Tag: US

December 12, 2025

Army Of Lovers – My Army Of Lovers (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Few groups in pop history have embraced flamboyance, camp, and sheer spectacle quite like Sweden’s Army Of Lovers. With their over-the-top visuals, theatrical flair, and maximalist approach to dance music, they turned pop into performance art. And if any track captures their essence, it’s undoubtedly “My Army Of Lovers.”

Originally released in 1990 on their debut album Disco Extravaganza, the song gained wider international attention with its 1991 single release tied to Massive Luxury Overdose. It’s the version most fans remember — the track that cemented Army Of Lovers as icons of European dance and queer club culture.

A Sound Made for the Dancefloor

“My Army Of Lovers” is pure early-’90s Eurodance at its most theatrical. The track layers swirling strings, a strutting bassline, and dramatic synths, over which:

La Camilla’s commanding vocals glide effortlessly,
Alexander Bard’s spoken interjections add theatrical weight,
And a production style that mixes disco, Hi-NRG, and classical touches creates a sound both ironic and irresistible.

Unlike much of the era’s dance music, which leaned heavily into house or techno, Army Of Lovers blended genres into something entirely their own. The result is a track that’s simultaneously playful, opulent, and utterly danceable.

The Magic of the 12″ Mixes

Like many of their singles, the extended versions of “My Army Of Lovers” elevate the song to new heights. DJs were treated to:

Expansive intros perfect for the club floor,
Extra layers of orchestration and percussion,
A hypnotic groove that keeps dancers moving,
And room for every dramatic flourish to shine.

It’s one of those tracks that demands the 12″ treatment — the more you stretch it, the more the drama and energy unfold.

Visual Spectacle

Army Of Lovers weren’t just musicians; they were living art. The video for “My Army Of Lovers” is a feast of Renaissance-inspired costumes, glittering excess, and high camp. Every frame is theatrical, every pose exaggerated — it’s pop as performance, executed with style and wit.

Legacy

While the group never achieved massive success in the U.S., their influence on European pop and dance music is undeniable. “My Army Of Lovers” remains one of their defining tracks, a celebration of glamour, individuality, and unapologetic excess. Three decades on, it still sparkles: a musical reminder that pop can be dramatic, daring, and delightful all at once.

SIDE A:
My Army Of Lovers (Concrete Ghetto Mix) 8:47
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Emil Hellman, StoneBridge

My Army Of Lovers (Pisces Atmosphere Mix) 5:23
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Dave Rendall*

SIDE B:
My Army Of Lovers (Nuzak Remix Club Edit) 6:27
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Nuzak

My Army Of Lovers (Pisces Stratosphere Mix) 5:50
Remix, Producer [Additional] – Dave Rendall*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Giant Records – 0-40068, Giant Records – 9 40068-0, Ton Son Ton – 0-40068, Ton Son Ton – 9 40068-0, Reprise Records – 0-40068, Reprise Records – 9 40068-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: Downtempo, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Backing Vocals – Ixi Qaxi
Drum Programming – Emil Hellman
Engineer [Assistant] – Per Adebratt
Keyboards – Tim Norell
Lead Vocals – La Camilla
Producer, Mixed By – Anders Hansson, Ola Håkansson, Tim Norell
Programmed By, Engineer – Anders Hansson
Recorded By [Additional Vocals] – JM Fax
Written-By – Hansson*, Bard/Oson/Norell*, Tyrén*

NOTES:
Some copies have pressing plant ID “E A S T” embossed on center label.

Buy the 12″ 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.

December 11, 2025

Pet Shop Boys – Was It Worth It? (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the end of 1991, the Pet Shop Boys had firmly established themselves as synth-pop icons. Their first greatest hits compilation, Discography: The Complete Singles Collection, not only celebrated their decade-long run of chart-topping singles but also introduced two new songs: “DJ Culture” and “Was It Worth It?”. Released on 9 December 1991 by Parlophone, “Was It Worth It?” became the second and final single from the compilation, peaking at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. While it ended a streak of 16 consecutive top 20 hits dating back to West End Girls in 1985, the song remains a standout for its reflective optimism and danceable production.

Recorded at Sarm West with production group Brothers in Rhythm, the song was a collaborative effort. Neil Tennant began writing “Was It Worth It?” before their fourth studio album, Behaviour (1990), and Chris Lowe contributed the memorable chorus. Steve Anderson of Brothers in Rhythm added a piano part that Tennant likened to Black Box’s 1989 hit “Ride on Time”. The track features a call-and-response format, with backing vocals from Tessa Niles, Carol Kenyon, and Ghida de Palma, giving it a layered, uplifting feel.

Lyrically, Tennant described the song as “a reaffirmation of the worth of love, an ‘I am what I am’ sort of song.” He called it “a very gay song. Very gay positive. It’s basically saying: if I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.” Its upbeat message and celebratory tone make it one of the Pet Shop Boys’ most affirming singles, even if it didn’t achieve their usual chart success.

The B-side, “Miserablism”, produced by Harold Faltermeyer and mixed by Julian Mendelsohn, was originally intended for Behaviour but was removed late in the album’s process. Meanwhile, the single’s cover art is a charming nod to fan creativity: dolls of Tennant and Lowe crafted by Japanese fan Toshima Tada, holding bouquets of red roses reminiscent of the Behaviour album cover. The 7-inch back cover featured yellow roses, while the 12-inch opted for a blue background.

The accompanying music video, directed by Eric Watson, embraced a playful, theatrical energy. Shot in a club setting, it combined footage of the duo performing at Heaven with scenes of a vibrant, drag-filled crowd. Inspired by films like Saturday Night Fever and Hairspray, as well as the moveable clubnight Kinky Gerlinky, the video showcased extravagant costumes, dance, and pure fun—Chris Lowe famously appears in a towering orange Kenzo hat, doing absolutely nothing while the rest of the club revels.

Although “Was It Worth It?” didn’t break into the top 20, it remains an essential part of the Pet Shop Boys’ catalog: a perfectly crafted, celebratory pop song that affirms love, identity, and the joy of dancing through life’s choices.

SIDE A:
Was It Worth It? (12″ Version) 7:12
Producer – Brothers In Rhythm, Pet Shop Boys
Remix – Pet Shop Boys

Was It Worth It? (Dub Version) 5:12
Engineer – Paul Wright
Instrumentation By, Programmed By – Philip Kelsey
Producer – Brothers In Rhythm, Pet Shop Boys
Remix – Dave Seaman, Philip Kelsey

SIDE B:
Miserablism (Electro Mix) 5:35
Producer – Harold Faltermeyer, Pet Shop Boys
Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Moby

Miserablism (Short Version) 4:11
Mixed By – Julian Mendelsohn
Producer – Harold Faltermeyer, Pet Shop Boys

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI Records USA – VNR-56243, EMI Records USA – VNR 56243
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Techno, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Design – Farrow*, PSB*, 3a*
Photography By – Robert Shackleton
Written-By – Pet Shop Boys

NOTES:
A2: Remixed for Creative Theives Conglomerate/DMC.

Printed in the U.S.A.

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.

December 9, 2025

Breathe – Say A Prayer (US 12″) (1990)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Today, we’re stepping into the smooth, late-80s/early-90s pop world of Breathe, the English band best known for their soft-focus, heartfelt hits “Hands to Heaven” and “How Can I Fall?” But in 1990, as the group tried to evolve their sound and keep pace with a new decade, they released the underrated “Say a Prayer.”

While not as widely remembered as their earlier chart-toppers, “Say a Prayer” stands out as one of Breathe’s most confident singles—lush, melodic, and built around David Glasper’s unmistakably warm and soulful voice. It was the lead single from their second and final album, Peace of Mind. In the U.S. the track reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart, giving the band one last significant moment on American radio.

The Sound

“Say a Prayer” is classic early-90s adult contemporary pop—smooth keys, soft rhythmic guitar, a steady mid-tempo beat, and that signature late-80s sheen that still had one foot in the previous decade. Glasper’s vocals carry the whole thing: emotionally direct without being over-the-top, and full of that breathy, intimate quality that helped Breathe stand out from their peers.

Lyrically, the song continues the band’s familiar themes—love, hope, longing—but with a slightly more mature tone than their 1988 material. If “Hands to Heaven” was the dream-pop ballad and “How Can I Fall?” was the heartbreak moment, “Say a Prayer” feels like the hopeful resolution.

Why It Matters

“Say a Prayer” didn’t reach the iconic status of Breathe’s earlier hits, but it has aged remarkably well. It’s one of those turn-of-the-decade singles that beautifully captures the transition from 80s pop romanticism into the sleek sound of the early 90s.

For fans of the band—or anyone who loves exquisitely crafted pop with emotional sincerity—“Say a Prayer” is a gem worth revisiting. Its warm production, thoughtful lyrics, and Glasper’s gorgeous vocal delivery make it a perfect reminder of why Breathe’s catalog continues to resonate long after their short time in the spotlight.

If you grew up with their music (or discovered them later), this one hits all the right nostalgic notes.

SIDE A:
Say A Prayer (Save My Soul 12″) 6:32
Say A Prayer (Save My Soul Dub) 5:47
Say A Prayer (LP Version) 3:49

SIDE B:
Say A Prayer (Oh Mercy! House 12″) 6:33
Say A Prayer (Oh Mercy! House Dub) 6:10
Say A Prayer (Oh! Mercy! House 7″) 3:52

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Breathe: *Say A Prayer* (1990)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#21	1990
US Billboard Adult Contemporary	#3	1990
Australia (ARIA Charts)	#97	1990
Canadian Singles (RPM)	#6	1990
UK Singles	#63	1990

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – 75021 2337 1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: House

CREDITS:

Edited By – Chep Nunez*
Producer – Bob Sargeant, Breathe (3)
Producer [Additional], Remix – Daniel Abraham (tracks: A1, A2)
Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Merv DePeyer*
Written-By – David Glasper, Marcus Lillington

NOTES:
Original version appears on the A&M album, cassette & compact disc “Peace Of Mind”

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 21, 2025

Gang Of Four – I Love A Man In Uniform (US 12″) (1982)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

If there’s one thing Gang of Four mastered, it was taking post-punk sharpness and turning it into social critique, wrapped in jagged rhythms and infectious grooves. One song that perfectly exemplifies their mix of angular funk and biting commentary is “I Love A Man In Uniform.” Released in 1982 as part of their album Songs of the Free, this track is both danceable and discomforting—a signature Gang of Four juxtaposition.

At first listen, the song has a compelling groove: a tight, propulsive bassline, staccato guitar riffs, and a drumbeat that pushes the song forward relentlessly. The music feels almost celebratory, inviting listeners to move their feet. But beneath the kinetic rhythm lies the band’s scathing critique of authority and obsession.

The lyrics are pointed and ironic, exploring society’s fetishization of power and control. By framing the fascination with uniforms in a seemingly romantic light, the song exposes the undercurrent of militarism, authoritarianism, and social conformity. Gang of Four had a knack for pairing danceable post-punk music with a sharp-edged political message—and this track is a prime example.

“I Love A Man In Uniform” is also notable for its production and arrangement. The interplay between Andy Gill’s cutting guitar work and Sara Lee’s driving bass creates a sense of tension that mirrors the song’s thematic warning: there’s an allure to authority, but it’s one that’s dangerous to embrace blindly. Vocals by Jon King cut through with sardonic precision, emphasizing the irony in every line.

Cultural Impact

Though never a mainstream hit, “I Love A Man In Uniform” has left a lasting mark on alternative and post-punk music. Its critique of societal obsession with authority resonates even decades later, giving it a timeless quality. The song has influenced a generation of artists who blend political commentary with danceable post-punk energy—from industrial acts to indie rock bands that flirt with funk-infused riffs.

The track has also appeared on several compilations and retrospective collections, cementing its place in Gang of Four’s legacy. For listeners discovering post-punk today, it remains a striking example of how music can entertain while questioning societal norms.

Chart Performance

Commercially, the song was something of a breakthrough for Gang of Four in the U.S., gaining airplay on college radio and more adventurous R&B–oriented stations. The song also reached #27 on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. In the UK “O Live A Man In Uniform” reached #65 on the official singles chart remaining there for two weeks.

Live Performances

Gang of Four were renowned for their live intensity, and “I Love A Man In Uniform” became a highlight of their sets. The band’s performance style—minimalist yet visceral—turned the song’s biting critique into a shared, almost confrontational experience for audiences. Jon King’s sardonic delivery and Andy Gill’s razor-sharp guitar lines created a sense of urgency in the live setting, making the song feel like both a dance anthem and a political statement simultaneously.

Over the years, different incarnations of Gang of Four have continued to perform the song, keeping its sharp social commentary alive for new generations. Its inclusion in live sets demonstrates how some music never loses relevance, and how the tension between rhythm and message can be electrifying on stage.

Music Video and Visual Style

The music video for “I Love A Man In Uniform” captures the song’s ironic tension perfectly. Shot in stark, high-contrast visuals, it combines minimalism with surreal touches—mirroring the band’s angular, jagged musical style. Scenes of regimented movement, repeated gestures, and uniformed figures underscore the song’s critique of obsession with authority.

The video’s aesthetic is a snapshot of early 80s post-punk: black-and-white textures, sharp geometric framing, and a detached performance style that emphasizes the music’s cerebral, confrontational energy. It’s the kind of visual approach that rewards repeated viewing, revealing layers of irony and commentary that complement the song itself.

For anyone exploring the post-punk era, “I Love A Man In Uniform” is an essential listen. It encapsulates everything that made Gang of Four so compelling: jagged funk, political wit, striking visuals, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths—all while keeping your body moving.

SIDE A:
I Love A Man In A Uniform (Remix) 5:37
Engineer – Randy Burns
Remix – Steve Sinclair (2)

SIDE B:
Producer 2:34

I Love A Man In A Uniform (Dub Version) 4:48
Engineer – Randy Burns
Remix – Steve Sinclair (2)

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Gang Of Four: *I Love A Man in Uniform* (1982)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Dance Club Songs	#27	1982
UK Singles Chart	#65	1982

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – 0-29907
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave

CREDITS:

Executive-Producer – David Rostamo
Producer – Andrew Gill*, Jon King, Mike Howlett
Written-By – Gill*, King*

NOTES:
Tracks A, B2 remixed from the original LP version on the Warner Bros. album “Songs Of The Free”

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.