Alvin Stardust: "Move It" Single (1975)

Alvin Stardust’s "Move It" backed with "Be Smart, Be Safe (The Green Cross Code Song)", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Magnet Records (catalog number MAG 39) on September 5, 1975.

Tracks:

A-Side: "Move It" (3:33)

B-Side: "Be Smart, Be Safe (The Green Cross Code Song)" (2:54)

Producer: Roger Greenaway

A-Side: "Move It"

Description: "Move It" is a cover of the classic 1958 rock and roll song originally performed by Cliff Richard and the Drifters, written by Ian Samwell. Alvin Stardust’s version is described as

a vibrant and fun rendition, with the singer, musicians, and producers clearly enjoying the recording process. It captures the energetic spirit of the original while infusing Stardust’s glam rock style, characteristic of his 1970s persona.

Chart Performance:

The single "Move It" peaked at number 5 on the UK Breakers chart, an extension of the UK Singles Chart, indicating moderate success but not a major hit compared to Stardust’s earlier chart-toppers like "Jealous Mind."

Context:

By 1975, Alvin Stardust was an established glam rock artist, having achieved fame with hits like "My Coo Ca Choo" (1973) and "Jealous Mind" (1974). His cover of "Move It" was part of his effort to maintain relevance in the evolving music scene, blending his theatrical glam rock persona with classic rock and roll influences.

B-Side:

"Be Smart, Be Safe (The Green Cross Code Song)"Description: "Be Smart, Be Safe (The Green Cross Code Song)" was a public service announcement (PSA) song tied to the UK’s Green Cross Code campaign, a road safety initiative launched in 1970 by the National Road Safety Committee (now the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, RoSPA). The campaign aimed to teach pedestrians, particularly children, how to cross roads safely.

The song was designed to be catchy and memorable, reinforcing the Green Cross Code’s safety messages.

Purpose and Context:

Alvin Stardust was involved in the Green Cross Code campaign in 1976, appearing in television PSAs to promote road safety for children. The song was likely created to complement these efforts, using Stardust’s popularity to reach a young audience. The Green Cross Code campaign was notable for its use of celebrities like Stardust, Jon Pertwee, Joe Bugner, Les Gray, and Kevin Keegan to make safety messages relatable.

Musical Style:

Described as a “dynamic” and “flot” (lively) song, it was crafted to be engaging for children while delivering an educational message about road safety. The song’s inclusion on the B-side of "Move It" suggests it was a secondary track but still significant due to its association with a prominent public safety campaign.

Germany - Ariola - 1975

Lyrics and Availability:

The lyrics for "Be Smart, Be Safe" are not widely available online, as noted on some platforms, but the song is accessible for streaming on services like Spotify, Deezer, and SoundCloud. It was later included in compilation albums such as The Platinum Collection (2005).

Release Details:

The single was released in 1975, with "Move It" as the primary track and "Be Smart, Be Safe" as the B-side. It was part of Stardust’s broader discography, which included 35 singles as Alvin Stardust, many tied to his glam rock era. The vinyl is listed on platforms like Discogs and eBay, with copies in very good condition available for collectors.

Reception:

While "Move It" was well-received for its lively cover of a classic, it did not achieve the same chart success as Stardust’s earlier hits. The B-side, "Be Smart, Be Safe," was more of a cultural artifact due to its association with the Green Cross Code campaign. Reviews on platforms like Rate Your Music praise the energy of "Move It," while the B-side is noted for its nostalgic and educational value, particularly in the context of 1970s British public safety efforts.

Cultural Impact:

The Green Cross Code campaign, bolstered by Stardust’s involvement, was a significant part of 1970s UK culture, replacing earlier pedestrian safety initiatives like the Kerb Drill. The song and Stardust’s PSA appearances helped embed road safety messages in the public consciousness, particularly for children. A Reddit post from 2020 highlights a 1976 Green Cross Code PSA featuring Stardust, underscoring its lasting nostalgic impact.

Availability

Streaming: "Be Smart, Be Safe (The Green Cross Code Song)" is available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and SoundCloud, often as part of The Platinum Collection (2005). "Move It" is also included in this compilation.

Alvin Stardust’s Career:

By 1975, Stardust was a prominent figure in the UK glam rock scene, having transitioned from his earlier persona as Shane Fenton in the 1960s. His involvement in the Green Cross Code campaign aligned with his public image as a charismatic, family-friendly performer, further evidenced by his 1989 children’s TV series It’s Stardust on ITV.

Green Cross Code Campaign:

The campaign’s use of celebrities and catchy media, like Stardust’s song, was part of a broader strategy to make road safety engaging. The 1976 PSA featuring Stardust, referenced in a 2020 Reddit post, included the memorable line, “Hey! You must be out of your tiny minds!” to grab children’s attention.

Sources

The information above is compiled from various sources, including:Spotify and Deezer listings for track details and availability

Wikipedia entries on Alvin Stardust and the Green Cross Code

Discogs and 45cat for release details

Reddit posts for cultural context and nostalgia

Rate Your Music and other music databases for reviews and tracklists