Pretend We're Dead
| "Pretend We're Dead" | ||||||||||
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| Single by L7 | ||||||||||
| from the album Bricks Are Heavy | ||||||||||
| B-side | "Shitlist" | |||||||||
| Released | 1992 | |||||||||
| Format | 7", 12", CD, CS | |||||||||
| Recorded |
Various
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| Genre | Grunge[1] | |||||||||
| Length | 3:55 | |||||||||
| Label | Slash | |||||||||
| Writer(s) | Donita Sparks | |||||||||
| Producer(s) | L7, Butch Vig | |||||||||
| L7 singles chronology | ||||||||||
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"Pretend We're Dead" is a 1992 song by grunge band L7, from the album Bricks Are Heavy.[2] The song was written and sung by Donita Sparks. The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and just missed out on cracking the UK Top 20 Hit Singles, stalling at #21.
The song has a 'dirty' sound synonymous with the grunge movement; distorted, industrial-punk influenced guitars. However the song has a crossover appeal with a typical 90's keyboard sound, that made the song radio friendly, even on conservative stations such as the BBC's Radio One. This is underlined by the immediate and infectious chorus, despite a heavy rock, punk attitude and sound. L7 Performed the song on the UK family friendly music show "Top of the Pops" and the Channel 4 late night cult pop culture show "The Word" - often seen as the antithesis of "Top of the Pops". This was never more evident than when Donita Sparks dropped her trousers, during a performance, revealing no underwear.
The single was released on the following formats in the UK - 7", 12", CD Single and as a limited edition (vinyl), picture disc.
The song was featured in the video games, TV shows and films including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rock Band 2, Beavis and Butt-head, Hindsight and The Perks of Being a Wallflower in addition to the trailer for Shaun of the Dead.
Track listing
- "Pretend We're Dead" (Sparks)
- "Shitlist" (Sparks)
- "Lopsided Head"
- "Mr. Integrity" (Sparks)
Charts
| Chart (1992) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[3] | 50 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[4] | 21 |
| US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[5] | 8 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[6] | 21 |
References
- ↑ Danaher, Michael (August 4, 2014). "The 50 Best Grunge Songs". Paste.
- ↑ Watts, Ted (September 7, 1995). "L7's Finch doesn't rock by the numbers". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ↑ "Australian-charts.com – L7 – Pretend We're Dead". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Ultratop.be – L7 – Pretend We're Dead" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ↑ "L7 – Chart history" Billboard Alternative Songs for L7. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ↑ "L7: Artist Chart History" Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
External links
- "Pretend We're Dead" at Discogs (list of releases)
- Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics
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