Tag: Quincy Jones

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Japan 12″)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1983

“Billie Jean” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983, as the second single from Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. “Billie Jean” blends post-disco, rhythm and blues, funk and dance-pop. The lyrics describe a woman, Billie Jean, who claims that the narrator is the father of her newborn son, which he denies. Jackson said the lyrics were based on groupies’ claims about his older brothers when he toured with them as the Jackson 5.

“Billie Jean” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart within three weeks, and became Jackson’s fastest-rising number one single since “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” in 1970, which he recorded as a member of the Jackson 5. It remained at number one for nine weeks on the chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 2 song for 1983. “Billie Jean” is certified 6x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. It was also a number one hit in the UK, France, Switzerland and Belgium for example, and reached the top ten in many other countries. “Billie Jean” was one of the best-selling singles of 1983, helping Thriller become the best-selling album of all time, and became Jackson’s best-selling solo single.

Jackson’s performance of “Billie Jean” on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever won acclaim and was nominated for an Emmy Award. It introduced several of Jackson’s signatures, including the moonwalk and white sequined glove, and was widely imitated. The “Billie Jean” music video, directed by Steve Barron, was the first video by a black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV. Along with the other videos produced for Thriller, it helped establish MTV’s cultural importance and make music videos an integral part of popular music marketing. The spare, bass-driven arrangement of “Billie Jean” helped pioneer what one critic called “sleek, post-soul pop music”. It also introduced a more paranoid lyrical style for Jackson, a trademark of his later music.

“Billie Jean” was awarded honors including two Grammy Awards and an American Music Award. In a list compiled by Rolling Stone and MTV in 2000, the song was ranked as the sixth greatest pop song since 1963. In 2004, Rolling Stone placed it at number 58 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. Frequently listed in magazine polls of the best songs ever made, “Billie Jean” was named the greatest dance record of all time by BBC Radio 2 listeners.

SIDE A:
Billie Jean (Long Version) 6:21

SIDE B:
Billie Jean (Instrumental Version) 6:21

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve/OBI: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1983 Billie Jean U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
1983 Billie Jean U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #1
1983 Billie Jean U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #9

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic ‎– 12・3P-490
Series: Michael Jackson Jumbo Single Series 1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Japan
Released: 1983
Genre: Pop, Rock
Style: Funk, Soul, Pop

CREDITS:
Co-producer – Michael Jackson
Producer –Quincy Jones
Written-By – M. Jackson*

NOTES:
Special Versions
Taken from the LP “Thriller”

Find the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
DAC/Phono Pre-amp: 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 USED:
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

Username: btg
Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by making a donation using PayPal. Thank you for your help.

New Order – Blue Monday 1988 (US 12″)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1988

“Blue Monday 1988” is British rock band New Order’s 16th single, released in March 1988. Produced by Quincy Jones with the actual remix done by John Potoker. After New Order signed to Qwest in the US, Quincy Jones saw an opportunity for their groundbreaking track to have a legitimate single release and a shot at radio airplay.

“Blue Monday 1988” reached number 3 in the British charts, number 4 in the Australian charts, and topped the dance charts in the United States.

In North America, “Touched By The Hand Of God” was featured as B-side.

SIDE A:
Blue Monday 1988 (12″ Mix) 7:08
Engineer [Mix] – Tokes*
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – John Potoker
Supervised By [Production Supervisor On Remix] – Quincy Jones

Blue Monday 1988 (Dub) 7:18
Engineer [Mix] – Tokes*
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – John Potoker
Supervised By [Production Supervisor On Remix] – Quincy Jones

SIDE B:
Touched By The Hand Of God (Remix) 7:02
Mixed By – Arthur Baker

Touched By The Hand Of God (Dub) 5:31
Mixed By – Arthur Baker

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1988 Blue Monday 1988 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #68
1988 Blue Monday 1988 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #1
1988 Blue Monday 1988 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play Maxi-Singles Sales #9

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Qwest Records ‎– 0-20869, Qwest Records ‎– 9 20869-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, SRC Pressing
Country: US
Released: Mar 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Design – Peter Saville Associates
Lacquer Cut By [Runout Etching ❀] – Brian Gardner
Photography By – Trevor Key
Producer, Written-By – New Order

NOTES:
Original version of “Blue Monday” from the album Substance on Qwest Records. Available on LP, Cassette and Compact Disc.

A1 & A2: Additional Production and Remix for Direct Eject Inc.

Made in U.S.A.

Find the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck 
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Mullard 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube Pins
Soundcard: Novation Audiohub 2×4 Audio Interface
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2, ocenaudio
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)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

Username: btg
Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by making a donation using PayPal. Thank you for your help.

Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Japan 12″)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1984

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson recorded for his sixth studio album Thriller (1982). It is the opening track of the album and was released as its fourth single on May 8, 1983 by Epic Records. The song was written, composed and co-produced by Jackson, and was produced by Quincy Jones.

The song’s lyrics pertain to strangers spreading rumors to start an argument for no good reason. Musically, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” evokes the disco sound of Jackson’s previous studio album, Off the Wall, released in 1979. The song is characterized by a complex rhythm arrangement and a distinctive horn arrangement. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” has been covered and sampled by multiple recording artists since its release. Aside from Thriller, the song appears on multiple compilation and greatest hits albums by Jackson.

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” was generally well received by contemporary music critics. The song was also commercially successful, charting within the top 20 and top 30 in several countries. It became Jackson’s fifth consecutive top 10 single in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five, and later re-entered charts in 2008 after the release of Thriller 25. Following Jackson’s death in June 2009, the song re-entered music charts worldwide, mainly due to digital download sales. Unlike previous singles from Thriller, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” did not have a music video to accompany it, but was performed by Jackson on world concert tours, as both a member of The Jacksons and as a solo artist.

SIDE A:
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Long Version) 6:32

SIDE B:
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Instrumental Version) 6:32
Beat It 4:18

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
OBI: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1983 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #5
1983 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #5

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic ‎– 12・3P-491
Series: Michael Jackson Jumbo Single Series 2
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Japan
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Funk, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Co-producer – Michael Jackson
Producer – Quincy Jones
Written-By – M. Jackson*

NOTES:
OBI states:
Side A: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Unpublished Long version)
Side B: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Karaoke Version)
Beat It (Special Mix)

A side: Special Version from the LP “Thriller”
B side: From the LP “Thriller”

Find the 12″ on DISCOGS

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck 
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 Removal: 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

USA For Africa – We Are The World (US 12″ Promo)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1985
A. Front

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that we celebrate on Thursday November 27 here in the US. It’s a time to reflect and give thanks for all of the abundant blessings and freedom that we have. We gather around the table with family and friends to share a festive meal. We also spare a thought for those not so lucky. It is a season of bountifulness and a reason to share the same ….true Thanksgiving is in actually doing that – Giving !!!”

I will be spending some time with family and friends over the next few days and will return on Tuesday December 2.

001“We Are the World” is a song and charity single originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985. It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian for the album We Are the World. With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is one of the fewer than 30 all-time singles to have sold at least 10 million copies worldwide.

Following Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” project in the UK, an idea for the creation of an American benefit single for African famine relief came from activist Harry Belafonte, who, along with fundraiser Ken Kragen, was instrumental in bringing the vision to reality. Several musicians were contacted by the pair, before Jackson and Richie were assigned the task of writing the song. The duo completed the writing of “We Are the World” seven weeks after the release of “Do They Know Its Christmas”, and one night before the song’s first recording session, on January 21, 1985. (The last recording session for the song was held on January 28, 1985.) The historic event brought together some of the most famous artists in the music industry at the time.

The song was released on March 7, 1985, as the only single from the album. A worldwide commercial success, it topped music charts throughout the world and became the fastest-selling American pop single in history. The first ever single to be certified multi-platinum, “We Are the World” received a Quadruple Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. However, the song garnered mixed reviews from journalists, music critics, and the public. Fans enjoyed hearing racially and musically diverse recording artists singing together on one track, and felt satisfied in buying “We Are the World”, knowing that the money was going to charity. Other individuals, including many commentators in the rock press, were disappointed that the song did not challenge listeners as to why famines occur in the first place, and felt that the lyrics were self-aggrandizing.

Awarded numerous honors—including three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and a People’s Choice Award—the song was promoted with a critically received music video, a home video, a special edition magazine, a simulcast, and several books, posters, and shirts. The promotion and merchandise aided the success of “We Are the World” and raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the US.

Following the devastation caused by the magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, a remake of the song by another all-star cast of singers was recorded on February 1, 2010. Entitled “We Are the World 25 for Haiti”, it was released as a single on February 12, 2010, and proceeds from the record aided survivors in the impoverished country.

SIDE A:
We Are The World 7:19

SIDE B:
We Are The World 7:19

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1985 We Are The World U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart #76
1985 We Are The World U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
1985 We Are The World U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #1
1985 We Are The World U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales #1
1985 We Are The World U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks #27
1985 We Are The World U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles #1

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia ‎– US2-05179
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: March 7, 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:
Conductor – Quincy Jones
Engineer – Humberto Gatica, John Guess
Producer – Quincy Jones
Producer [Associate] – Tom Bahler
Written-By – Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson

NOTES:
Promo. Same versions on both sides.

Find The 12″ On DISCOGS

B. Back

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut III
Cartridge: Ortofon Super
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
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