64. ‘Clover Over Dover’

On ‘Parklife’. Produced by Stephen Street.

Beginning with a chorus of seagulls sampled from Stephen Street’s copy of an old BBC ‘Sound Effects’ LP (see 71, 84), ‘Clover’ is a superb arrangement bolstering an ineffectual song. The band originally essayed it as a ska tune but, as Alex’s recalls, “it came out sounding like Nirvana meets Doctor Drugs”. But the harpsichord (played by Damon) is an inspired touch, and the guitar arpeggios recall Johnny Marr. The despairing empty lyrics may have some basis in the surreal White Cliffs of Dover conclusion to Quadrophenia. But the song’s suicidal theme is out of character for the ultra-confident Damon. Owing to its studio-bound sophistication, ‘Clover’ has never been performed live.