Jesus Says

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"Jesus Says"
Single by Ash
B-side(s)	"Radiation", "Dancing on the Moon", "Taken Out", "Heroin, Vodka and White Noise"
Released	September 21, 1998
Format	CD, 7", Cassette
Recorded	1998
Genre	Alternative Rock
Length	4:44
Label	Infectious
Producer(s)	Owen Morris
Chart positions
#15 (UK)
Ash singles chronology
"A Life Less Ordinary" (1997)	"Jesus Says" (1998)	"Wildsurf" (1998)
Alternate cover
CD 2 cover

"Jesus Says" was the first single released from the Nu-Clear Sounds album by the band Ash on September 21, 1998. It was released as a single CD, a 7" vinyl, and as a cassette. "Jesus Says", despite its considerably low chart placing was Ash's highest ever selling single until "Shining Light" in 2001. The 7" version came with a picture sleeve and the UK promo version came in a custom rice paper picture wallet.

"Jesus Says" introduced the world to Ash's second full-length album, and left some fans baffled by its more raw sound. Never the less, it was a hit for the band and is considered somewhat of a fan favourite. Tim said of the song: 'This was written at the height of our touring madness. It's about being hung over and homesick in New York City - 'a million lightyears from home'. The song may have also originally been called "Ditto".

The song also appears on the "Intergalactic Sonic 7″s" hits collection, and live versions can be found on the "Tokyo Blitz" DVD and the "Numbskull" EP. Additionally, a remix of the song was recorded as a B-side for the "Shining Light" single. The Shining Light remix was also released as a white label 12".

The song was remixed for American release by Butch Vig. The song featured in the soundtrack for the film "Swimfan"

The B-side "Radiation" appeared on the CD 1 version of the single and was a definite indicator to the tone of the upcoming album.

"Dancing on the Moon" also appeared on the CD1 version. It was also Ash's first single to be released in 2CD formats. This caused unrest within the band who were unhappy to do B-sides purely just for chart reasons. Rick didn't turn up for the recording session, so Danny Goffey of Supergrass recorded the drumming for this track instead.

"Taken Out" appears on the CD2 edition (as well as on the "Cosmic Debris" B-sides collection), and was the first track solely written and sung by newly employed guitarist, Charlotte Hatherley. Rick McMurray claims that it's one of his favourite songs to play.

Finally, "Heroin, Vodka and White Noise" (also on CD2) is a classic 'burn-out' song, which served as a more gentle, bitter-sweet contrast to the likes of "Jesus Says".

Tim Wheeler has stated the song has no religious meaning, although that didn't stop some controversy being built over it. A promo poster showing a cartoon Jesus saying "Ash" was heavily criticised.

The video for "Jesus Says" was directed by Howard Greenhalgh. The majority of the video takes place in an abandoned warehouse where a party is taking place with the band playing. The video constantly rotates which gave some fans a serious headache! MTV received complaints about the video due to its apparent 'nauseousness', which led to a second video to be released, with toned-down spinning effects.

[edit] Track Listing

CD1

1. "Jesus Says" (Hamilton/Wheeler)
2. "Radiation" (Hamilton/Wheeler)
3. "Dancing On The Moon" (Hamilton)

CD2

1. "Jesus Says" (Hamilton/Wheeler)
2. "Taken Out" (Hatherley)
3. "Heroin, Vodka and White Noise" (Hamilton/Wheeler)

7"

1. "Jesus Says (Album Version)" (Hamilton/Wheeler)
2. "Taken Out" (Hatherley)

Promo CD

1. "Jesus Says (Album Version)" (Hamilton/Wheeler)
2. "Jesus Says (Radio Edit)" (Hamilton/Wheeler)

Ash
Tim Wheeler | Mark Hamilton | Rick McMurray
Charlotte Hatherley
Ash Discography
Albums: Trailer | 1977 | Nu-Clear Sounds | Free All Angels | Meltdown | Twilight of the Innocents
Live albums and compilations: Live at the Wireless |Tokyo Blitz | Intergalactic Sonic 7″s
Singles: Jack Names the Planets | Petrol | Uncle Pat | Kung Fu | Girl From Mars | Angel Interceptor | Goldfinger | Oh Yeah | A Life Less Ordinary | Jesus Says | Wildsurf | Shining Light | Burn Baby Burn | Sometimes | Candy | There's A Star | Walking Barefoot | Envy | Clones | Orpheus | Starcrossed | Renegade Cavalcade | You Can't Have It All | Polaris
EPs and Fan Club Releases: Get Ready | Barbie | Got A Beautiful Face... Got A Fucked Up Inside | Numbskull | I'm On Drugs | Satellite Transmissions Volume 1 | Commando
Demo Tapes: Solar Happy | Shed | Home Demo | Garage Girl | Pipe Smokin' Brick
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