Tag: US

December 12, 2024

George Michael – Monkey (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

NEW 2024 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration

Original post date September 24, 2013

“Monkey” is a hit single by George Michael from his debut solo album, Faith (1987). Released as the album’s fourth single in 1988, the song became a major success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The track showcases a funky, dance-oriented style, blending elements of pop and R&B, and was co-produced by George Michael and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

The lyrics reflect themes of addiction and unhealthy relationships, with Michael imploring someone to choose between him and their “monkey”—a metaphor for a habit or dependency. Its infectious beat, layered production, and cutting-edge remixes, including the popular Jam & Lewis remix, contributed to its club appeal and chart-topping performance.

“Monkey” also stands out for its music video, directed by Andy Morahan, featuring energetic visuals, including Michael performing alongside dancers and showcasing his signature style during the Faith era. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Michael’s versatility as an artist.

The remixes of “Monkey” played a significant role in its popularity, especially in the U.S. club scene. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, renowned producers known for their work with artists like Janet Jackson, created a special remix for the single release. This version amplified the track’s funky, percussive energy, enhancing its appeal on dance floors and radio stations alike. The remix was so impactful that it became the definitive version of the song played on U.S. radio.

In terms of chart performance, “Monkey” achieved significant success globally. While it became George Michael’s eighth #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, it also fared well on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Internationally, it charted within the top 10 in countries like Canada and Ireland, though it performed more modestly in the UK, peaking at #13 on the UK Singles Chart.

The single’s success cemented Michael’s reputation as one of the 1980s’ most versatile pop icons, capable of delivering everything from heartfelt ballads to irresistible dance tracks. “Monkey” also contributed to the massive commercial success of Faith, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1989.

SIDE A:
Monkey (Extended Version) 8:07

SIDE B:
Monkey (Acappella) 3:44
Monkey (Extra Beats) 3:43

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	Monkey	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#1
1988	Monkey	U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs	#8
1988	Monkey	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 07849, Columbia – 44-07849
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Synth-pop, Dance-pop

CREDITS:

Artwork [Artwork By] – George Michael, Norman Moore
Engineer [Engineered By] – Steve Hodge
Lacquer Cut By [Runout Etching ❀] – Brian Gardner
Photography By [Photo By] – Chris Cuffaro
Producer [Produced By] – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Producer [Produced By], Written-By, Arranged By – George Michael
Remix [Special Re-mix By] – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

NOTES:
From the LP “FAITH”

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

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, 2024

Blue Mercedes – See Want Must Have (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

Blue Mercedes, the vibrant pop music duo from London, England, made waves in the late 1980s with their distinctive mix of style and danceable beats. “See Want Must Have,” released in April 1988, was the second single from their debut album Rich and Famous.

The track’s infectious energy and polished production made it a standout, earning it chart success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the U.K., the song climbed to #57 on the Singles Chart, while in the U.S., it resonated with club-goers, reaching an impressive #18 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.

“See Want Must Have” exemplifies the duo’s knack for blending catchy melodies with a playful sense of luxury, cementing their place in the late ’80s pop and dance music scenes. It’s a track that continues to evoke the era’s glamorous, carefree spirit and remains a favorite among fans of retro dance music.

+De-notes vinyl-only

SIDE A:
See Want Must Have (Street Latin Wolff II) 8:48
Mixed By – Phil Harding & Ian Curnow

SIDE B:
See Want Must Have (Funk Ass Mix) 6:48
Mixed By – Mixmaster Phil Harding*

See Want Must Have (Street Latin Wolff II Dub)+ 5:58
Mixed By – The Mixmaster (2), The Yo Boy*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1988	See Want Must Have	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#18

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23857
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Producer – Phil Harding & Ian Curnow

NOTES:
Original version appears on the Blue Mercedes LP “Rich And Famous”

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.

December 10, 2024

Stacey Q – I Love You (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988

“I Love You” recorded by Stacey Q was released as the second single from her sophomore album, Hard Machine. Written and produced by Jon St. James, the track showcases Stacey Q’s signature dance-pop sound with infectious beats and catchy melodies. Despite not reaching the mainstream heights of her earlier hit “Two of Hearts,” “I Love You” made its mark in the dance music scene, peaking at #49 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

The song’s production reflects the late-’80s club era, with vibrant synths and a driving rhythm that keeps the energy high. It’s a quintessential example of Stacey Q’s appeal during this period, blending pop sensibility with danceable grooves.

+All tracks are vinyl-only

SIDE A:
I Love You (Club Mix) 6:28
I Love You (Dub Mix) 6:13

SIDE B:
I Love You (St. James Mix) 7:38
Remix – Jon St. James

I Love You (I Love You Two Mix) 4:05
Engineer – Bob Broockman*
Remix, Producer – Scott Blackwell

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
I Love You		U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#49

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Atlantic – 0-86566
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Hi NRG

CREDITS:

Producer, Written-By – Jon St. James
Written-By – Stacey Swain

NOTES:
Taken from the LP “Hard Machine”

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.

November 15, 2024

Machine – There but for the Grace of God Go I (US 12″)

Burning The Ground Exclusive 1979

“There but for the Grace of God Go I” by Machine is a classic Disco track, known for its socially conscious lyrics and powerful beat. Released in 1979, the song was written by August Darnell, also known for his work with Kid Creole & The Coconuts, and his brother Stony Browder Jr. Its story addresses themes of societal pressures, racism, and the desire for a better life.

The song follows a Latino couple, Carlos and Carmen Vidal, who move from the South Bronx to try to raise their daughter in a safer, more affluent environment. However, in their attempt to distance her from the influences they consider harmful, they isolate her and ultimately face the irony of trying to shield her from the very world they were once part of. The line “Too much love and protection can lead to your child’s rejection” captures this tragic twist perfectly.

Musically, “There but for the Grace of God Go I” combines funky basslines, driving percussion, and a memorable horn section, encapsulating the disco sound with a touch of Latin influence. Machine’s vocals are intense and commanding, matching the urgency of the lyrics. The song was both popular on the dance floor and impactful in its message, resonating with audiences who appreciated its unique blend of a danceable beat and socially aware storytelling.

The song became a cult classic, especially in the dance and disco scenes, and its influence has endured, with various artists and DJs sampling or covering it. It remains a staple for those looking to explore disco music with a deeper message, showcasing how the genre could offer not just infectious rhythms but also poignant reflections on society.

“There but for the Grace of God Go I” enjoyed notable success, especially within the dance and disco communities. The song quickly became a club favorite, thanks to its infectious groove and powerful social message. In the United States, it achieved significant success on the Billboard charts, peaking at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 but making a much bigger impact on the dance floors. It reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Disco Top 100 chart, a reflection of its popularity in nightclubs and discos across the country.

The song resonated in New York’s vibrant disco scene and quickly spread internationally, particularly in Europe. It became a hit in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, where its socially conscious lyrics and energetic beat struck a chord with fans of both disco and funk. “There but for the Grace of God Go I” helped establish Machine as one of the bands that pushed disco into a slightly edgier, message-driven direction, paving the way for future dance hits with more substantive themes.

SIDE A:
There But For The Grace Of God Go I 4:59
Written-By – August Darnell, Kevin Nance

SIDE B:
Get Your Body Ready 4:07
Vocals [Uncredited] – Jocelyn Brown
Written-By – Kevin Nance

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year	Single	Chart	Position
1979	There but for the Grace of God Go I	U.S. Billboard Hot 100	#77
1979	There but for the Grace of God Go I	U.S. Billboard Black Singles	#91
1979	There but for the Grace of God Go I	U.S. Billboard Hot Dance / Disco songs	#8

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: RCA Victor – PD-11457, Hologram Records (3) – PD-11457
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Disco

CREDITS:

Mastered By – RSE*
Producer – August Darnell

NOTES:
Produced for ITC Corp. Productions

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.