Tag: Shep Pettibone

April 8, 2025

The Pointer Sisters – Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1978, the Pointer Sisters had begun an eleven-year association with producer Richard Perry—first through his Planet Records label and later continuing their collaboration under RCA Records. During this period, they amassed eleven Top 40 hits, solidifying their place as one of the most successful vocal groups of the era. Their 1983 multi-platinum album Break Out was a major career highlight, producing four Top Ten hits, including a remixed version of “I’m So Excited,” which had first appeared on their 1982 album So Excited!. However, after this peak, the group’s commercial success gradually declined, leading to their departure from RCA in 1988.

In March 1989, reports emerged that the Pointer Sisters were negotiating with Motown Records—a label that had passed on signing them in 1971 but had later become home to original member Bonnie Pointer when she left for a solo career in 1977. By May 1989, the group officially signed with Motown, with June Pointer expressing their hope to help restore the label’s former glory. Unfortunately, neither their album Right Rhythm nor their Motown tenure proved to be the revival they had hoped for.

The first single from Right Rhythm, “Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It),” was released in May 1990. The song was recorded at Prince’s famed Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, adding a layer of Minneapolis funk flavor to its polished R&B sound. The song, an upbeat R&B track, managed to reach #36 on the Billboard R&B charts but failed to break into the mainstream. The track was remixed by the legendary Shep Pettibone, known for his work with Madonna, Janet Jackson, and many other top artists of the era, adding a club-ready edge that made the song a favorite on dance floors despite its modest chart performance. The follow-up single, the ballad “After You,” also struggled to find a wide audience. A third single, a remixed version of “Insanity,” fared slightly better, peaking at #62 on the R&B charts and achieving a more notable #11 placement on the Billboard dance charts. Despite the group’s best efforts, Right Rhythm would ultimately be their only album with Motown.

While Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) may not have been a major hit, it remains a notable entry in the Pointer Sisters’ discography as part of their attempt to reinvent themselves in a changing musical landscape. It serves as a testament to their enduring artistry and willingness to take creative risks even as the music industry evolved around them.

Do you remember hearing “Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It)” when it was released? Share your thoughts in the comments!

SIDE A:
Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (Radio Edit) 4:03

Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (Shep’s Advice Mix) 6:24

SIDE B:
Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (Dub ‘Do Your Own Thing’ Mix) 4:51

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1990	Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It)	U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	#36

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – MOT-4661
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: May 1990
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: House, Soul, Garage House

CREDITS:

Edited By – Tony Shimkin
Engineer – Goh Hotoda
Executive-Producer – Debbie Sandridge, The Pointer Sisters*
Producer – Levi Seacer, Jr.*
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Shep Pettibone
Written-By – Donald Robinson, Tina Harris (3)

NOTES:
Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassan, MN

From the LP “Right Rhythm”

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.

April 7, 2025

Prince – Glam Slam (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Following the spiritual ecstasy of Alphabet St., Prince dove deeper into the sacred-meets-sensual waters with his second single from the Lovesexy album: the lush, layered, and provocatively titled “Glam Slam.” Released in 1988, the track continues Prince’s mission of merging flesh and faith—blending erotic overtones with a spiritual undercurrent in a way only he could pull off.

Musically, “Glam Slam” is a complex piece, sharing its DNA with Parade-era grooves like “Life Can Be So Nice.” Percussive, moody, and sprinkled with orchestral flourishes (courtesy of synth strings), the original album version ends on an almost cinematic note. But on the 12″ remix, Prince hands the controls over to Shep Pettibone and Steve Peck—who transform the track into a full-fledged dance floor jam. Their remix amps up the beats, adds new instrumental layers, and injects just enough sampling magic to give it that late-’80s Shep polish, all without losing the song’s original mystique.

The B-side, “Escape (Free Yo Mind From This Rat Race),” deserves its own spotlight. Though it shares a chorus sample from “Glam Slam,” this is no simple remix. Prince strips the original down and rebuilds it as a funk-laced, anti-violence anthem with an infectious bassline and socially conscious lyrics. “Escape” moves away from the divine sensuality of Lovesexy and lands squarely on the dancefloor—preaching liberation from drugs, gangs, and the toxic cycles of urban life.

True fans will notice that the opening lines of “Escape” are recycled from the unreleased Camille cut “Rebirth of the Flesh.” Those same lines even opened shows on the Lovesexy World Tour, segueing directly into “Erotic City”—a moment of pure Prince genius.

While “Glam Slam” may not have scaled the charts like some of his earlier hits, its layered production, spiritual themes, and remix treatment make it one of the more underrated gems in the Purple One’s vast catalog. And “Escape”? Just another reminder that even Prince’s B-sides were better than most artists’ A-game.

Burning the Ground Recommends:
Don’t sleep on the 12″ remix. It’s a Shep Pettibone masterclass. And “Escape” deserves heavy rotation—especially if you’re into the funkier, rawer side of Paisley Park.

SIDE A:
Glam Slam (Remix) 8:52
Edited By – The Latin Rascals
Producer [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone
Remix – Shep Pettibone, Steve Peck

SIDE B:
Escape (Free Yo Mind From This Rat Race) 6:27

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Paisley Park – 0-21005
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, SRC Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Minneapolis Sound

CREDITS:

Written By – Prince

NOTES:
Original version from the Paisley Park Album LOVESEXY

Side A : Additional production for Mastermix Productions.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.

April 4, 2025

Charlie Sexton – In Deep (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Originally posted December 29, 2011

A Lost Gem from a Guitar Virtuoso

Charlie Sexton is a name that resonates with fans of rock, blues, and new wave, known for his exceptional guitar work and smooth vocals. While many may immediately think of his breakout 1985 hit “Beat’s So Lonely,” his lesser-known track “In Deep” showcases a different side of his artistry.

“In Deep” was featured on the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack (1987), a collection of songs that complemented the high-energy action film. Produced by Keith Forsey, the track captures the sleek, polished sound of the era, blending Sexton’s blues-rock sensibilities with a cinematic edge. The song also benefited from remixes by the legendary Shep Pettibone, adding a dance-friendly appeal to its atmospheric production. However, no music video was shot for the single, and the remixes remain exclusive to vinyl releases.

The track stands out for its emotive vocal delivery, haunting guitar work, and infectious melody. While it may not have been a chart-topping hit, it remains a hidden gem in Sexton’s discography, demonstrating his versatility as a musician and performer.

Though Charlie Sexton would later become known for his work with Bob Dylan as a longtime guitarist in Dylan’s touring band, songs like “In Deep” highlight his depth as a solo artist. This track is worth revisiting for fans of late-’80s rock and those who appreciate skilled musicianship with heartfelt songwriting.

SIDE A:
In Deep (Extended Version) 5:48

SIDE B:
In Deep (Single Version) 4:18
In Deep (Dub Version) 4:25

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23786
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Arranged By – Scott Wilk
Producer – Keith Forsey
Remix – Shep Pettibone
Written-By – Charlie Sexton, Scott Wilk

NOTES:
Original version appears on the “Beverly Hills Cop II” Motion Picture Soundtrack album MCA-6207

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.

April 3, 2025

The Flirts – You & Me (US 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

A Dance Floor Gem That Deserved More

The Flirts were a vocal trio with a rotating lineup, masterminded by producer Bobby Orlando. Known for their infectious dance tracks and stylish aesthetic, the group became a staple of the Hi-NRG and dance music scenes in the 1980s. One of their standout singles, You & Me, was released in 1985 as part of their album Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads. Despite being a club sensation, the song never quite broke through to mainstream pop success—but its legacy as a dance floor favorite remains strong.

The Track and Its Sound

Produced by Bobby Orlando, You & Me embodied the high-energy, synth-driven sound that defined his work. Co-written with Clifton “Jiggs” Chase, the song was a prime example of the pulsating electronic beats and catchy hooks that Orlando was known for. The vocals for this track were delivered by Tricia Wygal, Debra “Debbie” Gaynor, and Christina Criscione, bringing a lively and engaging performance to the song’s upbeat rhythm.

Dance Chart Domination

In the U.S., You & Me climbed to the number-one spot on the dance chart for a week, thanks in large part to a remix by legendary DJ and producer Shep Pettibone. Pettibone’s remixing skills helped elevate many tracks into club anthems, and this one was no exception. The song’s infectious beat and club-friendly production made it a must-play for DJs in the mid-’80s dance scene.

The “Rags to Riches” Music Video

To further promote the single, The Flirts released a music video featuring a “Rags to Riches” storyline, reinforcing the glamour and fun-loving spirit of the group. At one point in the video, a mock Billboard headline proclaimed “The Flirts Are Hits,” capturing the excitement surrounding the trio. Unfortunately, despite this promotional push, You & Me—like most of The Flirts’ singles—failed to cross over to the pop charts.

A Legacy of Dancefloor Magic

Although You & Me never became a pop hit, it remains a classic among dance music enthusiasts. The Flirts, with their ever-changing lineup and Bobby Orlando’s signature production, left an indelible mark on the Hi-NRG and Italo-disco scenes. Songs like this continue to be rediscovered by retro dance music fans, proving that even the most overlooked tracks can have lasting influence.

For those who appreciate ’80s dance music at its best, You & Me is a must-listen. Whether you first heard it in the club, saw it on TV, or are just now discovering it, this single is a shining example of the era’s infectious energy and production brilliance.

SIDE A:
You & Me 6:20

SIDE B:
You & Me (Instrumental) 6:51
You & Me (Dub) 6:07

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1985	You & Me	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS Associated Records – 4Z9-05284
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Hi NRG, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Mastered By – BK*
Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Producer – B. Orlando*
Written-By – B. Orlando*, C. Chase*

NOTES:
from the LP “Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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.