Tag: US

Helen Reddy – Surrender (The Remix) (US 12”) (1998)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Helen Reddy, best known for her empowering anthem “I Am Woman,” surprised fans in 1998 with a stunning rendition of “Surrender.” Originally from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Sunset Boulevard, Reddy’s take on the song was featured on her final studio album Center Stage (1998), which showcased her deep appreciation for theatrical compositions.

Released as a single on September 15, 1998, “Surrender” came with a remix that transformed the dramatic ballad into a dancefloor-ready track. This high-energy remix infused a pulsating beat with Reddy’s powerful vocals, creating an electrifying experience that resonated with both longtime fans and club-goers alike. Many have drawn comparisons between this remix and classic disco hits, noting its ability to captivate audiences with its infectious rhythm.

The remix single, titled Surrender (The Remix), was released under the Varèse Sarabande label, further cementing Reddy’s versatility as an artist. While she was primarily known for her soft rock and pop ballads, this remix demonstrated her ability to embrace new sounds and appeal to a fresh generation of listeners.

Helen Reddy’s performance in “Surrender” is a testament to her enduring talent, seamlessly blending theatrical elegance with contemporary energy. Whether you prefer the original theatrical version or the dance remix, this track remains a fascinating part of her musical legacy.

SIDE A1:
Surrender (The Remix) 5:01
Producer – Andy Zulla
Producer – Andy Zulla

SIDE A2:
Surrender (Album Version) 3:43
Arranged By – Ron Abel
Orchestrated By – Steven Orich
Producer – Bruce Kimmel

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Varèse Sarabande – VS12-5818
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided
Country: US
Released: Sept 15, 1998
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Downtempo, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Single-sided 12″ single

Track 1 for SAZ Productions Inc., New York City

“Surrender” is from The Broadway Musical “Sunset Blvd.”
Album Version taken from the Helen Reddy 1998 Album “Center Stage”.

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.



Gwen Guthrie – Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (US 12″ Promo) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent is a song by American singer-songwriter Gwen Guthrie, released in 1986 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Good to Go Lover. Written and produced by Guthrie herself, the song became the biggest hit of her career, delivering a bold message of financial independence and self-worth wrapped in an irresistibly funky groove.

Blending smooth R&B, dancefloor-ready beats, and assertive lyrics, Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent set clear expectations for financial responsibility in relationships. With its unforgettable hook—“You got to have a J-O-B if you wanna be with me”—the track quickly became an anthem of empowerment, particularly resonating with women in the workforce during the mid-’80s.

Chart Performance

Chart-wise, the song had a moderate impact on the U.S. pop chart, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it dominated the R&B and dance scenes, spending one week at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Internationally, the track reached #1 in New Zealand and Zimbabwe and performed well across Europe, peaking at #5 on the UK Singles Chart. A 1993 remix of the song also saw success, reaching #8 on the UK Dance Singles Chart.

Gwen Guthrie’s Legacy

Known for her powerhouse vocals and songwriting talents (she penned hits for Sister Sledge, Ben E. King, and Roberta Flack), left us too soon in 1999, but her music lives on. Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent remains a staple of ‘80s dance and R&B culture—a track that demands respect and keeps dancefloors moving to this day.

SIDE A:
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (12″ Club Mix) 7:16
Edited By – Tony Prendatt
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Remix By], Edited By [Edits By] – Mark S. Berry*, Tony Prendatt

Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Dub Mix) 7:43
Edited By – Tony Prendatt
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Remix By], Edited By [Edits By] – Mark S. Berry*, Tony Prendatt

SIDE B:
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan 12″ Club Mix) 5:59
Engineer – Matthew “Krash” Kasha*
Mixed By, Edited By – Larry Levan

Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan Dub Mix) 7:04
Engineer – Matthew “Krash” Kasha*
Mixed By, Edited By – Larry Levan

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #42
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs #1
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales #3
1986 Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Polydor – 885 106-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul, Funk, Garage House

CREDITS:

NOTES:

From the Polydor LP “Good To Go”

“Promotional Copy Not for Sale” is printed on the labels above catalog number.

Additional information:
The title “Passion Eyes” which is given on the back cover, is actually not present.

Some promo copies were pressed on translucent vinyl which appears gray or brown when held in front of a strong light.

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.



Nick John – All I Want Is You (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Hi-NRG DISCO FRIDAY

Nick John, born Nickolas Johnathan Kovaleski, emerged as a notable figure in the mid-1980s Hi-NRG music scene. His striking blonde appearance and multifaceted talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer quickly garnered attention, making him a prominent poster boy for the genre during that era.

In 1986, at the age of 22, Nick John released his debut single, “Planet Nine,” under the renowned Megatone Records label. This track showcased his ability to blend energetic rhythms with catchy melodies, characteristic of the Hi-NRG style.

Following the success of his debut, he continued to make waves with subsequent releases, including “All I Want Is You” in 1987. This 12″ single further cemented his status in the dance music community, offering club-goers an infectious beat and memorable hooks.

Despite his early promise and contributions to the Hi-NRG genre, detailed information about Nick John’s career progression and life after his initial musical endeavors remains scarce. His work, however, continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts of 1980s dance music, ensuring his legacy within the genre endures.

SIDE A:
All I Want Is You (Club Mix) 7:39

SIDE B:
All I Want Is You (Razormaid Mix) 7:07
Engineer – Joseph Watt
Remix – Joseph Watt

All I Want Is You (Rhythm Radio Mix) 4:04

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Megatone Records – MT-151
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco, Hi NRG

CREDITS:

NOTES:
A1, B2 Mixed at Starlight Studio, Richmond, CA
Razormaid Mixed at: Alpha Omega Studio San Francisco, CA
Photography Mark Guerra Austin, Texas
Booking agent Jeff Lepie, 213-392, 1467

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.



Instant Funk – Got My Mind Made Up (US 12″) (1978)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

“I Got My Mind Made Up” is a 1978 disco-funk classic by Instant Funk, released on Salsoul Records. A defining track of the era, the song became a massive dancefloor hit, fusing deep funk grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and high-energy production.

From Simple R&B to a Club Anthem
The song’s original production was a simple 3-minute R&B track recorded on an 8-track tape, but that was only the beginning. It was transferred to 24-track tape at Blank Tapes, NYC, where producer Bunny Sigler and engineer Bob Blank began transforming it into a club anthem. Among the many enhancements, Bunny brought in a woman to deliver the now-iconic “Say what?” throughout the track. As she recorded, Bunny stood behind her, shouting instructions like “Scream!”, which were amplified and incorporated into the mix.

The Grueling Manual Remix Process
Remixing was a meticulous, manual process—no computerization was involved. Initially, legendary DJ Walter Gibbons attempted a remix but abandoned the project due to religious beliefs. Then, Ken Cayre, the owner of Salsoul Records, took a shot before it ultimately landed in the hands of Larry Levan. Working in Blank Tapes’ old Studio A, on a console without automation, the mix was assembled through painstaking tape splicing. To extend the groove that defines the song, four bars of the groove section were manually edited and repeated to create its now-familiar format. Bob Blank estimated that it took over 60 hours of mixing to finalize the versions that exist today.

The Legendary 12″ Versions
The original 12″ vinyl release of “I Got My Mind Made Up” featured what later became known as the “Disco Version”, running 9:46—marking Larry Levan’s second-ever remix credit! This version has appeared on all subsequent CD releases.

BUT… the flip-side of the 12″ featured a version running 7:11, a mix that has never been repressed or released in digital format—EVER! This makes the original 12″ pressing a sought-after collector’s item.

Chart Success & Lasting Influence
Upon release, “I Got My Mind Made Up” became a major success, spending three non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart, briefly interrupted by Sister Sledge’s “He’s the Greatest Dancer.” It also reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Disco chart, cementing its status as a dancefloor staple.

However, in a tragic turn of events, Salsoul Records removed and destroyed all of their multi-track masters from Blank Tapes in 1985—hundreds of recordings lost forever. Thankfully, some were saved by John Morales, and this master was one of them, preserving its legacy.

The song’s impact has lasted well beyond the disco era. Whether played in classic funk sets, sampled in modern productions, or rediscovered by new generations, “I Got My Mind Made Up” remains one of the most electrifying club anthems ever recorded.

*Vinyl-only

SIDE A:
I Got My Mind Made Up (Special 12 Inch Disco Mix) 9:46

SIDE B:
I Got My Mind Made Up (Special 12 Inch Disco Mix Edit)* 7:11

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1978 I Got My Mind Made Up U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #20
1978 I Got My Mind Made Up U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles #1
1978 I Got My Mind Made Up U.S. Billboard Hot Dance / Disco #1

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Salsoul Records – SG 207
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Indianapolis
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Funk, Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Special 12 Inch Disco Mix
Produced for Bundino Productions

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.