Zabadak! (song)

Last updated

"Zabadak!"
Dave Dee Zabadak!.jpg
Cover of the single released in the Netherlands and Austria
Single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
from the album If No-One Sang
B-side "The Sun Goes Down"
Released29 September 1967
Recorded6 September 1967 [1]
Studio Chappell Studios, London
Genre Psychedelic pop
Length3:35
Label Fontana
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Steve Rowland
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich singles chronology
"Okay!"
(1967)
"Zabadak!"
(1967)
"The Legend of Xanadu"
(1968)

"Zabadak!" is a song by British musical group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. [2] It was released as a single in September 1967, peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the group's only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 52. [3] [4] It was their fifth of seven to chart in Canada.

Contents

The song uses pseudo-African style percussion (created in the studio by the group) and a nonsense lyric in its repetitive chorus, to highlight the meaning of its two verses (sung in English). This use of an African motif was typical of the group's dabbling with other world styles of music, such as the Latin style of "Save Me" and the Greek style of "Bend It!" [5]

The group also recorded a version of "Zabadak!" in Italian, which was released as a single there backed with an Italian-language version of "Save Me". [6] However, the single failed to chart. Both tracks were later included as bonus tracks on the 2003 CD release of If No-One Sang . [7]

Reception

Reviewing for New Musical Express , Derek Johnson described "Zabadak" as "loaded with appeal and yet completely different from anything they have previously waxed. The basic influences are a blend between Afro-Cuban and Peruvian Incan. Add to this a catchy and continually-repeated chorus, some very attractive counter-harmonies, a pulsing beat with throbbing conga drums, and a lush string section in the background – plus a haunting tune that nags at the brain – and you've got a Hit". [8] Billboard wrote that this "African flavored rhythm item has much of the feel of "Pata Pata". [9] In a guest column for Disc and Music Echo , Radio Caroline DJ Johnnie Walker praised "Zabadak!" as "a well-produced record and a different sound". [10]

Track listing

7": Fontana / TF 873

  1. "Zabadak!" – 3:35
  2. "The Sun Goes Down!" – 2:48

7": Star-Club / 148 595 STF (Germany)

  1. "Zabadak" – 3:35
  2. "Nose for Trouble" – 4:01

Charts

Cover versions

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich</span> British band

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