Tag: UK

September 25, 2025

Shannon – Give Me The Music (Medley) (UK 12″) (1984)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today on Burning the Ground, I’m excited to share a very special custom 12” single featuring the iconic American singer Shannon. This release brings together two rare and exhilarating tracks that highlight the best of her mid-80s dance floor dominance.

Side A: “Give Me The Music (Medley – AN Intermixture of Let The Music Play & Give Me Tonight)”
The first track is a carefully crafted medley of Let The Music Play and Give Me Tonight, titled Give Me The Music (Medley). This gem was originally found on the B-side of Shannon’s 1984 UK 12” single Sweet Somebody, but it’s a track that didn’t make it onto the 2006 remastered edition of her self-titled debut album. The medley flows seamlessly, capturing the infectious energy of both songs and delivering a nostalgic, club-ready experience that fans of Shannon’s early work will immediately recognize and love.

Side B: “Do You Wanna Get Away (Ultimix)”
On the flip side is a Hot Tracks remix service version of Do You Wanna Get Away (Ultimix), expertly remixed by Bradley D. Hinkle. Originally from Shannon’s second album of the same name, this Ultimix amplifies the dancefloor appeal with extended breakdowns and energized percussion—perfect for DJs or anyone looking to relive the peak of 80s freestyle and post-disco excitement.

Custom Artwork
To complete this one-of-a-kind release, I’ve created custom artwork that captures the spirit of Shannon’s music and the era she helped define. It’s a nod to the vibrant energy of early 80s club culture while giving this single its own unique identity.

This custom 12” single is a love letter to Shannon’s timeless contributions to dance music. Whether you’re a collector, a DJ, or a fan of 80s club classics, this release is a must-have addition to your collection.

**Just a quick heads up: I accidentally mislabeled side B. It should be “Do You Wanna Get Away (Ultimix).” I have re-uploaded the files with the correct tags. Please download the updated versions again from the site or your email.

SIDE ONE:
Give Me The Music (Medley) – An Intermixture Of Let The Music Play & Give Me Tonight 6:55
Producer – Chris Barbosa, Mark Liggett, Rod Hui
Written-By – Chris Barbosa, Ed Chisolm

SIDE TWO:
Do You Wanna Get Away (Ultimix) 8:05
Remix – Bradley D. Hinkle
Written-By – C. Barbosa*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Unofficial
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro

CREDITS:
Artwork Design – DjPaulT

NOTES:
Side One: Courtesy Emergency Records taken from “Sweet Somebody” UK 12″

Side Two: Courtesy Hot Tracks Remix Service taken from Series 4, Issue 6

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.

September 19, 2025

Various – Disco Fever ’79 (Music Factory Megamix) (UK 12″) (1993)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Back in the mid-80s, when DJ-only remix services were just beginning to carve out their space, one UK collective quickly became a favorite among club jocks—Music Factory Mastermix. Founded in 1985, the Sheffield-based promotional service specialized in delivering creative edits, themed mixes, and exclusive reworks of chart hits and dance classics. Their productions weren’t intended for commercial release but for the hands of DJs who wanted something unique to spin on the dancefloor.

Among their many themed mixes came a special retrospective celebration: “Disco ’79 Megamix.” Crafted by Darren Ash, one of Music Factory’s standout editors (and partly responsible for the infamous Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers phenomenon), this mix took club audiences on a flashback to the glittering year of 1979—when disco truly dominated the charts and dancefloors worldwide.

The Mix

Ash stitched together a powerhouse lineup of late-’70s disco anthems, giving DJs an instant floor-filler that connected the dots between the biggest disco names. The megamix included:

Village People – The kings of camp and dance anthems, unstoppable in ’79 with Y.M.C.A. and In the Navy.
Donna Summer – The Queen of Disco herself, bringing that Giorgio Moroder-powered pulse to the mix.
Sister Sledge – Riding high with the Chic-produced We Are Family and He’s the Greatest Dancer.
Edwin Starr – Known for his soul roots, he slid into the disco world with irresistible grooves.
The Real Thing – UK soul-disco pioneers who were enjoying chart success well into the disco boom.
Gibson Brothers – Injecting Caribbean flavor into disco with tracks like Cuba and Que Sera Mi Vida.

Why 1979?

By 1979, disco had reached its peak cultural saturation—chart dominance, glittering outfits, and mainstream acceptance that was about to trigger the infamous “disco backlash” in the early ’80s. Still, for those who lived it, this was the golden year when nearly every club, roller rink, and radio station pulsed with four-on-the-floor grooves.

The Disco ’79 Megamix served as both a tribute and a tool—paying homage to an unforgettable year while giving DJs in the mid-’80s an easy way to reignite the sparkle of disco on contemporary dancefloors.

Darren Ash’s Touch

Ash’s editing style was clean, fast-paced, and always built for impact. Much like the Jive Bunny medleys that would soon take over UK charts, this mix leaned on clever segues, instantly recognizable hooks, and a relentless dancefloor drive. Unlike novelty medleys, though, “Disco ’79” had real weight because the source material was the very essence of disco at its height.

Legacy

Though intended for promotional use only, mixes like “Disco ’79” showcase just how influential remix services like Music Factory were. They preserved and reshaped the past while keeping DJs equipped with fresh, inventive tools. For disco lovers, this megamix remains a nostalgic time capsule of one of music’s most glamorous years.

SIDE A:
Various – Disco Fever ’79 (Music Factory Mastermix) 13:03
Village People– Y.M.C.A.
Village People– In The Navy
Edwin Starr– Contact
The Real Thing– Can You Feel The Force
Gibson Brothers– Que Sera Mi Vida
Donna Summer– Hot Stuff
Donna Summer– Bad Girls
Sister Sledge– We Are Family

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Music Factory – MFMM79
Series: Music Factory Mastermix Issue – 79
Format: 2 x Vinyl, 45 RPM, 12″
Country: UK
Released: 1993
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk, Disco

CREDITS:
Mixed By – Darren Ash
Artwork [Custom] – DjPaulT

NOTES:
Taken from Music Factory Mastermix – Issue 79

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.

September 17, 2025

Kaja – Shouldn’t Do That (Disciplined) (UK 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

If you’ve followed the quirky trajectory of Kajagoogoo, you know their journey from the breakout synth-pop of White Feathers to the more experimental corners of their later work was anything but predictable. By 1985, the band, now simply billed as Kaja, released their third album, Crazy Peoples Right to Speak, and with it came a single that encapsulated both their pop sensibilities and their willingness to push boundaries: “Shouldn’t Do That.”

Released by Parlophone/EMI America, “Shouldn’t Do That” didn’t storm the charts like their early hits, peaking at #63 in the UK, but it remains a fascinating slice of mid-80s new wave. Its layered synths, driving rhythm, and unmistakable melodic flair demonstrate that even as the band evolved, they retained the catchy hooks that made them a staple of early-80s British pop.

Interestingly, the single also found a home beyond the record charts. It was included in the soundtrack of 1985’s Santa Claus: The Movie, adding an unexpected pop edge to the festive film. For many fans, this placement cemented the track’s quirky charm—playful enough for a family movie, yet still very much a product of Kaja’s distinctive new wave style.

“Shouldn’t Do That” may not be the band’s most famous track, but it’s a perfect snapshot of a group experimenting with identity, sound, and expression in the mid-80s. For collectors, 80s enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the paths Kajagoogoo/Kaja explored after their initial fame, it’s an essential listen.

SIDE A:
Shouldn’t Do That (Disciplined) 6:58
Mixed By – Ken Scott

SIDE B:
Charm Of A Gun 4:27
Backing Vocals – Lezlee Cowling
Guitar [Solo] – Michael Thompson
Mixed By – Nick Beggs, Paul Ryan (2), Steve Askew (2), Stuart Croxford Neale

Shouldn’t Do That (Undisciplined) 5:59
Mixed By – Nick Beggs, Paul Ryan (2), Steve Askew (2), Stuart Croxford Neale

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12R 6106
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – The Square Red Studio
Drums – Dave Mattocks*
Guitar – Steve Askew (2)
Lacquer Cut By – Nickz*
Lead Vocals, Bass – Nick Beggs
Photography By – Peter Ashworth
Producer – Ken Scott
Vocals, Keyboards – Stuart Croxford Neale
Written-By – N. Beggs*, S. Askew*, S. Neale*

NOTES:
Made in England

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.

September 10, 2025

Classix Nouveaux – Forever And A Day (UK 12″) (1983)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the early 1980s, Classix Nouveaux had firmly carved out their place in the New Wave and post-punk landscape. Formed in London in 1979 from the ashes of X-Ray Spex, the band — fronted by the charismatic Sal Solo — quickly became known for their striking visual style, theatrical performances, and polished, synth-driven sound.

One of the gems in their catalog is “Forever and a Day,” a single released in 1983 from their third studio album Secret. By this point, Classix Nouveaux had refined their sound, moving away from the rawer edges of their early work toward a sleeker, more atmospheric approach.

A Shift in Sound

“Forever and a Day” captures the essence of this evolution. Built on shimmering synth textures, driving bass lines, and Sal Solo’s dramatic, soaring vocals, the track balances melancholy with romantic optimism. The production feels cinematic, reflecting the broader trend in early-to-mid ’80s New Wave toward lush, layered arrangements.

While the band never quite broke through on the same scale as contemporaries like Ultravox or Duran Duran, tracks like “Forever and a Day” show they had all the right ingredients — powerful hooks, emotional depth, and undeniable style.

Release & Reception

Issued as a single in 1983, “Forever and a Day” wasn’t a major chart hit, but it cemented Classix Nouveaux’s reputation as cult favorites in the New Wave scene. In some territories — particularly across Europe and in markets like Poland, where the band enjoyed a surprising level of popularity — the song gained significant airplay.

The single was accompanied by a 12″ release, which offered an extended version remixed ny Phil Thornalley (Johnny Hates Jazz, The Cure) aimed at dancefloors and club DJs. This longer version gave the band’s synth arrangements more room to breathe, making “Forever and a Day” a perfect fit for the era’s club culture.

Legacy

Though Classix Nouveaux disbanded shortly after the release of Secret, songs like “Forever and a Day” have stood the test of time, rediscovered by collectors and fans of the 12″ remix format. The track remains a shining example of how New Wave blended electronic experimentation with pop sensibility — dramatic, stylish, and achingly heartfelt.

For many fans, “Forever and a Day” is more than just a single — it’s a reminder of the fleeting brilliance of a band that deserved a bigger spotlight.

SIDE A:
Forever And A Day (Extended Version) 6:46
Mixed By – Phil Thornalley
Strings – Ann Dudley
Written-By – Mik Sweeny, Sal Solo

SIDE B:
Switch (Full Length Version) 6:41
Written-By – B.P. Hurding, Mik Sweeny*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Liberty – 12BP 419
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave

CREDITS:

Producer – Alex Sadkin
Sleeve – Edward Bell

NOTES:
Rear sleeve: Lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Chappell Music Ltd.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for 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.