STRAWBS (October 13, 1972) – "Lay Down" b/w "Backside" Format: 7" Single: UK

Oct 12, 1972

3 min read

Released on October 13, 1972, "Lay Down" was issued by Strawbs on A&M Records under catalogue number AMS 7035. Written by Dave Cousins, the single became the group's first major chart success, reaching No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

At the time of release, Strawbs were evolving from their folk-oriented roots toward a more expansive progressive rock sound. According to the original A&M Records press release, "Lay Down" was regarded as the band's first serious attempt to establish themselves in the singles market while retaining the musical ambition that had made them a respected album act.

The song would later appear on the 1973 album Bursting At The Seams and remains one of the best-known recordings in the Strawbs catalogue.

RECORDING

"Lay Down" was written by Dave Cousins and produced by Strawbs.

The recording showcased the group's increasingly rock-oriented direction and featured prominent electric guitar work from newly recruited guitarist Dave Lambert.

The album version would later include an extended guitar section not present on the single release.

STYLE & THEMES

Combining progressive folk and progressive rock influences, "Lay Down" is built around powerful vocal harmonies, electric guitar riffs and Mellotron textures.

The lyrics draw inspiration from Psalm 23 and represented one of Dave Cousins' most commercially accessible compositions to date.

The single reflected Strawbs' transition toward a more mainstream rock sound during the early 1970s while retaining the band's characteristic lyrical depth.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Lay Down — Written by Dave Cousins. A progressive rock anthem inspired by Biblical imagery and featuring prominent Mellotron choir effects.

• Backside — Credited to Ciggy Barlust And The Whales From Venus, a pseudonym used by Strawbs. The title was a playful reference to David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona. The track was actually a Strawbs composition credited to the members of the group.

RELEASE HISTORY

"Lay Down" was released by A&M Records in the UK on October 13, 1972.

A note appearing in The New Singles booklet No. 447 listed a release date of October 20, 1972, although contemporary A&M promotional material confirms October 13, 1972.

Demo copies were credited to The Strawbs, while stock copies were issued simply as Strawbs.

The single became the band's first UK hit, peaking at No. 12.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

EUROPE

UK: Official Singles Chart — Peak: 12

PERSONNEL

Dave Cousins — lead vocals, electric guitar

Dave Lambert — lead guitar, backing vocals

John Ford — bass guitar, backing vocals

Blue Weaver — Mellotron

Richard Hudson — drums, backing vocals

PRODUCTION

Produced by Strawbs

Label: A&M Records

Catalogue Number: AMS 7035

NOTES

The original A&M Records press release described "Lay Down" as Strawbs' first real attempt to break into the singles market.

The song was inspired in part by Psalm 23 and marked a significant move toward a more commercial rock sound.

The single version runs shorter than the later album version, which contains an extended guitar solo.

"Backside" was credited to Ciggy Barlust And The Whales From Venus, a Strawbs pseudonym referencing the glam rock era.

The song later appeared on the 1973 album Bursting At The Seams.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
Strawbs	Lay Down	A&M Records	UK	AMS 7035	October 13, 1972	7" Single
The Strawbs	Lay Down	A&M Records	UK	AMS 7035	October 13, 1972	7" Demo Single

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Single	AMS 7035	A. Lay Down B. Backside
7" Demo Single	AMS 7035	A. Lay Down B. Backside

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.

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