The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'

"The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in September 1968. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.[2]

"The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'"
Cover of the single released in Germany
Single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
B-side"Still Life"
Released13 September 1968 (1968-09-13)
Recorded13 August 1968[1]
StudioPhilips Studios, Stanhope House, London
GenrePop rock
Length3:06
LabelFontana
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Steve Rowland
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich singles chronology
"Last Night in Soho"
(1968)		 "The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'"
(1968)		 "Run Colorado"
(1969)

Background and release

The song title refers to the Antoinette, a barque that was shipwrecked on the Doom Bar. The song details the romance between a girl and a fictionalised crew member who drowned in the sinking of the Antoinette.[3] The first lyrics of the spoken intro, "full fathom five", are taken from William Shakespeare's play The Tempest.[1]

The single was scheduled for release in the US by Imperial Records in November 1968, but it remains unreleased there.[4]

Reception

Reviewing for New Musical Express, Derek Johnson wrote that "two tiny faults struck me – I wasn't very keen on the sombre monologue opening; and the routine is taken at such a frantic pace that, occasionally, one gets the impression of too many words being crammed into each line". But he also wrote that "in the main, this is fast-moving, punchy and electrifying".[5] Chris Welch for Melody Maker wrote that "a furious rock beat prevails, and pressure rises throughout the voyage. Clever lyrics once again by the jolly tars from Hampstead, and a harpoon of a hit".[6] For Record Mirror, Peter Jones wrote "interesting intro sets the scene, then that extremely distinctive vocal sound takes over, spearheaded by Dave himself. Easy melody line, good lyrics, usual high spirits… oh, yes, a hit".[3]

Track listing
  1. "The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'" – 3:06
  2. "Still Life" – 2:59

Charts
Chart (1968–69) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[7] 48
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[8] 19
Germany (Official German Charts)[9] 21
Malaysia (Radio Malaysia)[10] 5
New Zealand (Listener)[11] 1
Rhodesia (Lyons Maid)[12] 12
Singapore (Radio Singapore)[13] 1
South Africa (Springbok Radio)[14] 17
UK Singles (OCC)[2] 14

References
  1. "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, & Tich – August 1968". 11 November 2016. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  2. "Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick Tich: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  3. "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, & Tich – September 1968". 11 November 2016. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  4. "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick And Tich - The Wreck Of The Antoinette". 45cat. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  5. "Dave Dee electrifies" (PDF). New Musical Express. 14 September 1968. p. 6. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  6. "New Pop Singles" (PDF). Melody Maker. 14 September 1968. p. 17. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  7. Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-44439-5.
  8. ""Antoinette"&cat=s Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich – The Wreck of the "Antoinette"" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  9. "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich – The Wreck of the "Antoinette"" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  10. "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. 14 December 1968. p. 68. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  11. "flavour of new zealand - search listener". www.flavourofnz.co.nz. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  12. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: Singles Chart Book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  13. "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. 18 January 1969. p. 79. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  14. "South African Rock Lists Website - SA Charts 1965 - 1989 Acts (D)". 8 July 2019. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
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