I was at a record show back in November or December 2021 and I found this beautiful single sitting in the bin. I naturally grabbed it as it was Cheap Trick so why wouldn’t I. The fact it turned out to be a promotional copy made it even better. Back in 1996, to promote the new box set ‘Sex, America, Cheap Trick’, Epic Records sent out these promos to radio stations and stores in hopes of getting so press behind the box set release. And what a box set it is. This promo singles gives us not 1, but 2 never before released tracks. What more could you want.
The simplicity of the Single jacket is wonderful. All white cover with the band name in bold black and then on the back is the same thing but in reverse and upside down. It is a thing of beauty. So simple, so perfect. The A-Side is an alternate take of the song “I Want You To Want Me” and the B-Side is a Lou Reed penned and Velvet Underground cover “Waitin’ for the Man / Heroin” performed live and with Tom Petersson on vocals.
A-SIDE:
The Alternate Version of “I Want You To Want Me” is definitely different. Where the original studio version on 1977’s ‘In Colour’ album was a jaunty little pop song that bounced along with a lot of happy little piano playing. The Alternate Version was heavier, more drum and less pop sounding. It was more aggressive musically and rocked a lot more which was closer to the live version and more what fans have come to love about the song. It ends with a constant barrage of “didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I’s” from Robin where the original just sort of fades away in a lackadaisical way. I think I actually prefer the alternate version to the original studio version, but give me the Budakan version above all else!!
B-SIDE:
The B-Side is a live version of the Velvet Underground’s “Waitin’ for the Man” and “Heorin” sung by Tom Petersson and let me tell you, they are wonderful. Musically, the band is killing it and Rick’s guitar work is stellar with Tom laying down some groovy bass and Bun E.’s fills are top notch. Tom’s vocals are dirty, gritty and full on Lou Reed and it is quite stellar. It has that same Velvet Underground vibe like I don’t give a shit and this is what we do and you are going to like it…and you do!! The song was recorded way back in 1974 at The Brewery in Lansing, Michigan long before Cheap Trick’s first album. I’m not even sure of Robin had joined the band yet, so someone can let us know that answer, that would be cool.
UP NEXT: ‘CHEAP TRICK’ (1997)
The Cheap Trick Collection Series:
- Cheap Trick (1977)
- In Color (1977)
- Heaven Tonight (1978)
- Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978)
- Dream Police (1979)
- Found All The Parts (1980)
- All Shook Up (1980)
- One On One (1982)
- Next Position Please (1983)
- Standing on the Edge (1985)
- “Tonight It’s You” (1985) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
- “Mighty Wings” (1986) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
- The Doctor (1986)
- Lap Of Luxury (1988)
- “The Flame” (1988) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
- “Ghost Town” (1988) – CD Single Promo (Bonus Edition)
- Busted (1990)
- Woke Up With A Monster (1994)
- Sex, America, Cheap Trick (1996) – Box Set
- “I Want You To Want Me” (Alternate Version) (1996) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
2 Loud 2 Old Music 
A Velvet Underground’s cover ? Kinda inusual
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was rather unexpected.
LikeLike
That’s a unique single, especially the Velvet Underground covers. Nice of them to even have a recording of something like that from back then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to admit, I am surprised there is a vinyl single at all being this was 1996. A really cool piece.
LikeLike
Another treasure from the Snow collection. Really nice stuff here John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who’d a thunk a vinyl single in 1996.
LikeLike
I have a couple from 96. Bruce Dickinson – Back From the Edge is one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is cool. Just not a year I would expect to find them.
LikeLike
I do like that ‘less is more’ album cover design – and 2 previously unreleased tracks, bonus!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last few singles I have posted have had the minimalist approach and they are all cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the look on that 45…total retro so cool! Just like you Snowman=cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha!! Too funny! My kids would so disagree!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like you, I still prefer the At Budokan version of “I Want You to Want Me” but that Tom Peterssen number was surprisingly good. He reminds me a little of Iggy Pop or is that just me?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a good comparison for Tom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Getting maximum mileage of a classic. I’m interested to listen to the versions on here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are some good tracks for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t even notice the upside down and reverse version of the band’s logo on the back of the jacket. Wow, that’s pretty cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person