This was the fifth 7" 45rpm vinyl single released by The Wurzels after Adge Cutler's death. It was released on 2nd September 1977 on the EMI record label, catalogue number EMI2677.
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 in 1974.
Both tracks on this single - Give Me England (the 'A' side) and Speedy Gonzales - were new and previously unreleased tracks. The promoted the release of the 'Give Me England' LP released in October 1977 on which both appeared. They were both studio recordings (recordings that took place at EMI's Abbey Road Studios). The title track was written for the film 'Confessions From A Holiday Camp', the B side was a re-recording of the song of the same name that appeared on the earlier 1975 album 'The Wurzels Are Scrumptious'.
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).
Image 1: EMI2677 was issued on the standard EMI red/tan label. 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2677 A-1 1 H 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2677 B-1 1 R
Image 2: Example of a demonstration (or promotional) copy of EMI2677 on the darker label. These copies were produced for radio stations etc. DEMO RECORD NOT FOR RESALE has been printed on both sides. The title track of the single has been highlighted with a large 'A' on the appropriate side. The release date has been included on both sides 2.9.77 'A' Side Matrix: EMI 2677 A-1 1 G 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2677 B-1 1 G
Image 3: As can be seen by the sticker on this example of EMI2677 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 2677 A-1 1 O 'B' Side Matrix: EMI 2677 B-1 1 R
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.
Interesting collector's item. This example of EMI2677 comes from the personal collection of record producer Bob Barrett, his distinctive handwritten notes can be clearly seen on the sleeve.