Python Lee Jackson: In A Broken Dream Single (1970)

A Stewart-Sung Glam Enigma

Python Lee Jackson's "In A Broken Dream" 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 6, 1970, on Young Blood International – YB 1002. Backed with “Boogie Woogie Joe,”

Formed in Sydney in December 1965 by UK expats Frank Kennington (vocals) and Mick Lieber (guitar) alongside local drummer David Montgomery, Python Lee Jackson began as a surf-influenced underground act. After Kennington’s deportation in 1966, the lineup evolved with Dave Bentley (keyboards/vocals) and singer Malcolm McGee, opening Rhubarb’s club. Relocating to London in 1968, Bentley, Lieber, and Montgomery rebuilt with bassist John Helman. Spotted by John Peel at the Arts Lab, they recorded three tracks in April 1969 with guest vocalist Rod Stewart — paid in car seat covers — including “In A Broken Dream.” Peel produced the originals; Miki Dallon later re-produced for Young Blood.

Python Lee Jackson’s “In A Broken Dream” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 6, 1970, on Young Blood Records (catalogue: YB 1017). This moody hard rock track, written by David Bentley, featured uncredited vocals by Rod Stewart. Produced by Miki Dallon, the A-side’s haunting melody failed to chart on release. Issued in a company sleeve, it was reissued in 1971 and 1972 (YB 1002) to reach No. 3 UK. The 1970 debut is a cult classic from the band’s British period.

Single Overview

1970: November 6

A-Side:

“In A Broken Dream” (3:40, David Bentley)

Written by David Bentley. Arranged by Python Lee Jackson. Vocals (uncredited): Rod Stewart. Produced by Miki Dallon.

B-Side:

“Doing Fine” (4:09, Roy Stephens)

Written by Roy Stephens. Produced by Miki Dallon.

Release Details:

Label: Young Blood Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (YB 1017): “In A Broken Dream” / “Doing Fine.” In a company sleeve.

Notes: ℗ 1970. Published by Young Blood Music / D.I.G.I.T. Music. Distributed by EMI Records Ltd / Lugton & Co Ltd / Clyde Factors Ltd. Made in Gt. Britain.

1971:

A-Side:

In A Broken Dream

B-Side:

The Blues

Label: Young Blood – YB 89

Format: Vinyl, 7", Single, 45 RPM

Distributed By – Polygram Record Operation Services

Copyright © – Young Blood Music

Published By – Young Blood Music Ltd.

Featuring – Rod Stewart

Producer – Miki Dallon

Written-By – Dave Bentley

White label with light blue text.

1972:

A-Side: In A Broken Dream

B-Side: Boogie Woogie Joe

Label: Young Blood International – YB 1002

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Solid-centre

Published By – Young Blood

Published By – Campbell Connelly Music

Pressed By – CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton

Published By – Young Blood Music

Arranged By – Python Lee Jackson

Producer – Miki Dallon

Written-By – David Bentley

Notes: Release in push-out and solid centers

Production and Context

Recorded in 1969; re-produced by Miki Dallon for Young Blood. The lineup: Python Lee Jackson (David Bentley, Mick Lieber, David Montgomery, John Helman). Guest: Rod Stewart (uncredited vocals). “In A Broken Dream” was one of three Stewart tracks. Released amid glam’s dawn, it was reissued August 1972 after Stewart’s solo fame.

Single Chart Performance

The 1970 and 1971 releases did not chart.

The 1972 reissue peaked at No. 3 in the UK for 1 week, charting for 12 weeks.

Peak Position: 3 October 22, 1972

First Charted: September 24, 1972

Last Charted: December 10, 1972

Legacy and Collectibility

“In A Broken Dream” is a Stewart guest classic, with “Doing Fine” adding bluesy grit. Verify catalogue YB 1017. Streams on Spotify via compilations preserve the analog melancholy. This single is a must-have for Stewart and glam collectors.

Have you snagged this Python gem in your vinyl collection? Does “In A Broken Dream” haunt you? Share in the comments!

Sources

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

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