Snobbery and Decay

"Snobbery and Decay" is the first single by Act. It was released by ZTT Records in a number of formats on 5 May 1987 (1987-05-05) and reached #60 in the UK Singles Chart.[2]

"Snobbery and Decay"
UK 7" sleeve with pictures of Quentin Crisp and Liberace.
Single by Act
from the album Laughter, Tears and Rage
B-side
Released5 May 1987 (1987-05-05)
RecordedSarm West Studios, London
February/March 1987[1]
GenreSynthpop
Length4:07
LabelZTT
Songwriter(s)Act
Producer(s)Stephen Lipson[1]
Act singles chronology
"Snobbery and Decay"
(1987)		 "Absolutely Immune"
(1987)

According to Claudia Brücken, "The whole idea was based on a programme called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. That was when we discovered how much we wanted to write about that idea and what a great introduction it would be for Thomas and me to have a duet as a first single. Two characters talking about that whole thing."[3]

The orchestral arrangement for "Snobbery and Decay" was made by David Bedford.[1] A number of remixes were done by Mastermind Herbie for a promotional 12". These mixes have not yet been released commercially.

The single also features a cover of "I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You" from the musical Evita, chosen according to Thomas Leer, because "we both dislike Andrew Lloyd Webber intensely. We wanted to do something from a musical, something that was crap and that we could make great. It also fitted the idea of the package."[4] An additional instrumental mix of the track entitled "I'd be Surprisingly Instrumental for You" surfaced on the band's box set in 2004.

The picture cover features pictures of Quentin Crisp, author of "The Naked Civil Servant"; and Liberace.

The 12" version "Snobbery and Decay (That's Entertainment!)" includes a sample of Liza Minnelli's dialogue from the 1972 musical film Cabaret, followed by one from American comedian Joan Rivers.

"You've got yours, I've got mine, Obsession, just like Calvin Klein .."

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Thomas Leer and Claudia Brücken, except where noted.

7" vinyl
  • UK: ZTT / ZTAS 28
  • Europe: Island / 109 105
Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Snobbery and Decay" (Single version)4:07
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."Poison" (Single remix)3:56

Cassette
  • UK: ZTT / CTIS 28 (titled "Cabaret Cassette!")
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Snobbery and Decay" (That's Entertainment!) 9:47
2."I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You"Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice4:07
3."Poison" (Single Remix) 3:52
4."(Theme From) Snobbery and Decay" (Edit) 1:40

12" vinyl
  • UK: ZTT / 12 ZACT 28 (limited edition in gatefold sleeve)
  • UK: ZTT / 12 ZTAS 28
  • Europe: Island / 609 105
  • Spain: Island / 3A 609105
Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Snobbery and Decay" (That's Entertainment!)9:46
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Poison" (Single Remix) 3:53
2."I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You"Lloyd Webber, Rice4:08
  • UK: ZTT / 12 XACT 28 (initial copies came with an Act poster)
Side one
No.TitleLength
1."(The Naked Civil) Snobbery and Decay"8:54
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."Strong Poison"6:02
2."(Theme From) Snobbery and Decay"3:22
Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Snobbery and Decay" (Moonlighting Mix)6:06
2."Snobbery and Decay" (Moonlighting Mix 2)5:58
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."Snobbery and Decay" (Instant)5:31
2."Snobbery and Decay" (Instant 2)4:19

CD
  • UK: ZTT / CID 28 (titled "Emotional Highlights from Snobbery & Decay")
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Snobbery and Decay" (Extended, For Stephanie Beacham) 8:36
2."I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You"Lloyd Webber, Rice4:07
3."Poison" (LP Version) 3:55
4."(Theme From) Snobbery and Decay" 3:22

References
  1. "Images for Act - Snobbery & Decay". Retrieved 19 July 2009.
  2. "The Official Charts Company - Act - Snobbery And Decay". Retrieved 19 July 2009.
  3. Morton, Roger (1987). "Lifestyles of the rich and famous". Record Mirror. Retrieved 19 July 2009.
  4. Aizlewood, John (1987). "It's all an act". Number One. Retrieved 19 July 2009.
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