Remember back on selection A3 when I likened Chaka Khan and Green Gartside (of Scritti Politti) to a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup? Well, this weird combination is more like a peanut butter and bologna sandwich, or pizza with pineapple. You don't think they should work together, but for some reason, there are people who think they are delicious. I, by the way, like both.
Most of you should know Tammy Wynette, or "The First Lady Of Country" Miss Tammy Wynette as she is billed on this 45. She was born Virginia Wynette Pugh in 1942. She has 23 number one songs to her name, and several number one albums... on the country charts. She is most famous for Stand By Your Man.
The KLF is an British acid house band from the late 80s, early 90s. They had limited pop success in the US, but were huge in Britain and the dance charts. In 1990 they had their biggest US hit, with the #5 smash, 3am Eternal. They have been known as the Justified Ancients of Mu-Mu, and The Timelords. To say they are a weird band is an understatement. I'd suggest looking at their history on Wikipedia, it's fascinating, and something I can't do justice with in limited words.
In 1991, this single was released. It was released 23 years from Wynette's #1 single Stand By Your Man (thus the sub-title, Stand by the JAMs, a play on their previous band name). Wynette said of being paired up with the KLF, "I really don't know why they chose me. I was apprehensive at first, but I'm really excited with the way it's all turned out", Wynette said. "Mu Mu Land looks a lot more interesting than Tennessee.... But I wouldn't want to live there." Wynette actually went on tour with the band in 1992, and at one point in Australia collapsed from exhaustion. The song made it to #11 on the US charts.
In the song there is a reference to, "Make mine a 99!" or "Mine's a 99!" This is in reference to the 99 flake, or Cadbury 99 ice cream. Since the band has used an ice cream van in their concerts, this reference, along with the reference to, "rockin' to the rhythm in an ice cream van" makes sense.
Why do I like it? I was a big fan of 3am Eternal when it came out. When this got regular airplay, I loved it, too. I also lived in Tennessee for two years in my early childhood, so Wynette may just be in my blood, even though I don't like much country music.
Selection B8 is a slowed down vocal version with Black Steel on vocals. It's a change of pace, and nothing more.
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