Driver 67's 'Car 67': A Chart Hit

The year 1978 saw the release of a rather unique novelty song that would go on to capture the attention of the UK music scene. "Car 67," performed by the duo Driver 67, emerged as a surprisingly successful ballad, recounting a day in the life of a taxi driver with a personal predicament. This article delves into the creation, release, and chart journey of this memorable track, exploring the inspirations behind it and the reasons for its eventual, albeit somewhat frustrating, chart performance.

The Genesis of a Cabbie's Tale

The story of "Car 67" begins with Paul Phillips, one half of the duo Driver 67. Phillips, along with his brother-in-law Pete Zorn, initially formed the group Tax Loss in 1976. By 1978, they had secured a deal with Logo Records. It was during the negotiations for an album that Phillips, who was himself a taxi driver at the time, penned the lyrics for what would become their most famous song. Phillips has candidly described his own taxi-driving prowess, admitting he was "so bad as a cabbie, I never earned enough to pay the rent on the radio." Despite his perceived lack of skill, his real-life experiences as a cabbie clearly provided fertile ground for storytelling.

Phillips conceived "Car 67" in a matter of minutes, quickly recording a demo. He presented this initial version to Zorn, who suggested the addition of a "middle eight" – a common musical term for a contrasting section in a song. Zorn collaborated with Phillips to craft this crucial element. The finished demo was then presented to Logo Records, with the intention of releasing it as a side project. The record label was reportedly very enthusiastic about the track. In September 1978, Phillips finalised a three-month deal for the single "Car 67." This agreement also included an option for Logo Records to sign the band for a full album within that same three-month period, demonstrating their strong belief in the song's potential.

"Car 67": The Song's Narrative and Sound

The song itself is a poignant ballad that paints a vivid picture of a taxi driver's emotional turmoil. The narrative centres around the driver who, having experienced a painful breakup the previous day, is refusing a specific pick-up. The destination is 83 Royal Gardens, a place the controller is unaware holds personal significance for the driver – it is where his former girlfriend resides. The song's innovative structure features the taxi driver singing the main lyrics, with his voice interspersed with the spoken interjections of the taxi controller. A key element of the song's charm is the controller's distinctive West Midlands accent, which adds an authentic touch to the urban soundscape.

The Release and Chart Climb

"Car 67" was officially recorded for a modest £800 and was released in November 1978. To boost its promotional efforts, Phillips ingeniously offered the publishing rights for the B-side, "Communications Breakdown," to a song plugger. This proved to be a financially savvy move, eventually costing £10,000. However, the plugger was initially slow to promote the track. Phillips intervened, tracking him down, and within a mere two weeks, "Car 67" was named Song of the Week on the popular BBC Radio 1 show, The Kid Jensen Show. This crucial endorsement significantly propelled the song's visibility.

A Shot at the Top and Missed Opportunities

The song's popularity culminated in Driver 67 performing on the iconic television show Top of the Pops in February 1979. During the performance, Phillips played a dual role, appearing as the taxi driver through video clips and as the switchboard operator live in the studio. This televised appearance had a dramatic impact on sales, with orders surging from 5,000 copies per day to a staggering 20,000 copies per day. At this rate, it seemed highly probable that "Car 67" would climb into the top 3 of the UK Singles Chart.

However, a significant hurdle emerged: the record company's inability to press enough copies to meet the overwhelming demand. Despite receiving orders for approximately 120,000 units, Logo Records could only fulfil a fraction of these. This supply chain issue meant that many eager fans could not purchase the single, and consequently, the song's momentum on the chart faltered. Instead of reaching its potential peak, "Car 67" actually dropped in position, a frustrating outcome for the artists and their burgeoning fanbase.

Comparative Chart Performance

To illustrate the song's journey, let's consider its performance against other notable singles of the era. While "Car 67" reached a respectable No. 7, its potential was undoubtedly hampered by the production issues.

The Legacy of "Car 67"

Despite the production issues that prevented "Car 67" from reaching even greater heights, the song remains a beloved piece of UK musical history. Its narrative, infused with the authentic voice of a working-class Londoner and the distinctive charm of a West Midlands accent, resonated with many. The song's success on the charts, even with its limitations, cemented Driver 67's place in the annals of novelty hits. Paul Phillips' ability to translate his everyday experiences into a compelling song demonstrates the power of relatable storytelling in music. The tale of "Car 67" serves as a reminder of how a simple idea, coupled with creative execution and a touch of luck, can capture the public's imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was "Car 67" released?

"Car 67" was released in November 1978.

Who performed "Car 67"?

The song was performed by the duo Driver 67.

What is the story behind "Car 67"?

The song tells the story of a taxi driver who refuses to pick up a passenger at a specific address because it is his ex-girlfriend's home.

What was the peak position of "Car 67" on the UK Singles Chart?

"Car 67" reached a peak position of No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1979.

Why didn't "Car 67" reach a higher chart position?

The record company failed to press enough copies of the single to meet the high demand, which prevented it from climbing higher in the charts.

What is notable about the sound of "Car 67"?

The song features the taxi driver singing the lyrics, interspersed with the voice of the taxi controller, who has a distinctive West Midlands accent.