The Scottish duo Strawberry Switchblade is perhaps best known for their hit 'Since yesterday', which earned them a status as one hit wonders in most parts of Europe. In the UK it reached number 5 before the end of 1984, and after that they never managed to scrape the top 40 again.'Who knows what love is' was, after 'Let her go', the third single to be taken from their self-titled debut album. It is a perfect slice of melancholy pop.
I first heard the track while I was recording tapes for a radio station. Back in 1985 and 1986 I did this from time to time. While using the great record collection I had at my disposal I discovered loads of great tracks. I wasn't always able to buy them myself and this one was a good example: I only bought my copy of this single in August 1998 - more than a decade later!
'Who knows what love is' was released on the Korova label, which was distributed by WEA (Warner). The track was edited for the single version and backed with a non-album track, 'Poor hearts'.
There is a wealth of information about Strawberry Switchblade, as well as mp3 downloads, on the website strawberryswitchblade.net. And you can find a collection of rare tracks, including an interesting extended version of 'Who knows what love is' on the great Mine for life blog.
My collection: 7" single no. 3012
Found: Wreckastow, Rotterdam, 1998
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Who knows what love is' / 'Poor hearts'
Download: here
The Strawberry Switchblade album was produced by David Motion, but the record company felt his work was a bit too spiky for a coule of tracks so sent Phil Thornalley in to re-do them, and that's the version you know as the single.
ReplyDeleteIt has such a swoony glide, Motion's version is much more percussive. It was never released, but is available for download at strawberryswitchblade.net.
pedantic point of information; Since Yesterday got in the top five in early 1985, not 1984. it was released in 84, and then over the Christmas break the record company did a massive publicity campaign (TV adverts and everything!) for it that pushed it into the top ten.