Upside Down (The Jesus and Mary Chain song)
| Industry | Music industry |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Glasgow , Scotland |
| Products | Music records |
Upside Down represents the first single released by the Scottish alternative rock group The Jesus and Mary Chain. The track was composed by William Reid and Jim Reid, with production handled by the band members themselves. On the flip side, the single features a rendition of Syd Barrett's "Vegetable Man," which was produced by Joe Foster.
This release is notable as the band's only early record issued through Creation Records, achieving sales close to 50,000 copies and becoming the label's initial major hit.
The very first 1,000 pressings included sleeves designed by Bobby Gillespie in Glasgow, showcasing handwritten notes and a contact address for the band. Subsequent versions removed the address and were made available in multiple colors such as red, yellow, blue, and pink. In 1985, the single saw a reissue featuring new artwork but maintained its original catalogue number.
Reception
Spin characterized the track as "an intense burst of energy," highlighting how feedback functions as a musical element that dominates Jim Reid's singing, likened to "a synthesizer in hell" or "a siren at full wail."
Track listing
- 7" (CRE 012)
- "Upside Down" (Jim Reid, William Reid) – 3:00
- "Vegetable Man" (Syd Barrett) – 3:35
The Jesus and Mary Chain
- Jim Reid – vocals, producer
- William Reid – guitar, producer
- Douglas Hart – bass
- Murray Dalglish – drums
Additional personnel
- Alan McGee - producer (track 1)
- Joe Foster - producer (track 2)