Bryan Ferry (October 17, 1988) – Let's Stick Together (Westside '88 Remix) / Trash Single UK: 7"
Released in the UK on October 17, 1988, Let's Stick Together (Westside '88 Remix) returned one of Bryan Ferry's most successful solo recordings to the charts in a newly remixed form.
The original Ferry recording had been released in 1976 and was itself a reinterpretation of Wilbert Harrison's rhythm and blues composition Let's Stick Together. Harrison originally recorded the song in 1962 before developing it into Let's Work Together in 1969.
Ferry's 1976 version became his biggest UK solo hit, reaching No. 4. Twelve years later, the Westside '88 Remix successfully revived the recording for a new audience, reaching No. 12 on the UK chart.
For the 1988 single, Ferry's recording was paired with Roxy Music's Trash, connecting his solo catalogue directly with his work as Roxy Music's frontman.
RECORDING
The original Bryan Ferry version of Let's Stick Together was recorded at AIR Studios in London.
Production was handled by Bryan Ferry and Chris Thomas.
For the 1988 release, the recording was remixed by Bruce Lampcov and Rhett Davies and issued as the Westside '88 Remix.
The original recording featured Ferry on vocals, harmonica and electric and acoustic piano, alongside John Wetton on bass, Paul Thompson on drums, Chris Spedding on guitar, Mel Collins on soprano saxophone and Chris Mercer on tenor saxophone.
STYLE & THEMES
Let's Stick Together originated as a blues-based rhythm and blues song written by Wilbert Harrison.
Ferry transformed the composition into a harder, more stylised rock recording, combining saxophones, guitar, piano and harmonica with his distinctive vocal approach.
The 1988 remix revisited that established arrangement with updated production, allowing the recording to return successfully to the contemporary singles market.
Trash provides the Roxy Music connection on the reverse, pairing Ferry's solo work with a track written by Ferry and Phil Manzanera.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
SIDE ONE
• Let's Stick Together (Westside '88 Remix) (2:54) – Bryan Ferry's 1976 interpretation of the Wilbert Harrison composition, newly remixed for its 1988 release by Bruce Lampcov and Rhett Davies.
SIDE TWO
• Trash (2:10) – Roxy Music recording written by Bryan Ferry and Phil Manzanera and produced by Roxy Music.
RELEASE HISTORY
Wilbert Harrison originally released Let's Stick Together in 1962. In 1969, Harrison developed the composition into Let's Work Together, retaining the original musical structure while changing the lyrics.
Bryan Ferry recorded Let's Stick Together for release in 1976. Issued by Island Records and backed with Sea Breezes, Ferry's version reached No. 4 in the UK and was certified Silver.
In 1988 the recording was revisited as the Westside '88 Remix. The new version was issued in the UK by EG Records and reached No. 12 on the UK chart.
The 7-inch edition was paired with Roxy Music's Trash.
CHART RUN
The 1988 remix reached No. 12 on the UK chart on October 29, 1988.
CERTIFICATIONS
The original 1976 Bryan Ferry release was certified Silver by the BPI.
AWARDS
Not supplied.
PERSONNEL
Bryan Ferry — vocals, harmonica, electric piano, acoustic piano
John Wetton — bass
Paul Thompson — drums
Chris Spedding — guitar
Mel Collins — soprano saxophone
Chris Mercer — tenor saxophone
Chris Thomas — producer
Bryan Ferry — producer
Bruce Lampcov — 1988 remix
Rhett Davies — 1988 remix
PRODUCTION
Producer: Bryan Ferry / Chris Thomas
1988 Remix: Bruce Lampcov / Rhett Davies
Original Studio: AIR Studios, London
Lacquer Cut: Denis Blackham
Lacquer Cut At: Tape One
Pressed By: EMI Records
Label: EG
Marketed By: Siren
Distributed By: Virgin
Country: UK
Catalogue Number: EGO 44
Barcode: 5012985004473
Format: 7", 45 RPM, Silver Injection Labels
Release Date: October 17, 1988
Sleeve Design: Michael Nash Associates
Bryan Ferry Photography: John Swannell
NOTES
• Released in the UK on October 17, 1988.
• Issued on EG Records under catalogue number EGO 44.
• The A-side is specifically titled Let's Stick Together (Westside '88 Remix).
• The 1988 remix runs for 2:54.
• Written by Wilbert Harrison.
• Produced by Bryan Ferry and Chris Thomas.
• Remixed by Bruce Lampcov and Rhett Davies.
• The A-side was taken from The Ultimate Collection.
• The B-side is Roxy Music's Trash, running for 2:10.
• Trash was written by Bryan Ferry and Phil Manzanera.
• Trash was produced by Roxy Music.
• The UK 7-inch was manufactured with silver injection labels.
• The 1988 remix reached No. 12 on the UK chart.
• The original 1976 version reached No. 4 in the UK.
• Ferry's original version was recorded at AIR Studios in London.
• The original 1976 recording marked Ferry's first collaboration with guitarist Chris Spedding.
• Ferry's promotional film for the original version featured Jerry Hall.
• The original video was directed by Jonathan Benson, with clothing and set design by Antony Price.
• Ferry based his appearance in the video on Clark Gable.
• Wilbert Harrison's original Let's Stick Together dates from 1962.
• Harrison subsequently reworked the composition as Let's Work Together in 1969.
• Canned Heat also recorded Let's Work Together, achieving considerable chart success with the song.
CHARTS
Release | Chart | Peak Position |
Let's Stick Together (1976) | UK Singles Chart | No. 4 |
Let's Stick Together (1976) | Australia | No. 1 |
Let's Stick Together (Westside '88 Remix) | UK Singles Chart | No. 12 |
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Country | Date | Label | Catalogue Number | Format |
UK | October 17, 1988 | EG | EGO 44 | 7", 45 RPM, Silver Injection Labels |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue Number | Tracklisting |
7" Single | EGO 44 | Side One • Let's Stick Together (Westside '88 Remix) – 2:54 Side Two • Roxy Music – Trash – 2:10 |
RUN-OUT ETCHINGS
Not supplied.
SPECIAL PRESSINGS & VARIANTS
Variant | Notes |
Silver Injection Label | UK 7-inch pressing |
Westside '88 Remix | 1988 remix by Bruce Lampcov and Rhett Davies |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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