Why Dream a Little Dream was never released as a UK Single!
Feb 22nd, 2002 Posted in Archived | one comment »List for Whoever
“TBS Never Sold Out”
Why the UK Never Got to Dream A Little Dream
30 June 1995
Courtesy of Northern Dry Grin
Both Andy McDonald and Mike Heneghan of Go! Discs wanted the “Dream a Little Dream” single to be released, and tried to convince the band of their position, but the band felt that if the single came out in the UK (after the release of Everybody’s Talkin’) that they would be put into the mold of a band that simply released covers.
Here are a couple of faxes sent to the TBS offices on the 30th June, 1995. Here is the jist of one fax sent by Mike Heneghan to the TBS office regarding the single.
* * *
30th June 1995
Dear Paul,
Following our conversation, I’ve thought of little else and here is some new information for you and the band to consider regarding the single developing the bands career internationally.
1) Due to unofficial, heavy radio play, there is already a massive demand from fans of the band for the record. It is available in Europe from the 10th July so imports will be sold, costing approx double normal price (ie: retailing between £6.99 and £8.49).
2) The record is being added at radio stations who can get hold of a copy. This will increase even further when import sales are available.
3) Gary Blackburn thinks the video is very strong and will be shown everywhere. TV companies will be upset if they can’t show it and will secure copies somehow.
4) The video sets up the record as being from a film more than a band release. It is difficult to imagine that the band would be remembered for a cover version when the record is clearly (and announced on the radio) from a film; and also when 13 out of 14 songs from ‘Carry On’ are self penned.
5) All the top dogs at Polygram — Alan Levy, Roger Ames, etc are fully focused on the band and their future development. As well as Mercury in America are suportive. They all need a hit single to sell the film, the soundtrack (which they all seem to think has limited potential) and the Beautiful South album sales which is the big payoff for Polygram. This level of enthusiasm and detailed instructions to the territories will be enhanced by a hit in the UK.
6) Will it work? Will we have a hit and take the album sales into Europe 1mm, 2mm, 3mm? The set of circumstances, the payoffs, and the cross fertilisation of the record and film create an unprecedented position. MTV (which is a huge part of the jigsaw for Europe) will be plugged from the highest levels and will be easier to get from the UK.
This airplay in the UK combined with everything else in terms of film promotion, video with film footage creates opportunities that Polygram want to maximise.
It occurs to me this is the best opportunity we have to really develop the end game result of huge album sales and touring possibilities.
Regards,
Mike Heneghan
Go! Discs
