Our Frank
1991 single by Morrissey
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"Our Frank" is a song by the English singer Morrissey, released on 11 February 1991 by His Master's Voice as the lead single from his second solo studio album, Kill Uncle (1991). Written by Morrissey and Mark E. Nevin and produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, the single peaked at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. Retrospective commentary has described the track as a buoyant, sardonic opener to Kill Uncle that plays to Morrissey’s wry lyrical persona.[2]
- "Journalists Who Lie"
- "Tony the Pony"
| "Our Frank" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Morrissey | ||||
| from the album Kill Uncle | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 11 February 1991 | |||
| Studio | Hook End Manor (Oxfordshire, England) | |||
| Length | 3:25 | |||
| Label | His Master's Voice (UK) | |||
| Songwriters |
| |||
| Producers | ||||
| Morrissey singles chronology | ||||
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| Alternative cover | ||||
Cover of US CD | ||||
It was the lowest any Morrissey single had charted since his first release "Suedehead" in 1988.[3] The accompanying video shows Morrissey surrounded by skinheads in a park. The video was not included on the 1992 The Malady Lingers On video compilation.
Background and composition
Commenting on the reissue of Kill Uncle, Marc Hogan of Pitchfork characterized "Our Frank" as a "buoyant alt-pop opener" whose sardonic lyric voice sets the album’s tone.[4]
Critical reception
Track listings
7" vinyl and cassette
- "Our Frank"
- "Journalists Who Lie"
12" vinyl
- "Our Frank"
- "Journalists Who Lie"
- "Tony the Pony"
CD
- "Our Frank"
- "Journalists Who Lie"
- "Tony the Pony"
| Country | Record label | Format | Catalogue number |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | His Master's Voice | 7" vinyl | POP1625 |
| UK | His Master's Voice | 12" vinyl | 12POP1625 |
| UK | His Master's Voice | Compact disc | CDPOP1625 |
| UK | His Master's Voice | Cassette | TCPOP1625 |
Release
The single was issued in multiple UK formats, including 7-inch (POP 1625), 12-inch (12POP 1625), CD (CDPOP 1625) and cassette (TCPOP 1625).[7]
Etchings
Original UK vinyl pressings included etched run-out messages, including a Wilde-referencing pun noted in retrospective coverage of the album era.[8]
Musicians
- Morrissey – vocals
- Mark E. Nevin – guitar
- Nawazish Ali Khan – violin
- Seamus Beaghen – piano
- Mark "Bedders" Bedford – bass guitar
- Andrew Paresi – drums
Live performances
Music video
Charts
| Chart (1991) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC)[13] | 26 |
| UK Airplay (Music Week)[14] | 48 |