America (Killing Joke song)
Encyclopedia
"America" is Killing JokeKilling Joke's first single off their seventh studio album, Outside the Gate
. It was released on April 4, 1988, under E'G Records.
"America" was first released as a 7" single. It was the first official single by Killing Joke to be produced by members of the band. This was due to the departure of Chris Kimsey, who cut all contracts with the band. "America" was featured as the A-side and "Jihad" as the B-side. "America" was then released as a 12" single in the UK and Germany. It featured "America (the Extended mix)" as the A-side while the B-side featured "Jihad" and a remix of "America" by Glenn Skinner.
This was the first single by Killing Joke to be released as a CD Maxi single. It featured the Glenn Skinner remix of "America", "Jihad (Beyrouth edit)", "America (the Extended mix)", and the original remix of "Change
", originally produced in 1980.
described it as a "[laughable] ham-fisted social commentary". "Walker simply phones in his guitar work, whatever there is of it we can hear under the overbearing synths and severely gated drums. Ferguson’s drumming was replaced altogether by session musician Jimmy Copley, while Raven was so embarrassed to be part of the dismal project that he had his name removed from the album credits."
However, "America" did manage to chart at number 77 on the UK Singles Chart
.
Side A
Side B
Outside the Gate
Outside the Gate is the seventh album by English post-punk group Killing Joke and is arguably the most controversial release among their fans....
. It was released on April 4, 1988, under E'G Records.
"America" was first released as a 7" single. It was the first official single by Killing Joke to be produced by members of the band. This was due to the departure of Chris Kimsey, who cut all contracts with the band. "America" was featured as the A-side and "Jihad" as the B-side. "America" was then released as a 12" single in the UK and Germany. It featured "America (the Extended mix)" as the A-side while the B-side featured "Jihad" and a remix of "America" by Glenn Skinner.
This was the first single by Killing Joke to be released as a CD Maxi single. It featured the Glenn Skinner remix of "America", "Jihad (Beyrouth edit)", "America (the Extended mix)", and the original remix of "Change
Change (Killing Joke song)
Change is an unofficial single by Killing Joke. The track originally appeared on the US release of their debut album, Killing Joke . It was released on March 17, 1980 at the Peel Sessions as a 7" single and was limited to only 300 copies. The B-side was Tomorrow's World, also off Killing Joke's...
", originally produced in 1980.
Reception
"America" received generally negative reviews. Adrien Begrand of PopMattersPopMatters
PopMatters is an international webzine of cultural criticism that covers many aspects of popular culture. PopMatters publishes reviews, interviews, and detailed essays on most cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, films, books, video games, comics, sports, theater,...
described it as a "[laughable] ham-fisted social commentary". "Walker simply phones in his guitar work, whatever there is of it we can hear under the overbearing synths and severely gated drums. Ferguson’s drumming was replaced altogether by session musician Jimmy Copley, while Raven was so embarrassed to be part of the dismal project that he had his name removed from the album credits."
However, "America" did manage to chart at number 77 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
.
12" single
Both versions of "America" were mixed by Glenn Skinner.Side A
- "America (the Extended mix)" – 06:45
Side B
- "Jihad" – 05:26
- "America" – 03:44
CD Maxi single
Both versions of "America" were mixed by Glenn Skinner.- "America" – 03:44
- "Jihad (Beyrouth edit)" – 05:08
- "America (the Extended mix)" – 06:45
- "Change (original 1980 mix)" – 04:00
Charts
| Year | Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
77 |