Smalltown Boy / Memories

by Bronski Beat

Smalltown Boy / Memories cover art
  • Type: Single
  • Released: 25 May 1984
  • Label: London
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 10:15
  • Community rating: 4.23/5 from 4 ratings

Artists on this release: James Mackay, Paul Sandler, Annie Crofts, Eric Liekefet, Jack Bond, Pet Shop Boys

Album Notes & Community Reviews

A landmark moment in 1980s pop music, 'Smalltown Boy' unflinchingly addresses homophobia, familial rejection, and the ensuing isolation. Driven by Jimmy Somerville's striking falsetto and a propulsive, melancholic synth sequence, it remains a defining anthem of the global LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Genres

Descriptors: lgbtq, rhythmic, alienation, synth, dance

Tracklist

  1. Smalltown Boy - Sped Up (4:15)
  2. Smalltown Boy - Slowed Down (6:00)

Credits

  • Derek Jarman - film director
  • Ron Moody - other [chief executioner played by]
  • Hector Chronos - other [deadly sin anger played by]
  • Douggie Fields - other [deadly sin avarice played by]
  • Stephen Linnard - other [deadly sin envy played by]
  • Naomi Gryn - other [deadly sin gluttony played by]
  • Amanda Metro - other [deadly sin lust played by]
  • Paola Pieroni - other [deadly sin pride played by]

More from Bronski Beat: full discography