Tag: Trevor Horn

February 13, 2026

ABC – Valentine’s Day (Japan 7″) (1982)

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NEW 2026 Transfer
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Original post date: February 13, 2014

Few debut albums in pop history have arrived as fully formed and sonically lavish as The Lexicon of Love by ABC. Released in 1982 and produced by Trevor Horn, the album was a masterclass in orchestral pop sophistication. While it spawned major international hits, one of its most intriguing and elusive singles was a Japan-only release: “Valentine’s Day.”

And what better excuse to spotlight this rarity than February 13th or 14th, depending on where you are. Consider this a special Burning the Ground Valentine — a deep cut pulled from the grooves rather than the greeting card aisle. ❤️

A Japanese-Only 7-Inch

Issued exclusively in Japan in 1982 on Mercury Records, “Valentine’s Day” appeared as a 7-inch single backed with “The Look Of Love (Part 3).” The single did not chart, and no music video was produced, making it a comparatively quiet release during an otherwise high-profile campaign for The Lexicon of Love.

But what truly elevates this pressing for collectors is the B-side.

The Dancefloor Connection

“The Look Of Love (Part 3)” is not simply an instrumental reprise — it is a dance-oriented remix by legendary remixer John Luongo. Known in the early ’80s for transforming pop tracks into extended club workouts, Luongo reimagined ABC’s lush pop classic into a more rhythm-driven, floor-friendly mix.

While the original album version of “The Look Of Love” leaned heavily into sweeping orchestration and romantic drama, Luongo’s remix emphasizes groove and propulsion. It strips back some of the ornate grandeur and highlights the rhythm section, making it tailor-made for early ’80s dance floors. For fans of 12-inch culture and remix history — something I know many of us live for — this version represents an important bridge between new wave sophistication and club sensibility.

“Valentine’s Day” — Romance Without Irony

The A-side, meanwhile, showcases a slightly different emotional tone. “Valentine’s Day” feels more earnest than some of the album’s sharper, more sardonic singles. Martin Fry’s theatrical delivery remains front and center, but the track leans into vulnerability rather than clever detachment.

Within the broader narrative arc of The Lexicon of Love, the song plays like a sincere confession amid the stylish heartbreak. It’s polished, dramatic, and impeccably arranged — yet emotionally exposed.

A Hidden Gem for Collectors

Because this single was issued only in Japan and never charted, it remains a fascinating curio in ABC’s discography. No video, no major promotion — just a beautifully pressed 7-inch pairing a heartfelt album cut with a bona fide dance remix by one of the era’s most respected club architects.

For collectors of international variations and remix history, this release captures something special: the moment when glossy British pop met American club culture on the flip side of a Japanese 45.

And sometimes, that’s where the most interesting stories are hiding — not always on the charts, but in the grooves.

SIDE A:
Valentine’s Day 3:41

SIDE B:
The Look Of Love (Part 3) 4:17

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – 7PP-85
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: Japan
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Trevor Horn
Written-By, Performer – ABC

NOTES:
Side B remixed by John Luongo but not credited.
Made in Japan

Buy the 7″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
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.

October 28, 2025

Propaganda – The Nine Lives Of Dr. Mabuse (13th Life Mix) (UK 12″) (1984)

For today’s Spooky Season Spin, we’re diving into the dark, psychological world of Propaganda.

Released in early 1984, “The Nine Lives of Dr. Mabuse” was the stunning debut single by German synth-pop group Propaganda, produced by none other than Trevor Horn for ZTT Records. The track introduced the world to the band’s dark, cinematic style — a fusion of industrial synth textures, haunting vocals, and avant-garde production that set the tone for what was to come on their debut album A Secret Wish (1985).

The Concept

The title references Dr. Mabuse, a fictional criminal mastermind from German cinema, first appearing in Fritz Lang’s 1922 silent film Dr. Mabuse the Gambler. Like Lang’s character, the song’s subject embodies manipulation, deception, and psychological control. Propaganda turned these themes into a sonic thriller — icy, dramatic, and hypnotic — blending electronic beats with orchestral tension and whispered menace.

The Sound

Produced by Trevor Horn and engineered by Stephen Lipson, “The Nine Lives of Dr. Mabuse” is a masterclass in 1980s studio innovation.

B-Side Gems

On the flip side, the 12″ includes “Femme Fatale (The Woman With The Orchid)”, Propaganda’s reinterpretation of the Lou Reed classic originally recorded by The Velvet Underground & Nico. Claudia Brücken’s cool, detached delivery gives the song an icy allure perfectly suited to Propaganda’s style. Closing the record is “(The Ninth Life of…) Dr. Mabuse”, a more experimental, atmospheric reprise of the main track — part remix, part deconstruction.

Chart Performance

The single reached #27 on the UK Singles Chart and #14 in Germany, gaining significant attention across Europe for its striking sound and surreal promotional video directed by Anton Corbijn. It firmly positioned Propaganda as ZTT’s “dark alternative” to Frankie Goes to Hollywood — both bands sharing the same production team but occupying very different emotional terrain.

Legacy

Decades later, “The Nine Lives of Dr. Mabuse” still stands as one of the defining art-pop singles of the mid-’80s. It bridged the gap between new wave, industrial pop, and high-concept electronic art. The 12″ mix remains essential listening — not just for Propaganda fans, but for anyone interested in how Trevor Horn and ZTT reshaped the possibilities of pop music production in the 1980s.

About The Record

Two different commercial 12″s of Dr Mabuse were issued in the UK. Dr Mabuse (13th Life Mix) was issued in three different covers. Some copies are stickered with “13th Life Mix”. Many copies are incorrectly labelled as Das Testament Des Mabuse. Durations do not appear on this version.

The Third Side:
Dr. Mabuse (13th Life Mix) 6:35
Arranged By – Propaganda, Trevor Horn
Performer [Presented By] – Propaganda
Producer – Trevor Horn
Written-By – Thein, Mertens, Dörper*

The Fourth Side:
(The Woman With The Orchid) 3:22
Performer [Presented With Additional Material By] – Propaganda
Producer – Propaganda, Zang Tuum Tumb*
Written-By – Lou Reed

(The Ninth Life Of…) Dr. Mabuse 4:09
Performer [Presented By] – Propaganda
Producer – Trevor Horn
Written-By – Thein, Mertens, Dörper*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: ZTT – 12 ZTAS 2
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Hand Sleeve
Country: UK
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Lacquer Cut By – Kev*
Painting, Photography By – Anton Corbijn
Recorded At – Sarm West Studios
Lacquer Cut At – The Town House

NOTES

Front cover: “Propaganda Present The Nine Lives Of Dr. Mabuse”.

Femme Fatale produced by Zang Tuum Tumb with Propaganda.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.

November 25, 2024

Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas? (UK 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the recording of Band-Aid’s iconic charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.

Written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song was created to raise funds for the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine relief efforts. Recorded in just one day at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, on November 25, 1984, the session brought together a supergroup of prominent British and Irish musicians assembled by Geldof and Ure.

Released in the UK on December 7, 1984, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” made an immediate impact, debuting at number one on the UK singles chart and holding the top spot for five weeks. It became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time, moving one million copies in its first week. By the end of 1984, it had sold over three million copies in the UK and topped the charts in 13 other countries. In the United States, despite limited radio play, the song sold approximately 2.5 million copies by 1985. Globally, it reached 11.7 million in sales by 1989, and its UK sales alone stood at 3.8 million by 2017.

The single raised £8 million within its first year, far surpassing Geldof’s initial expectations. Due to its success, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”was reissued on November 29, 1985, featuring an updated B-side titled *”One Year On (Feed the World).” This version included a spoken message from Geldof and Midge Ure and highlighted the tangible impact of the funds raised, listing the resources and aid provided. Notably, this updated version was only ever released on vinyl.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” remains a testament to the power of music to inspire change and unite people for a common cause.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
Do They Know It’s Christmas? (12″ Mix) 6:17
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Remix – Trevor Horn

SIDE B:
One Year On (Feed The World)+ 4:34
Mastered By – BilBo (3)
Producer, Mixed By – Alvin Jeff Clark*, Midge Ure

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1984	Do They Know It’s Christmas?	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#13
1984	Do They Know It’s Christmas?	U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#32

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Phonogram – FEED 112, Mercury – FEED 112
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Reissue
Country: UK
Released: Nov 29, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Holiday

CREDITS:

Written-By – Geldof*, Ure*

NOTES:
Many thanks to all the Record Companies of the artists involved.

It’s one year on since BAND AID first began to raise funds for famine relief.
With your help people have survived, now help BAND AID to help them stay alive.
If you would like to make a further donation-send it to:
Band Aid Trust
c/o Stoy Hayward
8 Baker Street
London W1M 1DA

Many thanks to all the people, too numerous to mention, who kindly donated their time and effort in the making this record.

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

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.

June 11, 2024

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Rage Hard (US 12″ Promo)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1986

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Originally posted November 28, 2012

“Rage Hard” is the fifth single by English pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It was released on 25 August 1986 as the first single from their second album Liverpool. The song reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart and number 1 in Germany and it was also a massive success in other countries.

Having topped the charts around the world with Welcome to the Pleasuredome and its accompanying singles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood took off to Hilversum Wisseloord Studios to record the follow-up album, Liverpool. Taking on a rockier edge, “Rage Hard” was the first single culled from the album.

In a 1986 interview, singer Holly Johnson was asked about the meaning of the song explaining, “Have you read the poem ‘Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night’ by Dylan Thomas? It was kind of inspired by that. It’s an incantation against death and lethargy, and it’s supposed to encourage lots of creative idealism in the listener.”

Not only was it the first Frankie single to be featured on CD single, it was also the first single to not feature a cassette release—new rules limited the number of items that could count towards the official charts, following the earlier ZTT excesses. “Rage Hard” eventually hit number 4 in the UK Singles Chart and number 1 in Germany for two weeks, #5 in Switzerland, #7 in the Netherlands, #12 in Austria, #19 in Sweden and #32 in France.

*The two tracks are exclusive to this U.S. Promo, and remain vinyl-only mixes.

SIDE A:
Rage Hard (Vocal / Remix) 7:00

SIDE B:
Rage Hard (Remix / Edit) / (Vocal) 4:20
Rage Hard (Remix / Dub) / (Instrumental) 5:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Island Records – DMD 987, ZTT – DMD 987
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Specialty Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – Stephen Lipson
Producer – Trevor Horn
Remix – Freddie Bastone*

NOTES:
From the LP “Liverpool”

Promotional Copy Not For Sale

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

SOFTWARE:
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

**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.