Sometimes Always
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Products | Music recordings |
Sometimes Always is a track by the Scottish alternative rock band the Jesus and Mary Chain, issued in July 1994 through Blanco y Negro Records as the principal single from their fifth studio album, Stoned & Dethroned (1994). Composed by William Reid, the song features a duet between lead vocalist Jim Reid and Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval. It experienced moderate chart success in the UK and attracted notice within the US alternative music community. Over time, it has been recognized critically as one of the album's highlights.
Background
The song "Sometimes Always" was written by guitarist William Reid, who compared it to a duet reminiscent of Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra. For the female vocals, the band invited Mazzy Star's lead singer Hope Sandoval to join Jim Reid. William Reid remarked, "We had always admired Hope's voice... When this track came along, it just felt right."
Though initially apprehensive that the track might come across as "too light, too sweet a narrative," William Reid felt that the vocal chemistry between Hope and Jim ultimately "elevated it beyond that." By the time of recording, Sandoval was closely connected with William, hinting at their future personal involvement. Sandoval also appeared in the accompanying music video.
Release
Selected as the lead single from Stoned & Dethroned, "Sometimes Always" was released by Blanco y Negro Records on 18 July 1994. It reached number 22 on the UK Single Chart. In Australia, the single peaked at number 62 on the ARIA Singles Chart during August 1994. On the US Alternative Songs chart, it climbed to number 4, marking the band's final entry there. Additionally, it was their sole track to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 96.
The single’s promotional poster can be seen in the Bottom episode titled "Terror", while the song itself is featured in the 1995 movie The Doom Generation.
Reception
Critics responded positively to "Sometimes Always," often citing it as a standout piece from Stoned & Dethroned. At its release, Billboard’s Larry Flick complimented its gentle acoustic arrangement and Hope Sandoval’s guest vocals, highlighting its suitability for alternative radio formats. In later reviews, Ned Raggett of AllMusic described it as a "charming little duet," and Drowned In Sound referred to it as the album’s "most recognized and defining moment." Martin Aston of Music Week awarded it four out of five stars. Pitchfork singled it out as a "notable" track, while Tom Breihan from Stereogum called it a "timeless classic" that "dominates effortlessly."
Music video
Directed by British filmmaker Sophie Muller and produced by Rob Small for Oil Factory, the music video for "Sometimes Always" debuted on 18 July 1994. It portrays a narrative of marital strife set within an American bar environment. Muller also directed the video for "Come On" and was responsible for designing the album cover art for Stoned & Dethroned.
Track listings
- 7-inch (NEG70)
- "Sometimes Always" (William Reid) – 2:32
- "The Perfect Crime" (Jim Reid) – 1:32
- 10-inch (NEG70TE, limited edition and numbered) and CD (NEG70CD)
- "Sometimes Always" (W. Reid) – 2:32
- "The Perfect Crime" (J. Reid) – 1:32
- "Little Stars" (W. Reid) – 3:29
- "Drop-Re-Recorded" (W. Reid) – 1:50
Personnel
- Jim Reid – lead vocals, guitar, production
- William Reid – guitar, production
- Hope Sandoval – guest vocals on "Sometimes Always"
- Dick Meaney – audio engineer
Charts
| Chart (1994) | Highest position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 62 |
| Canada Top Singles | 72 |
| UK Singles Chart | 22 |
| UK Airplay (Music Week) | 30 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 96 |
| US Alternative Songs | 4 |
Cover versions
The track "Sometimes Always" was interpreted as a duet by Courtney Jaye alongside Ben Bridwell from Band of Horses on Jaye's 2010 release The Exotic Sounds of Courtney Jaye. Additionally, The Brakes collaborated with Becki and Julia of The Pipettes to cover the song on their 2005 album Give Blood. In 2020, Hatchie teamed up with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart for another duet rendition.