No Matter What (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"No Matter What"
"No Matter What" cover
Single by Badfinger
from the album No Dice
Released November, 1970
Format 45 rpm
Recorded April 1970
Genre Power pop
Label Apple
Writer(s) Peter Ham
Producer(s) Geoff Emerick
Chart positions

"No Matter What" is a song originally recorded by Badfinger for their album No Dice (1970), written by Peter Ham and produced by Geoff Emerick. It was the first original hit single offered by Badfinger, reaching #8 on Billboard Hot 100.

The song is notable for being one of the first successful records associated with the Power Pop sound, utilising all of the elements attributed to the genre. A subsequent single released by Badfinger, "Baby Blue" (Billboard #14, 1972), along with several album tracks in a similar vein, succeeded in categorizing the band themselves as "Power Pop."

As a demo, "No Matter What" was originally recorded by Ham on acoustic guitar and performed with a mambo beat (as heard on the CD 7 Park Avenue). A rough rockier version of the song was recorded by Badfinger in March 1970 and produced by Mal Evans. The song was recorded again by the band in April 1970 at Abbey Road Studios and it was this version that would appear on the album and single.

Although the song and recording was a favorite of Badfinger's shortly after it was recorded, the hierarchy at Apple reportedly was not inclined to release it in any format. It wasn't until Al Steckler, the American director of Apple in New York, heard the tape in the summer of 1970 and considered it a strong entry by the band. It was only then that it was slotted for the upcoming LP and as a single release.

In the United States, the single was released with "Carry On Till Tomorrow" as the B-side. This was an edited version of the recording that appeared on Badfinger's previous Magic Christian Music album. In all other countries, the single was backed with the song "Better Days," a recording which also appeared on No Dice.

[edit] In film

[edit] Other artists

  • Lillian Axe, for the album Poetic Justice (1992)
  • Gregg Bissonette, for the album Gregg Bissonette (1992)
  • Jellyfish, live recording, 12-inch single promoting Bellybutton (1993)
  • The Knack, for the album Come And Get It: A Tribute To Badfinger (1996)
  • Jars of Clay, for the album Front Yard Luge (1999)
  • Plus Ones, for the album Going Dutch (2001)
  • Great White, for the album Recover (2002)
  • R.E.M., for their annual Holiday Fanclub Single (2002)
  • Retros, for the album Undercover (2004)
  • Def Leppard, for the album Rock Of Ages: The Definitive Collection (2004)
  • The Clarks, for the album Between Now And Then (2005)