Cockney Rebel (17 May 1974) Psychomodo / Such A Dream – 7" Single (UK)

Originally intended as the UK lead single from Cockney Rebel’s second album The Psychomodo, Psychomodo was pressed for release in May 1974 but withdrawn when Judy Teen unexpectedly rose up the UK charts. Although cancelled in the UK, the single was issued in several European territories, where it became a minor hit, particularly in Belgium. The B‑side, Such A Dream, later appeared on other releases and reissues, becoming part of the broader Psychomodo era canon.

Artist: Cockney Rebel

Title: Psychomodo / Such A Dream

Release Date: 17 May 1974

Label: EMI

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Catalogue Number: EMI 2161

Country: UK

Length: A: 4:03 / B: 5:03

Psychomodo was recorded during the February–March 1974 sessions for The Psychomodo album, with Steve Harley describing the record’s overarching theme as “psychomodal – stream of consciousness.” On the LP, the track follows Sweet Dreams, segueing directly into its opening line. Although EMI cancelled the UK single release due to the rising success of Judy Teen, Psychomodo was issued in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, where it charted modestly. Such A Dream, initially exclusive to this single, later appeared as a B‑side to Mr. Soft and on subsequent reissues and anthologies.

● TRACK LISTING

Side A

Psychomodo – 4:03

Written by Steve Harley

Produced by Steve Harley & Alan Parsons

Arranged by Andrew Powell

Side B

Such A Dream – 5:03

Written by Steve Harley

Produced by Steve Harley & Alan Parsons

Arranged by Andrew Powell

● SLEEVE DETAILS

Sleeve Type: Standard EMI 7" company sleeve

Photography: Not specified

Design: EMI in‑house design

Variants: UK pressing (cancelled), European issues (Belgium, France, Netherlands)

“Very much a concept: psychomodal – stream of consciousness.” — Steve Harley, 1974

● THE STORY BEHIND IT

Psychomodo was conceived as part of Harley’s conceptual vision for The Psychomodo, exploring fragmented thoughts, paranoia, and theatrical introspection. Recorded with producer Alan Parsons, the track exemplifies Harley’s lyrical density and dramatic delivery. EMI prepared the single for UK release on 17 May 1974, but withdrew it when Judy Teen began climbing the charts, peaking at No. 5 in June. European markets proceeded with the release, where Psychomodo gained traction, particularly in Belgium

● RELEASE FORMATS & EDITIONS

UK – EMI – EMI 2161

7" Vinyl, 45 RPM, Single (cancelled release)

European releases: Belgium, France, Netherlands

Produced by Steve Harley & Alan Parsons

Arranged by Andrew Powell

Mastered by Chris Blair

℗ 1974 EMI Records

● CONTEXT AND NOTES

Such A Dream later appeared as the B‑side to Mr. Soft and on the 1990 EMI CD reissue of The Psychomodo, as well as the 2012 Cavaliers anthology. Psychomodo’s UK cancellation makes EMI 2161 pressings scarce. The track remains central to the album’s narrative structure and is considered one of Harley’s defining early works.

● OTHER FORMATS

1974 – European 7" releases (Belgium, France, Netherlands)

1990 – The Psychomodo CD reissue (bonus track)

2012 – Cavaliers: An Anthology 1973–1974

● SOURCES

Discogs

45cat

BBC Official Charts

Wikipedia

● CHART PERFORMANCE

Belgium (Ultratop Flanders): 28

Belgium (Ultratop Wallonia): 42

United Kingdom: Not released; no chart entry

All artwork, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.