"Young 'n' Russian" is a song by British pop band the Korgis from their debut studio album, '' The Korgis''. It was released as the band's debut single in February 1979 and, following the UK top 20 success of " If I Had You", was re-issued as a single again in October 1979. The song was written by Andy Davis, James Warren and Jakki Ridlington, and was produced by Davis and Warren.

Background

"Young 'n' Russian" was inspired by the

Cold War The Cold War is a term commonly used to refer to a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc. The term '' cold war'' is used because the ...

. The song was written while sat on the lawn in front of the

Royal Crescent The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping Crescent (architecture), crescent in the city of Bath, Somerset, Bath, England. Designed by the architect John Wood, the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, it is a ...

Bath Bath may refer to: * Bathing, immersion in a fluid ** Bathtub, a large open container for water, in which a person may wash their body ** Public bathing, a public place where people bathe * Thermae, ancient Roman public bathing facilities Plac ...

, England.

Release

"Young 'n' Russian" was released in the UK on 16 February 1979, but it failed to chart. It was the first release on the new independent label Rialto, which was launched by Nick and Tim Heath. Speaking of the song's limited success, James Warren told the '' Liverpool Echo'' in 1979, "Our first single never got any real airplay, so, consequently, nobody has ever heard of it, which is a pity really, because I'm convinced it's a good song." Following the UK top 20 success of "If I Had You" in the summer of 1979, "Young 'n' Russian" was reissued in October 1979. It once again failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, but did gain radio airplay and reached number 59 on ''Record Business'' magazine's Airplay Guide Top 100 chart. The reissue's release date was originally delayed after Rialto decided to terminate its licensing agreement with

Decca Records Decca Records is a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis (Decca), Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934 by Lewis, Jack Kapp, American Decca's first president, and Milton Rackmil, who later became American ...

. A new deal for pressing and distribution with quickly signed with Pye Records and "Young 'n' Russian" was released as the first Rialto single under the new agreement.

Music video

The song's music video was directed by Dave Borthwick and David Hutt, with

Dave Alex Riddett David Alexander Riddett BSC (born 25 November 1954) is a prominent English cinematographer mostly known for his work at Aardman Animations. Early life and education Riddett was born in Harborough, England.

as the cinematographer. It was filmed in Bristol. In 2015, Hutt uploaded the video to YouTube after digitising and remastering it from the original master film.

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single in February 1979, ''Radio & Record News'' called it a "brilliant debut single" and a "highly infectious and witty song". The reviewer noted the "equally good" B-side and felt the single "could well see tselfin the top 30". In a review of the reissue,

David Hepworth David Hepworth (born 27 July 1950) is a British music journalist, writer and publishing industry analyst who was instrumental in the foundation of a number of popular magazines in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Along with the journalist, editor and b ...

of ''

Smash Hits ''Smash Hits'' was a British music magazine aimed at young adults, originally published by EMAP. It ran from 1978 to 2006, and, after initially appearing monthly, was issued fortnightly during most of that time. The name survived as a brand fo ...

'' stated, "It's midnight in Red Square, an organ is stuck on one continuous chord, a lively bass skips around and the singer has tongue stuck firmly in cheek." He added that "if there's any justice, it will surpass the success" of its predecessor, "If I Had You". Jim Whiteford of '' The Kilmarnock Standard'' remarked, "Not a patch on 'If I Had You' but a fair attempt. Next time, perhaps!" US magazine ''

Record World ''Record World'' magazine was one of the three main music industry trade magazines in the United States, along with '' Billboard'' and '' Cashbox''. It was founded in 1946 under the name ''Music Vendor'', but in 1964 it was changed to ''Record Wo ...

'' noted that "the quirky tempo and menacing vocals bespeak an ominous aura that's affecting as it is odd".

Track listing

7–inch single (UK, Germany, Belgium and Australia - original release) #"Young 'n' Russian" – 3:12 #"Cold Tea" – 4:25 7–inch single (UK and Australia reissues, plus Netherlands, Italy and Spain releases) #"Young 'n' Russian" – 3:12 #"Mount Everest Sings the Blues" – 2:28 7–inch single (France) #"Young 'n' Russian" – 3:35 #"I Just Can't Help It" – 3:48 7–inch single (US) #"Young 'n' Russian" – 3:14 #"Art School Annexe" – 3:34

Background

Release

Music video

Critical reception

Track listing

Personnel

Charts

References