David Essex: If I Could Single (1975)

Essex's Funfair Waltz

David Essex’s “If I Could” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 14, 1975, on CBS Records (catalogue: S CBS 3776). Backed with “Funfair,” this wistful ballad, written by David Essex, was produced/arranged/directed by Jeff Wayne for Jeff Wayne Music (Productions) Limited. Both tracks from All The Fun Of The Fair (S 69160), the A-side’s tender melody and fairground charm peaked at No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart for 8 weeks. Lacquer cut by ARUN at CBS Studios, pressed by CBS Aston Clinton, issued in solid centre, 4 prong centre, promo, and stereo solid centre variants, it’s a poignant ‘70s pop gem.

Single Overview

A-Side: “If I Could” (3:56)

Written-By – David Essex. Producer – Jeff Wayne.

B-Side: “Funfair” (2:49)

Written-By – David Essex. Producer – Jeff Wayne.

Release Details:

Label: CBS Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Published By – April Music Ltd. (A), Rock On Music (B).

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CBS Records.

Lacquer Cut At – CBS Studios, London.

Pressed By – CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton.

Lacquer Cut By – Arun.

UK Variants:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Sunburst, Solid Centre in Picture Sleeve

(S CBS 3776):

A If I Could 3:56

B Funfair 2:49

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Sunburst, Solid Centre in Company Sleeve

(S CBS 3776):

A If I Could 3:56

B Funfair 2:49

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Sunburst, 4 Prong Centre in Company Sleeve

(S CBS 3776):

A If I Could 3:56

B Funfair 2:49

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promotional White A, Solid Centre in Picture Sleeve

with release date printed (S CBS 3776):

A If I Could 3:56

B Funfair 2:49

DAVID ESSEX

CBS BROADCASTING

COPYING OF THIS RECORD PROHIBITED

RELEASE DATE: 14th Nov., 1975

S CBS 3776

Side A 3.56

IF I COULD

(Words and Music by David Essex) Taken from the LP "ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR"

S 69160

Music and Sound Produced. Arranged and Directed by Jeff Wayne for

Productions Notes: Both from All The Fun Of The Fair (S 69160).

Country Variations:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, in Picture Sleeve

CBS – BA 222192

Australia

1975

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, in Picture Sleeve

CBS – CBS S 3776, CBS – CBS 3776

Germany

1975

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promotional in Info Sleeve

CBS – CBS S 3776

Germany

1975

CBS-Blitzinformation

DAVID ESSEX

Stereo

CBS

3776

(Not for sale sample)

If I Could

(3:56) (David Essex) From the LP CBS 69 160 "ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR" April Music Ltd. / Rock On Music

Funfair

(2:49) (David Essex) From the LP CBS 69 160 "ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR" April Music Ltd. /Rock On Music

From his latest superb LP "All The Fun Of The Fair" comes David's newest single, "If I Could," which has begun its unstoppable climb to the top of the charts in England. Incidentally, the nationwide film premiere of "Stardust," starring David Essex... a pop star, of course..., takes place on March 12th!

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, in Picture Sleeve

CBS – 3776

Netherlands

1975

UK (CBS S CBS 3776): Released November 14, 1975. Solid centre, promo, 4 prong, stereo solid centre.

Production and Context

Produced/Arranged/Directed by Jeff Wayne for Jeff Wayne Music (Productions) Limited. Recorded in 1975 during All The Fun Of The Fair sessions. The lineup: David Essex (vocals), with session musicians. “If I Could” was a reflective ballad, “Funfair” a nostalgic B-side. Released amid Essex’s Rock On fame, it followed All The Fun Of The Fair (No. 3 UK, 1975) and competed with Bay City Rollers and Hot Chocolate.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“If I Could” was a single from All The Fun Of The Fair:

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 13 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 8 weeks.

Entry Date: December 6, 1975.

Peak: No. 13 (January 10–17, 1976).

Weeks on Chart: 8 (Dec 6, 1975 – Jan 24, 1976).

Chart Run: No. 50 (Dec 6), No. 25 (Dec 13), No. 21 (Dec 20), No. 16 (Dec 27), No. 16 (Jan 3), No. 13 (Jan 10), No. 13 (Jan 17), No. 27 (Jan 24).

Legacy and Collectibility

“If I Could” is Essex’s fairground-tinged ballad, with “Funfair” a whimsical B-side. Verify catalogue S CBS 3776.

Streams on Spotify via All The Fun Of The Fair reissues preserve the analog charm. This single is a must-have for Essex fans and ‘70s pop collectors.

Have you snagged this Essex fairground gem in your vinyl collection? Does If I Could tug your heart? 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 UTube