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Roman P
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Wikipedia article
'"Roman P"' is a song by Psychic TV about director Roman Polanski.
"Roman P." was first performed in nascent form during Psychic TV's 1983 gigs. This early version can be found on the live albums 'N.Y. Scum' and 'Those Who Do Not'. Of the many versions of the song, the best known is the "Fireball Mix" (from the 'Magickal Mystery D Tour' EP), which was featured in a mid-1990s Volkswagen commercial, to the confusion of many fans.
Single
The A-side of the original 7" single release features the "Short Version" of the titular song. The B-side, credited to Thee Temple Ov Psychick Youth and entitled "Neurology," contains a message from Mr. Sebastian, a spokesman for TOPY, as well as collaged speeches by Charles Manson and Jim Jones which run simultaneously in different stereo channels, and references to Sharon Tate.Wells, Simon (2009) 'Charles Manson: Coming Down Fast', Hodder, The B-side is double-grooved, which results in hearing either one of the two tracks when it is played from the start. The B-sides, the Fireball Mix, and the full-length recording of the original studio version of "Roman P" (which Sordide Sentimental previously released on the 1987 CD-Video 'Listen Today...'), later appeared on the compilation CD 'Godstar: The Singles - Pt. Two'.
The first edition was limited to 3003 numbered copies. There is a second edition of unknown unnumbered copies.
"Roman P" gave the band their first hit, reaching number 13 on the UK Independent Chart and staying on the chart for nine weeks.Lazell, Barry (1997) 'Indie Hits 1980-1989', Cherry Red Books, , p. 179
Track listing
'Side A'
Psychic TV (PTV): "Roman P (Short Version)"
'Side B'
Thee Temple Ov Psychick Youth (TOPY): "Neurology"
1. TOPY Spokesman '(spelled "TOPY's Spokeman" on the single sleeve)'
2a. Jim Jones (right)
2b. Charles Manson (left)
Reissue with "Good Vibrations"
"Roman P" was re-issued as a double A-side in 1986 with a cover version of "Good Vibrations". The single reached number 48 on the UK Singles Chart and number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100.Roberts, David (2004) 'Guinness British Hit Singles and Albums - 17th Edition', Guinness World Records Limited, , p. 440Rust, Victor (2010) 'The Cliff Richard Recording Catalogue', , p. 176
Covers
A version of this song was recorded by the electro-industrial band Asmodeus X on their album 'Morningstar'.
References
Category:1984 singles
Category:Psychic TV songs
Category:Roman Polanski
Category:1984 songs
Category:Works about film directors and producers
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