Head On (song)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Jim Reid, William Reid |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music (alternative rock) |
Head On is a track composed by Jim Reid and William Reid, members of the Scottish alternative rock group the Jesus and Mary Chain. It was produced for their 1989 album Automatic and issued as a single in November of the same year.
Background
In the United Kingdom, Head On was made available in seven different formats, including a series of four 7" singles released weekly, one of which came with a cardboard box designed to hold the complete collection.
The single reached number 57 on the UK singles chart. In the United States, it achieved significant airplay on alternative radio stations, climbing to number 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, which monitors college radio spins. In Australia, it attained position 102 on the ARIA singles ranking.
The American alternative rock group Pixies notably recorded a cover version of Head On for their fourth studio album, Trompe Le Monde. Moreover, the song's chorus melody and lyrics were referenced by Liz Phair in her track "Slave," featured on her self-produced Girly-Sound tapes.
This song was also included in the soundtrack of the Superman & Lois episode entitled "Head On," where it was requested during a Valentine's Day dance scene.
Musical style
Denise Sullivan from AllMusic characterized the song as a foundational example of post-punk, reminiscent of bands like Joy Division and New Order. The arrangement incorporates a synth bass alongside a drum machine, producing a rhythm influenced by pop and new wave. Departing from the band's earlier reliance on intense guitar feedback, this piece emphasizes a "1950s-style riff" performed by William Reid. Its sonic qualities have also drawn comparisons to those of the Beach Boys.
Track listing
All songs credited to Jim Reid and William Reid, except where otherwise indicated.
- 7" (NEG42)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "In The Black" – 2:59
- 7" (NEG42XB)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "Terminal Beach" – 2:25
- 7" (NEG42Y)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "Deviant Slice" – 3:00
- 7" (NEG42Z)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "I'm Glad I Never" (Lee Hazlewood) – 1:31
- 12" (NEG42TE)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "In The Black" – 2:59
- "Terminal Beach" – 2:25
- CD3 (NEG42CD)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "In The Black" – 2:59
- "Drop (Acoustic Remix)" – 1:52
- "Break Me Down" – 2:29
- Cassette (NEG42C)
- "Head On" – 4:11
- "In The Black" – 2:59
The Jesus and Mary Chain
- Jim Reid – vocals, guitar, synthesizer, drum programming, production
- William Reid – guitar, synthesizer, drum programming, production
Additional personnel
- Alan Moulder – engineering ("Head On", "Drop")
Charts
Template:SinglechartTemplate:Singlechart| Chart (1989–90) | Peak position |
|---|
Pixies version
The American alternative rock band Pixies recorded a rendition of "Head On" for their 1991 release Trompe le Monde. Issued as a single that year, this cover demonstrated frontman Black Francis's admiration for the original track. According to J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Francis was not extensively knowledgeable about contemporary music but held a strong fondness for "Head On," which underscored the Pixies' unique musical approach.
Music video
By 1991, the Pixies were reluctant to produce music videos for their singles. Following discussions with their American label, Elektra Records, the band consented to create a video only if it was filmed entirely live in a single continuous take. Peter Lubin, Elektra's A&R representative, clarified that the video needed to feature the entire band and vocals captured in one uninterrupted two-minute and thirteen-second shot.
Lubin developed a concept involving twelve cameras, segmenting each member of the band into three sections. Frontman Black Francis gave his approval, and Scott Litt was brought on board as the video producer. Once filming was completed, Elektra arranged a screening for MTV executives. The video was subsequently added to MTV's rotation and earned the "Breakthrough Video" accolade.
Pixies' track listing
All tracks composed by Black Francis, except where indicated.
- "Head On" (Single Mix) (Jim Reid and William Reid) – 2:20
- "Planet of Sound" (Live at Brixton Academy, 26 July 1991) – 2:26
- "Tame" (Live at Brixton Academy, 26 July 1991) – 2:27
- "Debaser" (Live in Chicago, 9 August 1989) – 2:41
Charts
Template:Singlechart| Chart (1992) | Peak position |
|---|