The Move: "Curly" Single (1969)

The Move’s "Curly", backed with "This Time Tomorrow", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Regal Zonophone (catalog number RZ 3021) on July 18, 1969, marking a notable release from their transitional phase.

Overview

Artist: The Move

Single: "Curly" / "This Time Tomorrow"

Release Date: July 18, 1969

Label: Regal Zonophone (UK, catalog no. RZ 3021), with various international releases on labels like Stateside and Polydor

Genre: Psychedelic Pop

Producer: Roy Wood (with Mike Hurst credited in some sources)

Chart Performance: Peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart

Band Lineup:

Carl Wayne (lead vocals, sitar)

Roy Wood (guitar, recorder, mellotron, background vocals)

Rick Price (bass guitar, replacing Trevor Burton)

Bev Bevan (drums, tambourine)

Significance: This was the last single featuring lead singer Carl Wayne before his departure and the first with Rick Price on bass. It marked a shift toward a more pop-oriented sound, though not fully embraced by all band members.

A-Side: "Curly" Writer: Roy Wood

Length: 2:46 (some sources list 2:39)

Lyrics and Theme: The song tells the story of Curly, a young man stifled by his conservative father, who falls in love with a girl who ultimately leaves him, making him feel foolish. The lyrics explore themes of youthful love, betrayal, and emotional desolation, with a repetitive "bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum" hook and a Beatles-esque "la-da-da, na-na-na" outro.

Key lyrics include: “Mister McCann was a practical man / Curly was his only son / And he loved him like no other can / Bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum” and “Oh Curly has she let you down and run? / Oh Curly where’s your girly? Where’s she gone?”

Musical Style:

Primarily acoustic, with Roy Wood’s multi-tracked recorder (flute-like sound) and acoustic guitar dominating. A mellotron appears briefly as the only electric instrument, alongside short a cappella harmonies.

Described as a “lighter-than-air Roy Wood ditty,” highly melodic with a flute that’s “just-this-side-of-irritating.” It nods to The Beatles with its Liverpool reference and Beatle-esque finish, reflecting Wood’s admiration for the band.

Reception:

Chris Welch in Melody Maker (July 19, 1969) called it “an obvious success for The Move,” though Roy Wood and Bev Bevan disliked it. Wood called it “really corny” and was unhappy with the label’s decision to release it over other preferred tracks. Bevan found it too pop and sugary.

Anecdote: Bev Bevan jokingly claimed “Curly” was about Carl Wayne’s pet pig, though this was not true.

B-Side: "This Time Tomorrow"

Writer: David Morgan

Length: 3:42 (some sources list 3:34 or 3:39)

Lyrics and Theme: Less information is available about the B-side’s lyrical content, but it complements “Curly” in its psychedelic pop style. It’s described as a melodic, introspective track, fitting the era’s sound.

Continues the single’s acoustic-leaning, melodic approach, with Roy Wood’s influence evident in the arrangement. Specific instrumentation details are less documented, but it aligns with the band’s layered, pop-oriented production.

Reception: Less discussed than “Curly,” but included in positive reviews of the single for its cohesive sound. It’s seen as a solid B-side that supports the A-side’s lighter, pop vibe.

Recorded in 1969, likely at London’s Olympic Studios, where The Move often worked during this period.

Instrumentation: Roy Wood’s multi-tracked recorder and acoustic guitar are central to “Curly,” with Carl Wayne on sitar and vocals, Rick Price on bass, and Bev Bevan on drums and tambourine. Background vocals and mellotron by Wood add texture.

The Move's single "Curly" released under the Stateside label in France, catalog number 2C 006-90.469 M, featuring the track "This Time Tomorrow."

Roy Wood produced the single, with Mike Hurst also credited in some sources. The acoustic focus and minimal electric elements reflect a departure from the band’s earlier, heavier sound.

Released as a 7” vinyl single at 45 RPM, with versions on Regal Zonophone (UK), Stateside (e.g., Portugal, France), and Polydor (e.g., Norway, Germany, Japan).

Some releases included unique picture sleeves (e.g., Dutch, German, Scandinavian versions). The Portuguese release (Stateside PSS 1019) and Norwegian Polydor release (59330) are noted for collectors.

Vintage album cover for "Curly" by The Move, featuring bold psychedelic graphics and a black-and-white band portrait, released under the Festival label in Australia (Catalogue: FX-11652).

A rare Australian 7” EP (Festival FX-11652) included “Curly” and “This Time Tomorrow” alongside “Yellow Rainbow” and “Weekend.”

Context and Legacy

Band Transition: This single marked a pivotal moment for The Move. Carl Wayne’s departure soon after and Rick Price’s arrival shifted the band’s dynamic. Roy Wood’s growing influence foreshadowed his later work with Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and Wizzard, with “Curly” hinting at his melodic, orchestral style.

Critical Reflection:

While not as iconic as “Blackberry Way” or “Flowers in the Rain,” the single is appreciated for its catchy, nostalgic pop. Some fans see it as a precursor to Wood’s ELO/Wizzard sound, though others view it as a lighter, less defining entry in The Move’s catalog.