Burning The Ground Exclusive
For this week’s Disco Friday, we’re turning up the volume on “Earthquake” by The Flirtations—a sizzling 1983 dancefloor anthem that shook the scene and still packs a punch today.
Originally famous for their soulful 60s hits like “Nothing But a Heartache,” The Flirtations evolved with the times, diving into the disco and Hi-NRG wave of the early ’80s. “Earthquake” stands out as a vibrant fusion of their signature harmonies with thunderous beats and synth-driven energy.
Produced by Ian Anthony Stephenson and released on D&D Records in the US, the track stormed dancefloors with relentless momentum. Its infectious groove and commanding vocals propelled it to #26 on the Billboard Dance Chart and even cracked the UK market, reaching #99 on the UK Singles Chart—a testament to its cross-Atlantic appeal.
From the opening beats to the climactic chorus, “Earthquake” delivers a powerful surge of energy that makes it impossible not to move. It’s a classic example of how disco and early Hi-NRG fused to create timeless club magic.
Whether rediscovering it on vinyl or streaming it in your playlists, The Flirtations’ “Earthquake” remains a dancefloor classic, reminding us all why disco’s heartbeat still resonates.
So crank up the volume, feel the rumble, and let the aftershocks take over.
SIDE A:
Earthquake 8:51
Remix – Will Crocker
SIDE B:
Earthquake (Original Version) 6:57
Earthquake (Instrumental Version) 6:57
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Earthquake | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #26 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: D&D Records (3) – D&D103
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco, Hi-NRG
CREDITS:
- Arranged By – Ian Anthony Stevens*, Winston Sela
- Producer, Written-By – Ian Anthony Stevens*
NOTES:
A Poncap Production
Released in association with Proto Records, U.K. & Tom Hayden Productions.
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
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Thank you Paul! Sorry I’ve been MIA this week. But I did want to mention I always appreciate you taking the road less traveled and shining the spotlight on those records that no longer get the attention they deserve. And like you have noted, most if not all of these have been hugely influential in their legacies. I hope you have a great weekend, and you too Jeff, Dean and everyone else in this great community!!
No need to apologize—I’m always glad to see you when you drop by! Thank you so much for the kind words. It really means a lot. I’ve always believed that the lesser-known records deserve just as much love as the big hits, especially given how many of them quietly shaped the sound of their time. I’m just happy to give them a little moment in the spotlight again.
Hope you’re having a great weekend too—and thanks, as always, for being part of this community!
– Paul
Hi Retro Hound,
I was starting to worry about you because I haven’t seen you stop by in a bit. I do hope you’re alright. Please take care of yourself and have a great day and weekend!
Jeff
Thank you Jeff! I appreciate your concern. All is good, life has just been busy. I hope you’re doing well my friend and looking forward to sharing more of the vinyl with you this coming week!
There are so many reasons coming to your site, Paul. Besides the pristine vinyl rips, and the wonderful fan base you’ve created, it’s getting to hear many records that are “new” to a listeners’ ears. This is such a record. I’m a bit embarrassed that I didn’t know this because I like to think I pretty much have a good grasp on music. Well, one can’t know everything! I really like this record, Paul, and like Dean said below, it does sound like a release from 1983!! I love what you share with us each week, especially the Friday Flashbacks… Read more »
Thank you so much, Jeff! Your kind words truly mean a lot. One of my favorite things about running the site is exactly what you mentioned—helping people discover (or rediscover) hidden gems that may have slipped through the cracks. There’s so much incredible music out there that never got its due, and it’s always exciting to shine a light on those forgotten treasures. No need to feel embarrassed—honestly, that’s half the fun! Even after all these years of collecting and listening, I’m still stumbling across amazing tracks I somehow missed. “Earthquake” is definitely one of those records that hits hard… Read more »
I LOVE Nothing but a Heartache and didn’t know about this single. It sounds exactly like 1983. Thank you!
Dean, I’m right there with you—I love “Nothing But a Heartache” too! Such a classic. I had no idea The Flirtations took this direction in the ’80s until I stumbled across “Earthquake,” and wow—it really does sound exactly like 1983 in the best way possible. So glad you’re enjoying it! Thanks for listening and for always dropping in with great comments!
– Paul