Burning The Ground Exclusive
In March 1989, Swiss electronic duo Yello returned with a single that perfectly encapsulated their offbeat brilliance. Lifted from their sixth studio album Flag, “Of Course I’m Lying” may not have stormed the charts like “Oh Yeah” or “The Race,” but it stands today as one of the duo’s most fascinating deep cuts — a track that rewards those willing to lean in and listen closely.
From the opening moments, the song unfolds like a scene rather than a traditional pop record. Boris Blank constructs a lush, cinematic soundscape built on exotic samples, hypnotic rhythms, and finely detailed textures. It’s classic Yello, but more restrained — less bombast, more atmosphere. The groove simmers rather than explodes, pulling you into a world that feels equal parts neon-lit cityscape and late-night reverie.
At the center of it all is Dieter Meier, whose vocal delivery blurs the line between narration and performance. He doesn’t so much sing the lyrics as inhabit them, offering a sly, detached monologue that feels like a private joke shared with the listener. The title itself — “Of Course I’m Lying” — is a riddle wrapped in a smirk. Is he confessing, deceiving, or simply playing a role? With Meier, it’s never entirely clear, and that ambiguity is precisely the point.
Adding another layer of intrigue are the backing vocals by Billy MacKenzie of The Associates. His unmistakable presence subtly elevates the track, weaving an emotional undercurrent beneath Meier’s cool detachment. It’s a pairing that works beautifully — theatrical, mysterious, and slightly surreal.
Commercially, the single found modest success, reaching No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1989 and remaining there for eight weeks. While it didn’t chart in the United States, its impact has proven far more enduring among fans. Over time, Flag has grown into a cult favorite, and “Of Course I’m Lying” remains one of its standout moments — a track that exemplifies Yello’s ability to exist just outside the mainstream while quietly influencing everything around them.
The 12″ release itself is also notable. Issued in the UK and Europe as a two-record set, it offered collectors an expanded listening experience, including the sought-after “Metropolitan Mixdown.” I currently have the second release in hand, but I’ve tracked down the first — which includes Part One of the Metropolitan Mixdown — and will be sharing that as soon as it arrives.
“Of Course I’m Lying” isn’t a song that demands attention. It doesn’t shout or chase trends. Instead, it whispers, lingers, and leaves a trace long after it ends. Nearly four decades on, it still feels singular — a testament to Yello’s unique place in electronic music: always slightly off-center, always ahead of the curve, and always playing with the listener just enough to keep things interesting.
SIDE A:
Of Course I’m Lying 5:59
Written-By –B. Blank, D. Meier
Bostich 3:34
Written-By – B. Blank, D. Meier
SIDE B:
The Yello Metropolitan Mixdown 1989 Part II 10:14
Remix – Paul Dakeyne*
Written-By – B. Blank, D. Meier
B.1 Dakeyne Intro
B.2 The Rhythm Divine
B.3 Goldrush
B.4 Desire
B.5 La Habanera
B.6 Blazing Saddles
B.7 Domingo
B.8 Live At The Roxy
B.9 Pin Ball Cha Cha
B.10 Swing
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | #30 | 1989 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | #123 | 1989 |
| Germany | #48 | 1989 |
| U.K. Singles Chart | #23 | 1989 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – YELLO 322, Mercury – 872 947-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, 2/2
Country: UK & Europe
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Backing Vocals [Backing Chorus] – Billy MacKenzie (tracks: A1)
- Composed By [Music], Arranged By – Boris Blank
- Cover – Ernst Gamper
- DJ Mix [Megamix, Uncredited] – Paul Dakeyne* (tracks: B)
- Lyrics By, Vocals – Dieter Meier
- Percussion – Beat Ash (tracks: A1)
- Producer, Engineer – Yello
- Remix – Paul Dakeyne* (tracks: B)
NOTES:
This is “Record II” of a 2-record set. “Record I” (sold separately) was housed in gatefold packaging with space for this
Track B remixed for DMC.
From the album YELLO FLAG
Made in England
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
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
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
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