Sparks (October 19, 1979) – "Tryouts For The Human Race" b/w "Tryouts For The Human Race (Long Version)" 7" Single : UK

Oct 18, 1979

3 min read

Released on October 19, 1979, Tryouts For The Human Race was issued in the UK by Virgin as a 7" single. The release paired the shorter 3:15 version with the extended 6:05 Long Version on the reverse.

The single was taken from No. 1 In Heaven and reflected the electronic direction of Sparks during this period, blending synth-pop and disco. Both versions were written by Ron Mael, Giorgio Moroder and Russell Mael, with Moroder producing the recording.

The single reached number 45 on the UK Singles Chart and remained on the chart for five weeks.

Produced by Giorgio Moroder for Mellow B.V.

The UK edition was pressed at the CBS Pressing Plant in Aston Clinton, while the lacquer was cut at Utopia Studios.

STYLE & THEMES

Tryouts For The Human Race combines electronic, synth-pop and disco elements, placing the Mael brothers' distinctive songwriting within Giorgio Moroder's electronic production style.

The long version expands the track considerably, extending the arrangement from the 3:15 single version to 6:05.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Tryouts For The Human Race — The 3:15 version issued as the A-side of the UK 7".

• Tryouts For The Human Race (Long Version) — The extended 6:05 version issued as the B-side.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released October 19, 1979 in the UK on Virgin.

The principal commercial edition was a 7", 45 RPM stereo single carrying catalogue number VS 289.

Numerous additional 1979 editions were produced, including a series of coloured 12" picture discs, a UK acetate and several US Elektra editions.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

Date	Position
October 27, 1979	74
November 3, 1979	45
November 10, 1979	46
November 17, 1979	56
November 24, 1979	69

Peak Position: 45

Total Weeks: 5

PERSONNEL

Sparks — performance

Ron Mael — songwriting

Russell Mael — songwriting

Giorgio Moroder — songwriting, production

PRODUCTION

Produced by Giorgio Moroder

Photography: Brian Cooke

Sleeve: Cooke Key

Label: Virgin

Catalogue numbers:

• VS 289

NOTES:

Taken from the album No. 1 In Heaven, catalogue V2115.

The UK 7" appeared with two label types because CBS Aston Clinton used two types of presses for 7" singles.

Solid-centre copies were issued.

Release date from The New Singles No. 796.

COUNTRY VARIANTS

Country	Format / Variant	Label	Catalogue	Year
UK	7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo	Virgin	VS 289 / VS289	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Blue Marbled	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Blue	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Opaque Yellow	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Transparent Yellow	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Green	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Orange	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", Picture Disc, Mottled	Virgin	VS28912	1979
UK	12", 45 RPM, Acetate	Not On Label	None	1979
USA	7", Promo, Stereo / Mono, Specialty Pressing	Elektra	E-46045	1979
USA	7", Test Pressing, Stereo	Elektra	ES46045	1979
USA	7", 45 RPM, Stereo	Elektra	E-46045	1979
USA	7", Single, Red Label	Elektra	E-46045	1979
USA	7", Promo, Styrene, Stereo / Mono, Allied Pressing	Elektra	E-46045	1979
USA	12", 33⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo	Elektra	AS-11412-A	1979

TRACKLIST

Format	Position	Track	Time
7"	A	Tryouts For The Human Race	3:15
7"	B	Tryouts For The Human Race (Long Version)	6:05

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2

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