Burning The Ground Exclusive
A Dance Floor Gem That Deserved More
The Flirts were a vocal trio with a rotating lineup, masterminded by producer Bobby Orlando. Known for their infectious dance tracks and stylish aesthetic, the group became a staple of the Hi-NRG and dance music scenes in the 1980s. One of their standout singles, You & Me, was released in 1985 as part of their album Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads. Despite being a club sensation, the song never quite broke through to mainstream pop success—but its legacy as a dance floor favorite remains strong.
The Track and Its Sound
Produced by Bobby Orlando, You & Me embodied the high-energy, synth-driven sound that defined his work. Co-written with Clifton “Jiggs” Chase, the song was a prime example of the pulsating electronic beats and catchy hooks that Orlando was known for. The vocals for this track were delivered by Tricia Wygal, Debra “Debbie” Gaynor, and Christina Criscione, bringing a lively and engaging performance to the song’s upbeat rhythm.
Dance Chart Domination
In the U.S., You & Me climbed to the number-one spot on the dance chart for a week, thanks in large part to a remix by legendary DJ and producer Shep Pettibone. Pettibone’s remixing skills helped elevate many tracks into club anthems, and this one was no exception. The song’s infectious beat and club-friendly production made it a must-play for DJs in the mid-’80s dance scene.
The “Rags to Riches” Music Video
To further promote the single, The Flirts released a music video featuring a “Rags to Riches” storyline, reinforcing the glamour and fun-loving spirit of the group. At one point in the video, a mock Billboard headline proclaimed “The Flirts Are Hits,” capturing the excitement surrounding the trio. Unfortunately, despite this promotional push, You & Me—like most of The Flirts’ singles—failed to cross over to the pop charts.
A Legacy of Dancefloor Magic
Although You & Me never became a pop hit, it remains a classic among dance music enthusiasts. The Flirts, with their ever-changing lineup and Bobby Orlando’s signature production, left an indelible mark on the Hi-NRG and Italo-disco scenes. Songs like this continue to be rediscovered by retro dance music fans, proving that even the most overlooked tracks can have lasting influence.
For those who appreciate ’80s dance music at its best, You & Me is a must-listen. Whether you first heard it in the club, saw it on TV, or are just now discovering it, this single is a shining example of the era’s infectious energy and production brilliance.
SIDE A:
You & Me 6:20
SIDE B:
You & Me (Instrumental) 6:51
You & Me (Dub) 6:07
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | You & Me | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS Associated Records – 4Z9-05284
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Hi NRG, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Mastered By – BK*
- Mixed By – Shep Pettibone
- Producer – B. Orlando*
- Written-By – B. Orlando*, C. Chase*
NOTES:
from the LP “Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads”
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
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Again THANK YOU for this infectious Orlando / Pettibone production! If you have additional Bobby O productions at your disposal, then it would lovely if you can please share. There are countless eclectic underappreciated Bobby O releases that deserve more mainstream exposure. The man was simply one of the most gifted innovators in the 80s with regards to synth/electronic club music. Truly a unique one of a kind individual that made his own rules!
Thank you, Paul! I remember hearing this on the radio quite a bit (but I was in Germany at the time), so I always assumed it was a bigger hit. Glad to have the Pettibone remix in top quality!
I vividly recall being 14yo and tagging along with my family to visit my brother at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo in the Fall of 1985. While there, we stopped at the local indie record shop (my older brother and I were in the early stages of record collecting) and I picked up “Good-Bye Bad Times” by Oakey/Moroder and “You & Me” by The Flirts. I hadn’t seen or heard anything by them since discovering their “10¢ A Dance” album in 1983, and bought this “new” 12″ without having even heard it. I felt like I struck gold after giving… Read more »
This was a new one for me until i got the Shep Pettibone – Dance Masters Compilation in 2021.
I’m grateful for the vinyl mixes you presented us with here with the dub too.
Thanks Paul.
Im the same, I only knew Passion by them, and that 82 I think. This DUB is really appreciated. Thanks again.
Thank you Paul. You can’t go wrong with Bobby O. productions and Shep’s remixes.
I know this song! I don’t think I knew it was a No. 1 Dance/Club hit or that Shep Pettibone was commissioned for the remixes. Great beat and it deserves another day in the spotlight! Thank you Paul for the music and the music education 101!!
Great track, thanks!
DjPaulT!!! I’m really feeling this post!! I was praying that one day you would post this on your site!! As a Flirts Fanatic, my waiting has given me this gift from you!! I never want to pester you for certain favorite records I love. I mean, all that you have done on this site!! Good things really do come to those who wait – and – patiently!! I know I can be quite outrageous in my commentary (and folks, please know, I don’t want to offend as I do seem to relate sex to EVERYTHING!! Please skip my ramblings then.… Read more »
Hey Jeff!
Wow, your comment made my day! I’m so glad this post was something you were hoping for—it’s always awesome when a long-awaited favorite finally makes its way to the site. I really appreciate your patience and enthusiasm, and trust me, I never see requests from passionate music fans as pestering! It’s all about celebrating the music we love.
Wow! I was prescient… less than 12 hours later and you’ve already posted it. This seemed a natural fit after PSB with their own ties to Bobby Orlando. “But I want you for your mind”, always makes me smile. Well done!
You’re welcome, River I already had this recorded when I read your comment so I was excited to post it today 🙂
I had a hunch since it was missing from your long history. Given its bona fide #1 status, the involvement of Shep and the Bobby O link with PSB, it wasn’t that wild of a guess. And it put a smile on both our faces. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
The Flirts had some great songs. I loved the NEW TOY remixes by Shep Pettibone as well!!!! Great times!!!!!!!!!!
“New Toy” is a favorite of mine too 🙂
Thanks for this. I’d also love to see you post Dancing Madly Backwards by The Flirts if you have it.
You’re welcome, DJU4ic 🙂