Lene Lovich – Lucky Number / New Toy (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Some songs define a moment—and then some songs feel like they arrived from an entirely different planet. “Lucky Number” by Lene Lovich is very much the latter.

Released in 1979 on the legendary Stiff Records, “Lucky Number” was Lovich’s breakthrough single and an early beacon of what would soon be labeled new wave. At a time when punk was beginning to splinter into more experimental forms, Lovich burst through with something theatrical, eccentric, and irresistibly catchy.

From the very first seconds, “Lucky Number” grabs hold with its hypnotic riff and off-kilter rhythm. But it’s Lovich’s voice—elastic, playful, and utterly unpredictable—that makes the track unforgettable. She yelps, coos, and leaps across octaves with a sense of controlled chaos, turning the song into a performance as much as a piece of music.

Co-written with Les Chappell, the track strikes a balance between its quirky sensibilities and a strong pop foundation. Beneath the art-school oddities lies a tight structure and undeniable hook—one that helped propel the single to No. 3 on the UK charts and introduced Lovich to a wider international audience.

What made “Lucky Number” so striking in 1979—and still today—is its refusal to conform. Lovich, with her wide-eyed stare and distinctive fashion (often described as a blend of cabaret and surrealist dream), stood apart from her contemporaries. While many artists were chasing either punk aggression or disco polish, she carved out a space that felt uniquely her own.

The song also became a staple of early music television, its quirky video perfectly matching Lovich’s persona. Long before MTV would dominate the landscape, artists like Lovich were already exploring how visual identity could amplify their sound.

For fans of 12-inch culture and extended mixes, “Lucky Number” is an interesting case. While it didn’t receive the same club-focused remix treatment that would dominate the early-to-mid ’80s, its punchy, concise arrangement is part of its charm. Every second feels intentional—there’s no excess, just pure, kinetic energy.

🔊 Special Note About This 12″ Release

This particular 12″ is the 1987 US reissue and features the “Slavic Dance Version” of “Lucky Number”—though interestingly, this mix is not indicated anywhere on the sleeve or label.

Even more exciting, this post features a brand new 2026 audio restoration and transfer, bringing fresh life and clarity to this unique version.

Longtime readers may remember that I originally posted this 12″ back on May 12, 2012—making this updated version a welcome revisit and upgrade for collectors and fans alike.

More than four decades later, “Lucky Number” still sounds fresh, strange, and exhilarating. It’s a reminder of a time when pop music was fearless, when individuality wasn’t just encouraged—it was the entire point.

For those digging through the roots of new wave, or simply looking for something delightfully different, “Lucky Number” remains exactly what its title promises: a rare and wonderful find.

SIDE A:
Lucky Number (Slavic Dance Version) 4:36
Written-By – Lovich, Chappell

SIDE B:
New Toy 3:20
Written-By – Dolby*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: CBS Special Products – P 20135
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Art Direction – Michael Evanston

NOTES:
Manufactured by CBS Records/CBS Inc.

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

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

March 31, 2026

Models – Cold Fever (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1985, Models had fully refined their sleek, synth-driven sound, culminating in their fourth studio album Out of Mind, Out of Sight. While the title track and “Barbados” found broader international attention, it was the album’s fourth single, “Cold Fever,” that delivered one of the band’s most atmospheric and underrated moments.

Built on shimmering keyboards, icy textures, and a driving mid-tempo groove, “Cold Fever” perfectly captures the polished sophistication that defined mid-’80s new wave. The production—handled by Mark Opitz—leans into a cinematic quality, layering synth lines over a tight rhythm section while Sean Kelly’s detached yet emotive vocal adds a sense of cool distance.

Unlike the brighter, more radio-friendly singles from the album, “Cold Fever” feels moodier and more introspective, almost nocturnal in tone. It’s a track that rewards repeat listens, revealing subtle production details and textures that often go unnoticed on first spin.

The single also found modest international success, reaching #29 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States, #22 in New Zealand, and #36 in Australia—further evidence of the band’s growing global reach during this period.

Issued in the United States in 1986 as a 12″ single, this pressing leans into the track’s atmospheric qualities, extending the arrangement for club play. The added space allows the synth textures and rhythmic pulse to breathe, making it a perfect fit for late-night sets where mood and groove take center stage.

Although it didn’t achieve the same chart success as its predecessors, “Cold Fever” stands today as a testament to Models’ ability to balance pop sensibility with artful restraint. For fans of sophisticated new wave, it remains a hidden gem within an already stellar album.

Did You Know?
Out of Mind, Out of Sight became the band’s most successful release, spawning multiple hit singles and solidifying Models as one of Australia’s premier acts of the era.

Fellow Australian band INXS were fans of Models; their manager, Chris Murphy, signed them to his MMA management company.

SIDE A:
Cold Fever (Extended Mix) 6:41
Out Of Mind Out Of Sight (“Live” Version) 4:02

SIDE B:
I Hear Motion (Extended Mix) 6:29
Preacher From The Black Lagoon 2:59

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Models: *Cold Fever* (1986)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks	#29	1986
New Zealand	#22	1986
Australia (Kent Music Report)	#36	1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Geffen Records – 0-20494, Mushroom – 0-20494, Geffen Records – 9 20494-0 A, Mushroom – 9 20494-0 A
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave

CREDITS:

Mixed By – Mark Opitz (tracks: A2), Nick Launay (tracks: B1)
Photography By – Eric Watson (3)
Producer – Mark Opitz (tracks: A1, A2, B2), Nick Launay (tracks: B1)
Remix – Julian Mendelsohn (tracks: A1)

NOTES:
Specially-priced Maxi Single.

Mixed At – Rhinoceros Studios

Track A2: Recorded live at Melbourne Concert Hall, Melbourne, Australia. Mixed at Rhinoceros Studios

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.

March 30, 2026

Mark Your Calendar: Fundraiser on April 7

Hey everyone,

Just a quick heads-up that the Burning the Ground Spring fundraiser will be kicking off on Tuesday, April 7.

This is something I do twice a year to help keep the site running—covering hosting, equipment, and of course sourcing the vinyl needed to preserve and share these rare 12″ mixes and extended versions that we all love.

I’ll share all the details on the 7th, but I wanted to give you a little lead time so you can plan to take part if you’d like. Every contribution, big or small, truly makes a difference.

Thanks for sticking with me and for continuing to keep the music spinning!

—Paul

March 27, 2026

Heavy D. & The Boyz – Now That We Found Love (US 12″) (1991)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

When Heavy D. & The Boyz dropped their exuberant take on “Now That We Found Love” in 1991, they didn’t just revive a classic—they transformed it into one of the most infectious party anthems of the early ‘90s.

Originally written by legendary songwriting duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the song was first recorded by The O’Jays in 1973 before being given a reggae-infused hit version by Third World in 1978. But it was Heavy D.’s buoyant, hip-house reinterpretation—powered by the unmistakable production of Teddy Riley—that brought the track roaring back into the spotlight for a new generation.

Lifted from the album Peaceful Journey, the single perfectly captured the moment when hip-hop, R&B, and dance music were colliding on mainstream radio. Built around a propulsive beat, bright synth stabs, and a chant-along chorus, the track radiates pure joy. Heavy D.’s charismatic delivery—equal parts smooth and commanding—rides the groove effortlessly, while the call-and-response hook makes it impossible not to move.

The single became a major crossover success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating dance floors worldwide. Its appeal was universal: hip-hop heads embraced its energy, clubgoers loved its beat, and pop audiences couldn’t resist its feel-good message.

What also sets this version apart is its visual identity. The music video, featuring energetic choreography and vibrant color, became a staple on MTV, further cementing Heavy D.’s image as one of hip-hop’s most accessible and charismatic frontmen. At a time when the genre was still carving out its mainstream identity, Heavy D. bridged the gap with style and positivity.

For collectors and DJs, the 12″ single is where things really get interesting. Extended mixes leaned further into the track’s club appeal, stretching out the groove and emphasizing its dancefloor roots. These versions highlight the genius of Teddy Riley’s production, allowing the rhythm to breathe while keeping the energy locked at a peak level—perfect for mixing into a late-night set.

More than three decades later, “Now That We Found Love” remains a timeless celebration. It’s a track that transcends eras—rooted in classic soul, reimagined through New Jack Swing, and immortalized as a dancefloor staple. And in the hands of Heavy D. & The Boyz, it became something truly special: a reminder that sometimes the best way to honor a song’s legacy is to completely reinvent it.

Whether you remember it from its chart run, club play, or those unforgettable spins on MTV, one thing is certain—once that beat drops, the love is easy to find.

SIDE A:
Now That We Found Love (Club Version) 5:47

SIDE B:
Now That We Found Love (7″ Radio) 4:18
Now That We Found Love (Instrumental) 5:23

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Heavy D & The Boyz: *Now That We Found Love* (1991)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Billboard Hot 100	#11	1991
US Billboard 12-Inch Singles Sales	#1	1991
US Billboard R&B Singles	#5	1991
Australia (ARIA)	#6	1991
Canada (Dance Urban)	#1	1991
UK Singles (OCC)	#2	1991

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA12-54088, Uptown Records – MCA12 54088
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Style: Hip-House

CREDITS:

Backing Vocals – Aaron Hall
Design – Reiner Design Consultants, Inc.
Executive-Producer – Andre Harrell, DJ Eddie F, Heavy D
Lyrics By [Rap Lyrics] – Heavy D
Mastered By – Herbie Jr*
Photography By – Nick Baratta
Producer, Instrumentation By – Teddy Riley
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble – Leon Huff*

NOTES:
Original version appears on the forthcoming Heavy D. & The Boyz album Peaceful Journey

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

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.