“Concrete and Clay” was recorded by Dutch singer Yvonne Keeley in 1975, with Steve Harley as the producer. It was released by EMI Records as a non-album single on 6 June 1975. The song is a cover of the 1965 hit originally recorded by the British pop band Unit 4 + 2. It was written by band members Brian Parker and Tommy Moeller.
Background
“Concrete and Clay” was Keeley’s second single release on EMI Records, following her 1974 single “Tumbling Down”, which was a cover of the Cockney Rebel song from The Psychomodo. Harley, who had co-produced her version of “Tumbling Down”, was the sole producer of “Concrete and Clay”. Keeley recorded “Hideaway”, a cover of the Cockney Rebel song from The Human Menagerie (1973), as the B-side. The single did not make a chart appearance in the UK.
Critical reception
Upon its release, a reviewer for The Irvine Herald wrote, The old Unit 4 + 2 hit brought up to date. Somehow I love this. Strangely, every time I play it, I think of Blackpool, hot days and carefree summer holidays. Good luck to you, Yvonne.”
Track listing
7-inch single (UK)
- “Concrete and Clay” – 2:41
- “Hideaway” – 3:36
Personnel
- Yvonne Keeley – vocals
Production
- Steve Harley – producer
