August October Explained

August October
Cover:August_october.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Robin Gibb
Album:Robin's Reign
B-Side:Give Me a Smile
Recorded:10 October 1969
Genre:Baroque pop
Length:2:31
Label:Polydor (United Kingdom)
Atco (United States)
Producer:Robin Gibb, Vic Lewis
Prev Title:One Million Years
Prev Year:1969
Next Title:Oh! Darling
Next Year:1978

"August October" is a song written and performed by English singer-songwriter Robin Gibb, the second and the last song released from the album Robin's Reign. It reached No. 45 in the UK in three weeks.[1] It was also charted in other countries like Germany (#12), New Zealand (#11) and in Denmark (#3). It was backed by "Give Me a Smile", a song also appeared on his debut album. It was released as a single in February 1970, same month on which the album was released. It was later covered by Elton John.[2]

Recording and release

"August October" was recorded at London in 10 October 1969 same day as "Gone Gone Gone" and "Lord Bless All". Gibb's voice on this song was low, especially on the first verse:[3] Autumn and Friday the winds blew, July, September, I knew you, and now I sit on the sand hill, I sing our song to the sea.

The Italian LP Best of Bee Gees, Volume 2 has a mono mix of this song with a fadeout ending (at 2:25), but then it comes to a full ending seconds later. If this was to be a true mono mix, it was hardly used, as most Polydor divisions issued stereo singles, and Atco's mono single appears to be a reduction from stereo. Additionally, for the second time Gibb recorded an Italian alternate vocal.[4]

Chart performance

ChartsPeak
position
United Kingdom Singles Chart45
German Media Control Charts12
Danish Singles Chart3
New Zealand RIANZ Charts11

References

  1. http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/robin%20gibb/ Robin Gibb Singles Chart History
  2. Web site: Elton John covers "August October" by Robin Gibb . You Tube . 7 March 2013.
  3. Web site: August October Lyrics at Elyrics . Elyrics . 7 March 2013.
  4. Web site: Gibb Songs: 1969 . Brennan. Joseph . 7 March 2013.