At The River

Album: Vertigo (1997)
Charted: 19
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This chill-out track is based around Patti Page's 1957 multi-tracked ode to the Massachusetts vacation haven "Old Cape Cod." The lines, "If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air... Quaint little villages here and there," are repeated throughout the song.
  • This was Groove Armada's debut single, a limited edition 7" vinyl release in 1997. The song was later added to the track listing of the duo's second album, Vertigo. Re-released in July 1999, it peaked at #19 in the UK Singles Chart.
  • The song was used in an advert for UK clothing and food retail chain Marks & Spencer's as part of their Summer 2006 campaign. Groove Armada's Andy Cato recalled to NME in 2016: "That was unfortunate, but you know, some of these things slip through the net, don't they. I didn't notice at all because I don't live in the UK so I started getting text messages saying, 'delicious slice of buttery something-or-other with treacle' and I was thinking 'what's all this about?' and then finally cottoned on."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.