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"Reminiscing"
International vinyl picture sleeve
Single by Little River Band
from the album Sleeper Catcher
B-side"Take Me Home"/"So Many Paths"
ReleasedJune 1978
Recorded1978
GenreSoft rock[1]
Length4:11 (album version)
3:29 (single version)
LabelEMI Music
SongwriterGraeham Goble
ProducersJohn Boylan, Little River Band
Little River Band singles chronology
"Shut Down Turn Off"
(1978)
"Reminiscing"
(1978)
"Lady"
(1978)

"Reminiscing" is a song by Australian soft rock music group Little River Band, released in June 1978 as the second single from their fourth studio album Sleeper Catcher. The song was written by the band's rhythm guitarist Graeham Goble, and sung by their lead singer Glenn Shorrock. "Reminiscing" peaked at number 35 on the Australian Kent Music Report[2] and at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3]

Background and recording

[edit]

In 2005, Goble spoke of his inspiration and recording of the song, saying "I loved watching old black and white movies, and I always also loved the music of Glenn Miller and Cole Porter, that whole era of writing, and it was my attempt to write a song to depict the romantic era. It came out very quickly, I wrote it in about half an hour. Even though a lot of people think it sounds complicated, on the guitar it's very simple to play. It nearly never got recorded – when the time came to record it, the keyboard player I wanted to use, Peter Jones, was out of town, so we cut the band track with a different keyboard player. It didn't work. A few days later when we tried it again with a different keyboard player, again it didn't work, and the band was losing interest in the song. Just before the album was finished, Peter Jones came back into town, the band and I had an argument because I wanted to give Reminiscing a third chance. Peter played on it, we cut it, and finished it, and sent the album to Capitol. Capitol said that they couldn't hear any singles on the album, and didn't know what to release. Five weeks later, someone at Capitol's New York office said 'You're all crazy, Reminiscing is a smash.' Capitol put it out, and it just immediately caught on fire, and became our highest chart hit."[4] Goble added "It's quite staggering; you don't realise you've written something like that until it happens, until it's history."[5]

Reception

[edit]

Record World called it "a highly danceable ballad" and praised the lead vocal performance.[6]

Impact and legacy

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The song was a huge hit in the US, peaking at #3, but did not achieve the same success in the band's home territory, as it only barely made the Australian top 40, peaking at #35. Nevertheless, at the Australian 1978 King of Pop Awards, the song won Australian Record of the Year.[7]

"Reminiscing" was given a BMI Five Million-Air award for five million plays on US radio—the highest achievement ever for any Australian popular song.[8]

According to Albert Goldman's biography, John Lennon named "Reminiscing" as one of his favourite songs. May Pang, erstwhile girlfriend of Lennon, said "Oddly, with all the fantastic music he wrote, "our song" was 'Reminiscing' by the Little River Band."[9]

Besides John Lennon, another famous musician who reportedly loved the song was Frank Sinatra. According to Goble, Sinatra thought that "Reminiscing" was one of the best songs of the '70s.[10]

Track listings

[edit]
Australian 7" (EMI 11738)
A. "Reminiscing" - 4:11
B. "Take Me Home" (Recorded Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London)
New Zealand 7" (EMI 1043)
A. "Reminiscing" - 3:26
B. "So Many Paths" - 4:22
North American 7" (Harvest 4605)
A. "Reminiscing" - 3:26
B. "So Many Paths" - 4:22

Chart performance

[edit]

Madison Avenue version

[edit]
"Reminiscing"
Single by Madison Avenue
from the album The Polyester Embassy
Released5 March 2001 (2001-03-05)[18]
GenreDance, house
Length3:35
LabelEMI International
SongwriterGraeham Goble
ProducerAndy Van Dorsselaer
Madison Avenue singles chronology
"Everything You Need"
(2000)
"Reminiscing"
(2001)

Australian group Madison Avenue covered the song and released it as a single in March 2001. Their version was certified gold by the ARIA.

Track listing

[edit]

Australian CD single

  1. "Reminiscing (Da Classic Remix - Edit)" – 3:31
  2. "Reminiscing (Original Mix - Edit)" – 3:24
  3. "Everything You Need (Olav Basoski Remix)" – 7:32
  4. "Reminiscing (Da Classic Remix)" – 5:06
  5. "It's Alright (Album Mix)" – 5:12

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2001) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[19] 9

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (2001) Peak
position
Australia (Australian Artist)[20] 9

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[21] Gold 35,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Other versions

[edit]
  • In July 1978, Shorrock recorded a Spanish-language version of the song, titled "Recordando", using the original backing track and backing vocals.[22]
  • Thumbs Carllile recorded a jazz cover on his 1979 album Guitar Wizard.[23]
  • Barry Manilow covered the song for his 1996 album Summer of '78.
  • Tommy Emmanuel's covered the song for his 1998 album Collaboration featuring Shorrock.
  • Goble, Shorrock and Beeb Birtles, three of the original members of Little River Band, who reformed under the name Birtles Shorrock Goble, recorded "Reminiscing" for their 2003 CD and DVD Full Circle.
  • Carl Riseley included a jazz cover of the song on his 2008 album The Rise.
  • k.d. lang recorded the song for the Australian version of her 2011 album Sing It Loud.
  • Shorrock rerecorded "Reminiscing" for his 2019 album Glenn Shorrock Sings Little River Band.[24]

Samples

[edit]

Biz Markie sampled the song for his song "Throwback" on the album Weekend Warrior.

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Reminiscing" is a song by Australian soft rock group Little River Band, released in June 1978 as the second single from their fourth studio album, Sleeper Catcher. The song was written by the band's guitarist Graeham Goble and produced by John Boylan. It became the band's biggest international hit, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in October 1978 and number ten on the Adult Contemporary chart. In Australia, it reached number 35 on the Kent Music Report singles chart.

Little River Band version

Background and recording

"Reminiscing" was penned by 's rhythm guitarist and songwriter on April 9, 1977, during a period when the band was deeply immersed in the music scene of the . Goble drew lyrical inspiration from his affinity for and American popular culture, particularly the era exemplified by the and black-and-white movie musicals starring , aiming to evoke a sense of wistful through vivid imagery of dance halls and summer nights. The melody emerged spontaneously after lead guitarist David Briggs demonstrated a C9 progression, which Goble described as instantly triggering the song's structure in his mind. Recording sessions for the track occurred as part of the broader production for the band's fourth studio album, Sleeper Catcher, at Armstrong Studios (also known as Armstrong Audio Visual) in , , beginning in late 1977 and extending over approximately five months into early 1978. American producer , who helmed the album, provided crucial guidance during these sessions, notably advising Goble to repurpose the song's middle eight section as an additional chorus to amplify its and commercial appeal. Initial attempts to capture the arrangement faltered with various keyboardists, but the third try succeeded using Peter Jones on , which lent the track its shimmering, era-evoking texture despite some internal band resistance. To heighten the nostalgic big band vibe, Boylan and the band incorporated layered horn elements, including a haunting flugelhorn solo by Australian jazz musician Bob Venier toward the fade-out, recorded in multiple takes for emotional depth. Orchestral touches were added via string arrangements by composer Rick Formosa, blending seamlessly with the rhythm section—featuring George McArdle's minimalist bass line of one note per bar and congas for rhythmic propulsion—to create a sophisticated yet accessible soft rock sound. Lead vocalist brought a warm, delivery to the track, his phrasing capturing the song's themes of fond recollection even as he initially expressed doubts about its potential during rehearsals. Complementing Shorrock's performance, provided lush background harmonies that enriched the vocal layers, contributing to the band's signature multi-part blend which underscored the arrangement's emotional resonance.

Personnel

The personnel involved in the Little River Band's original 1978 recording of "Reminiscing," from the album Sleeper Catcher, included the following core band members and contributors. Band Members: Additional Musicians: Production and Technical Staff:
  • : producer
  • : producer
  • Ern Rose: engineer
  • Ross Cockle: engineer
  • Jim Barton: assistant re-mix engineer

Composition and lyrics

"Reminiscing" follows a verse-chorus form, originally conceived with two verses, a middle eight section that became the repeated chorus, and a third verse, incorporating an AABA-style bridge for structural variation. The song is composed in , with a of approximately 95 beats per minute and a runtime of 4:13. Musically, it blends 1940s swing influences—evident in references to and a big-band era vibe—with the mellow, harmony-driven style of the 1970s, featuring prominent saxophone lines and that evoke a nostalgic, romantic atmosphere. , the songwriter, drew from American pop culture of the era, including films and musicals, to craft this hybrid sound after being inspired by a C9 chord. The center on themes of for youthful romances and simpler times, depicting a couple reflecting on shared memories like walking home late at night and dancing under the stars. Specific imagery, such as "Reminiscing in the " and allusions to "Glenn Miller's band," underscores a universal longing for the innocence and excitement of early love, set against a backdrop of enduring partnership. Unique elements include the song's conga-driven groove and sparse bass line, which contribute to its laid-back swing feel, culminating in an outro saxophone solo that imparts an improvisational essence.

Release and promotion

"Reminiscing" was released in July 1978 as the second single from Little River Band's fourth studio album, Sleeper Catcher. The single was distributed by Harvest Records in the United States and Canada, and by EMI Records in Australia and other international markets, primarily in the format of a 7-inch vinyl single. Promotion centered on building radio airplay in the US market, where a Capitol Records executive in New York championed the track's release after initial skepticism from the label, helping to establish it as a key focus for the band's American campaign. The band further promoted the single through extensive touring in 1978, including North American dates where "Reminiscing" became a staple in their live sets, such as a performance on the television program The Midnight Special recorded in August 1978.

Track listings

The original single release of "Reminiscing" by was issued in 1978 in various 7-inch vinyl formats, with regional variations in the B-side track and label pressings. The A-side featured an edited version of the song, shortened from its 4:11 album appearance on Sleeper Catcher to approximately 3:29 for radio play. In the United States, the single was released by (catalogue 4605), with "So Many Paths" (4:18) as the B-side. Multiple pressings originated from plants in , , and Jacksonville. Internationally, handled distribution in markets including (EMI 1249), the (EMI 2839), the (5C 006-82492), and (EMI Eastworld 17E-1001), often pairing the A-side with "Take Me Home" (4:22) as the B-side; some and European editions noted live recordings or edits for the B-side. No standard 12-inch single or extended mix was commercially released, though promotional 12-inch versions exist in limited quantities for radio use.
FormatLabelCountryA-SideB-SideYearNotes
7-inch vinyl (45 RPM)Reminiscing (3:29)So Many Paths (4:18)1978Standard commercial release; edited single version.
7-inch vinyl (45 RPM)Reminiscing (3:29)Take Me Home (4:22)1978Primary international pressing; from Sleeper Catcher album.
7-inch vinyl (45 RPM)Reminiscing (edited, 3:26)Take Me Home (live, 4:22)1978B-side recorded live at , .
7-inch vinyl (45 RPM)Reminiscing (3:26)Take Me Home (4:22)1978European variant; A-side from Sleeper Catcher.
Digital reissues of the single tracks appeared on post-1990s CD compilations, such as Greatest Hits (1982, reissued on CD in 1990 by ) and Ultimate Hits (2008, ), where the edited single version of "Reminiscing" is included alongside album tracks like "So Many Paths" and "Take Me Home" from their respective s. These compilations standardized the track lengths to 3:32 for "Reminiscing" in remastered forms.

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1978, "Reminiscing" garnered mixed reviews from critics, who often highlighted its melodic strengths and nostalgic tone amid criticisms of the band's soft-rock style. In a contemporary album review, of commended the track's "lovely melody" and poignant lyrics about lost love, which he described as evoking the perspective of a 70-year-old man, while noting that Glenn Shorrock's delivery enhanced its wistful quality; however, he faulted the production for its blandness, which diminished the melody's impact within the soft-rock framework. The song's smooth harmonies and jazz-inflected elements were seen as contributing to its commercial appeal, as evidenced by its peak at number 3 on the Hot 100. In , the single was better received, winning Australian Record of the Year at the 1978 King of Pop Awards, recognizing its melodic craftsmanship and Shorrock's emotive vocals. Retrospective analyses in the and have positioned "Reminiscing" as a staple, praising its enduring nostalgic charm and sophisticated production. A 2021 Rolling Stone guide to yacht rock described the song as a "slurpy valentine" reflecting on a past romance with subtle touches, underscoring its lasting melodic allure and the band's polished sound. Critics have frequently cited Shorrock's warm, reflective vocals and the track's evocative arrangement as key to its timeless appeal in . The song received no major Grammy nominations but earned significant airplay recognition from BMI. In 2007, composer Graeham Goble was awarded a BMI Special Award for 3 million U.S. broadcast performances, later upgraded to a 5 Million Air award, reflecting its sustained radio popularity and cultural resonance.

Commercial performance

"Reminiscing" experienced strong commercial success, particularly in North America, where it became one of Little River Band's biggest hits. Released in June 1978, the single peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in October 1978 and spent 20 weeks on the chart. In Canada, it reached number 7 on the RPM Top Singles chart and number 1 on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart. The song performed more modestly in the band's home country, peaking at number 35 on the Australian Kent Music Report, while it did not chart in the United Kingdom. On year-end charts, "Reminiscing" ranked number 65 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1978 and number 34 on Canada's RPM year-end Top Singles chart. The track's enduring popularity is evidenced by its airplay, with over 5 million broadcast performances certified by BMI as of 2010. While the single itself received no official certifications, the parent Sleeper Catcher was certified by the RIAA in May 1979 for sales exceeding 1 million copies in the . In , the single met no specific sales thresholds for awards at the time, though the won Most Popular Australian Album at the 1978 King of Pop Awards.

Chart performance

CountryChartPeak positionYear
Australia351978
CanadaRPM Top Singles71978
CanadaRPM Adult Contemporary11978
United States31978
United StatesBillboard Adult Contemporary101978
United KingdomUK Singles (OCC)

Cover versions

Madison Avenue version

In 2001, Australian electronic music duo , comprising producer Andy Van Dorsselaer and vocalist , released a house and dance reinterpretation of "Reminiscing." The cover reimagines the original's nostalgic melody with pulsating electronic beats, synth layers, and club-oriented production, transforming the classic into a dancefloor staple. Produced primarily by Andy Van Dorsselaer, the track was mixed at Backbeach and Elevation Recording Studios in , and mastered at Crystal Mastering in the same state. It incorporates additional guitar and melodies by Anthony "Tok" Norris and samples elements from Tom Browne's "Forever More." The single was issued on March 5, 2001, by Vicious Grooves in as a CD single (catalog VG12012CD). The Australian CD edition features the following track listing:
  1. "Reminiscing (Da Classic Remix - Edit)" – 3:31 (remix and additional production by Andy Van and Duane Morrison)
  2. "Reminiscing (Original Mix - Edit)" – 3:24 (co-production, additional melodies, and guitar by Anthony "Tok" Norris; written by )
  3. "Everything You Need (Olav Basoski Remix)" – 7:32 (remix by Olav Basoski)
  4. "Reminiscing (Da Classic Remix)" – 5:06 (remix and additional production by Andy Van and Duane Morrison)
  5. "It's Alright (Album Mix)" – 5:12 (backing vocals and writing by Andrew Van Dorsselaer and ; guitar by Ren Walters; additional melodies by Anthony "Tok" Norris; sample written by Donald Blackmon)
The release achieved notable commercial success, particularly in , where it peaked at number 9 on the Singles in March 2001. It ranked at number 77 on the End of Year Singles for 2001. The single was certified gold by the , denoting shipments of 35,000 units. The following table summarizes its key chart performance:
CountryChartPeak Position
ARIA Singles Chart9
ARIA Year-End 200177

Other versions

Several artists have covered "Reminiscing" in various styles, ranging from jazz interpretations to country-infused renditions. One prominent early cover is by , released on his 1996 album Summer of '78, which paid homage to hits with a polished pop . Similarly, included a country version on his 2002 album Make It Home, adapting the nostalgic theme to a more twangy vocal delivery. Glenn Shorrock, the original lead vocalist of , has performed the song in solo settings, including a studio version on his 2007 self-titled album and a live rendition captured on the 2013 release 45 Years of Song during a performance at the Regent Theatre. In the genre, Jazz Nouveau featuring Emma Pask delivered a smooth, instrumental-heavy cover on their 2012 album Reminiscing. k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang offered a rootsy, orchestral take as a bonus track on the Australian edition of their 2011 album Sing It Loud, emphasizing the song's melodic introspection. In the and , indie and tribute acts have revived the track amid yacht rock nostalgia. The Hindley Street Country Club, an Australian ensemble known for covers, released a studio version in 2019 featuring layered harmonies and brass accents. revival bands like have incorporated live performances into their sets, such as during their 2025 tour stops, highlighting the song's enduring appeal in retro concerts. Beyond commercial releases, "Reminiscing" has become a staple in non-commercial contexts. It is a popular standard, with numerous instrumental tracks available from providers like Party Tyme Karaoke and KaraFun, often topping lists of 1970s selections for sing-alongs. The original recording has also appeared in soundtracks without alteration, including The Other Guys (2010) and Monsters vs. Aliens (2009), underscoring its nostalgic fit for comedic and animated scenes.

Legacy

Impact and cultural significance

"Reminiscing" played a pivotal role in defining the late-1970s and genres, emerging as a quintessential example of the smooth, nostalgic sound that characterized the era. Released in , the track's blend of intricate harmonies, jazz-inflected chords, and romantic lyricism helped solidify 's appeal, influencing subsequent acts within the genre through its emphasis on polished production and emotional introspection. The song's enduring popularity is evidenced by its commercial longevity, earning songwriter a BMI 5 Million Broadcast Citation for surpassing five million airplays on U.S. radio, a milestone that underscores its status as one of the most played Australian compositions in American broadcast history. This achievement contributed significantly to Little River Band's breakthrough in the U.S. market, where "Reminiscing" peaked at No. 3 on the , propelling the album Sleeper Catcher to multi-platinum sales and establishing the band as a staple of American soft rock radio. Culturally, "Reminiscing" has become a symbol of , evoking themes of romance and shared memories that resonate in social settings like weddings and retro-themed events. Its inclusion in prominent retrospectives, such as Paste Magazine's list of the 25 Greatest Songs and Ultimate Classic Rock's Top 50 Songs, highlights its lasting influence on music compilations and genre discussions. High-profile endorsements, including John Lennon's repeated plays of the track and Frank Sinatra's praise as the best song of the 1970s, further cemented its cultural resonance. As of 2025, it continues to receive consistent radio airplay, and the Little River Band's 50th Happy Anniversary Tour (2024-2025) prominently features the song, marking the band's milestone and reinforcing its relevance in playlists. The song "Reminiscing" by has been featured in several films, often underscoring nostalgic or reflective moments. In the 2007 romantic comedy , it plays in the background during a scene where characters share intimate conversations, enhancing the film's themes of relationships and memory. Similarly, the track appears in the 2009 animated film as part of its soundtrack, accompanying sequences that evoke whimsy and retrospection. In the 2010 action-comedy , "Reminiscing" is prominently used during a key montage, blending humor with sentimental undertones in the buddy-cop narrative. On television, the song has appeared in various episodes to highlight emotional or reminiscent scenes. It features in the 2000 episode "Kim Kelly Is My Friend" of the series , playing as characters navigate teenage awkwardness and budding romance. More recently, an instrumental version served as the theme music for KTLA's Family Film Festival in the late 1970s and 1980s, introducing classic movie broadcasts and evoking family-oriented nostalgia. In 2025, "Reminiscing" was included in an episode of during Season 23, used for comedic effect in a cutaway gag involving retro pop culture references. Beyond film and TV, the track has found use in and digital trends. It was released as for the video game in 2015, allowing players to perform the song in rhythm-based gameplay. In recent years, particularly from 2024 to 2025, "Reminiscing" has surged in popularity on , where users incorporate it into viral reels and memory-sharing videos, often pairing the lyrics with personal montages of past events or retro aesthetics to capitalize on its themes of fond recollection.

Samples

"Reminiscing" by has been sampled in several tracks across hip-hop and mashup genres, often incorporating its distinctive melody and nostalgic vibe. One prominent example is Biz Markie's 2003 song "Throw Back," which utilizes multiple elements from the original, including the horn and rhythmic , to evoke a retro feel in the rapper's nostalgic reflection on past relationships. Count Bass D's 2004 instrumental track "The Mingus Sextet" from the album Dutton's Dilemma samples the melody and instrumentation of "Reminiscing," blending it with influences to create an experimental hip-hop beat. This usage highlights the song's appeal in underground hip-hop production during the early . In 2020, incorporated samples from "Reminiscing" into the mashup "Time of Our Lives: Songs from EVERY YEAR (1970-2020)," representing the 1978 era alongside other hits to chronicle history. The track's inclusion underscores the enduring legacy of the original in compilations. Other samples include the 1993 remix "Reminiscing (U.S.A. Remix)" by U.S.A. Remix, which directly builds on the song's elements for a dance-oriented reinterpretation, though it borders on remixing rather than new composition. Sampling clearances for "Reminiscing" are handled through standard music licensing bodies such as BMI, where the song is registered, ensuring proper attribution to songwriter and the band. No major legal disputes over its samples have been publicly documented.

References

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