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45 RPM (The Alarm 45RPM)
Encyclopedia
"45 RPM" is a song written by Mike Peters
and Steve Grantley
.
since 1991, although it was advertised as "The Poppy Fields".
The single was released on 7" vinyl and two CD editions.
It was included on the later album "In The Poppy Fields".
unless otherwise indicated.
Bass, Backing Vocals [Vocal Backup] - Craig Adams
Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals [Vocal Backup] - Steve Grantley
Guitar [6 & 12 String], Backing Vocals [Vocal Backup] - James Stevenson
Voice, Guitar [Guitars], Harmonica - Mike Peters
Recorded at Foel Studios, Llanfair Caereinion, Wales.
- Major record chains HMV and Virgin selling out of the single
- Radio 1 DJs such as Mark and Lard and Steve Lamacq were taken in by the stunt
- Music reviewers raving about The Poppy Fields based on them being a bunch of punky teenagers
- Record company executives desperately wanting to find out more about the unheard band
- Music channels playing a video of a fictional group
Leader singer Mike Peters
explained:
"We thought we had nothing to lose," said Peters. "If we had put out a single by
The Alarm, there would have been a negative feeling, because whether record company
executives and music journalists admit it or not image is rated far higher than the music
nowadays.
"I hope we've proved a valid point. Why must new music necessarily have to made by new
bands. I'm 44 but I'm writing new songs as fresh and as vibrant as anything I've ever done.
In Britain we're too quick to want to find the next big thing. If you're over 35 you're
dismissed as over-the-hill.
Mike Peters (musician)
Mike Peters is a Welsh musician, best known as the lead singer of The Alarm. He currently lives in Dyserth, North Wales with his family. After The Alarm split up in 1991, Peters wrote and released solo work, which he has been releasing under the name "The Alarm" since 2000...
and Steve Grantley
Steve Grantley
Steve Grantley is a British drummer who plays for Stiff Little Fingers, and formerly The Alarm and RTZ Global. Between 1982 and 1987 he played drums for Jake Burns and the Big Wheel...
.
Background and writing
This was the first official release by The AlarmThe Alarm
The Alarm are an alternative rock band that emerged from North Wales in the late 1970s. They started as a mod band and stayed together for over ten years. As a rock band, they displayed marked influences from Welsh language and culture...
since 1991, although it was advertised as "The Poppy Fields".
The single was released on 7" vinyl and two CD editions.
It was included on the later album "In The Poppy Fields".
Track listing
All songs written by Mike PetersMike Peters (musician)
Mike Peters is a Welsh musician, best known as the lead singer of The Alarm. He currently lives in Dyserth, North Wales with his family. After The Alarm split up in 1991, Peters wrote and released solo work, which he has been releasing under the name "The Alarm" since 2000...
unless otherwise indicated.
UK CD Maxi-Single 1
- "45 RPM (edit)(Peters/Grantley)" - 2:59
- "Contientious Objector" - 4:09
- "68 Guns68 Guns"68 Guns" is a song written by Mike Peters and Eddie MacDonald.It is the most famous song from Welsh band The Alarm.Released in September 1983, the single was the fourth released by the band.The track was recorded at Good Earth and mixed at Abbey Road....
(Live Session Nov 4, 2003)" - 4:53
UK CD Maxi-Single 2
- "45 RPM (album version)(Peters/Grantley)" - 3:10
- "Spirit Of '76 (Live Session Nov 4, 2003)" - 7:10
- "Statue Of Liberty" - 5:52
Credits
Artwork By [Art Direction] - Karl ParsonsBass, Backing Vocals [Vocal Backup] - Craig Adams
Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals [Vocal Backup] - Steve Grantley
Guitar [6 & 12 String], Backing Vocals [Vocal Backup] - James Stevenson
Voice, Guitar [Guitars], Harmonica - Mike Peters
Recorded at Foel Studios, Llanfair Caereinion, Wales.
Promotional release
A promotional CD was released with one track only:- "45 RPM" - 2:47
The media duped?
The single was released under the band name "The Poppy Fields", resulting in:- Major record chains HMV and Virgin selling out of the single
- Radio 1 DJs such as Mark and Lard and Steve Lamacq were taken in by the stunt
- Music reviewers raving about The Poppy Fields based on them being a bunch of punky teenagers
- Record company executives desperately wanting to find out more about the unheard band
- Music channels playing a video of a fictional group
Leader singer Mike Peters
Mike Peters (musician)
Mike Peters is a Welsh musician, best known as the lead singer of The Alarm. He currently lives in Dyserth, North Wales with his family. After The Alarm split up in 1991, Peters wrote and released solo work, which he has been releasing under the name "The Alarm" since 2000...
explained:
"We thought we had nothing to lose," said Peters. "If we had put out a single by
The Alarm, there would have been a negative feeling, because whether record company
executives and music journalists admit it or not image is rated far higher than the music
nowadays.
"I hope we've proved a valid point. Why must new music necessarily have to made by new
bands. I'm 44 but I'm writing new songs as fresh and as vibrant as anything I've ever done.
In Britain we're too quick to want to find the next big thing. If you're over 35 you're
dismissed as over-the-hill.