Peter Gabriel: “D.I.Y.” (1978)
D.I.Y. was pretty much DOA when it came to the pop charts, but it’s a very good song.
Kronomyth 2.01: DIYV1NV2
The lone single from Peter Gabriel’s second album actually exists in two versions: the album mix (which also served as the single mix in most countries) and the US single mix. For the US single, horns were added, the vocals were mixed clearer (e.g., you can now distinguish the line “still looking for the resurrection”), plus there are a few other subtle differences in the arrangements and instrumentation. I prefer the album mix of D.I.Y. myself, but that may be because I’m more familiar with it. Initially, the album track Perspective was pressed into service as the B side. A later reissue of the single that year featured two tracks on the B side: Mother of Violence (which would have been my choice for a second single) and the nonalbum Teddy Bear, which is Gabriel’s version of the oldie, Me and My Teddy Bear. I have no idea why Charisma released two versions of the single in the UK that year, but maybe they felt it didn’t get a fair shake the first time. Obviously, it didn’t fare better the second time.
Original 7-inch single version
A1. D.I.Y. (Peter Gabriel)
B1. Perspective (Peter Gabriel)
US promotional 7-inch single version
A1. Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) (stereo) (Peter Gabriel) (2:50)
B1. Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) (mono) (Peter Gabriel) (2:50)
7-inch single reissue
A1. D.I.Y. (Peter Gabriel)
B1. Mother of Violence (Peter Gabriel/Jill Gabriel)
B2. Teddy Bear (J. Fred Coots/Jack Winters, re-arranged by Peter Gabriel)
The Plastic
Released on 7-inch single in May 1978 in the UK and Ireland (Charisma, CB 311), Germany (Charisma/Philips, 6079 462) and Japan (Charisma/Philips, SFL-2299) with picture sleeve. Also released as promotional 7-inch and 12-inch single in 1978 in the US (Atlantic, 3479/PR310).
- Re-issued on 7-inch single in 1978 in the UK (Charisma, CB 319) with different B side.
