The Sweet (July 19, 1968) "Slow Motion" / "It's Lonely Out There" Single 7" (Fontana TF 958)

Jul 19, 1968

2 min read

Title: Slow Motion

B-side: It's Lonely Out There

Label: Fontana

Catalogue number: TF 958

Date: July 19, 1968

In the summer of 1968, before the full explosion of glam rock, a young band was already experimenting with melodic, beat-driven pop. “Slow Motion” was a bright, catchy single that blended jangly guitars and strong harmonies with a laid-back, summery feel.

Released on July 19, 1968 on Fontana Records (catalogue TF 958) and backed with “It’s Lonely Out There,” this 7-inch release marked one of the very first singles by the band (then operating as The Sweetshop). Produced by Phil Waineman, it remains a fascinating early artefact from their pre-glam days.

THE RELEASE	WHAT THE LABEL SHOWS
Early pre-glam single by The Sweet (then operating as The Sweetshop) featuring the bright, jangly beat-pop track “Slow Motion” backed with the melodic harmony song “It’s Lonely Out There”. Produced by Phil Waineman, this release captures the band in their formative beat-group phase.	• Classic blue Fontana label with silver top section • Side A: “Slow Motion” (D. Watkin) – Produced by Phil Waineman • Side B: “It’s Lonely Out There” (Siegel Jnr. / Jay) – Produced by Phil Waineman • Catalogue TF 958 and © 1968 visible

CONTEXT AND NOTES	VARIANTS & PACKAGING
Released on July 19, 1968, this single represents one of the very first recordings by the band that would later become The Sweet. It showcases a breezy, harmony-rich beat-group sound years before their glam rock explosion in the early 1970s. The single did not chart in the UK.	UK Variants: • 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre – Fontana TF 958 (1968) • 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre – Fontana TF 958 (1968) Overseas Variants: Limited international distribution. Packaging: Standard Fontana company sleeve (typical for the era)

CHART DATA	RELATED RELEASES
UK Singles Chart: Did not chart	• Funny Funny (1971)

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