Wot (song)

Last updated

"Wot"
Captain-sensible-wot.jpeg
Single by Captain Sensible
from the album Women and Captains First
A-side "Wot"
B-side "Strawberry Dross"
Released1982
Genre
Length5:52 (12" version)
3:20 (7" US version)
3:22 (7" EU version)
Label A&M
Songwriter(s) Captain Sensible
Producer(s) Tony Mansfield
Captain Sensible singles chronology
"Happy Talk"
(1982)
"Wot"
(1982)
"Croydon"
(1982)

"Wot" is a 1982 single by English musician Captain Sensible released by A&M Records. The song was produced by Tony Mansfield and features the group Dolly Mixture on backing vocals. The song charted in the United Kingdom and was a specialist hit in the United States, but enjoyed its greatest success in continental Europe.

Contents

Production

Captain described the song's creation in a SFX Magazine interview: - While the Damned were touring in the USA, he heard this horrible pounding sound coming from outside at 5am. It was coming from a building site and as it was so early and he wanted to sleep in the hotel, he recorded the noise to make a complaint. He played it to the reception, informing them that it was disgusting and a ploy to upset British bands, and he was trying to get some sleep. They just said, "Have a nice day" and nothing was done. Sensible got no sleep. When he returned to the UK, he played the tape to Tony Mansfield who took the tape and created a loop (backing track) from it within about 10 minutes. This sound loop formed the basis of the song. The loop can be heard clearly at the beginning and near the end of the song. The song's lyrics were also based on his lack of sleep and noisy events. Captain explained that they simply "added more rubbish on top of the track" to build up the song.

The song was originally going to be called "Cap's Rap".

Genre

AllMusic's Stephen Cook described "Wot" as "Sugarhill Gang-inspired new wave disco". [1] Stephen "Spaz" Schnee from the same website called the song a "radio-friendly [slice] of lighthearted keyboard-based pop". [2]

Release

"Wot" was released on A&M Records. [3] In the United Kingdom, "Wot" was in the United Kingdom charts for seven weeks, peaking at number 26. [4] In the United States, "Wot" peaked on Billboards's Hot Dance Club Play Singles chart at number 24. [5] In France, the single was certified gold by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP). [6]

"Wot" was performed by Captain Sensible on Top of the Pops with Dolly Mixture as the backing group. [7] Dolly Mixture had mixed feelings about appearing on Top of the Pops so often as it led to them being recognized more as backup musicians than for their own work. [7]

Reception

Online music database AllMusic described both the songs "Wot" and "A Nice Cup of Tea" as "well-crafted pop tunes that deliver the goods". [8]

Credits

Credits adapted from Wot record sleeve. [3] [9]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
France (SNEP) [23] Gold500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Strawberries</i> (album) 1982 studio album by The Damned

Strawberries is the fifth studio album by English punk rock band the Damned. It was released in October 1982 by record label Bronze. Limited editions included a strawberry-scented lyric insert. The album reached No. 15 in the UK charts,the band's first to reach the Top 20.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lion Sleeps Tonight</span> 1939 song by Solomon Linda

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written and first recorded in 1939 by Solomon Linda under the title "Mbube", through South African Gallo Record Company. Lyrics of Linda's original version were written in Zulu, while those of the English one were later written by George David Weiss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Captain Sensible</span> British musician (born 1954)

Raymond Ian Burns, known by the stage name Captain Sensible, is an English guitarist, singer and songwriter. He co-founded the punk rock band the Damned in 1976, originally playing bass before switching to guitar. He is known for his distinctive appearance including a red beret and sunglasses, typically with white frames. Sensible embarked on a solo career during the 1980s, achieving a UK number one hit with his version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Happy Talk" (1982) and further hits with "Wot" (1982) and "Glad It's All Over" (1984). In 2006, Sensible founded the Blah! Party. He continues to perform in the Damned.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Will Always Love You</span> 1974 single by Dolly Parton

"I Will Always Love You" is a song written and originally recorded in 1973 by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Written as a farewell to her business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, expressing Parton's decision to pursue a solo career, the country single was released in 1974. The song was a commercial success for Parton, twice reaching the top spot of the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart: first in June 1974, then again in October 1982, with a re-recording for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas soundtrack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">9 to 5 (Sheena Easton song)</span> 1980 single by Sheena Easton

"9 to 5" (or "Morning Train") is a song by Sheena Easton from 1981 album Take My Time. It was written by British songwriter Florrie Palmer and recorded and released as single in 1980, becoming Easton's biggest hit. It peaked at number three in the United Kingdom in August 1980 and was certified gold. In February 1981, it was released in the United States and Canada under the title "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" to avoid confusion with Dolly Parton's recent hit "9 to 5". It reached number one in both countries, becoming Easton's only chart-topper in those nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pop Muzik</span> 1979 single by M

"Pop Muzik" is a 1979 song by M, a project by English musician Robin Scott, from the debut album New York • London • Paris • Munich. The single, first released in the UK in early 1979, was bolstered by a music video that was well received by critics. The clip showed Scott as a DJ singing into a microphone from behind an exaggerated turntable setup, at times flanked by two female models who sang and danced in a robotic manner. The video also featured Brigit Novik, Scott's partner at the time, who provided the backup vocals for the track.

New Musik were an English synth-pop group active from 1977 to 1982. Led by Tony Mansfield, they achieved success in 1980 with the top 20 single "Living by Numbers" which was followed up with the top 40 hits "This World of Water", "Sanctuary" and hit album From A to B.

Dolly Mixture were an English rock band, formed in 1978 by the bassist and vocalist Debsey Wykes, guitarist and vocalist Rachel Bor, and drummer Hester Smith. They had a taste of top 40 success performing backing vocals for the Captain Sensible hit "Wot", a top 10 hit with Sensible on "Glad It's All Over", and a UK No. 1 hit backing Sensible on his 1982 cover of "Happy Talk". Rachel Bor also featured on the Animus/Loose Records single "Wot NO Meat?" also by Captain Sensible in 1985. Bor and Wykes performed together on 24 April 2013 at the Islington Assembly Hall in London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wordy Rappinghood</span> Tom Tom Club song

"Wordy Rappinghood" is the debut single by American new wave band Tom Tom Club, from their 1981 self-titled debut album. It uses part of a traditional Moroccan children's song and game, "A Ram Sam Sam", made popular by the 1971 Rolf Harris recording. In the United States, the song topped the Billboard Disco Top 80 chart along with "Genius of Love".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long Train Runnin'</span> 1973 song recorded by the Doobie Brothers

"Long Train Runnin'" is a song recorded by American rock band the Doobie Brothers and written by band member Tom Johnston. It was included on the band's third album, The Captain and Me (1973), and was released as a single by Warner Bros., becoming a hit and peaking at No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happy Talk (song)</span> 1949 show tune from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific

"Happy Talk" is a show tune from the 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. It is sung by Bloody Mary to the American lieutenant Joe Cable, about having a happy life, after he begins romancing her daughter Liat. Liat performs the song with hand gestures as Mary sings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreadlock Holiday</span> 1978 single by 10cc

"Dreadlock Holiday" is a reggae song by 10cc. Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, it was the lead single from the band's 1978 album, Bloody Tourists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiger Feet</span> 1974 single by English glam rock band Mud

Tiger Feet is a popular song by the English glam rock band Mud, released in January 1974. Written and produced by the songwriting team of Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, it was the first of three number No. 1 singles for the band, in the UK Singles Chart. followed later that year by "Lonely This Christmas", and then in 1975 by "Oh Boy!"

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L'Orange (song)</span> 2003 single by Star Academy 3

"L'Orange" is a 1964 song recorded by French singer and songwriter Gilbert Bécaud. It was covered in 2003 by the contestants of the French third version of the TV reality show Star Academy, and achieved a great success in France and Belgium (Wallonia), where it topped the chart for several weeks. As of August 2014, the song was the 20th best-selling single of the 21st century in France, with 560,000 units sold. In January 2004, thanks to the cover version, the original one by Gilbert Bécaud was charted for five weeks on the French Singles Chart, but peaked only at #89.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Look Wot You Dun</span> 1972 single by Slade

"Look Wot You Dun" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as a non-album single. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder, bassist Jim Lea and drummer Don Powell, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 4 in the UK, remaining in the charts for ten weeks. The song would be included on the band's 1973 compilation album Sladest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just an Illusion</span> 1982 song by the British trio Imagination

"Just an Illusion" is a song by the British trio Imagination. Co-written by Steve Jolley, Tony Swain, Ashley Ingram and Leee John, the song was a major European hit, peaking at number 2 in the group's native UK. In the United States, "Just an Illusion" went to number 27 on the Black chart. The song also peaked at number 15 on the dance charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Promised You a Miracle</span> 1982 single by Simple Minds

"Promised You a Miracle" is a 1982 song by Scottish band Simple Minds and was released as the first single from their fifth studio album New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84). It was the band's first chart hit in the UK, reaching #13 in the UK singles chart and charting for 11 weeks. Their previous nine UK singles yielded no Top 40 hits in that country although some had sold well in Scotland.

<i>Touch Sensitive</i> (album) 1984 studio album by Bruce Foxton

Touch Sensitive is the debut solo studio album by English rock musician Bruce Foxton, released on 12 May 1984 by Arista Records. Two tracks, "It Makes Me Wonder" and "Trying to Forget You " were co-written by Foxton and Pete Glenister. The remainder of the songs are credited solely to Foxton himself. In March of the same year, fellow Jam counterpart Paul Weller released his first official studio album with the band the Style Council, titled Café Bleu. The album was notably his last recording of original material for twenty-eight years, until he released Back in the Room in 2012. Keen to establish himself as a solo artist after the breakup of the Jam, Foxton enlisted producer Steve Lillywhite to give the album a contemporary sound.

<i>Women and Captains First</i> 1982 studio album by Captain Sensible

Women and Captains First is the debut solo album by English musician Captain Sensible, best known as guitarist for The Damned, released on 3 September 1982 by A&M Records. It features contributions from producer Tony Mansfield, Robyn Hitchcock and the band Dolly Mixture. The album was preceded by the singles "Happy Talk" and "Wot", which peaked at numbers 1 and 26 on the UK Singles Chart, respectively. The album reached No. 64 on the UK Albums Chart. It was reissued on CD in 2009 by Cherry Red Records, including six bonus tracks.

<i>The Power of Love</i> (Captain Sensible album) 1983 studio album by Captain Sensible

The Power of Love is the second solo album by The Damned guitarist Captain Sensible, released in November 1983 by A&M Records. The album didn't chart but the single "Glad It's All Over" reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The album features contributions from producer Tony Mansfield, Robyn Hitchcock, Ruts drummer Dave Ruffy and the band Dolly Mixture, among others.

References

  1. Cook, Stephen. "Captain Sensible – Day in the Life of...Captain Sensible". AllMusic . Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  2. Schnee, Steve "Spaz". "Captain Sensible – Collection". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Vinyl record sticker". Wot! (Media notes). Captain Sensible. A&M Records. 1982. CAP 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Women & Captains First – Awards". AllMusic . Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  6. "French single certifications – Captain Sensible" (in French). InfoDisc.Select CAPTAIN SENSIBLE and click OK. 
  7. 1 2 Carr, Daphne. "Dolly Mixture – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  8. Deming, Mark. "Women & Captains First – Overview". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  9. Captain Sensible (1982). "Dear Auntie Sadie". Wot! (Media notes). Captain Sensible. A&M Records. CAP 2.
  10. "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – CHART POSITIONS PRE 1989, part 2". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  11. "Captain Sensible – Wot!" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  12. "Captain Sensible – Wot!" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  13. "InfoDisc : Tous les Titres par Artiste". InfoDisc (in French). Select "Captain Sensible" from the artist drop-down menu. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  14. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Wot". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  15. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 49, 1982" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  16. "Captain Sensible – Wot!" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  17. "Captain Sensible – Wot!". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  18. "Captain Sensible – Wot!". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  19. "Offiziellecharts.de – Captain Sensible – Wot!" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  20. "TOP – 1982". Top-france.fr (in French). Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  21. "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1982" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  22. "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1983" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  23. "French single certifications – Captain Sensible – Wot" (in French). InfoDisc.Select CAPTAIN SENSIBLE and click OK.