Nothing Matters (Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons song)

Last updated
"Nothing Matters"
Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons Nothing Matters 1988 single cover.jpg
Single by Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons
B-side "Toccata and Fatigue"
Released17 October 1988
Length3:45
Label In Tape
Songwriter(s)
  • Robert Lloyd
  • Mark Tibenham
  • Dave Lowe
Producer(s) Mark Tibenham
Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons singles chronology
"Something Nice"
(1988)		"Nothing Matters"
(1988)		"Funeral Stomp"
(1990)

"Nothing Matters" is a song by English band Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons. Written by Lloyd, Mark Tibenham and Dave Lowe, and produced by Tibenham, the song was originally released as a single on 17 October 1988 on the In Tape label and peaked at number 13 in the UK Independent Singles Chart. The song was re-recorded for Lloyd's debut solo album Me and My Mouth , released by Virgin in 1990, with Andy Richards as producer. The new version was released as the second and final single from the album on 23 April 1990.

Contents

1988 version

Background

Lloyd embarked on a solo career after the Nightingales disbanded in 1986 and formed a new backing band, the New Four Seasons. After performing a BBC Radio 1 session for John Peel in March 1987, [1] Lloyd was approached by the independent label In Tape and subsequently released two singles on the label in 1988, "Something Nice" and "Nothing Matters". [2] Released on 17 October 1988, [3] "Nothing Matters" reached number 13 in the UK Independent Singles Chart. [4]

In a 1988 interview for Music Box's Rockin' in the UK, Lloyd called "Nothing Matters" a "fairly lusty sort of song". He said, "That's what I wanted to write the lyric about: a love song that was verging on the rude side. It reminded me a lot of a 1930 surrealist film called L'Age d'Or by Luis Buñuel. [It's] a pretty obscure thing, but part of this film at least is this couple who are so madly in love with each other that they're blind to the rest of the world. It's very tame nowadays, but they keep attempting to make love and [are] constantly being interrupted. The idea of being so in love with someone that everything else is nothing, you've got to do with a bit of humour." [5] The song's music video also spoofs L'Age d'Or. [6]

Critical reception

Upon its release, James Brown of NME stated, "Robert and his musicians have clearly been listening to Bowie's Let's Dance LP. Now a lot of you might immediately confine Robert to the 'get well soon section' for this, but I can assure you that once you've got used to the not-too-apocalyptic sounds you find another wee treasure trove of a song. The man may well yet be knighted with a hit." [7] Mick Mercer of Melody Maker wrote, "Well, Roberto's certainly rather forward in his lifestyle! Rather subtle in his songwriting as well. He could well sneak into the charts as Lloyd Cole's intelligent brother. Or Roddy Frame's distressed au pair? A song to put the sparkle back into your earwax." [8] Jerry Smith of Music Week remarked that Lloyd had "come up with yet another surprisingly polished pop single" which is "fizzing with jaunty hooks on a springhead beat that should ensure wide exposure". [9] Julian Baggini of the Reading Evening Post called it a "refreshing treat" with the "rare combination of a commercial song played with finesse by a band who sound like they're actually playing their instruments, rather than leaving it to the computers". [10]

Track listing

7–inch single (UK) [11]

  1. "Nothing Matters" – 3:45
  2. "Toccata and Fatigue" – 1:32

12-inch single (UK) [12]

  1. "Nothing Matters" – 6:40
  2. "Toccata and Fatigue" – 1:32
  3. "Mr. Superior" – 3:25

Personnel

Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons

Additional musicians

Production

Other

Charts

Chart (1988)Peak
position
UK Independent Singles Chart [4] 13

1990 version

"Nothing Matters"
Robert Lloyd Nothing Matters 1990 single cover.jpg
Single by Robert Lloyd
from the album Me and My Mouth
B-side "Mama Nature's Skin"
Released23 April 1990
Length3:54
Label Virgin
Songwriter(s)
  • Robert Lloyd
  • Mark Tibenham
  • Dave Lowe
Producer(s) Andy Richards
Robert Lloyd singles chronology
"Funeral Stomp"
(1990)		"Nothing Matters"
(1990)

The 1988 release of "Nothing Matters" generated interest from a number of major labels, including Virgin, Atlantic and London, and Lloyd chose to sign with Virgin as a solo artist in 1989. [13] That year, he recorded his debut solo studio album, Me and My Mouth , which was released in June 1990. A new version of "Nothing Matters", with Andy Richards as producer, was released as the album's second and final single on 23 April 1990, [14] but it failed to reach the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart.

Critical reception

Upon its release, David Quantick of NME labelled "Nothing Matters" as "shag of the week" and wrote, "'Spare me logic – gimme a kiss' orders Bob and, over-awed, the world tongue-wrestles him into a spittly clinch. Whole shopping centres fill with love juice as 'Nothing Matters' performs the act of love on a by now somewhat slithery nation and Rob's tongue snake-rides the land on a mission of pop love." [15] Attila the Stockbroker, writing for The Guardian , praised it as a "welcome return" from Lloyd and a "marvellous single" which is "reminiscent of Dollar in their existentialist period". He added, "Now Lloyd in the charts would be something to see, and judging by the airplay there's every chance with this one." [16] Simon Lloyd of the Reading Evening Post described it as "a nice, pacey, tightly composed love song" which is "very conventional pop music, but otherwise savagely infectious". [17]

David Owens of the South Wales Echo awarded the song three and three quarters stars and noted it is "bubbling over with infectious, happy-go-lucky rhyming choruses and Lloyd's brisk vocals". He added, "It seems the ex-Nightingales frontman is finally learning the art of consumer pop styles and thankfully it's not at the expense of the song either. It could and should be a hit." [18] Kevin Bryan of the Paisley Daily Express commented, "'Nothing Matters' is arguably the most polished and commercial 45 that he's recorded to date. I hope that it's a great success, but I have my doubts." [19] Jon Wilde of Melody Maker was negative in his review, writing, "Seem to remember a beer and skittles version of this coming out two years back. It was frigging useless then and it's even more so now given the Billy Joel production. Those chancers at Virgin Records obviously fancy sneaking him into the charts as a thinking man's Roger Daltrey." [20]

Track listing

7–inch and cassette single (UK) [21] [22]

  1. "Nothing Matters" – 3:54
  2. "Mama Nature's Skin" – 2:38

12-inch single (UK) [23]

  1. "Nothing Matters" – 3:54
  2. "Mama Nature's Skin" – 2:38
  3. "The Race Is On" – 1:52

CD single (UK) [24]

  1. "Nothing Matters" – 3:54
  2. "Mama Nature's Skin" – 2:38
  3. "The Race Is On" – 1:52
  4. "Something Nice" (recorded for the John Peel Show) – 7:06

Personnel

"Nothing Matters"

Production

Other

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold Hearted (Paula Abdul song)</span> 1989 single by Paula Abdul

"Cold Hearted" is a song by American singer Paula Abdul, released in June 1989 as the fifth single from her debut album, Forever Your Girl (1988). It was written and co-produced by Elliot Wolff and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's third song to top the US chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway Horses (song)</span> 1990 single by Belinda Carlisle

"Runaway Horses" is a song by American singer Belinda Carlisle. It was released as the fourth single from her third album, Runaway Horses (1989), in February 1990. "Runaway Horses" reached the top 50 in Australia and the United Kingdom. The music video was directed by Greg Masuak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vision of You</span> 1990 single by Belinda Carlisle

"Vision of You" is a song by American singer Belinda Carlisle, released as the fifth single from her third solo album, Runaway Horses (1989). The song was released on May 14, 1990, in the United Kingdom and reached number 41. A year later, it was remixed and re-released on 12-inch vinyl with a live version of "Heaven Is a Place on Earth", but this release charted lower, at number 71.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As Long as You Follow</span> 1988 single by Fleetwood Mac

"As Long as You Follow" is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. Performed by Christine McVie and written alongside her then-husband, Eddy Quintela, the song was one of two new tracks on the band's 1988 greatest hits album, along with "No Questions Asked". Lead guitarist Rick Vito singled out the guitar solo on "As Long as You Follow" as his best work with Fleetwood Mac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The People Want to Dance</span> 1991 single by Holly Johnson

"The People Want to Dance" is a song by English singer Holly Johnson, released by MCA on 2 September 1991 as the third and final single from his second studio album, Dreams That Money Can't Buy. The song was written by Holly Johnson and produced by Andy Richards. It peaked at number 108 in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burning in the Heat of Love</span>

"Burning in the Heat of Love" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1977 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auberge (song)</span> 1991 single by Chris Rea

"Auberge" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, which was released in February 1991 by East West as the lead single from his eleventh studio album, Auberge. It was written by Rea and produced by Jon Kelly. "Auberge" reached No. 16 in the United Kingdom and remained on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks. A music video was filmed to promote the single. It was directed by Nigel Dick and shot at Bray Studios, Berkshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Walk Away (Pat Benatar song)</span> 1988 single by Pat Benatar

"Don't Walk Away" is a song by American singer Pat Benatar, which was released in 1988 as the second single from her eighth studio album Wide Awake in Dreamland. The song was written by Nick Gilder and Duane Hitchings, and produced by Peter Coleman and Neil Giraldo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart of Gold (Johnny Hates Jazz song)</span> 1987 song by Johnny Hates Jazz

"Heart of Gold" is a song by English band Johnny Hates Jazz, released by Virgin in 1988 as the fourth single from their debut studio album Turn Back the Clock (1987). The song was written by Clark Datchler and produced by Calvin Hayes and Mike Nocito. It reached number 19 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for seven weeks.

"Prospect Street" is a song by Scottish pop band The Big Dish. Written by lead singer Steven Lindsay, the song was originally recorded with producer Paul Hardiman and released as a non-album single in 1985. A re-recorded version with Ian Ritchie as producer was included on the band's debut studio album Swimmer and was released as the album's second single in 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Blue Skies</span> 1990 song by Lloyd Cole

"No Blue Skies" is the debut solo single by English singer, songwriter and musician Lloyd Cole, released in 1990 from his self-titled studio album. The song was written by Cole and produced by Cole, Fred Maher and Paul Hardiman. It peaked at number 42 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for four weeks. Cole has described "No Blue Skies" as "very simple" and a "girl leaves boy or boy leave girl" song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downtown (Lloyd Cole song)</span> 1990 song by Lloyd Cole

"Downtown" is a song by English singer, songwriter and musician Lloyd Cole, released in 1990 as the third and final single from his self-titled studio album. The song was written by Cole and Blair Cowan, and produced by Cole, Fred Maher and Paul Hardiman. It failed to enter the UK Singles Chart but reached number 5 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song was included in the soundtrack of the 1990 American psychological thriller film Bad Influence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Look Back (Lloyd Cole song)</span> 1990 song by Lloyd Cole

"Don't Look Back" is a song by English singer, songwriter and musician Lloyd Cole, released in 1990 as the second single from his self-titled studio album. The song was written by Cole and produced by Cole, Fred Maher and Paul Hardiman. It peaked at number 59 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Bag (Lloyd Cole and the Commotions song)</span> 1987 song by Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

"My Bag" is a song by British band Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, released in 1987 as the lead single from their third and final studio album Mainstream (1987). The song was written by the band and produced by Ian Stanley. It peaked at number 46 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 75 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brand New Friend</span> 1985 song by Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

"Brand New Friend" is a song by British band Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, released in 1985 as the lead single from their second studio album Easy Pieces. The song was written by band members Lloyd Cole and Blair Cowan, and produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. It peaked at number 19 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for nine weeks.

<i>Me and My Mouth</i> 1990 studio album by Robert Lloyd

Me and My Mouth is the debut solo studio album by English singer Robert Lloyd, released by Virgin on 4 June 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something Nice (song)</span> 1988 song by Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons

"Something Nice" is a song by English band Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons. Written by Lloyd and produced by Mark Tibenham, the song was originally released as a single in 1988 on the In Tape label and peaked at number 5 in the UK Independent Singles Chart. The song was also included on Lloyd's debut solo album Me and My Mouth, released by Virgin in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Funeral Stomp</span> 1990 song by Robert Lloyd

"Funeral Stomp" is a song by English singer Robert Lloyd, released in 1990 as the lead single from his debut solo studio album Me and My Mouth. The song was written by Lloyd and Mark Tibenham, and was produced by Andy Richards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safe Sex (When It Comes 2 Loving U)</span> 1989 song by Pandoras Box

"Safe Sex " is a song by American band Pandora's Box, released on June 11, 1990, as the third and final single from their only studio album, Original Sin (1989). The song was written and produced by Jim Steinman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Looking for Angeline</span> 1991 single by Love and Money

"Looking for Angeline" is a song by Scottish band Love and Money, released on 2 September 1991 as the second single from their third studio album, Dogs in the Traffic. The 12-inch and CD formats were released as the Wishing Waters E.P., with "Looking for Angeline" as the lead track. The song was written by James Grant and produced by Love and Money. It peaked at number 109 in the UK Singles Chart.

References

  1. ↑ "Keeping It Peel - 10/03/1987 Robert Lloyd". BBC . Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  2. ↑ Strickland, Andy (30 July 1988). "Independents: Mr Nice". Record Mirror . p. 14. ISSN   0144-5804.
  3. ↑ "New Singles". Music Week . 15 October 1988. p. 40. ISSN   0265-1548.
  4. 1 2 Lazell, Barry (1997). Indie Hits 1980-1999. Cherry Red Books. ISBN   0-9517206-9-4.
  5. ↑ Robert Lloyd, Rachel Davies (December 1988). Rockin' in the UK (TV). Music Box – via YouTube.
  6. ↑ Kiley, Penny (1 November 1988). "Another Hot Night Tonight!" . Liverpool Echo . p. 18. Retrieved 2 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  7. ↑ Brown, James (15 October 1988). "45". New Musical Express . p. 17. ISSN   0028-6362.
  8. ↑ Mercer, Mick (15 October 1988). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 36. ISSN   0025-9012.
  9. ↑ Smith, Jerry (29 October 1988). "A&R: Singles". Music Week . p. 27. ISSN   0265-1548.
  10. ↑ Baggini, Julian (12 November 1988). "Reviews: Singles" . Reading Evening Post . p. 13. Retrieved 2 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  11. ↑ Nothing Matters (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons. In Tape. 1988. IT 059.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ Nothing Matters (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Robert Lloyd and the New Four Seasons. In Tape. 1988. ITTI 059.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ Peacock, Tim (5 October 2020). "The Nightingales". Record Collector . No. 511. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  14. ↑ "New Singles". Music Week . 21 April 1990. p. 39. ISSN   0265-1548.
  15. ↑ Quantick, David (12 May 1990). "Singles". New Musical Express . p. 10. ISSN   0028-6362.
  16. ↑ Attila the Stockbroker (17 May 1990). "On the road: Can't play, won't play" . The Guardian . p. 24. Retrieved 2 February 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ Lloyd, Simon (18 May 1990). "The Pop Page: Single reviews" . Reading Evening Post . p. 22. Retrieved 2 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  18. ↑ Owens, David (12 May 1990). "Trackin' - Singles: Mystery hour..." . South Wales Echo . p. 28. Retrieved 2 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  19. ↑ Bryan, Kevin (12 May 1990). "Replay - Singles Reviews: Gary's still got the blues" . The Paisley Daily Express . p. 6. Retrieved 2 February 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  20. ↑ Wilde, Jon (5 May 1990). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 32. ISSN   0025-9012.
  21. ↑ Nothing Matters (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Robert Lloyd. Virgin Records. 1990. VS 1256, 113 240-100.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ↑ Nothing Matters (UK cassette single sleeve). Robert Lloyd. Virgin Records. 1990. VSC 1256.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ↑ Nothing Matters (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Robert Lloyd. Virgin Records. 1990. VST 1256.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ↑ Nothing Matters (UK CD single liner notes). Robert Lloyd. Virgin Records. 1990. VSCDT 1256, 663 240-211.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.