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"Blues from a Gun" is a Modern Rock number-one hit from The Jesus and Mary Chain's album Automatic from 1989. It was released in four different formats, including a 3" Mini CD single in a paper gatefold sleeve. It is one of the few singles by the band featuring lead vocals from William, as opposed to Jim Reid.

"Blues from a Gun"
Single by The Jesus and Mary Chain
from the album Automatic
B-side	"Shimmer"
Released	September 1989
Genre	Alternative rock, blues rock
Length	4:44 (Edit)
Label	Blanco Y Negro
Songwriter(s)	William Reid, Jim Reid
The Jesus and Mary Chain singles chronology
"Sidewalking" (1988) "Blues from a Gun" (1989) "Head On" (1989)

Chart performance

The single reached number 32 in the UK single charts,[1] and three weeks at number one on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart which listed the most played songs on alternative radio.[2]

Track listing

All tracks written by Jim Reid and William Reid, except where noted [3]

7" (NEG41)

1. "Blues from a Gun" - 4:43
2. "Shimmer" - 2:45

10" (NEG41TE) Gatefold

1. "Blues from a Gun" - 4:43
2. "Shimmer" - 2:45
3. "Penetration" - 2:46
4. "Break Me Down" - 2:23

12" (NEG41T)

1. "Blues from a Gun" - 4:43
2. "Shimmer" - 2:45
3. "Penetration" - 2:46
4. "Subway" - 2:04

CD3 (NEG41CD)

1. "Blues from a Gun" - 4:43
2. "Shimmer" - 2:45
3. "Penetration" - 2:46
4. "My Girl" (Smokey Robinson, Ronald White) - 2:31

Personnel

The Jesus and Mary Chain

• Jim Reid – guitar, synthesizer, drum programming, producer
• William Reid – vocals, guitar, synthesizer, drum programming, producer

Additional personnel

• Alan Moulder – engineer (track 1)
• Andrew Catlin – photography

Charts

Chart (1989–90)	Peak position
UK Singles (OCC)[4]	32
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[5]	1

See also

• List of Billboard number-one alternative singles of the 1980s

References

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