Sparks: Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth Single (1974)

A Baroque Glam Ballad

Sparks’ “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 11, 1974, on Island Records (catalogue: WIP 6211). Backed with “Alabamy Right,” this orchestral ballad, written by Ron and Russell Mael, served as the lead single from the band's fourth album, Propaganda. Produced by Muff Winwood, the A-side's sweeping strings and Russell Mael's dramatic vocals delivered an environmental plea with glam flair, peaking at No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart. Housed in a picture sleeve with the band's quirky imagery, the single captured Sparks' theatrical evolution amid the glam rock era.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” (3:54)Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael. A baroque pop lament with lush orchestration, piano, and Russell's soaring vocals, warning of environmental neglect. Produced by Muff Winwood, it blended Sparks' art rock with a symphonic grandeur, inspired by the era's ecological awareness.

B-Side: “Alabamy Right” (2:12)Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael. A whimsical, upbeat romp with twangy guitars and handclaps, evoking a Southern hoedown with Sparks' signature irony. Also produced by Winwood, it provided a playful contrast to the A-side's solemnity.

Release Details:

Label: Island Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (WIP 6211): “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” / “Alabamy Right.” In a picture sleeve with band artwork.

No cassette or CD formats for this single.

Notes: ℗ & © 1974 Island Records. Matrix numbers (e.g., WIP 6211 A-1U) confirm authenticity. The single promoted Propaganda (November 1974).

Country Variations

The single was released in several countries with variations:

UK (Island WIP 6211): Released October 11, 1974. Tracklist: “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” / “Alabamy Right.” Picture sleeve with band imagery.

Germany (Island 14C 006 94817): Released October 1974.

Same tracklist, catalogue 14C 006 94817, German sleeve with localized text.

France (Island 12 224): Released October 1974.

Same tracklist, catalogue 12 224, picture sleeve with French text.

Netherlands (Island 6012 224): Released October 1974. Same tracklist, catalogue 6012 224, Dutch sleeve.

Australia (Island 45-1189): Released late 1974. Same tracklist, catalogue 45-1189, company sleeve.

US: Not released as a single; Propaganda was issued on Island (ILPS 9292), but the single was overlooked.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1974 at Chateau d’Hérouville, France, the single was produced by Muff Winwood, with the lineup: Russell Mael (vocals), Ron Mael (keyboards), Ian McLagan (bass), Dinky Diamond (drums), and session strings. The A-side’s arrangement drew from Sparks’ glam phase, blending vaudeville with environmental themes. Released as glam waned, it bridged Kimono My House (1974) and Propaganda, competing with Roxy Music and Queen but finding niche appeal.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

The “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” single was a standalone release from Propaganda:

Cover of Sparks' 1974 single "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" / "Alabamy Right," released in France under the Island label.

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 13 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 6 weeks.

Ireland: No. 8.

Germany: No. 40 (GfK).

Belgium: No. 48 (Ultratop Flanders).

Australia: No. 45 (Kent Music Report).

Netherlands: No. 25 (Single Top 100).

France: No. 35.

Other Countries: No chart entries in US, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, or Japan due to limited promotion.

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: October 26, 1974.

Peak: No. 13 (November 2, 1974).

Weeks on Chart: 6 (Oct 26–Nov 30, 1974).

Chart Run: No. 25 (Oct 26), No. 13 (Nov 2), No. 14 (Nov 9), No. 20 (Nov 16), No. 28 (Nov 23), No. 35 (Nov 30).

Single Chart Performance

“Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” peaked at No. 13 in the UK, charting for 6 weeks, and saw modest success in Europe, reflecting Sparks' cult status amid the glam-to-punk shift.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth” is a baroque glam classic, covered by Depeche Mode (1987 flexi-disc), Martin Gore (1989), and Neko Case (2009). The B-side’s whimsy highlights Sparks’ eccentricity.

This single is a shimmering artifact of Sparks’ theatrical genius.

Have you snagged this Sparks gem in your vinyl collection? Does “Mother Earth” resonate? Share in the comments!