Thank you world - World Party

The 1991 single 'Thank you world' by World Party was released in between albums. 1990's 'Goodbye Jumbo' had been relatively successful, but the next album would only appear in 1993.

The chart performance of this single was disappointing, reaching number 68 in the UK singles chart during a one week chart run. Even the cover of the Beatles' 'Happiness is a warm gun' on the cd-single didn't help matters. This 7" single features two versions of 'Thank you world'. To be honest: I don't play it much myself.

My collection: 7" single no. 1488
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, July 4, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Thank you world' / 'Thank you world (Peter Lorimer remix)'

Ship of fools - World Party

World Party was essentially the project of Karl Wallinger, as he was the sole member of the band. The debut album 'Private revolution' was released in 1986 and contained the debut single 'Ship of fools', a retro-sounding track like most of the work on that album. The single reached number 42 in the UK singles chart and number 35 in the Dutch Top 40.

A 'Ship of fools' is actually an allegory that is a fixture in Western literature and art. The allegory depicts a vessel populated by human inhabitants who are deranged, frivolous, or oblivious, passengers aboard a ship without a pilot, and seemingly ignorant of their own direction.

My collection: 7" single no. 530
Found: Free Record Shop, 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Ship of fools' / 'World groove (Do the mind guerrilla)'

Message in the box - World Party

World Party is a British pop/rock band, consisting of only one member, Karl Wallinger. He started World Party after he left the Waterboys in 1985. In 1987, he released the first album titled 'Private Revolution', but it wasn't until 1990, when he released 'Goodbye Jumbo', that his music got more widespread notice. 'Message in the box' was the first single taken from the album. It reached number 39 in the UK singles chart.

I bought this single box set in 2004, when I visited London. The box included, besides the single, a button and a large poster, both promoting the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 3408

Found: Record Exchange, London, December 2004

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Message in the box' / 'Nature girl'

Download: here