Govinda (Kula Shaker song)
| "Govinda" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Kula Shaker | ||||
| from the album K | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 11 November 1996[1] | |||
| Recorded | January–May 1996 | |||
| Studio | Various | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:57 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | John Leckie | |||
| Kula Shaker singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Govinda" is a song by British rock band Kula Shaker, released on their debut album, K (1996).[4] Sung entirely in Sanskrit,[5] the song includes Indian influences and tambura and tabla instrumentation. "Govinda" was issued as a single on 11 November 1996 and peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
Kula Shaker made a music video for the song, directed by Michael Geoghegan. The cover artwork for the single featured a Longines Conquest watch, with the band logo and song title in place of the Longines branding. An alternative version of the track, called "Govinda '97, Hari & ST. George", appeared on Kula Shaker's Summer Sun EP, released in July 1997.
Background[edit]
 |
Lead singer and guitarist Crispian Mills said that the song was born out of an improvisation and based on a Hindu prayer to Krishna. The words Govinda jaya jaya literally mean "Krishna (the Divine Cowherd), Glory, Glory". The text is taken from a Sanskrit devotional chant, titled "Govinda Jaya Jaya". The latter was previously recorded in 1970 by devotees from the London Radha Krishna Temple and released as the B-side of their single "Govinda" (a different song), produced by George Harrison.
Track listings[edit]
|
UK CD1[6]
UK CD2[7]
UK 7-inch single[8]
|
UK cassette single[9]
European and Australian CD single[10]
|
Credits and personnel[edit]
Credits are taken from the UK CD1 liner notes and the K album booklet.[6][11]
Studios
- Recorded between January and May 1996 at various studios
Personnel
|
|
Charts[edit]
| Chart (1996) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[12] | 32 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[13] | 23 |
| Scotland (OCC)[14] | 4 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[15] | 7 |
References[edit]
- ^ "Reviews – Releases Out on November 11 1996: Singles". Music Week. 2 November 1996. p. 35.
- ^ "Wonderwall by Oasis Leads the UK's Official Top 50 Best-Selling Britpop Songs". Official Charts Company. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
- ^ "Kula Shaker al Teatro Comunale di Ferrara: una band in salute che ti riconcilia con il rock" (in Italian).
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Kula Shaker: K". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ Masterton, James (17 November 1996). "Week Ending November 23rd 1996". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ a b Govinda (UK CD1 disc notes). Kula Shaker. Columbia Records. 1996. KULA CD5.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Govinda (UK CD2 disc notes). Kula Shaker. Columbia Records. 1996. KULA CD5K.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Govinda (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Kula Shaker. Columbia Records. 1996. KULA 75.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Govinda (UK cassette single sleeve). Kula Shaker. Columbia Records. 1996. KULA MC 5.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Govinda (European & Australian CD single liner notes). Kula Shaker. Columbia Records. 1996. 664 129-2.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ K (UK CD album booklet). Kula Shaker. Columbia Records. 1996. SHAKER 1CD.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 48. 30 November 1996. p. 13.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Govinda". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
