John's Children (May 26, 1967) – "Desdemona" b/w "Remember Thomas A. Becket" Single UK: 7"

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Released in the UK during May 1967 on the Track Record label, "Desdemona" was issued as a 7-inch single backed with "Remember Thomas A. Becket". The single carried catalogue number 604003 and was produced by Simon Napier-Bell. "Desdemona" was written by Marc Bolan during his tenure with John's Children, while the B-side was credited to Andy Ellison and John Hewlett. Although Bolan contributed to the A-side, he did not participate in the recording of "Remember Thomas A. Becket".

The release appeared in multiple international territories during 1967, including Australia, Germany, Japan, and South Africa. A number of later unofficial reissues also appeared in subsequent years..

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Produced by Simon Napier-Bell.

Recorded at Advision Studios, Gosfield Street, London.

Marc Bolan did not contribute to the B-side recording, "Remember Thomas A. Becket".

STYLE & THEMES

The single has been described as combining elements of garage rock and psychedelic rock. "Desdemona" reflects the group's adventurous approach during the period, while the accompanying B-side provides a contrasting composition credited to Andy Ellison and John Hewlett.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Desdemona — Written by Marc Bolan and selected as the single's A-side. The track runs approximately 2:25 and was produced by Simon Napier-Bell.

• Remember Thomas A. Becket — Written by Andy Ellison and John Hewlett. Running approximately 2:15, the song was chosen as the B-side. Marc Bolan did not contribute to the recording.

RELEASE HISTORY

"Desdemona" was released in the UK on Track Record with catalogue number 604003 during May 1967. The single was issued as a 7-inch 45 RPM record and paired the Bolan composition "Desdemona" with "Remember Thomas A. Becket".

The record was subsequently released in a number of overseas markets including Australia, Germany, Japan, and South Africa. German issues appeared in both standard and promotional forms, while later unofficial reissues emerged in Germany during 2005 and 2016.

A double-sided acetate version dated May 26, 1967 is also known, carrying the same Track Record catalogue number and featuring both titles.

PERSONNEL

John's Children — Performers

Marc Bolan — Songwriter ("Desdemona"), Performer

Andy Ellison — Co-writer ("Remember Thomas A. Becket")

John Hewlett — Co-writer ("Remember Thomas A. Becket")

PRODUCTION

Produced by Simon Napier-Bell

Label: Track Record

NOTES

Published by Essex Music.

Pressed by Philips Records Ltd.

UK label: Track Record 604003.

Known run-out etchings include:

Side 1: 604003 / A?2 1123

Side 2: 604003 / B//1 112

Some A-side pressings reportedly carry an alternative run-out etching incorporating "A//3 111".

A double-sided acetate dated May 26, 1967 is known to exist carrying both titles.

A listening source for both sides was supplied with the source material.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
John's Children	Desdemona / Remember Thomas A. Becket	Track Record	UK	604003	May 1967	7", 45 RPM
John's Children	Desdemona	International Polydor Production	Australia	NH-59094	1967	7", 45 RPM, Single
John's Children	Desdemona / Remember Thomas A. Becket	Polydor	Germany	59 104	1967	7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono
John's Children	Desdemona	Polydor	Germany	59 104	1967	7", 45 RPM, Promo
John's Children	Desdemona = デスデモナ	Polydor	Japan	DP-1560	1967	7", Single
John's Children	Desdemona	Polydor	South Africa	PD.9242	1967	7", 45 RPM, Single
John's Children	Desdemona	International (4)	Germany	59104	2005	7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Unofficial
John's Children	Desdemona / Remember Thomas A. Becket	Polydor	Germany	59 104	2016	7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Unofficial
John's Children	Desdemona / Remember Thomas A. Becket	Polydor	Germany	59 104	2016	7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Unofficial, White Vinyl

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Single	604003	A. Desdemona (2:25) B. Remember Thomas A. Becket (2:15)
7" Acetate	604003	Side 1. Desdemona Side 2. Remember Thomas A. Becket

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SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, RockfilesUK.

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This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

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