Tag: Stephen W. Tayler

Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985

NEW 2024 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!

Original post date: January 20, 2013

“Things Can Only Get Better” by Howard Jones is an iconic track that captures the upbeat, positive energy of the mid-80s synthpop era. Released in 1985 as the lead single from his second studio album, Dream Into Action, the song was an immediate hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #6 in the UK charts. Known for its infectious optimism, “Things Can Only Get Better” became an anthem of resilience and hope, qualities that resonated with fans worldwide.

The track showcases Jones’ skillful blend of synthesizers, upbeat rhythms, and introspective lyrics. Musically, it features a prominent bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a brass section that adds an extra layer of excitement to the track. The song’s melody is uplifting, with Jones’ dynamic vocals driving home the theme of perseverance. His lyrics focus on pushing through life’s challenges and remaining hopeful, with the refrain “Things can only get better” embodying the core message of positivity.

Jones, who had already made waves with hits like “New Song” and “What Is Love?”, continued to solidify his place in the 80s music scene with this release. Not only did Dream Into Action go on to become a commercial success, but the single also helped define his image as a thoughtful pop artist. Jones’s brand of synthpop was different in that he combined the new wave, electronic feel with introspective, almost philosophical lyrics—an approach that set him apart in a decade where flashy beats often took center stage.

“Things Can Only Get Better” has been widely regarded as a classic 80s anthem, even appearing in films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. Its infectious optimism still resonates today, and its message of hope continues to be a source of inspiration for listeners across generations.

SIDE A:
Things Can Only Get Better (LP Version) 4:05
What Is Love? (New Extended Version) 6:34
Lyrics By – Howard JonesWilliam Bryant (3)
Music By – Howard Jones

SIDE B:
Things Can Only Get Better (Extended Version) 7:26
New Song (New Version) 4:53

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1985 Things Can Only Get Better U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #5
1985 Things Can Only Get Better U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #28
1985 Things Can Only Get Better U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play #10
1985 Things Can Only Get Better U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #54
1985 Things Can Only Get Better U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks #21

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Elektra ‎– 0-66915
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo, Yellow Sleeve
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Produced for Gestalt.
Mastered at Sterling.

Picture sleeve available in 3 other colors pink, white, and orange.

Printed in U.S.A.

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.



The Fixx – Secret Separation (US 12″ Promo)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1986

NEW 2020 Transfer!
Meticulously Remastered!

Originally posted June 9, 2014

“Secret Separation” is a song by British new wave rock group The Fixx, from their fourth studio album Walkabout. The single peaked at #19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1986 and peaked at No. 1 on the US Album Rock Tracks chart. The single also peaked at #39 in Canada and #83 in the United Kingdom. The music video features an actor sitting at a control panel observing the band playing in an abandoned building filled with random items.

SIDE A:
Secret Separation (Long Version) 6:58

SIDE B:
Secret Separation (Short Version) 3:50

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1986 Secret Separation U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #19
1986 Secret Separation U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #1

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records ‎– L33-17116
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Design – Georgina Rhodes
Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Music By – Fixx, The
Photography By – Iain McKell
Producer – Rupert Hine
Written-By – Adam Woods, Cy Curnin, Dan K. Brown, Jamie West-Oram, Jeannette Obstoj*, Rupert Greenall

NOTES:
Promotional Only – Not For Sale
Recorded in England
From the MCA LP “WALKABOUT”

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.

Crazy House – Burning Rain (Germany 12″)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1987

-DjPaulT Recommended 12″

“Burning Rain” is a 1987 New Wave single by British duo Crazy House consisting of David Luckhurst and Peter Parsons. The single was produced by Steve Nye who has worked with artists such as Japan, Bryan ferry, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, and XTC. “Burning Rain” peaked at #43 on April 2, 1988, after spending three weeks on the U.S. Billboard Dance Chart.

In 1989 the band changed their name to Shrine Of Eight and re-released “Burning rain” as “Perfect Crime” which I posted in 2013 you can find it here. Pretty sure the “The Islamix” is the same as the “Generic Mix” on Side A of the “Burning Rain” 12″.

SIDE A:
Burning Rain (Generic Mix) 7:16
Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Mixed By [Assistant] – Andrew Scarth

SIDE B:
Burning Rain (Genetic Mix) 6:36
Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Mixed By [Assistant] – Andrew Scarth

Garden Of Luck 4:01
Composed By – Peter Parsons
Engineer – Peter Hammill

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1988 Burning Rain U.S. Billboard Hot Gance Music/Club Play #43

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis ‎– 609 696
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Germany
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Engineer – Kevin Moloney
Producer – Steve Nye
Producer, Composed By – David Luckhurst

NOTES:
From the LP “Still Looking For Heaven On Earth”

“Burning Flame” contains samples from “The Bishops Wife” starring Cary Grant (1947).

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:
Schiit Mani
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.

Howard Jones – Life In One Day (US 12″)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1985

A. Front

yellowhype

Originally posted March 25, 2010

“Life In One Day” was the third single from Howard Jones’ 1985 album Dream Into Action, an uptempo number, which lyrically warned against wishing one’s life away. It reached #14 in the UK Singles Chart, and #19 on the United States Billboard Hot 100.

SIDE A:
Life In One Day (LP Version) 3:38

SIDE B:
Life In One Day (Part 1) (Remix Version) 6:49
Life In One Day (Part 2) (Remix Version) 7:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1985 Life In One Day U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #19
1985 Life In One Day U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary #16
1985 Life In One Day U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks #36

 

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Elektra ‎– 0-66895
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:
Producer – Rupert Hine
Recorded By, Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Written-By – Howard Jones

NOTES:
Produced for Gestalt.

Find the 12″ on DISCOGS

B. Back

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
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