Go West (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Go West"
Villagepeoplegowestsingle.jpg
Single by Village People
from the album Go West
B-side"Citizens of the World"
ReleasedJune 1979
Recorded1978
GenreDisco
Length4:10
LabelCasablanca
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Jacques Morali
Village People singles chronology
"In the Navy"
(1979) 		"Go West"
(1979) 		"Ready for the 80's"
(1979)
Music video
"Go West" on YouTube

"Go West" is a song by American disco group Village People, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album of the same name (1979). It was written by Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo and the group's lead singer Victor Willis. The song was successful in the disco scene during the late 1970s. "Go West" found further success when it was covered in 1993 by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys.

Village People version[]

The song's title is attributed to the 19th-century quote "Go West, young man" commonly attributed to Horace Greeley, a rallying cry for the colonization of the American West, but also an invitation to pursue one's own dreams and individuality. The melody resembles that of the State Anthem of the Soviet Union composed by Alexander Alexandrov.[1]

Both the 7″ and 12″ versions of the song were subsequently collected on various greatest hits albums, including a 1997 radio remix which was made in the wake of the success of Pet Shop Boys' 1993 version.

Copyright lawsuit[]

On May 7, 2012, in a landmark ruling in accordance with the Copyright Act of 1976, Victor Willis owns (recaptures) 33% of "Go West" and other Village People hits.[2]

Charts[]

Chart (1979) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[3] 12
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[4] 41
Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)[5] 13
Ireland (IRMA)[6] 15
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[7] 31
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[8] 29
UK Singles (OCC)[9] 15
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 45
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[11]
"In the Navy"/"Manhattan Woman"/"Go West" 		14

Pet Shop Boys version[]

"Go West"
Pet-Shop-Boys-Go-West-22506.jpg
Single by Pet Shop Boys
from the album Very
B-side"Shameless"
ReleasedSeptember 6, 1993 (1993-09-06)
Recorded1992–1993
Genre
Length
  • 8:21 (album version)
  • 5:03 (single version)
LabelParlophone
Songwriter(s)
  • Jacques Morali
  • Henri Belolo
  • Victor Willis
  • Neil Tennant[a]
  • Chris Lowe[a]
Producer(s)Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys singles chronology
"Can You Forgive Her?"
(1993) 		"Go West"
(1993) 		"I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing"
(1993)
Music video
"Go West" on YouTube

In 1992, when Pet Shop Boys were asked by Derek Jarman to perform at an AIDS charity event at The Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, Chris Lowe of the duo selected "Go West" as the song they would perform. Though singer Neil Tennant was unable to remember the lyrics during that performance, the two decided to record it as a single.[12]

Release[]

The original single version of the song, set for an earlier release in 1992 as a non-album single, was never used. However, both its extended dance mix, and its similarly unreleased B-side "Forever in Love" (an edited version was released on Very Relentless in 1993), were eventually released on the 2001 expanded reissue of Very. Instead, the song was released in a different version on September 6, 1993, as the second single from Very, and featuring the B-side "Shameless".[13] This release included remixes by Brothers in Rhythm, Farley & Heller, Kevin Saunderson, and Mark Stent. The single peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and number one in Finland, Germany and Iceland. The single also reached number one in Ireland, becoming the last of the duo's four Irish number-one singles to date, and topped the US Billboard Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart.

Changes[]

The new version enhances the basis of the original's chord progression in Pachelbel's Canon, bringing the theme to the forefront at the opening of the song.[12][1] In addition to the Canon elements, it included a new introduction which Lowe later said "does sound surprisingly like the former Soviet anthem".[14] The song also underwent extensive reworking of its instrumental tracks, with producers Stephen Hague and Mark Stent credited for the mixing, as well as an all-male Broadway choir arranged by Richard Niles (said by Tennant to be inspired by the song "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" from the Broadway musical South Pacific).[12] In addition, Tennant and Lowe wrote a new coda and a bridge for the song, with the lyrics:

There where the air is free
we'll be what we want to be
Now if we make a stand
we'll find our promised land[15]

Critical reception[]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic said the song is a "bizarrely moving" cover.[16] Larry Flick from Billboard commented, "Nothing better captures the tone of bittersweet joy and drama that permeates Very than PSB's cover of the Village People nugget, 'Go West'. Covered with thick layers of pillowy synths, the track swaps the male-bonding vibe of the original with a wistful demeanor that's lined with a pensive subtext of loss".[17] In the single review, he described it as a "gorgeous reading", adding that Neil Tennant "gives the happy, male-bonding lyrics a wistful, almost melancholy edge—an odd but successful contrast to the fist-waving chants at the chorus".[18] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report called the track an "uptempo, melodic pop winner".[19] Lennox Herald noted it as a "90s update" of the disco anthem, and an "outside bet for the top spot".[20] Liverpool Echo said it is the "funniest thing they've done for ages", noting that it "comes complete with butch male chorus contrasting with the Pet Shop Boys' sweet and innocent vocals."[21] Music & Media wrote, "The emperors of synth pop are backed by a Cossack choir. Blue helmets replace the Indian head dress and stetson, worn by the original singers of the song, the Village People."[22] Reading Evening Post commented, "Seagulls and strings usher in this version of the Village People song. It's insistent and instantly catchy, and brings to mind the song YMCA even without knowing who originally sang this track." They stated, "Go West will obviously be a hit".[23] Gavin Reeve from Smash Hits gave it two out of five, adding, "Neil and Chris have dug up an old Village People hit from the '70s and changed it from a singalong disco number to a... singalong disco number."[24] David Petrilla from The Weekender said it "sounds like The Village People meet Al Stewart", adding, "expect to start marching in place and finding your arms up in the air when you hear it."[25]

Music video[]

The music video was directed by British director Howard Greenhalgh and relies heavily on computer-generated imagery, like all of his videos for the Very singles. It begins with a red Statue of Liberty, and then depicts a grey city where the communist domination is evident on the basis of Soviet imagery such as red stars and red flags, the Yuri Gagarin Monument (a spaceman on a column) and the Monument to the Conquerors of Space (a rocket on a spire-like pedestal). Troops of identical Soviet men march up a staircase stretching into the clouds, seemingly toward a Western society, with the Statue of Liberty, now appearing as a black diva looming in the distance (played by backing-vocalist Sylvia Mason-James). Tennant and Lowe appear throughout; Tennant carries a blue-and-yellow striped arrow staff, and Lowe travels on a flying surfboard. Occasional live action shots of Soviet iconography appear; in one Tennant and Lowe appear in their costumes, walking across Red Square.

The video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 1995, losing to "Love Is Strong" by The Rolling Stones.[26] The "Go West" costumes were parodied in the video for their later 2006 single, "I'm with Stupid".[27]

Track listings[]

  • UK 7-inch single
    1. "Go West" – 5:03
    2. "Shameless" – 5:0400
  • UK 12-inch single
    • A. "Go West" (Mings Gone West: First and Second Movement) – 10:12
    • B1. "Go West" (Farley and Heller Disco Mix) – 6:01
    • B2. "Go West" (Kevin Saunderson Tribe Mix) – 6:50
  • UK CD single
    1. "Go West" – 5:03
    2. "Shameless" – 5:04
    3. "Go West" (Ming's Gone West: First and Second Movement) – 10:12
  • US CD single
    1. "Go West" – 5:03
    2. "Shameless" – 5:04
    3. "Go West" (Ming's Gone West: First and Second Movement) – 10:12
    4. "Go West" (Farley and Heller Disco Mix) – 6:01
    5. "Go West" (Farley and Heller Fire Island Mix) – 7:42
    6. "Go West" (Kevin Saunderson Tribe Mix) – 6:50
    7. "Go West" (Kevin Saunderson Trance Mix) – 6:53

Charts and certifications[]

Other versions[]

Many football clubs throughout the world (primarily in Germany and England, but also Paris Saint-Germain) have created their own renditions of "Go West" to be sung by supporters on matchday. Borussia Dortmund began this tradition in 1993 with their version entitled "Olé, jetzt kommt der BVB" ("Olé, here comes the BVB"),[64] while fans of FC Schalke 04 originated the popular and influential "Steht auf, wenn ihr Schalker seid!" ("Stand Up, if you're a Schalke Fan").[65] Also the fans of the Poland national football team and of the Poland national teams in other sports traditionally sing "Polska, biało-czerwoni" ("Poland, white and red") to the melody of the song.[66][67] Versions observed in English include "go home to your sexy wives" and others.[68]

German metal band JBO covered the song on their 1997 Album laut (loud), entitled "Ein Fest" (a party), mocking the song.

Remixed Eurodance versions of the song have appeared on the Dancemania series albums, including Dancemania SPEED 4 issued in 2000.[69]

Clubringer covered the song in 2003 with a trance CD single released in Poland. Four versions of the song were created.

The Swedish PSB cover band West End Girls released their version of the song in January 2006. In 2007, classical singer Rhydian performed the song on The X Factor, surrounded by men in sailor outfits.

Austrian baritone singer Patrizio Buanne used the notes and changed its lyrics in the song "Stand Up (Champions Theme)", which was included in some versions of his 2006 album Forever Begins Tonight.

German pop singer Mickie Krause covered the song on his 2008 album 10 Jahre – Gute Unterhaltung entitled "Orange trägt nur die Müllabfuhr". On the occasion of the UEFA Euro 2008 football championship, he published the chorus melody that directed against the Netherlands' abusive song, alluding to the traditional orange jersey of the Dutch national football team.

British comedy band The Wurzels covered the song on their 2010 album A Load More Bullocks.[70]

Osem, the Israeli food giant, created a commercial for its ketchup based on the Pet Shop Boys video clip and song version a short time after the single was released.

Hermes House Band released a version in 2006.

Bulgarian comedy band Zamunda Banana Band's "Назад към природата" ("Back to Nature") is a parody of "Go West".

The Japanese pop group Beyooooonds covered the song on their debut single, titled "Go Waist". Beyooooonds interprets "Go West" as a waist exercise song.[71]

British retailer GO Outdoors parody the song in a 2016 advert,[72] altering the lyric "Go west" to "Go there".

Highways England have also parodied the song, changing the lyrics to 'Go Left' to encourage people to pull over on the left hand side of the motorway when breaking down.

In popular culture[]

The Village People version of "Go West" features in the film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and in the stage musical adaptation as the three lead characters leave Sydney for Alice Springs (which lies just over 2,000 kilometres north-west of Sydney as the crow flies).

The Pet Shop Boys version of the song is played in the first and last scenes of award-winning Chinese director Jia Zhangke's film Mountains May Depart (2015). In many of Jia's films, the 'turn' China has made towards 'the West' is a central theme – Mountains May Depart is no exception. Also, the song serves as a unifying element: it connects the first part of the film (set in 1999) to the final scene (set in 2025), creating a poignant effect which several critics have praised; David Rooney of the Hollywood Reporter called the ending "a beautiful concluding sequence that reaffirms the film's aching depth of feeling and extraordinary sense of place".[73]

Sharwood's used the melody for an advertising jingle for an advertising campaign for their products in circa 2008, substituting "Go West" for "Go East".[citation needed]

In 2021, Highways England used the melody in a public information film about what to do in the event of getting into difficulty on the motorway (pulling up left on the hard shoulder and disembarking the vehicle on the left hand side); the campaign was aptly named "Go Left".[74]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Additional music and lyrics

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Little, Harriett Fitch (June 26, 2017). "How the US doctrine of manifest destiny became the gay anthem Go West". Financial Times. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  2. ^ Pettersson, Edvard (May 8, 2012). "Village People Motorcycle Cop Wins 'YMCA' Copyright Case". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012.
  3. ^ "Ultratop.be – Village People – Go West" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  4. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 4546a." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  5. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 4537." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Go West". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  7. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Village People" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  8. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Village People – Go West" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  9. ^ "Village People: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  10. ^ "Village People Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  11. ^ "Village People Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Interviews – Very Go West". Pet Shop Boys unofficial website. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  13. ^ "Single Releases" (PDF). Music Week. September 4, 1993. p. 25. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  14. ^ Liner notes from 2001 CD reissue.
  15. ^ "Go West (lyrics)". Pet Shop Boys official website. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  16. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Pet Shop Boys – Very". AllMusic. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  17. ^ Flick, Larry (October 2, 1993). "Dance Trax: Pet Shop Boys Are So 'Very'; Summit Keynoters" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 105 no. 40. p. 27. ISSN 0006-2510 – via World Radio History.
  18. ^ Flick, Larry (November 6, 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 67. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  19. ^ Sholin, Dave (October 29, 1993). "Gavin Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. No. 1978. p. 50 – via World Radio History.
  20. ^ Lennox Herald. September 10, 1993. p. 30. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  21. ^ "Laugh-along with the Boys". Liverpool Echo. September 10, 1993. p. 31. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  22. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 39. September 25, 1993. p. 16. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  23. ^ Reading Evening Post. September 10, 1993. p. 43. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  24. ^ Reeve, Gavin (September 1, 1993). "New Singles". Smash Hits. p. 52. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  25. ^ Petrilla, David (November 11, 1993). "Record Review and New Releases". p. 14. The Weekender.
  26. ^ "Past Winners Database: 1994 37th Grammy Awards". The Envelope: The Ultimate Awards Site. Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 17, 2006. Retrieved October 28, 2006.
  27. ^ "The new video: exclusive tonight". Pet Shop Boys official website news. April 14, 2006. Retrieved May 21, 2006.
  28. ^ "Australian-charts.com – Pet Shop Boys – Go West". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  29. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Pet Shop Boys – Go West" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  30. ^ "Ultratop.be – Pet Shop Boys – Go West" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  31. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2340." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  32. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 2313." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  33. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 45. November 6, 1993. p. 15. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  34. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 45. November 6, 1993. p. 17. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  35. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 233. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.
  36. ^ "Lescharts.com – Pet Shop Boys – Go West" (in French). Les classement single.
  37. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Pet Shop Boys – Go West" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  38. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 – Vikan 30.09–06.10". DV (in Icelandic). September 30, 1993. p. 20. ISSN 1021-8254 – via Timarit.is.
  39. ^ "ペット・ショップ・ボーイズのシングル売り上げランキング" [Pet Shop Boys single sales ranking] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on March 19, 2011. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  40. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 48, 1993" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  41. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Pet Shop Boys – Go West" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  42. ^ "Charts.nz – Pet Shop Boys – Go West". Top 40 Singles.
  43. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Pet Shop Boys – Go West". VG-lista.
  44. ^ Salaverrie, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  45. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Pet Shop Boys – Go West". Singles Top 100.
  46. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Pet Shop Boys – Go West". Swiss Singles Chart.
  47. ^ "Pet Shop Boys: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  48. ^ "Pet Shop Boys Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  49. ^ "Pet Shop Boys Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  50. ^ "Pet Shop Boys Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  51. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  52. ^ "Jahreshitparade Singles 1993". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  53. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1993 – Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  54. ^ "1993 Year-End Sales Charts" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 51/52. December 18, 1993. p. 15. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  55. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts – 1993" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  56. ^ "Árslistinn 1993". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). January 4, 1994. p. 16. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  57. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1993" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  58. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1993" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  59. ^ "Top 100 Singles 1993". Music Week. January 15, 1994. p. 24. ISSN 0265-1548.
  60. ^ "1994 in Review – Sales Charts" (PDF). Music & Media. December 24, 1994. p. 24. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  61. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  62. ^ "Austrian single certifications – Pet Shop Boys – Go West" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  63. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Pet Shop Boys; 'Go West')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  64. ^ Price, Glenn (April 7, 2016). "The story of YNWA and Borussia Dortmund". The Liverpool Football Club. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  65. ^ Khawaja, Jemayel (December 13, 2016). "The 300-Year Journey From Classical Standard To Gay Disco Anthem to the Most Iconic Anthem in Soccer". Deadspin. Univision Communications. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  66. ^ http://mowimyjak.se.pl/newsy/mundial-euro/polska-biao-czerwoni-skad-wziea-sie-melodia-stadionowej-piosenki,118_43132.html
  67. ^ http://michalgramatyka.natemat.pl/17801,od-pachelbela-do-bialo-czerwonych
  68. ^ "'Go home to your sexy wives': Irish fans lead the way at Euro 2016". New Zealand Herald. June 17, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
  69. ^ "Various – Dancemania Speed 4 (CD)". Discogs.com. March 8, 2000.
  70. ^ "Wurzel World – Shop". Thewurzels.com. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  71. ^ "BEYOOOOONDS – Megane no Otoko no Ko/Nippon no D N A/Go Waist".
  72. ^ "Go Outdoors 'Go There' TV Advert Behind the Scenes Video". YouTube. May 18, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  73. ^ "Jia Zhang-ke's 'Mountains May Depart': Cannes Review". The Hollywood Reporter. May 19, 2015.
  74. ^ https://highwaysengland.co.uk/about-us/go-left-we-launch-our-biggest-ever-motorway-safety-campaign/

Further reading[]

External links[]


Retrieved from ""