The Move (May 21, 1971) Tonight - Single

The Move’s first single on the Harvest label and their biggest hit in three years, written by Roy Wood originally for pop vocal group The New Seekers, reaching No.11 on the UK chart and helping to keep the band relevant during a transitional period.

RELEASE DETAILS

Date: May 21, 1971 (UK)

Catalogue: Harvest HAR 5038

Format: 7" Single

Country: United Kingdom

A-Side: “Tonight”

Written by: Roy Wood

Produced by: Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne

B-Side: “Don’t Mess Me Up” (UK) / “My Marge” (US)

THE STORY Released on May 21, 1971, The Move’s energetic version of “Tonight” became their first chart success since 1968. Jeff Lynne, who had recently joined the band, took lead vocal on the third verse of this Roy Wood composition.

CONTEXT & NOTES Following mixed commercial results with their previous material, “Tonight” marked a strong return for The Move. Originally written by Roy Wood for The New Seekers but kept for his own band, it helped bridge their late 60s pop sound with the evolving rock scene of the early 1970s.

TRACK LIST

UK 7" Single A. Tonight – 3:15 B. Don’t Mess Me Up

US 7" Single A. Tonight B. My Marge

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Singles Chart: Peak Position No. 11

PERSONNEL

• Roy Wood – guitar, vocals

• Jeff Lynne – vocals (third verse), guitar

• Bev Bevan – drums

• Rick Price – bass

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Standard Harvest company sleeve (UK)

• Various international picture sleeves

WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Bright yellow Harvest label with green text. Side A credits the song to Roy Wood and production to Roy Wood & Jeff Lynne.

The Move's 1971 Israeli release titled "Tonight / Don't Mess Me Up" features: Artwork with the band on a vibrant red backdrop Released under the Harvest label Catalog number: HAR 5038

Italian release of "Tonight" by The Move, featuring the track "Don't Mess Me Up" on Harvest label. Catalogue number 3C 006-04819.

UK VARIANTS

• UK 7" Single (Standard) – Harvest HAR 5038, Solid centre

• UK 7" Single – Harvest HAR 5038, 4 Prong Push Out

• UK 7" Single – Harvest HAR 5038, Solid centre NO EMI

• UK 7" Single (Promo) – Harvest HAR 5038, One-sided promo

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS

• Australia – Harvest HAR-9534 (7", 45 RPM)

• Belgium – Harvest 4C 006-04819 M (7")

• France – Harvest 2C 006-04819 M (7", 45 RPM)

• Germany – Harvest 1C 006-04 819 (7", Stereo)

• Greece – Harvest HARG 1506 (7", Knock-out centre)

• Ireland – Harvest HAR 5038 (7", 4 Prong)

• Israel – Harvest HAR 5038 (7")

• Italy – Harvest 3C 006-04819 (7", Stereo)

• Japan – Odeon OR-2847 (7", Promo)

• Netherlands – Harvest 5C 006-04819 (Red / Purple / Pink sleeves)

• New Zealand – Harvest HAR 5038 (7")

• Norway – Harvest 7E 006-04819 M (7")

• Portugal – Stateside 8E 006-4 819 M (7")

• Singapore / Malaysia / Hong Kong – Harvest HAR 5038 (7")

• South Africa – Harvest HARJ 5038 (7", Solid centre)

• Sweden – Harvest 4E 006-04819 M (7")

• United States – Capitol 3126 (7", Stereo) / P-3126 (Promo)

• Yugoslavia – Jugoton SHAR-88480 (7")

RELATED MATERIAL

The Move singles chronology

"Turkish Tram Conductor Blues" (1971)

"Tonight" (1971)

"Chinatown" (1971)

For relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES

Discogs

45cat

BBC Official Charts

Wikipedia

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