"English Boy" is a song by Pete Townshend, released as the first and only single from his 1993 album Psychoderelict.[1][2] The song is used to introduce the character Ray High, as well as journalist Ruth Streeting, host of Street on the Street.[3] Townshend has said the song is about "the emergence of the modern punk", and has been referred to as the focus point for the entire album.[4] There are three versions of this song:
- the first, lengthier version features dialog by Ruth Streeting over instrumental parts of the song.
- the second was released as an edited, no dialog version, and appeared on both single releases in 1993 and on the Pete Townshend compilation albums coolwalkingsmoothtalkingstraightsmokingfirestoking, Anthology, and Gold.
- a reprise, which ends the album and features a slightly different backing (including harmonica by Peter Hope-Evans and additional cowbell) and dialog by Ray High, wrapping up the album and imploring "what happened to all that lovely hippie shit?"
| "English Boy" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Pete Townshend | ||||
| from the album Psychoderelict | ||||
| Released | 1993 | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Length | 5:07 | |||
| Label | Atlantic | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Pete Townshend | |||
| Producer(s) | Pete Townshend | |||
| Pete Townshend singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
B-sides edit
Two exclusive tracks were released on different single releases of "English Boy".[5]
- "Psycho Montage" is a compilation of dialogue related to the narrative.
- "Electronic Wizardry" is an instrumental demo derived from the Lifehouse project.
Single release edit
In the UK, the song was released as a single in the following variations:
- "English Boy" (non-dialog) / "English Boy" (dialog) (7" vinyl)
- "English Boy" (dialog) / "Fake It" / "Psycho Montage" (CD single 1)
- "English Boy" (non-dialog) / "Fake It" / "Flame" (Simon Townshend demo) / "Early Morning Dreams" (Pete Townshend demo) (CD single 2)
References edit
- ^ "Pete Townshend's solo albums set for reissue". UNCUT. 2016-09-30. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Mansfield, Brian. "Premiere: Pete Townshend's 'Guantanamo'". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ Wilkerson, Mark (2009-10-28). Who Are You: The Life Of Pete Townshend. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-008-3.
- ^ Wilkerson, Mark (2009-10-28). Who Are You: The Life Of Pete Townshend. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-008-3.
- ^ Pete Townshend - English Boy, retrieved 2022-08-17