This was the fourth 7" 45rpm vinyl single released by The Wurzels after Adge Cutler's death. It was released on 10th June 1977 on the EMI record label, catalogue number EMI2637. It entered the UK singles charts on 25 June 1977 for 5 weeks reaching number 32.
At the time of the recording of this single The Wurzels consisted of Pete Budd, Tommy Banner and Tony Baylis, all of who had been supporting Adge Cutler at the time of his death three years earlier.
Both tracks on this single - Farmer Bill's Cowman (the 'A' side) and Springtime - were new and previously unreleased tracks. They were both studio recordings (recordings that took place at EMI's Abbey Road Studios). The title track was released on the 1977 LP 'Give Me England' but the 'B' side didn't appear as an album release until June 1979 on the 'I Am A Cider Drinker' LP.
The examples below are taken from the collection of Professor Wurzel and represent what a collector should expect to find. Generally The Wurzels' vinyl single releases from 1975 onwards tended to have an initial pressing run and were then taken off the catalogue. Matrix, Mother and Stamper codes were still used on the vinyl and the information centred around Adge's 1960's recordings that can be found on the Main Menu under 'Vinyl Collecting Guides' remains relevant (with minor changes between different record labels).All variations of this single contain a humorous phrase hand-etched into the original master. On the A side can be found ANIKICUT This was engraved onto the master by the EMI mastering engineer, Nick Webb.
Image 1: EMI2637 was issued on the standard EMI red/tan label. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2637 A-1 1 GA 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2637 B-1 1 GO
Image 2: As can be seen by the sticker on this example of EMI2637 this is a 'factory sample' - a disc removed from the production line at random to have quality checks carried out on it. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2637 A-1 1 GA 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2637 B-1 1 GO
Image 3: Example of a demonstration (or promotional) copy of EMI2637 on the darker label. These copies were produced for radio stations etc. DEMO RECORD NOT FOR RESALE has been printed on both sides. The title track of the single has been highlighted with a large 'A' on the appropriate side. Unusually the release date has not been included. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2637 A-1 1 G 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2637 B-1 1 G
This single came in the standard EMI company sleeve - front as shown in top image, the rear as shown right. This sleeve was first used on 1st July 1973. Early sleeves look very much identical except that the text 'EMI Records' is followed by The Gramophone Company Limited' on the earlier 1970-73 sleeve.
Interesting collector's item. This example of EMI2637 comes from the personal collection of record producer Bob Barrett, his distinctive handwritten notes can be clearly seen on the sleeve.
An interesting little collector's item - copy of this single autographed by all three band members.