Alice Cooper Group: Elected Single US (1972)

Alice Cooper Group’s Elected, backed with Luney Tune, was released through Warner Bros. Records in the USA on September 6, 1972, as a 7” vinyl single (catalog number WB 7631). It was also released in Germany on October 6, 1972, with some copies including a promotional election sticker. Drawn from the Billion Dollar Babies album, Elected reworks Pretties for You’s “Reflected” with a satirical political edge.

The single entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 34 during the week of October 1–7, 1972, peaking at No. 4 for two weeks (October 22–28 and November 5–11) over a 10-week run, and reached No. 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Praised in a 1972 Melody Maker review for its sharp glam-rock energy and theatrical flair, it underscored the band’s rising prominence.

Tracklist (7” Vinyl):

A1. Elected – 3:40

B1. Luney Tune – 3:39

Note: The tracklist reflects the standard US and international 7” vinyl release.

Background and Context: Alice Cooper, originally the name of a band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in the late 1960s, consisted of lead singer Vincent Furnier (who later adopted the Alice Cooper name), guitarist Glen Buxton, guitarist/keyboardist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith. By 1972, the band was at the peak of their early career, known for their theatrical shock rock performances and hits like "I’m Eighteen" (1970, #21 US) and

"School’s Out" (1972, #7 US, #1 UK). The single "Elected" was released as a precursor to their 1973 album Billion Dollar Babies, capitalizing on the success of the School’s Out album. Written by the entire band, "Elected" was a satirical take on political campaigns, inspired by the 1972 U.S. presidential election and reflecting Alice Cooper’s flair for provocative, theatrical commentary. The band’s stage shows, featuring guillotines and horror-inspired props, made them a cultural phenomenon, and this single aimed to maintain their momentum.

Single Details:

A-side: Elected (3:40, single edit; album version 4:05)

Written by Alice Cooper, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith.

A high-energy, hard rock anthem with a satirical edge, featuring driving guitars, a horn section, and Vincent Furnier’s sneering vocals. The lyrics humorously depict a rock star running for office, with lines like “I’m your top prime cut of meat, I’m your choice” and “We’re gonna win this one, take the country by storm.” The song reworks elements of their earlier track "Reflected" from the 1969 album Pretties for You.

Produced by Bob Ezrin, who also produced School’s Out and Billion Dollar Babies, the track has a polished, anthemic sound designed for radio play.

Released as the lead single for Billion Dollar Babies, it reached #26 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #4 in the UK, #3 in Canada, and charted in Germany (#3), Austria (#5), and the Netherlands (#5). Its success was boosted by a promotional film (an early music video) showing Alice campaigning in a suit, with a chimpanzee and surreal imagery.

B-side: Luney Tune (3:36)

Written by Alice Cooper and Dennis Dunaway.

A darker, theatrical rock track from the School’s Out album (1972), with a playful yet eerie vibe, featuring lyrics about madness and escapism: “I’m no loser, but I’m no slick / I’m just a loon in a lunatic kick.” The song’s quirky energy and horror-inspired tone fit the band’s shock rock aesthetic.

Also produced by Bob Ezrin, it showcases the band’s tight musicianship and knack for blending humor with menace.

Release Information:

Released on 7" vinyl by Warner Bros. Records USA (WB 7631) on September 6, 1972.

Matrix/Runout: Side A: QCA-3556-1S; Side B: QCA-3557-1S (US)

Released with a Warner Bros. company sleeve in the US; some international pressings (e.g., UK, Warner Bros. K 16214)

Musical Style and Themes: "Elected" is a hard rock track with glam rock and proto-punk elements, characterized by crunchy guitars, a punchy rhythm section, and a theatrical horn arrangement. Its satirical lyrics mock political ambition, aligning with Alice Cooper’s subversive, tongue-in-cheek style. "Luney Tune" is a mid-tempo rocker with a psychedelic edge, blending catchy melodies with the band’s signature dark humor and shock rock theatricality. Both tracks reflect Alice Cooper’s early 1970s sound: bold, provocative, and designed to shock and entertain.

Critical and Commercial Reception: "Elected" was well-received, with critics praising its catchy riff and satirical bite. Billboard noted its “powerful rock drive” and radio appeal, while fans embraced its political humor during the 1972 election season. The promotional film, shown on TV and in theaters, enhanced its visibility and is considered a pioneering music video. The single’s chart performance (#26 US, #4 UK) was strong, though it didn’t match "School’s Out"’s peak. "Luney Tune" received less attention as a B-side but was appreciated by fans for its quirky charm, with some reviews on Rate Your Music calling it a hidden gem from School’s Out. The single’s success helped build anticipation for Billion Dollar Babies, which became Alice Cooper’s biggest album (#1 US, #1 UK).

One-Page Advert in Disc, September 30, 1972.

Legacy and Context: The "Elected" / "Luney Tune" single is a key moment in Alice Cooper’s early career, bridging the School’s Out and Billion Dollar Babies eras. "Elected" remains a fan favorite, often performed live by both the original band and Alice Cooper as a solo act (after the band’s 1975 split). It’s included on compilations like The Definitive Alice Cooper (2001) and Mascara & Monsters (2001). The song’s political satire has kept it relevant, with Alice re-releasing a campaign-themed version in 2020 for the US election. The single’s promotional film influenced the music video era, and its chart success solidified Alice Cooper’s international appeal. "Luney Tune" is less iconic but valued by collectors for its School’s Out connection. The single is available digitally on platforms like Spotify and featured in the 2015 Billion Dollar Babies deluxe edition (Warner Bros.).

Additional Notes:

The promotional film for "Elected" featured Alice in a top hat and suit, with surreal visuals like a chimpanzee and a mock campaign rally, reflecting the band’s theatrical ethos.

Released internationally in markets like the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan, with slight variations in catalog numbers (e.g., Warner Bros. K 16214 in the UK).

The single’s success tied into Alice Cooper’s 1972-73 world tour, known for elaborate stage props like guillotines and snakes, cementing their shock rock legacy.

Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Alice Cooper’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, Rate Your Music, AllMusic, and Wikipedia. Chart data is confirmed by Billboard and UK chart archives.