This was the second 7" 45rpm vinyl single released by The Wurzels. It was released on 27th August 1976 on the EMI record label, catalogue number EMI2520. It entered the UK singles charts on 11 September 1976 for 9 weeks reaching number 3.
At the time of the recording of this single The Wurzels consisted of Pete Budd, Tommy Banner and Tony Baylis, all of who had been supporting Adge Cutler at the time of his death two years earlier.
Both tracks on this single - 'I Am A Cider Drinker' (the 'A' side) and 'The Back Of My Old Car' - were new and previously unreleased tracks. They were both studio recordings (recordings that took place at EMI's Abbey Road Studios). A promotional music video was produced to accompany this single and can be viewed here. The title track was released on the 'Golden Delicious' LP in April 1977, the 'B' side not being on an LP until the June 1979 release 'I Am A Cider Drinker'.
The examples below are taken from the collection of Professor Wurzel and represent what a collector should expect to find. Generally The Wurzels' vinyl single releases from 1975 onwards tended to have an initial pressing run and were then taken off the catalogue. Matrix, Mother and Stamper codes were still used on the vinyl and the information centred around Adge's 1960's recordings that can be found on the Main Menu under 'Vinyl Collecting Guides' remains relevant (with minor changes between different record labels).All variations of this single contain a humorous phrase hand-etched into the original master. On the A side can be found I'M A PANAMA BLANKET!! probably a reference to the song 'una paloma blanca' that this track was based on. The B side has the phrase NICE ONE SAMMY - the meaning behind this one is unclear!
Image 1: EMI2520 was issued on the standard EMI red/tan label (with two shades). This example and variation is on the duller/darker shade of the label with the song titles spread over three lines. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 (missing mother code) P'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 B-1 2 GM
Image 2: Example of a demonstration (or promotional) copy of EMI2520 on the darker label. These copies were produced for radio stations etc. DEMO RECORD NOT FOR RESALE has been printed on both sides together with the release date - 27.8.76 . The title track of the single has been highlighted with a large 'A' on the appropriate side. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 (missing mother code) G 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 B-1 1 G
Image 3: As can be seen by the sticker on this example of EMI2520 this is a 'factory sample' - a disc removed from the production line at random to have quality checks carried out on it. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 (missing mother code) A'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 B-1 2 GH
Image 4: This example and variation of EMI2520 is on the brighter/ lighter shade of the label with the song titles now spread over four lines. It also refers to 'EMI Ltd' as opposed to 'EMI Limited' used in the previous images. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 3 GAT'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 B-1 3 GAM
Image 5: EMI2520 on the brighter/lighter shade of label, with the song titles spread over four lines, but a much finer and lighter font has been used. It also refers to 'EMI Ltd' as opposed to 'EMI Limited' meaning that it is a later pressing. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 3 GAT'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 B-1 3 GMA
Image 6: Interesting copy of this single with a solid centre, not as common as previous examples. As per previous example refers to 'EMI Ltd' as opposed to 'EMI Limited'. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 3 GAT'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 B-1 3 GMAThanks to Michael Pelling for this example.
This single came in the standard EMI company sleeve - front as shown in top image, the rear as shown right. This sleeve was first used on 1st July 1973. Early sleeves look very much identical except that the text 'EMI Records' is followed by The Gramophone Company Limited' on the earlier 1970-73 sleeve.
An unusual example of EMI2520. This is a 'white label' test pressing. These were pressed before the main production run was commenced. Of interest is that at this point the title was 'Zider' Drinker rather than the final 'Cider' Drinker. A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 (missing mother code) G 'B' Side Matrix: LPFB GG (BLANK SIDE)
This example of EMI2520 is a pressing plant reject. The disc itself is roughly finished, the label is only on one side and obviously a poor print. A most unusual item to survive! A' Side Matrix: EMI 2520 A-1 3 PP'B' Side Matrix: EMI2520 B-1 3 PT
Odd example of this single - the same label has been attached to both sides - this one slipped through the EMI Quality Assurance checks and ended up in the collection of Bob Barrett, the record's producer.
Collector's copy of this single - nicely autographed by all three band members.
Something different! - demo copy of the 'I Am A Cider Drinker' single originally sent to London Weekend Television and ending up in their library!Thanks to Michael Pelling for this image.