Dancing with Myself
| "Dancing with Myself" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Generation X | ||||
| from the album Kiss Me Deadly | ||||
| Released | 1980 | |||
| Format | 7", 12" | |||
| Genre | Punk rock, dance-punk | |||
| Length | 3:30 (7"), 4:06 (12") | |||
| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Writer(s) | Billy Idol, Tony James | |||
| Producer(s) | Keith Forsey | |||
| Generation X singles chronology | ||||
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| "Dancing with Myself" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
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| Single by Billy Idol | ||||
| from the album Don't Stop and Vital Idol | ||||
| Released | 1981 | |||
| Recorded | 1980 (remixed in 1981) | |||
| Genre | Punk rock, dance-punk, new wave | |||
| Length | 3:19 (single version) 4:50 (on Don't Stop) 5:57 (on Vital Idol) |
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| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Writer(s) | Billy Idol, Tony James | |||
| Producer(s) | Keith Forsey | |||
| Billy Idol singles chronology | ||||
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"Dancing with Myself" is a punk rock song written by singer Billy Idol and bassist Tony James, and first recorded by their band Generation X. The song was first released as a single and a 12" in 1980 and, a few weeks after the single release, was included on the band's last album—1981's Kiss Me Deadly. It would become one of the group's most well-known songs, but had limited success in its initial release.
In 1981, Idol remixed and re-released "Dancing with Myself" as a solo single, toning down its aggressive guitar sound and instead emphasizing its power pop or pop rock elements. Two versions were issued—the 3:20 single version (which was later included on Idol's 11 of the Best compilation), and the 4:50 extended version that appeared on Idol's Don't Stop EP.
Idol plays "Dancing with Myself" at most of his concerts, always introducing the song as having been originally written and recorded by Generation X. Since its release, the song has become something of a sports anthem.[citation needed]
Contents
Background
The music video was directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist). The set was borrowed from an L.A.-based production of Ann Jellicoe's punk rock-themed play The Sport Of My Mad Mad Mother, produced by and starring Dan Shor.[1]
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones recorded the song with Idol.[2]
Formats and track listings
Generation X release
7": Chrysalis - CHS 2444 (UK)
- "Dancing With Myself" (3:30)
- "Ugly Rash" (4:30)
12": Chrysalis - CHS 12 2444 (UK)
- "Dancing With Myself" (4:06)
- "Loopy Dub" (5:08)
- "Ugly Dub" (3:05)
Billy Idol release
7": Chrysalis - IDOL 1 (UK)
- "Dancing With Myself" (3:19) [Labelled as "Billy Idol featuring Generation X"]
- "Love Calling (Dub)" (5:33)
12": Chrysalis - IDOLX 1 (UK)
- "Dancing With Myself" (6:05) [Labelled as "Billy Idol featuring Generation X"]
- "Love Calling (Dub)" (5:33)
- "White Wedding" (8:20)
- "Hot In The City" (5:20)
- "White Wedding" is the 12" Shotgun mix, but not labelled as such.
Charts
Generation X version
| Chart (1981) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart[3] | 62 |
Billy Idol version
| Chart (1981) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play[4] | 27 |
| U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles | 2 |
| Chart (1983) | Peak position |
| RIANZ New Zealand Singles Chart | 9 |
Covers
- The Donnas released the song as a single branded specially for the film Mean Girls.
- The song was covered by Blink-182 for the 1997 compilation album Before You Were Punk.
- The song was covered by Houston punk rock band 30 Foot Fall on their debut album, Divided We Stand. The song is usually performed live at the end of the setlist.
- The song was covered by French cover band Nouvelle Vague on their 2006 album Bande à Part.
- Gonzo performs a cover of this song in an episode of Muppets Tonight.
- Artie Abrams performed the song on an episode of Glee.
- The song was covered by Belgian rock band De Kreuners under the title Ik dans wel met mezelf.
In popular culture
- Billy Idol's version appeared in the films Can't Buy Me Love and Flushed Away as well as the tv show Bad Judge and video game Guitar Hero 5.
- The Nouelle Vogue version appeared as the theme song for LA Ink but it was only used for the first thirteen episodes of the show's first season.
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter's Guide to Underground Rock, 1970-1982, page 408
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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