Burning The Ground Exclusive 1983
“Stray Cat Strut” is the third single by American rockabilly band Stray Cats, released April 17, 1981 by Arista Records in the UK, where it peaked at No. 11 on the Singles Chart. It was taken from the band’s 1981 debut album, Stray Cats. That same year, as an import, it peaked at No. 78 on the US Disco Top 80 chart.
In the US, the song was released as a single by EMI America on June 11, 1982, and included on the Built for Speed album released that same month. During its initial release, “Stray Cat Strut” failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 109 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in August 1982. When the band’s next single, “Rock This Town”, made the top 10, the record company decided to re-release “Stray Cat Strut”, this time with much more success. Debuting at number 43, it was the highest new entry on the Hot 100 chart dated December 25, 1982, eventually peaking at number 3 in March 1983. The music video for the song received extensive airplay on MTV during the channel’s early days. The video consisted of band members (and extras) performing in an alley while an irate resident throws things at them. It also featured scenes from the 1949 MGM cartoon Bad Luck Blackie.
In the October 1998 issue of Guitar World magazine, Brian Setzer’s solo from “Stray Cat Strut” ranked No. 92 on the “Top 100 Guitar Solos of All Time” list.
SIDE A:
Stray Cat Strut 3:15
Producer – Dave Edmunds
Written-By – Setzer*
Built For Speed 2:54
Written-By – Setzer*
SIDE B:
Sweet Love On My Mind 4:27
Written-By – D. Burnette*
Drink That Bottle Down 5:12
Vocals [Singin’] – Lee Rocker
Written-By – The Stray Cats*
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Stray Cat Strut | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #3 |
| 1983 | Stray Cat Strut | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #41 |
| 1983 | Stray Cat Strut | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Disco | #78 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Arista – SCAT 123
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Genre: Rock
Style: Rockabilly
CREDITS:
Performer [Bangin’ N’ Yellin’!] – Slim Jim Phantom
Performer [Slappin’ N’ Howlin’!] – Lee Rocker
Performer [Strummin’ N’ Croonin’!] – Brian Setzer
Photography By [Photo & Tinting] – Gavin Cochrane
Producer – Brian Setzer (tracks: A2, B1, B2), Stray Cats (tracks: A2, B1, B2)
NOTES:
On back cover :
A1 from the album “STRAY CATS” stray 1
A2, B1, B2 Recorded Live
On labels :
B1, B2 Recorded Live in Newcastle 12.3.81 [A2 is forgotten]
Track times are listed on side B label only.
Original sound recording made by Arista Records Ltd
Made in England
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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I always wondered why Arista in America didn’t pick up the contract for the Stray Cats. Maybe because their first American single was backing Dave Edmunds on his cover of “The Race Is On”?
Hi Paul, Long Beach’s 105.5 KNAC in their “Rock ‘N’ Rhythm” days via PD Jimmy “The Saint” Christopher broke The Stray Cats from this import. It was frustrating to see how long it took them to get national recognition and be signed by a major since this and “Rock This Town” always got reaction at my mobile and club gigs.
I remember these dudes! The Cats had this hit, then seemed to disappear from radio for a few years, then they reappeared with another hit (or multiple thereof?) during the Swing fad in the mid-90s.
Thank you, Paul.
Awesome, and thanx for sharing! Did the Stray Cats ever do any 12″ extended mixes? I know that’s not common in the rockabilly world, but maybe some 80s producer fiddled with one of their songs at one point to give it some club feelz.
I don’t think they have any remixes but I would need to check to be sure 🙂
Thank you Paul for pulling this one out from left field!! Stray Cats and producer Dave Edmunds were almost single-handedly responsible for the rockabilly revival. Edmunds also produced the Everly Brothers comeback albums. And Stray Cats were always generous with including extra tracks on their singles.
You’re welcome, Retro Hound 🙂
It’s really cool getting some Rockabilly from you, Paul!! This was a song that was a big favorite of mine during my college years. Brian Setzer’s music kicks serious butt and really gets the crowd moving and grooving. Thank you so much Paul!!!
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff I always love the coolness of this band 🙂