Night of the Long Grass

"Night of the Long Grass" entered the Record Retailer charts at number 39 on 7 June 1967, before peaking at number 17 on 28 June.^[8] In total, the single spent six weeks on the charts.^[8] Presley commented on the single's relative chart failure, stating that "Night of the Long Grass" did not receive the "big plugs yet", including airplay on pirate radio.^[9] The Troggs recorded a promotional film for "Night of the Long Grass" in Epping Forest during early June 1967.^[9] The film was directed by Swedish director Peter Goldmann first screened on Swedish television.^[10] Presley believed that the film would give the single a "shot in the arm" when it was aired.^[9]

Reviewing for Record Mirror, Peter Jones described "Night of the Long Grass" as "much stronger than the mooted "My Lady" single – in fact, it becomes darned infectious after just a couple of plays. Lyrics worth a close listen, with atmospheric guitar and percussion backing… and the vocal comes through as if hidden behind a wall of bricks or grass or something. Curious vocals sounds behind, too".^[11] Guest reviewing for Disc and Music Echo, Dusty Springfield wrote "What a creepy beginning! And a lovely, sexy, sinister vocal from Reg. On first hearing though, it's not as catchy as some of their others but it's got lots of nice ideas and their popularity will see it into the chart I'm sure".^[12] Presley was more satisfied with the way the single was built than their earlier releases.^[9]

Citations

Sources

• Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australia: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-44439-5.