This was the ninth 7" 45 rpm vinyl single by Adge Cutler & The Wurzels, released on 28th May 1971. It was issued on the Columbia EMI record label in stereo (the first of Adge's singles to be released in stereo), catalogue number DB8793
At the time of both the recording and release of this single the Wurzels supporting Adge were Reg Quantrill, Tommy Banner and Tony Baylis.
'Poor, Poor Farmer' was originally written and recorded in 1961 by the Canadian Keray Regan - a song that reached #1 on the Canadian charts and became Keray’s most famous contribution to Canadian country music - it went on to be recorded in 32 countries. This single was Adge's debut with 'Poor Poor Farmer'. It is a studio recording that also appeared on the 'Don't Tell I, Tell 'Ee' LP in 1972. On that album the end of the track had audience cheering superimposed. 'Chitterling' was another of Adge's own compositions, making its first recording appearance. Like the A side this is a studio recording and also appeared on the 'Don't Tell I, Tell 'Ee' LP in 1972. The album version has a longer introduction and a count-in by Adge followed by 'let her go then...' The song is then identical to the single until the end when the audience cheering is subtly different on the two versions.
Captioned photograph from the Melody Maker newspaper - action picture from a live gig on 13th February 1971 - three months before the release of this single. from left to right Reg Quantrill, Adge Cutler, Tommy Banner and Tony Baylis.
This single was released on the standard Columbia EMI label and appears to have had only one pressing. Produced in stereo (the first of Adge's singles to be so), it was released on 28th May 1971.The examples below and the associated statistics are taken from the collection of Professor Wurzel and represent what a collector should expect to find. For more information on references to matrix information (including information on acetates), vinyl tax codes , album sleeves, singles sleeves, and Columbia album labels, then use these links or refer to the Vinyl Collecting Guides on the main menu.
Image Ref. 1 1971 pressing of DB8793 with the 7YCA 32889-1 and 7YCA 32890-1 matrix, pressed with a first master, first mother on both sides and 'G' and 'M' stampers on sides A and B respectively. This example has a four-pronged centre. The (outdated) tax code 'KT' is found on the run-off on both sides of the record.
Image Ref. 21971 pressing of DB8793 with the 7YCA 32889-1 and 7YCA 32890-1 matrix, pressed with a first master, first mother on both sides and 'G' stampers on both sides. This example has a solid centre. The (outdated) tax code 'KT' is found on the run-off on both sides of the record.
Image Ref. 31971 Demonstration copy of DB8793 with the 7YCA 32889-1 and 7YCA 32890-1 matrix, pressed with a first master, first mother on both sides and 'G' stampers on both sides. Demonstration (or promotional) copies were produced for radio stations etc. This record, with the standard Columbia green demonstration label, and a large white 'A' to show the primary track, has the release date of 28th May 1971 printed on both sides (28.5.71). The track timings are given as side A 3 minutes 10 seconds and side B 4 minutes 41 seconds. This example has a four-prong centre. The (outdated) tax code 'KT' is found on the run-off on both sides of the
Possibly unique acetate copy of 'Poor Poor Farmer'. This example is a 45rpm 10" single sided metal acetate for Adge's ninth single on a white EmiDisc label. It is rare to find 10" acetates as late as this. The title and artist are typed alongside a handwritten duration of 3 minutes 10 seconds and confirmation that it is a stereo recording. It is faintly date-stamped as 4th May 1971. This particular example comes from Adge's personal collection.
Two unusual copies of the 'Poor Poor Farmer' single. Both came from the personal collection of Bob Barratt - Adge's record producer and close friend - and is known as a Demonstration (or promotional) record - produced for distribution to radio stations etc. Bob's handwriting can be seen on the sleeve giving the record title and his own collection reference numbers (2028 and 2238).
The copy above is a 'factory sample' the one on the left being a demo copy.