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it dominated the R&B and dance scenes, spending one week at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Internationally, the track reached #1 in New Zealand and Zimbabwe and performed well across Europe, peaking at #5 on the UK Singles Chart. A 1993 remix of the song also saw success, reaching #8 on the UK Dance Singles Chart.

Gwen Guthrie’s Legacy

Known for her powerhouse vocals and songwriting talents (she penned hits for Sister Sledge, Ben E. King, and Roberta Flack), left us too soon in 1999, but her music lives on. Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent remains a staple of ‘80s dance and R&B culture—a track that demands respect and keeps dancefloors moving to this day.

SIDE A:
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (12″ Club Mix) 7:16
Edited By – Tony Prendatt
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Remix By], Edited By [Edits By] – Mark S. Berry*Tony Prendatt

Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Dub Mix) 7:43
Edited By – Tony Prendatt
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Remix By], Edited By [Edits By] – Mark S. Berry*Tony Prendatt

SIDE B:
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan 12″ Club Mix) 5:59
Engineer – Matthew “Krash” Kasha*
Mixed By, Edited By – Larry Levan

Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan Dub Mix) 7:04
Engineer – Matthew “Krash” Kasha*
Mixed By, Edited By – Larry Levan

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #42
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs #1
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales #3
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Polydor – 885 106-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul, Funk, Garage House

CREDITS:

NOTES:

From the Polydor LP “Good To Go”

“Promotional Copy Not for Sale” is printed on the labels above catalog number.

Additional information:
The title “Passion Eyes” which is given on the back cover, is actually not present.

Some promo copies were pressed on translucent vinyl which appears gray or brown when held in front of a strong light.

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.



Colourbox – Breakdown (Second Version) (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive -1983

In the early 1980s, the world of electronic music was rapidly evolving, and British group Colourbox was at the forefront of this creative revolution. Among their many standout tracks, “Breakdown” holds a special place. Originally released as the band’s debut single in 1982, this track encapsulates the experimental spirit of the era while showcasing the band’s unique blend of dub, soul, and electronic pop influences.

But it’s the 1983 Second Version of “Breakdown” that truly stands out. In contrast to the slower, funkier first version, the second version transforms the song into a syrupy new wave dance jam. Featuring the striking new vocals of Lorita Grahame, it pairs a hard-driving beat with intricate tape edits. This style would later foreshadow the Young brothers’ pioneering work in sampling, first showcased in tracks like Hot Doggie and later brought to the mainstream as M|A|R|R|S with the groundbreaking hit Pump Up the Volume.

The second version is packed with innovation. It’s faster, more dynamic, and built for the dance floor, yet retains the emotional depth that made the original so captivating. The production is razor-sharp, and the layers of sound give it a genre-defying quality that only Colourbox could pull off.

On the same EP, “Tarantula”, written by Martyn Young and sung by Grahame, is another standout track. It’s one part cutter anthem, another part political screed, and yet another part genre-bending dub cut. The haunting, otherworldly vibe earned it the nickname “dub goth,” and it’s easy to imagine a 16-year-old Zooey Deschanel on ludes vibing to it in Thatcherite Britain. Sadly, its themes remain relevant today.

These tracks are a reminder of how Colourbox pushed the boundaries of what pop music could be, merging genres and sounds in ways that were truly ahead of their time. Breakdown (Second Version), with its danceable energy and sonic ingenuity, is a testament to their fearless creativity.

SIDE A:
Breakdown (Second Version) 7:50
Engineer, Producer – Mick Glossop

SIDE B:
Tarantula (Second Version) 8:14
Engineer – John Fryer
Producer – Colourbox

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12067
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Track A produced and engineered for Smoothside Limited.
Although uncredited, both tracks differ from the 7″ and are extended versions.

Promotional Copy Not For Sale

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.



Innocence In Danger – Innocence In Danger (US 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1984

The song “Innocence in Danger” by the American new wave group of the same name was released in 1984 as part of their self-titled EP. Fronted by Angela Bond and Steve Parry, the band featured notable contributions from renowned musicians, including guitarist Carlos Alomar. The single also incorporated the work of New York-based Freestyle and House producer Nelson Cruz, alongside acclaimed producer, arranger, composer, and remixer Steve Thompson.

The B-side of the single found its way into a Latin Rascals “Paco Supermix,” circa 1984, which aired on New York City’s dance radio stations such as WKTU or KISS. The track stands out with its hard electro beats, sharp synth stabs, heavily echoed snares, and expertly placed pause breaks. Female vocals in both English and Spanish add a dynamic layer to the production. The influence of Nelson Cruz is unmistakable, as his extensive credits include work with artists ranging from Shannon to the FFWD project, spanning a variety of freestyle and electro classics. This dramatic mix, with its prominent hard drum fills and rhythmic intensity, effortlessly crosses into several genres of 1980s club music.

Unfortunately, this single marked the group’s final release. Despite its brief existence, “Innocence in Danger” stands as a testament to the innovative sounds of the era, combining a distinctive blend of electro, freestyle, and new wave elements. For fans of 80s underground club music, it remains a hidden gem worth revisiting.

SIDE A:
Innocence In Danger (Extended Version Club Mix) 5:11
Innocence In Danger (Short Version) 3:48

SIDE B:
Who Do You Think You Are? (Extended Version) 6:32

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49-04985
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave, Electro

CREDITS:
Mastered By – Tom Coyne
Mixed By – Nelson Cruz, Steve Thompson
Producer – Ivan Ivan, Steve Parry (3)
Written-By – A. Bond*, S. Parry*

NOTES:
Special version from the Epic E.P.: “Innocence In Danger”

Demonstration – Not For Sale

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.



Material With Nona Hendryx / Cristina – It’s A Holiday / Things Fall Apart (UK 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1981

A Festive Throwback: Two Gems from the Original ZE Records Christmas Compilation.

This rare U.K. 12″ promo spotlights two standout tracks from the original 1981 release of A Christmas Record, the now-iconic holiday compilation by ZE Records. A unique blend of experimental and festive, the album became a cult classic, and these two tracks exemplify its groundbreaking style.

The first track, “It’s a Holiday” by Material featuring the soulful vocals of Nona Hendryx, was recorded during the same sessions that produced the band’s single “Bustin’ Out.” Nona, fresh off her years with Labelle and on the cusp of her 1980s solo career, became a favorite vocalist for Material’s mastermind, Bill Laswell. Her commanding presence on this track bridges the gap between funk, soul, and the avant-garde.

The second offering, “Things Fall Apart,” is a No Wave masterpiece by Cristina, an enigmatic artist known for her fusion of punk’s edge with disco’s infectious grooves. This track marked Cristina’s first collaboration with the innovative production duo Was (Not Was). Her trailblazing approach paved the way for artists like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, blending camp, self-awareness, and undeniable danceability in a way that was ahead of its time.

Both songs are presented here in their unaltered, original 1981 versions. Later reissues of A Christmas Record featured edited or altered takes, but this special promo preserves the brilliance of the original recordings in their purest form.

For fans of experimental holiday music, these tracks are must-listens—a perfect reminder of how ZE Records turned the Christmas album concept on its head, offering something truly bold and unforgettable.

SIDE A:
Material With Nona HendryxIt’s A Holiday 7:12
Producer – Material

SIDE B:
CristinaThings Fall Apart 4:34
Producer – The Was Bros*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Min

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: ZE Records – IPR 2052Island Records – IPR 2052
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Disco

NOTES:
Pre-Release Limited Edition

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.