Tag: UK

June 18, 2025

Army Of Lovers – Crucified (UK 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today’s Pride Month feature turns the volume all the way up with one of the most flamboyant, theatrical, and gloriously over-the-top dance anthems of the early ’90s—”Crucified” by Army of Lovers. Released in 1991, this iconic track is pure high-camp Eurodance bliss, complete with operatic vocals, pulsing beats, religious imagery, and tongue-in-cheek decadence. It’s not just a song—it’s a spectacle.

Led by the charismatic Alexander Bard, Army of Lovers brought androgyny, queer expression, and maximalist fashion to the pop stage at a time when very few acts dared to. “Crucified” became their breakthrough single, topping charts across Europe and becoming a beloved club staple in the U.S., particularly within LGBTQ+ circles. The track hit #6 on the U.S. Billboard Dance chart and has since become a cult classic.

With lyrics like “I’m crucified, crucified like my savior / Saintlike behavior, a lifetime I prayed,” the song blends religious melodrama with self-aware sensuality. It’s part satire, part celebration—winking at the sacred and profane with the same fierce energy. Its mix of Eurodisco, house, and choral elements creates something that feels both nostalgic and ahead of its time.

“Crucified” is Pride in sonic form: bold, unapologetic, theatrical, and impossible to ignore. It’s a song that demands you live out loud and without shame, even when the world tries to put you in a box.

💃 Whether you’re twirling in a club, voguing in your living room, or just need a reminder of how fabulous self-expression can be, this one is for you.

🎧 From Sweden with love, glitter, and subversion—Army of Lovers gave us an anthem that still feels like a revelation.

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

SIDE A:
Crucified (The Nuzak Remix) 8:04
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Nuzak

SIDE B:
Crucified (Yherushalaim Dub) 7:42
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Nuzak

Crucified (Radio Edit) 3:32

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1991	Crucified	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#6

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Ton Son Ton – SONL-17, Ton Son Ton – SONL 17
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: Euro House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Backing Vocals – Erika Essen-Möller, Jean-Paul Wall, Katarina Wilczewski, Malin Bäckström, Rickard Evenlind*
Bass – La Camilla
Co-producer, Engineer – Per Adebratt
Computer – Alexander Bard
Executive-Producer – Ole Hakansson*
Film Director [Video Clip Directed By] – Fredrik Boklund, Martin Persson
Hair, Make-Up – Jean-Pierre Barda
Keyboards, Programmed By – Anders Wollbeck
Lead Vocals, Drums – Jean-Pierre Barda
Photography By – Carl-Johan Paulin
Producer – Alexander Bard, Anders Wollbeck
Promotion [Promotion Supervisor] – Jonas Holst
Sleeve, Design – Marie S-Wollbeck*
Stylist – Camilla Thulin
Vocals – Alexander Bard, Jean-Pierre Barda, La Camilla

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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.

June 10, 2025

Queen – Scandal (UK 12″) (1989)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released on October 9, 1989, “Scandal” was the fourth single taken from Queen’s thirteenth studio album, The Miracle. Although not one of their biggest chart hits, it peaked at number 25 in the UK. “Scandal” is a powerful track fueled by frustration, privacy, and defiance. And during Pride Month, it’s raw emotion and context that hit even deeper.

The song was written by Brian May but credited to the whole band, as was Queen’s custom during this era. It was a direct response to the press intrusion into both May’s and Freddie Mercury’s private lives. The tabloids had been circling Mercury for years, speculating about his health and sexuality. “Scandal” was Queen firing back, and the passion in Mercury’s vocal makes it unmistakably personal.

It’s no surprise that “Scandal” resonates within LGBTQ+ circles—not only for its theme of media scrutiny but also for its fierce dignity in the face of judgment. Mercury, a queer icon whether he publicly claimed the title or not, brought intensity and truth to the performance. The song becomes an anthem of endurance, a refusal to be defined by rumors or shame.

Today’s post features the rare and dramatic Extended Version from the 12″ single. Clocking in at over six minutes, this mix allows the song to breathe even more deeply—building tension with added instrumental breaks and extra emotional weight.

The B-side, “My Life Has Been Saved,” offers a more contemplative contrast and would later be reworked for Made in Heaven. But on this 12″, it stands as a poignant pairing to the storm of “Scandal.”

As we celebrate Pride, “Scandal” reminds us that the fight for truth, identity, and dignity has always been part of the queer experience. Freddie Mercury, with all his vulnerability and power, remains one of our most enduring symbols.

SIDE A:
Scandal (12″ Version) 6:34

SIDE B:
Scandal (7″ Version) 4:42
My Life Has Been Saved 3:15

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12 QUEEN 14, Parlophone – 12QUEEN 14
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1989
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Design – Richard Gray (2)
Engineer – David Richards
Photography By – Paul Rider (4)
Producer, Arranged By – David Richards, Queen
Written-By – Queen

NOTES:
“Scandal” Taken from the album “The Miracle”.

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.

May 29, 2025

Duran Duran – I Don’t Want Your Love (UK 12″ Promo) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date: June 17, 2014, February 21, 2018

Rhythm Is The Power

In 1988, Duran Duran returned to the dancefloor with a bold and funky new single that marked a sharp evolution in their sound: “I Don’t Want Your Love.” Released as the lead single from their Big Thing album, the track showed the band embracing a tougher, more club-oriented edge, blending their signature synth-pop sensibilities with house and funk elements that fit right into the late-’80s musical landscape.

Produced by Jonathan Elias and Duran Duran, and mixed by Shep Pettibone, this post features the UK 12″ promo, which includes the extended “Big Mix” and the rare “Dub Mix,” the latter of which remained exclusive to this promo for over a decade until it finally saw CD release on 1999’s Strange Behaviour remix compilation. The Big Mix, handled by the legendary Shep Pettibone, stretches out the track’s groove with bold synth layers, tight guitar riffs, and an elastic bassline that’s pure club gold. Meanwhile, the Dub Mix strips things down, zeroing in on rhythm and texture—essential for DJs and remix heads alike.

Lyrically, “I Don’t Want Your Love” was a defiant departure from the romanticism of earlier hits like “Save A Prayer.” Here, Simon Le Bon delivers a pointed, almost confrontational message, distancing himself from a manipulative relationship. The attitude was matched by a sleek, high-concept video directed by Steve Lowe, with courtroom drama imagery underscoring the song’s themes of judgment and rejection.

Despite—or perhaps because of—its shift in tone and style, “I Don’t Want Your Love” became a commercial success. It peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #14 in the UK, giving the band one of their last major Top 10 hits in the States. For longtime fans, it signaled that Duran Duran wasn’t content to rest on their New Romantic laurels—they were ready to evolve with the times and challenge expectations.

This marks the third time I’ve transferred this 12″ for Burning the Ground—but with the benefit of time, experience, and cutting-edge tech, I truly believe the third time’s the charm. This brand-new 2025 transfer was done using my latest high-end setup, including the phenomenal Ortofon Concorde Music Black cartridge, delivering every nuance with stunning clarity and depth.

SIDE A:
I Don’t Want Your Love (Big Mix) 7:34
Engineer [Mix] – Bob Rosa
Producer [Additional], Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Programmed By [Uncredited] – Alan Friedman

SIDE B:
I Don’t Want Your Love (Dub Mix) 7:36
Engineer [Mix] – Bob Rosa
Producer [Additional], Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
Programmed By [Uncredited] – Alan Friedman

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	I Don’t Want Your Love	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#4
1988	I Don’t Want Your Love	U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks	#13
1988	I Don’t Want Your Love	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI ‎– 12 YOUR DJ 1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: House, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Daniel Abraham, Duran Duran, Jonathan Elias
Recorded By, Mixed By – Daniel Abraham
Written-By – Taylor*, Rhodes*, Le Bon*

NOTES:
Recorded and mixed for White Falcon Productions.
Additionally produced and mixed for Mastermix Productions.
Mastered at Sterling.

From the Duranduran album “BIG THING”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

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

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.

May 8, 2025

Eurythmics – Thorn In My Side (UK 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today’s feature takes us back to 1986 with one of Eurythmics’ most defiant and infectious singles—”Thorn In My Side.” Pulled from their sixth studio album Revenge, this track showcases the duo’s pivot from icy synths toward a more guitar-driven, rock-infused sound, without losing an ounce of their signature edge.

Released in August 1986, “Thorn In My Side” was a UK smash, reaching #5 on the Singles Chart. While it didn’t make as big of a splash stateside (peaking at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100), it became a staple of Eurythmics’ live setlists and remains a fan favorite for its blistering lyrics and triumphant tone. This isn’t a heartbreak song—it’s a take-your-power-back anthem.

Annie Lennox delivers a vocal performance that walks the line between controlled disdain and cool detachment, spitting lines like:
“You gave me such a bad time / Tried to hurt me, but now I know…”
Backed by Dave Stewart’s guitar and slick production, it’s pure Eurythmics: sharp, stylish, and unafraid.

The Extended Mix on this UK 12″ vinyl release opens things up with an expanded intro and instrumental passages, giving the track more groove and weight—perfect for the dancefloor or just a dramatic solo strut across your apartment.

On the B-side, we get the live recording of “In This Town”. It’s a muscular, politically tinged performance that captures the raw, charged energy of the band at their mid-’80s peak.

Thorn In My Side” endures not just as a great single, but as a statement of resilience. A glittering middle finger to heartbreak, dressed up in hooks and eyeliner.

Now—a quick collector’s note for the completists out there:
Yes, I am aware of the sought-after “Houston Mix” of “Thorn In My Side.” It’s an ultra-rare pressing that’s reportedly identical to this standard UK 12″ mix, with one crucial difference: the run-out groove etching reads DAT 8 A1 rather than the common DAT 8 A3 —and that’s the only known distinguishing mark. I’ve never personally come across a copy, and believe me, I’ve looked. If I ever do get my hands on one, you better believe I’ll post it here.

SIDE A:
Thorn In My Side (Extended Mix) 6:57
Engineer – Gary Moon
Keyboards – Patrick Seymour
Keyboards, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals – David A. Stewart
Lead Vocals – Annie Lennox

SIDE B:
Thorn In My Side (Album Version) 4:15
Backing Vocals – Bernita Turner
Bass Guitar – John McKenzie
Drums – Clem Burke
Guitar – David A. Stewart
Keyboards – Patrick Seymour
Lead Vocals – Annie Lennox
Saxophone, Harmonica – Jimmy Z

In This Town 3:45
Backing Vocals – Bernita Turner, Joniece Jamison
Drums – Clem Burke
Keyboards – Patrick Seymour
Lead Vocals – Annie Lennox
Saxophone – Jimmy Z
Vocals, Guitar – David A. Stewart

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1986	Thorn In My Side	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#68

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA – DAT 8
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: Sep 6, 1986
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Coordinator [Creative Co-ordination] – Billy Poveda
Design – Timothy Eames
Engineer [1st Assistant] – Fred Defaye (tracks: B1, B2)
Engineer [2nd Assistant] – Serge Pauchard (tracks: B1, B2)
Engineer [Mixing] – Jon Bavin (tracks: B1, B2), Manu Guiot (tracks: B1 B2)
Engineer [Recording] – Jon Bavin (tracks: B1, B2)
Photography By – Jeff Katz (2)
Written-By – Lennox*, Stewart*

NOTES:
Recorded at Conny’s Studio Cologne & Studio Grand Armée Paris.
Track A remixed at Studio Grand Armee Paris.
Track B2 recorded at Manu’s Party.

Manufactured in the U.K.

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.