I Like Girls Single: 1976

A Big Beat Glam-Pop Curiosity

Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on December 3, 1976, on Island Records (catalogue: WIP 6358), Sparks’ “I Like Girls” was the final single from Big Beat. Backed with “England,” this re-recorded live favourite (A) and jaunty B-side did not chart in the UK or US — a commercial disappointment after the success of Kimono My House, Propaganda, and Indiscreet. Issued in the UK and Australia only. A quirky glam-pop footnote.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Island Records.

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single.

Full Track Listing

Side A

I Like Girls – Written-By: Ron Mael

Side B

England – Written-By: Ron Mael

Reissues & Global Variants

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Island WIP 6358 – UK – 1976

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Island – Australia – 1976

Production and Context

Produced by Rupert Holmes & Jeffrey Lesser. “I Like Girls” – re-recording of a 1973/1974 live favourite (1973 version later on *Profile* compilation). “England” – B-side previously used on “I Want To Hold Your Hand” single (March 1976). From Big Beat — Sparks’ slicker, more “American” AOR sound that Russell & Ron felt was “bereft of personality.”

Chart Performance

No UK or US chart entry.

Legacy and Collectibility

“I Like Girls” is Sparks’ final Big Beat single — a glam-pop re-record that didn’t ignite. Original UK Island pressings fetch £15–£40 on eBay/Discogs. Verify catalogue WIP 6358. Streams on Spotify via Big Beat reissues preserve the curiosity. This single is a must-have for Sparks completists.

Do you have I Like Girls in your vinyl stack? Do you like girls (or England)? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.