Carnival (The Cardigans song)

Last updated
"Carnival"
Carnival The Cardigans.jpg
Swedish CD single cover
Single by the Cardigans
from the album Life
B-side
Released25 March 1995 (1995-03-25)
Studio Tambourine Studios (Malmö, Sweden) [1]
Length
  • 3:37 (album version)
  • 3:20 (single/radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Tore Johansson
The Cardigans singles chronology
"Sick & Tired"
(1995)
"Carnival"
(1995)
"Sick & Tired (reissue)"
(1995)
Music video
"Carnival" on YouTube

"Carnival" is a song by Swedish band the Cardigans. It was released in March 1995 by Trampolene and Stockholm Records as the first single from their second album, Life (1995). The song gave the group their first appearance on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 72 in June 1995. After their next single, a re-issue of "Sick & Tired", reached the top 40, "Carnival" was re-pressed and reached a peak of number 35. This release also peaked at number 44 in the Netherlands, becoming the band's first single to chart there. The accompanying music video was directed by Swedish-based director Matt Broadley. [2]

Contents

"Carnival" was the first released material by the Cardigans on which Nina Persson received a writing credit, on this occasion alongside bassist Magnus Svenningsson whom she would later supersede as the group's primary lyricist. The song concerns the narrator's unrequited love for a boy, and mentions a "carnival" (the description actually appears to refer to a funfair) which the narrator would like to attend with the boy but does not go because he never responds to her.

The single's B-sides are a cover of Ozzy Osbourne's "Mr Crowley", one of several Osbourne and Black Sabbath cover versions released by the group; and "Emmerdale", an instrumental which shared its name with their previous album, but did not appear on it.

Critical reception

James Masterton for Dotmusic wrote, "It's in a similar vein to their last hit; light, almost fluffy jazz-pop that sounds gorgeous but is unlikely to bring them a major hit just yet." [3] Holly Hernandez from Melody Maker noted its "frothy stimulation". [4] John Mulvey from NME said the song "is blessed with a budget-flight-down-to-Rio bubbliness — imagine The Sugarcubes playing Swing Out Sister's greatest hits — that makes it oddly irresistible. Also, it shames me to report, the xylophone solo is pretty damned smart." [5] Another NME editor, Mark Beaumont, found that it "takes a vibe-surfing bus tour around Parisian tourist spots". [6]

Track listing

  1. "Carnival" – 3:20
  2. "Mr Crowley" – 2:35
  3. "Emmerdale" – 2:25

Charts

Chart (1995–1996)Peak
position
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40) [7] 14
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) [8] 17
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [9] 44
Scotland (OCC) [10] 41
UK Singles (OCC) [11] 35

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ) [12] Gold100,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
Japan25 March 1995CD
[13]
United Kingdom15 May 1995
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cardigans</span> Swedish rock band

The Cardigans are a Swedish rock band formed in Jönköping, Sweden, in 1992 by guitarist Peter Svensson, bassist Magnus Sveningsson, drummer Bengt Lagerberg, keyboardist Lars-Olof Johansson and lead singer Nina Persson. Post-hiatus shows since 2012 have been with Oskar Humlebo on guitar instead of Svensson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basket Case (song)</span> 1994 single by Green Day

"Basket Case" is a song by rock band Green Day, released on August 1, 1994 by Reprise Records as the second single from the band's third studio album, Dookie (1994). The song spent five weeks at the top of the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and garnered a Grammy Award nomination in the category for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Its music video was directed by Mark Kohr and filmed in an abandoned mental institution in California. In 2001, the song appeared on their greatest hits album International Superhits!. In 2021, "Basket Case" was ranked number 150 in Rolling Stone's updated list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". As of March 2024, "Basket Case" is the most streamed song by the band on Spotify, with over 1 billion streams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crush with Eyeliner</span> 1995 single by R.E.M.

"Crush with Eyeliner" is a song by American rock band R.E.M., released by Warner Bros. Records as the third single from their ninth studio album, Monster (1994). Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore provides background vocals. Michael Stipe claims the song was inspired by the band New York Dolls, who, in his opinion, "knew how to exaggerate a song, to make it sound really sleazy and over the top." This was also one of the first songs that surfaced from Stipe after the writer's block that hounded him after the death of his friend, actor River Phoenix.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right in the Night</span> 1993 single by Jam & Spoon

"Right in the Night (Fall in Love with Music)" is a song by German electronic music duo Jam & Spoon, released by JAM! and Dance Pool as the second single from the duo's second album, Tripomatic Fairytales 2001 (1993). It is a Eurodance song with elements from progressive and vocal trance. It is based on "Leyenda" by the classical composer Isaac Albéniz and features vocals by American vocalist Plavka, with lyrics by Nosie Katzmann. The flamenco-styled riff in the song is played by duo member Jam El Mar, who was trained as a classical guitarist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Crowley</span> 1981 single by Ozzy Osbourne

"Mr. Crowley" is a song by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, about English occultist Aleister Crowley. Written by Osbourne, guitarist Randy Rhoads and bass guitarist/lyricist Bob Daisley, it was released on Osbourne's debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz in September 1980 in the United Kingdom. A live version was released as a UK single in November 1980. In North America, the studio version was released as a single in 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back for Good (song)</span> 1995 single by Take That

"Back for Good" is a song by English band Take That from their third studio album, Nobody Else (1995). Released on March 27, 1995 by RCA and Arista, it was written by lead singer Gary Barlow, who also co-produced it with Chris Porter. The song topped the UK Singles Chart whilst also charting at number one in 31 countries, as well as reaching the top 10 in many others. Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton directed the song's music video. At the 1996 Brit Awards, "Back for Good" won the Brit Award for British Single of the Year. In 2003, Q Magazine ranked the song at number 910 in their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever" and in a UK poll in 2012, it was voted number 11 on the ITV special The Nation's Favourite Number One Single.

<i>Life</i> (The Cardigans album) 1995 studio album by The Cardigans

Life is the second studio album of The Cardigans. It was released worldwide in 1995 and was an international success, especially in Japan, where it achieved platinum status. Outside of Sweden and Japan, it was released as their first album: a compilation of tracks from both Emmerdale and Life. It was released in the United States under the label Minty Fresh Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bump n' Grind (R. Kelly song)</span> 1994 single by R. Kelly

"Bump n' Grind" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer-songwriter R. Kelly. It was released on January 28, 1994 by Jive Records, as the second single from his debut solo studio album, 12 Play (1993). The track became a number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100, and it also spent twelve weeks at number one on the US Hot R&B Songs chart as Kelly's third number-one R&B hit, becoming the longest-running number-one of 1994 in the US, and the longest-running R&B single at that time. The song also reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart, following the massive success of his previous single, "She's Got That Vibe".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run Away (Real McCoy song)</span> 1994 single by Real McCoy

"Run Away" is a song by German Eurodance and pop music project Real McCoy from their album Another Night (1995), which was the US version of their second album, Space Invaders (1994). The song was produced by music producers Juergen Wind and Frank Hassas (Quickmix) under the producer team name "Freshline". It was first released in Germany in July 1994 by Hansa. "Run Away" reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it was certified gold, and number six in the United Kingdom. A music video was produced to promote the single, made especially for the European market, directed by Swedish-based director Matt Broadley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alright (Supergrass song)</span> 1995 single by Supergrass

"Alright" is a song by British alternative rock band Supergrass. It was released with "Time" as a double A-side single from their debut album, I Should Coco (1995), on 3 July 1995 by Parlophone. It was concurrently released on the soundtrack of the 1995 movie Clueless, which helped it become a big hit for the band. "Alright" peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, number six in Iceland, number eight in Ireland, number 30 in France and number 96 in Australia. The music video for the song was directed by Dom and Nic and filmed in North Wales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Ain't a Love Song</span> 1995 single by Bon Jovi

"This Ain't a Love Song" is the lead single from American rock band Bon Jovi's sixth studio album, These Days (1995). The rock ballad is an example of the strong rhythm and blues influence that Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wanted the album to have. Released in May 1995 by Mercury, it reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, number six on the UK Singles Chart, and number one on the Finnish Singles Chart.

<i>The Other Side of the Moon</i> (album) 1997 compilation album by The Cardigans

The Other Side of the Moon is a compilation album by The Cardigans. It features B-sides and rarities that never made it onto the albums and were previously only available on singles. It was released only in Japan and Australia on 5 December 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delicate (Terence Trent D'Arby song)</span> 1993 single by Terence Trent DArby

"Delicate" is a song by American singer-songwriter Terence Trent D'Arby featuring English singer Des'ree, released on June 7, 1993 by Columbia Records as the third single from his third studio album, Symphony or Damn (1993). It was written, arranged and produced by D'Arby, and peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, the song reached numbers 74 and 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100. Its music video was directed by Andy Morahan.

<i>Best Of</i> (The Cardigans album) 2008 greatest hits album by The Cardigans

Best Of is a greatest hits album by the Swedish group The Cardigans, released in Europe in January 2008. It contains twenty-one singles and album tracks. There is also a double-CD version with rare tracks and B-sides. Both versions of the album contain no new songs, though some tracks had previously been released only in the UK or Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rise & Shine (The Cardigans song)</span> 1994 single by the Cardigans

"Rise & Shine" is a song by Swedish band the Cardigans. It first appeared in 1992 on a limited edition 7-inch EP, The World According To..., and was the first Cardigans recording to feature Nina Persson as lead vocalist. Due to the positive response to the track, Persson became the group's permanent lead singer, and the song was re-recorded and released as the first single from their debut 1994 album Emmerdale. It was later re-recorded again for their second album Life and was re-released throughout Europe to promote the international version of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World in Your Hands</span> 1994 single by Culture Beat

"World in Your Hands" is a song by German Eurodance group Culture Beat, released in March 1994 by Dance Pool as the fourth single and the last one marketed in almost all countries in Europe from their second album, Serenity (1993). As for other Culture Beat's singles, a CD maxi entirely composed of remixes was added among the available media a short time after. The ballad is written by Nosie Katzmann with Jay Supreme, Torsten Fenslau and Peter Zweie. It was a top-10 hit in Finland and the Netherlands. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 20. Its music video was directed by Matt Broadley and filmed in Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Can't Be with You</span> 1995 song by the Cranberries

"I Can't Be with You" is a song by Irish rock band the Cranberries. It was released by Island Records as the third single from their second studio album, No Need to Argue (1994), except in North America, where it was released as the fourth and final single of the album. The song achieved minor chart success in most of the European countries where it was released, peaking at number 21 in their native Ireland. In Iceland, the song reached number one for a week in April 1995, becoming the Cranberries' third consecutive number-one single there. Its music video was directed by Samuel Bayer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swamp Thing (song)</span> 1994 single by the Grid

"Swamp Thing" is a song by British electronic music group the Grid, released on 23 May 1994 by Deconstruction as a single and is included on the group's third album, Evolver (1994). The song peaked at number three on the UK, Australian, and Danish singles charts and reached the top five in an additional seven countries, including Finland and Norway, where it reached number two. Its computer generated music video, consisting of dancing robots and a crawling baby, received solid airplay on music television channels. The song was later sampled in "Banjo Thing" by Infernal and "Swamp Thing" by Pegboard Nerds. British magazine NME ranked "Swamp Thing" number 41 in their list of the 50 Best Songs of 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sick & Tired (The Cardigans song)</span> 1994 single by the Cardigans

"Sick & Tired" is a song by Swedish band the Cardigans, written by Peter Svensson and Magnus Sveningsson, and produced by Tore Johansson. It was released in September 1994 by Trampolene as the third single from their debut album, Emmerdale (1994), in Sweden and as their first single in Japan the following month. The song was subsequently included on the international release of their second album, Life (1995), and issued as its first single in March 1995. A reissue later the same year became the group's first top-40 hit in the United Kingdom. In February 1996, it reached number one in Iceland, staying at the summit for four weeks. A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Swedish director Björn Lindgren.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power of a Woman (song)</span> 1995 single by Eternal

"Power of a Woman" is a song by British R&B girl group Eternal. It was written by the songwriting duo of Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers, and was released in October 1995 by EMI United Kingdom and 1st Avenue as the first single from the group's second studio album, Power of a Woman (1995). It was also their first release as a trio after the departure of Louise Redknapp. "Power of a Woman" peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart and became the group's fifth top-10 single. In Australia, the song became the group's second top-10 single, reaching number eight in April 1996. Its music video was directed by Randee St. Nicholas.

References

  1. Maiolo, Alex (November 2015). "Per Sundig and Seden's Tambourine Studios". Tape Op. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  2. "Credits – Matt Broadley". mattbroadley.com. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  3. Masterton, James (26 November 1995). "Week Ending December 2nd 1995". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  4. Hernandez, Holly (8 July 1995). "Albums". Melody Maker . p. 36. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  5. Mulvey, John (20 May 1995). "Singles". NME . p. 54. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  6. Beaumont, Mark (8 July 1995). "Long Play". NME . p. 47. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  7. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (4.11. '95 – 10.11. '95)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 4 November 1995. p. 26. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  8. "The Cardigans – Carnival" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  9. "The Cardigans – Carnival" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  10. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  11. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  12. "Japanese digital single certifications – Cardigans – Carnival" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved 20 May 2021.Select 2018年1月 on the drop-down menu
  13. "Cardigans Discography" (in Japanese). PolyGram. Archived from the original on 21 February 1999. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  14. "New Releases: Singls". Music Week . 13 May 1995. p. 39.