Tag: US

Eddie Murphy – Boogie In Your Butt (US 12″) (1982)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

In the early 1980s, Eddie Murphy wasn’t just becoming one of the biggest comedy stars in the world—he was also testing the boundaries of what a comedy album could sound like. Known for his sharp wit and fearless delivery on Saturday Night Live and in his stand-up specials, Murphy released his self-titled comedy album Eddie Murphy in 1982. Tucked inside that album was a funky, satirical gem that still gets talked about today: “Boogie In Your Butt.”

Unlike a traditional stand-up skit, “Boogie In Your Butt” is a full-on comedy song—delivered with a straight-faced funk groove that could almost pass for a real early-’80s club track if you didn’t listen too closely to the lyrics. Backed by a rhythm that borrows from Parliament-Funkadelic’s cosmic funk style, Murphy riffs off the classic rap structure of the time, but instead of serious rhymes, he gleefully lists increasingly absurd things you might put “in your butt.”

The humor is undeniably juvenile, but the delivery is so confident that it crosses into parody brilliance. Murphy is mocking the “say anything” approach of early rap lyrics while at the same time creating something that’s ridiculously catchy. It feels like a distant cousin to the work of Blowfly, the notorious X-rated funk artist, but with Murphy’s unmistakable comedic flair.

Although never a charting single, “Boogie In Your Butt” has had a lasting cultural footprint. It became a cult favorite among comedy fans, and years later, hip-hop fans have pointed out how ahead of its time the track was in blending comedy with the rap form. You can even hear its DNA in the more playful corners of rap that came later in the decade.

Eddie Murphy would go on to have legitimate music success with his 1985 hit Party All the Time (produced by Rick James), but “Boogie In Your Butt” remains his rawest, funniest foray into music—a track that perfectly captures the anything-goes energy of early ’80s comedy records.

Whether you find it hilarious or head-shakingly silly, one thing’s for sure: once you’ve heard it, you’ll never forget it.

SIDE A:
Boogie In Your Butt (Remixed Extended Version) 6:27

SIDE B:
Boogie In Your Butt (Instrumental) 4:11

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44-03012, The Entertainment Company Records – 44-03012
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Pop Rap

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Jacket front & back read: Remixed extended version from the album “Eddie Murphy”

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.


Atlantic Starr – Freak-A-Ristic (US 12″) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By the mid-1980s, Atlantic Starr had already established themselves as a versatile force in R&B, known for their smooth ballads and energetic funk grooves. In 1985, the band entered a new chapter with the release of As the Band Turns, their sixth studio album. The lead single, “Freak-A-Ristic,” marked a turning point for the group—both musically and in terms of lineup.

Following the departure of longtime lead singer Sharon Bryant, Atlantic Starr underwent major changes. Four other members—drummer Porter Carroll, Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, trumpeter William Sudderth III, and saxophonist Koran Daniels—also exited, leaving the Lewis brothers (David, Jonathan, and Wayne) to restructure the group. Stepping into the spotlight was Barbara Weathers, whose smooth, confident vocals gave Atlantic Starr a fresh sound and direction.

Released in 1985, “Freak-A-Ristic” delivered a tight blend of funk, soul, and dance grooves, perfectly fitting the era’s club scene. The track showcased the band’s ability to reinvent themselves while keeping their signature polished musicianship intact. Listeners responded strongly on R&B radio: the single climbed to #6 on the Billboard R&B chart, while also reaching #90 on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, it found success in New Zealand, where it peaked at #38.

Though not as widely remembered as their later crossover ballads like “Always” and “Secret Lovers,” “Freak-A-Ristic” was essential in bridging Atlantic Starr’s early funk-driven sound with the smoother, more pop-friendly style that would bring them major mainstream success later in the decade. It also introduced the world to Barbara Weathers, who would become a key voice on some of the group’s biggest hits.

With its funky basslines, slick horn arrangements, and dance-floor energy, “Freak-A-Ristic” remains a snapshot of Atlantic Starr’s resilience and adaptability during a period of major transition.

SIDE A:
Freak-A-Ristic (Special Dance Mix) 6:30

SIDE B:
Freak-A-Ristic (Dub Mix) 6:53

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1985 Freak-A-Ristic U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #90
1985 Freak-A-Ristic U.S. Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop #6

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12126
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Taken from the A&M album “As The Band Turns”

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.


Mr. Mister – Kyrie (US 12″ Promo) (1985)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Released around Christmas 1985, “Kyrie” became the second single from Mr. Mister’s second studio album, Welcome to the Real World. By March 1986, the soaring track had reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks, cementing the band’s place in mid-80s pop-rock history.

Following the chart-topping success of their previous single, “Broken Wings,” “Kyrie” further established Mr. Mister’s distinctive blend of thoughtful lyricism and anthemic, radio-ready production. The song is built on a driving synth-rock arrangement, with shimmering guitars and Richard Page’s earnest, urgent vocal delivery pushing the melody skyward.

The title, “Kyrie,” comes from the Greek phrase Kyrie eleison, which translates to “Lord, have mercy.” While the song isn’t overtly religious, its lyrics reflect a deeper, spiritual plea set against the backdrop of personal and universal searching. It’s a reflective anthem disguised as a massive pop hit.

Interestingly, lyricist John Lang (a frequent Mr. Mister collaborator and Richard Page’s friend since high school) wrote the words after surviving a near-fatal accident. That brush with mortality infused the song with its sense of reverence and vulnerability.

The music video, a staple on MTV, featured tour footage mixed with scenes of the band traveling across the American heartland, perfectly capturing the song’s sense of journey—both literal and spiritual.

“Kyrie” resonated with a wide audience, not just because of its polished 80s production, but also because of its universal message of hope, redemption, and perseverance. Even decades later, its soaring chorus—“Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel…”—still feels like an anthem for anyone navigating life’s uncertain paths.

*This 12″ promo was pressed on 100% virgin vinyl, dynamically enhanced for radio.

SIDE A:
Kyrie (Fade End) 4:33

SIDE B:
Kyrie (Acapella End) 4:12

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1985 Kyrie U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
1985 Kyrie U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #11
1985 Kyrie U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA – JD-14248
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the “Welcome To The Real World” album.

Made in U.S.A.

Not for sale.

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.


Partland Brothers – Soul City (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Hitting That Sweet Spot of Pop-Rock

In 1986, The Partland Brothers—Chris and G.P.—emerged from Colgan, Ontario, into the bigger world of Toronto’s music scene. Their debut album Electric Honey featured “Soul City,” an anthemic pop-rock track that became their defining moment, earning a spot in the Top 30 in Canada and climbing to No. 27 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100—making them true bona fide chart-hitters from the get-go.

Harmony & Production Worthy of Righteous Praise

What set “Soul City” apart was the duo’s intoxicating close-harmony vocals—drawing frequent comparisons to a modernized version of The Righteous Brothers. The production by Vini Poncia (known for working with McCartney, Lennon, Kiss, and more) polished the sound to gleaming perfection, ensuring their launch had all the hallmarks of a major new act.

Lyrics That Breathe Freedom and Adventure

At its heart, “Soul City” is about breaking free from the mundane—the thrill of the unknown. Lines like:

“Soul City, that’s where we’re heading
Dancing and singing ’til dawn…”

…paint a vivid picture of escapism, nightlife energy, and living without boundaries. The song urges listeners to step “into the moonlight,” chase the setting sun, and discover that state of mind—someone’s own Soul City—full of euphoria and possibility.

From Contest Winners to International Stages

Before the breakthrough, the brothers honed their chops in bands like Oliver Heaviside and even won the Q107 radio station’s Homegrown contest in 1983—an early spark that lit their path to Capitol Records in 1985. Following the release of Soul City, they toured with legends like The Moody Blues and The Beach Boys, and graced TV stages like American Bandstand and The Late Show with Arsenio Hall. They were also recognized at home with a Juno Awards nomination for Most Promising New Group in 1987.

A Brief Blaze, with Enduring Echo

Though “Soul City” remains their singular U.S. chart entry, its success opened doors—yet management setbacks delayed follow-ups. They released a handful of albums afterward (including Between Worlds in 1990 and Part Land, Part Water in 1993), but none reached the same heights.

Even so, the Partland Brothers persevered: backing music legend Ronnie Hawkins on stage and continuing to create and perform—even amidst personal challenges, like G.P.’s accident in recent years.

Final Thoughts

“Soul City” encapsulates that irresistible 1980s spirit—hopeful, escapist, and dance-fueled. With soaring harmonies, infectious rhythms, and lyrical zest, it’s not just a song—but an invitation: chase your soul’s ideal city, wherever music and freedom roam.

Whether you’re revisiting this gem or discovering it anew, “Soul City” stands timeless—for those who long to dance until dawn, live beyond the lines, and dare to follow the lights into the next great adventure.

SIDE A:
Soul City (Remix) 7:23

SIDE B:
Soul City (Instrumental) 6:12
Soul City (Single Version) 3:52

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1987 Soul City U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #27

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Manhattan Records – V-56060
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the Album, Cassette & Compact Disc “Electric Honey”

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.