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| {{Multiple issues| | |||
| {{Third-party|date=January 2025}} | |||
| {{unreliable sources|date=January 2025}} | {{unreliable sources|date=January 2025}} | ||
| }} | |||
| {{Infobox song | {{Infobox song | ||
| | name = Let Her Go | | name = Let Her Go | ||
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| | next_title = Who Knows What Love Is? | | next_title = Who Knows What Love Is? | ||
| | next_year = 1985 | | next_year = 1985 | ||
| | misc = {{External music video|type=single|header=Audio|{{YouTube|yL0qLDlGFpo|"Let Her Go"}} | |||
| }} | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| "'''Let Her Go'''" is a song performed by Scottish ] duo ]. It was their third single single, released just ahead of their ] in 1985. |
"'''Let Her Go'''" is a song performed by Scottish ] duo ]. It was their third single single, released just ahead of their ] in 1985. | ||
| It is one of two tracks from the album that were produced by ]. |
It is one of two tracks from the album that were produced by ].<ref name=ssnetLHG>{{cite web |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/singles/#let-her-go |title=Strawberry Switchblade singles – Let Her Go |publisher=Strawberry Switchblade.net |accessdate=15 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ==Background and composition== | ==Background and composition== | ||
| The song was first recorded in an ] style under the title "Linda" for a ] session for ] on 3 October 1982.<ref name="garner">{{ |
The song was first recorded in an ] style under the title "Linda" for a ] session for ] on 3 October 1982.<ref name="garner">{{citation |title= The Peel Sessions: A Story of Teenage Dreams and One Man's Love of New Music |author=Garner, Ken |publisher=BBC Books |date=1993 |page=300 }}</ref> The same session included "Dance", the song that would evolve into ]. Guest musicians on the session included James Kirk from ] and ]. | ||
| ==Recording and release== | ==Recording and release== | ||
| Line 35: | Line 41: | ||
| The song was originally planned to be the follow-up to their debut single "]" in 1983. A ] feature dated 8 October that year reported: | The song was originally planned to be the follow-up to their debut single "]" in 1983. A ] feature dated 8 October that year reported: | ||
| {{cquote|A second single, "Let Her Go", is due out soon… sessions for that album are currently taking place using the same musicians who play on the new single. They include ]’s ] (guitar), ]’s Tom (drums) and John Cook on bass.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Strawberry and Dreams |author=Strange, Paul |magazine=Melody Maker |date=8 October 1983 |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/melody-maker-feature-8-october-1983/ |accessdate=12 January 2025}}</ref>}} | {{cquote|A second single, "Let Her Go", is due out soon… sessions for that album are currently taking place using the same musicians who play on the new single. They include ]’s ] (guitar), ]’s Tom (drums) and John Cook on bass.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Strawberry and Dreams |author=Strange, Paul |magazine=Melody Maker |date=8 October 1983 |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/melody-maker-feature-8-october-1983/ |accessdate=12 January 2025}}</ref>}} | ||
| That version was never completed, and ] was issued as their second single instead. | That version was never completed, and ] was issued as their second single instead. | ||
| "Let Her Go" was released in the UK as the follow-up to "Since Yesterday" by ], an imprint of ], on 7”, 12”, and a limited edition strawberry-shaped picture disc. |
"Let Her Go" was released in the UK as the follow-up to "Since Yesterday" by ], an imprint of ], on 7”, 12”, and a limited edition strawberry-shaped picture disc.<ref name=ssnetLHG /> | ||
| The B-side was "Beautful End", and the 12" featured an additional track, "Michael Who Walks By Night", which had a rare lead vocal by Bryson. | The B-side was "Beautful End", and the 12" featured an additional track, "Michael Who Walks By Night", which had a rare lead vocal by Bryson. | ||
| Line 45: | Line 51: | ||
| Both "Beautiful End" and "Michael Who Walks By Night" were recorded for a BBC Radio 1 ] session on 22 September 1984 and had been licensed from the BBC for use on this single.<ref name="garner" /> | Both "Beautiful End" and "Michael Who Walks By Night" were recorded for a BBC Radio 1 ] session on 22 September 1984 and had been licensed from the BBC for use on this single.<ref name="garner" /> | ||
| Outside the UK, the 7" was released in Western Europe and Japan. It was also released in the Philippines with the same version of ''Let Her Go'' on both sides of the single. Later, a Filipino 12" was released with an extended mix on one side. |
Outside the UK, the 7" was released in Western Europe and Japan. It was also released in the Philippines with the same version of ''Let Her Go'' on both sides of the single. Later, a Filipino 12" was released with an extended mix on one side.<ref name=ssnetLHG /> | ||
| ==Critical reception== | ==Critical reception== | ||
| ], their singles being reviewed that issue by a 12 |
'']'', their singles being reviewed that issue by a 12-year-old reader that issue, said "another single from this sugary twosome. Confused vocals with much the same backing as the rather-better "Since Yesterday". Give it another go, girls."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Singles |author=O’ Leary, Marshall |magazine=Smash Hits |date=14 March 1985 |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/smash-hits-review-let-her-go-14-march-1985/ |accessdate=12 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ] said |
'']'' said "The Strawberry gals come up with a new un in the best traditions of the Sixties follow-up; you had a hit, so don’t f*** with the formula! The nursery-rhyme Spector style is still pleasing, but on first listen doesn’t go for the jugular as smoothly as their last effort."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Singles |author=Robertson, Sandy |magazine=Sounds |date=16 March 1985 |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/sounds-review-let-her-go-16-march-1985/ |accessdate=12 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| No. 1 magazine was more positive, saying it |
''No. 1'' magazine was more positive, saying it "sounds like one of those groovy records they used to make in the Swinging 60s – a touch of psychedelia, some tight harmonies and a 'neat' melody. If you have to live in the past I guess the 60s are as good a time as any."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Singles |author=Simper, Paul |magazine=No. 1 |date=16 March 1985 |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/no-1-review-let-her-go-16-march-1985/ |accessdate=12 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ==Remix== | ==Remix== | ||
| A 4:50 extended version of "Let Her Go", subtitled "Kitchensynch Mix-Up", was released as the bonus track on the 12" of their follow-up single "Who Knows What Love Is?". It was remixed by ], ], ], ] and ]. |
A 4:50 extended version of "Let Her Go", subtitled "Kitchensynch Mix-Up", was released as the bonus track on the 12" of their follow-up single "Who Knows What Love Is?". It was remixed by ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/singles/#who-knows-what-love-is |title=Strawberry Switchblade singles – Who Knows What Love Is? |publisher=Strawberry Switchblade.net |accessdate=15 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| It was subsequently issued on the 12" single of "Let Her Go" in the Philippines, |
It was subsequently issued on the 12" single of "Let Her Go" in the Philippines, and on the Japanese compilation album ''The 12" Album''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://strawberryswitchblade.net/albums/#the-12-album |title=Strawberry Switchblade albums - The 12" Album |publisher=Strawberry Switchblade.net |accessdate=15 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ==Charts== | ==Charts== | ||
| Despite recent success of "Since Yesterday" and strong promotion including a TV advertising campaign, |
Despite recent success of "Since Yesterday" and strong promotion including a TV advertising campaign, the single failed to enter the UK ]. In a five-week run in the top 100, it peaked at number 59 on 13 April 1985.<ref name="ukchart">{{cite web |title="Let Her Go", UK Singles Chart |website=] |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/strawberry-switchblade-since-yesterday/ |accessdate=12 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ==Track listings== | ==Track listings== | ||
Latest revision as of 19:33, 16 January 2025
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|
| "Let Her Go" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Strawberry Switchblade | ||||
| B-side | "Beautiful End", "Michael Who Walks by Night" | |||
| Released | March 1985 | |||
| Recorded | 1984-5 | |||
| Genre | Synth-pop new wave | |||
| Length | 2:47 | |||
| Label | Korova / WEA | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Rose McDowall, Jill Bryson | |||
| Producer(s) | Phil Thornalley | |||
| Strawberry Switchblade singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Audio | ||||
| "Let Her Go" on YouTube | ||||
"Let Her Go" is a song performed by Scottish new wave duo Strawberry Switchblade. It was their third single single, released just ahead of their self-titled debut album in 1985.
It is one of two tracks from the album that were produced by Phil Thornalley.
Background and composition
The song was first recorded in an indie-pop style under the title "Linda" for a BBC Radio 1 session for David Jensen on 3 October 1982. The same session included "Dance", the song that would evolve into Since Yesterday. Guest musicians on the session included James Kirk from Orange Juice and Alex Fergusson.
Recording and release
The song was originally planned to be the follow-up to their debut single "Trees and Flowers" in 1983. A Melody Maker feature dated 8 October that year reported:
A second single, "Let Her Go", is due out soon… sessions for that album are currently taking place using the same musicians who play on the new single. They include Weekend’s Simon Booth (guitar), Scritti’s Tom (drums) and John Cook on bass.
That version was never completed, and Since Yesterday was issued as their second single instead.
"Let Her Go" was released in the UK as the follow-up to "Since Yesterday" by Korova, an imprint of WEA, on 7”, 12”, and a limited edition strawberry-shaped picture disc.
The B-side was "Beautful End", and the 12" featured an additional track, "Michael Who Walks By Night", which had a rare lead vocal by Bryson.
Both "Beautiful End" and "Michael Who Walks By Night" were recorded for a BBC Radio 1 Janice Long session on 22 September 1984 and had been licensed from the BBC for use on this single.
Outside the UK, the 7" was released in Western Europe and Japan. It was also released in the Philippines with the same version of Let Her Go on both sides of the single. Later, a Filipino 12" was released with an extended mix on one side.
Critical reception
Smash Hits, their singles being reviewed that issue by a 12-year-old reader that issue, said "another single from this sugary twosome. Confused vocals with much the same backing as the rather-better "Since Yesterday". Give it another go, girls."
Sounds said "The Strawberry gals come up with a new un in the best traditions of the Sixties follow-up; you had a hit, so don’t f*** with the formula! The nursery-rhyme Spector style is still pleasing, but on first listen doesn’t go for the jugular as smoothly as their last effort."
No. 1 magazine was more positive, saying it "sounds like one of those groovy records they used to make in the Swinging 60s – a touch of psychedelia, some tight harmonies and a 'neat' melody. If you have to live in the past I guess the 60s are as good a time as any."
Remix
A 4:50 extended version of "Let Her Go", subtitled "Kitchensynch Mix-Up", was released as the bonus track on the 12" of their follow-up single "Who Knows What Love Is?". It was remixed by Bill Drummond, David Balfe, Phil Harding, Stephen Short and Youth.
It was subsequently issued on the 12" single of "Let Her Go" in the Philippines, and on the Japanese compilation album The 12" Album.
Charts
Despite recent success of "Since Yesterday" and strong promotion including a TV advertising campaign, the single failed to enter the UK top 40. In a five-week run in the top 100, it peaked at number 59 on 13 April 1985.
Track listings
7" single
- "Let Her Go" – 2:47
- "Beautiful End" – 4:01
12" Single
- "Let Her Go" – 2:47
- "Beautiful End" – 4:01
- "Michael Who Walks by Night" – 3:39
References
- ^ "Strawberry Switchblade singles – Let Her Go". Strawberry Switchblade.net. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ Garner, Ken (1993), The Peel Sessions: A Story of Teenage Dreams and One Man's Love of New Music, BBC Books, p. 300
- Strange, Paul (8 October 1983). "Strawberry and Dreams". Melody Maker. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
- O’ Leary, Marshall (14 March 1985). "Singles". Smash Hits. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
- Robertson, Sandy (16 March 1985). "Singles". Sounds. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
- Simper, Paul (16 March 1985). "Singles". No. 1. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
- "Strawberry Switchblade singles – Who Knows What Love Is?". Strawberry Switchblade.net. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- "Strawberry Switchblade albums - The 12" Album". Strawberry Switchblade.net. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ""Let Her Go", UK Singles Chart". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 12 January 2025.