She Bangs The Drums
- Dec 20, 2024
- 2 min read
"She Bangs the Drums" was released as the second single from their self-titled debut album in 1989. It was made available in the UK, Japan, and Germany. The single became their first to enter the Top 40, reaching number 36 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1989. A reissue in March 1990 saw the single rise by two positions.
The single featured a distinctly different mix of "She Bangs the Drums" compared to the album version. The hi-hat introduction present in the album version was omitted, and it included a slightly heavier guitar sound along with a marginally altered backing vocal arrangement. This version of the single is the one most frequently used for compilations and radio broadcasts. The CD and cassette singles were notable for their strong selection of B-sides: "Standing Here," "Mersey Paradise," and the track "Simone," which plays backward. The song was composed by Ian Brown and John Squire, with Brown writing the verse lyrics and Squire responsible for the chorus, although an early acoustic demo features an unused chorus written by Brown.
In May 2007, NME magazine ranked "She Bangs the Drums" at number 12 on its list of the "50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever." Additionally, the track was placed at number 26 on PopMatters' "The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s" list. The song is also included as a bonus track in the 2007 music rhythm game Guitar Hero III, although it is not presented as a master recording.
Two music videos were created for "She Bangs the Drums." The first video, filmed in January 1989, depicts the band recording in a studio, with scenes of the members playfully interacting in slow motion, set against the backdrop of Squire's artwork. The second video includes footage from the Roses' iconic performance at Blackpool Empress Ballroom on August 12, 1989. This latter video is now more frequently broadcast on television than the original.
Track listings
7-inch vinyl (Silvertone ORE 6)
"She Bangs the Drums" – 3:43
"Standing Here" – 5:05
12-inch vinyl (Silvertone ORE T 6)
"She Bangs the Drums" – 3:43 "Mersey Paradise" – 2:44
"Standing Here" – 5:05
Cassette (Silvertone ORE C 6), CD (Silvertone ORE CD 6)
"She Bangs the Drums" – 3:43 "Mersey Paradise" – 2:44 "Standing Here" – 5:05
"Simone" – 4:24
