So Young
- Dec 29, 2024
- 2 min read
"So Young/Tell Me" burst onto the scene in 1985 with the electrifying energy of a punk rock kid, thanks to Martin Hannett's magical production and Thin Line's release. While this debut double A-side single might have stealthily slipped under the radar outside Manchester—like a ninja at a loud party—it delivers a knockout with its fierce punk/new wave vibe, a stark contrast to the band's later work. Reni, in particular, drums like a squirrel on caffeine, ensuring his incredible rhythm skills grab everyone's attention!
Background
"So Young" started off with the gloomy name "Misery Dictionary," but the band decided to give it a makeover to avoid sounding like a bunch of sad sacks. Plus, they didn't want folks thinking they were cribbing from the Smiths' playbook, with their own downer hits like "Miserable Lie" and "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now."
Recording
Recorded at Strawberry Studios, the double A-side 12-inch vinyl single was the producer Martin Hannett's first release with tape operator David Wood on Hannett's newly created Thinline Records under the catalogue number THIN001.
Artwork
The front cover artwork was produced by John Squire, who smashed an old transistor radio and then glued the parts together.
Release and reception
Ian Brown has "agedly" distanced himself from the songs, saying he "wouldn't pay 10p for it now" and that it sounded like "four lads trying to get out of Manchester".
The single later appeared as part of the Compact Disc Singles Collection, an 8-CD collection of the band's singles released by Silvertone in 1992. Both songs also featured on the compilation albums .
The Complete Stone Roses (1995) and Garage Flower (1996).
Track listings
1985 release
"So Young/Tell Me" on the cover
12-inch vinyl (Thin Line THIN 001)
"So Young" (3:30) "Tell Me" (3:50)
1992 issue with just "So Young" on the cover
CD (Silvertone ORE CD 37) only available as part of a box set
"So Young" (3:30) "Tell Me" (3:50)
