🔘 Carrickfergus – Single: Nov. 1978

Released: November 3, 1978 (UK)

Label: Polydor Records

Catalogue Number: 2001 834

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

A haunting, traditional ballad interpreted by Bryan Ferry — backed with the instrumental track When She Walks In The Room (Instrumental).

Issued on Polydor, the single showcased Ferry’s refined, atmospheric late‑’70s vocal style.

🔘 Overview

Carrickfergus was released on November 3, 1978 as a standalone UK single, drawing from Bryan Ferry’s interest in classic and traditional material. His rendition transforms the folk standard into a slow, elegant, and deeply emotive performance, framed by lush, minimalist production.

The B‑side, an instrumental version of When She Walks In The Room, offered a contrasting, ambient‑leaning piece from Ferry’s contemporary repertoire. Polydor 2001 834 arrived in a picture sleeve and remains a distinctive entry in Ferry’s late‑’70s catalogue.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — 2001 834

A. Carrickfergus

B. When She Walks In The Room (Instrumental)

Written by: Traditional (arr. Bryan Ferry)

Produced by: Bryan Ferry, Rhett Davies

🔘 Release Details

Label: Polydor Records

Formats: 7" Vinyl

Country: UK

Year: 1978

Notes:

- Standalone UK single

- Traditional ballad arranged by Ferry

- B‑side instrumental from the same era

- Issued in picture sleeve

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Polydor – 2001 834 (1978)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Paper Label)

Variant 2

UK – Polydor – 2001 834 (1978)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Injection‑moulded label, select pressings)

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — No Chart Entry

Weeks on Chart: —

Chart Run (Official Charts):

No UK chart position recorded.

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

A sparse, elegant arrangement highlighting Ferry’s expressive vocal phrasing, with subtle instrumentation and atmospheric production.

Collector Notes

Clean picture sleeves are increasingly sought after. Injection‑moulded variants are less common.

Legacy

A beautifully restrained Ferry performance — intimate, timeless, and a standout among his late‑’70s non‑album singles.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

This Is Tomorrow (1977)

Next Single

Tokyo Joe (Reissue, 1979)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Carrickfergus — 1978

When She Walks In The Room (Instrumental) — 1978

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

Nov. 3, 1978 — UK single released

🔘 Glam Flashback

A traditional lament transformed into Ferry’s signature velvet‑toned melancholy.

🔘 Sources

Polydor Records

Discogs

Official Charts Company

Bryan Ferry archival documentation