Max Thomas (keyboards): "Lol and Steve had written “Turn on to Jesus” and when Polygram heard the early mixes of the album in the spring of ’78, they loved the tune, said it was very commercial, but pointed out that having “Jesus” in the title would cause all sorts of problems with radio stations both in the UK and in the USA."
Max Thomas seems to be deeply religious. Excluding this song (if it is not a joke), City Boy was a fantastic band. My favorite album is "It's personal". Heavyweight etc.
I doubt that there was a video made with the original version.
Listen to "5705," at the beginning the sound of the telephone being dialed, it's the telephone number to Mercury records in touch tone. Could be they were getting some revenge for the label making them change the song...?
I bought "Turn On To Jesus" for about $10 /€7 two years ago so there's probably not too expensive if you find a copy. They pop up on Ebay now and then.
I had made a previous comment, and now stand corrected. Apparently this was the original lyrical content, BUT it was not "religious." A band interview stated it was about being in Kansas at some "Christian" strip bar (for real, back then) - with topless waitresses serving, while "Jesus music" was playing on the jukebox. The song was changed to "5705" to not offend sensitive types. Funny stuff.
Nobody seems to be able to figure out what's happened here, or most everyone...it looks as if someone's altered the vocals from the single "5705"(which I always HATED, btw) and substituted some Jesus freak lyrics, instead.
afghanen... read my comments above about why they changed the lyrics. It was not some "Jewish conspiracy" (where do you people get this stuff?) in the U.S. As it was, the band was British, not American.
I think that they may have been told to change the chorus to 5.7.0.5 as this one might have been deemed as a bit gospel? I dont know, but sometimes bands are told what direction to go in, any other ideas?
Max Thomas (keyboards): "Lol and Steve had written “Turn on to Jesus” and when Polygram heard the early mixes of the album in the spring of ’78, they loved the tune, said it was very commercial, but pointed out that having “Jesus” in the title would cause all sorts of problems with radio stations both in the UK and in the USA."
Max Thomas seems to be deeply religious. Excluding this song (if it is not a joke), City Boy was a fantastic band. My favorite album is "It's personal". Heavyweight etc.
TheWooWha 1 year ago
I doubt that there was a video made with the original version.
Listen to "5705," at the beginning the sound of the telephone being dialed, it's the telephone number to Mercury records in touch tone. Could be they were getting some revenge for the label making them change the song...?
The next two releases were on Atlantic...hmm
Jimmy61stl 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
JESUS SUCKS,
paceman7655 2 years ago
@paceman7655 Jesus saves
MrProster 2 months ago
LOL.. no one has mentioned that this is just the 5705 video with the song's first version "Turn On To Jesus" as audio track..
I agree with Vaffanura, TOTJ used to be up for grabs on ebay, and usually inexpensive (maybe people didn't know what they had there?)
lettersinpencil 2 years ago
Interesting song.
This band's style is similar to ELO.
Microsloth 2 years ago
this was the original version of the song...i hold it in my hand and thought jesus....it cant be a hit....i didnt buy it
a month later i run to the store to by 5.7.0.5...the same song.....i wonder how much the original version would be worth today...
rs4eve 2 years ago
I bought "Turn On To Jesus" for about $10 /€7 two years ago so there's probably not too expensive if you find a copy. They pop up on Ebay now and then.
Vaffanura 2 years ago
I had made a previous comment, and now stand corrected. Apparently this was the original lyrical content, BUT it was not "religious." A band interview stated it was about being in Kansas at some "Christian" strip bar (for real, back then) - with topless waitresses serving, while "Jesus music" was playing on the jukebox. The song was changed to "5705" to not offend sensitive types. Funny stuff.
itsthatguyphil 2 years ago 7
@itsthatguyphil well i think it was changed so the song would sell! in the pop market! so the story goes...
rouens 10 months ago
Comment removed
itsthatguyphil 2 years ago
Nobody seems to be able to figure out what's happened here, or most everyone...it looks as if someone's altered the vocals from the single "5705"(which I always HATED, btw) and substituted some Jesus freak lyrics, instead.
HOW it was done doesn't seem so simple.
cathoderoy 2 years ago
hmmm .. i think i have this song as a b-side of a single ... have to ckeck that :-)
tschiwi 3 years ago
Ha ha its a joke ppl calm down!!!
flagulationnation 3 years ago
why did the have to change it to 5705? is it the jews in usa whos behind this?
Afghanen 3 years ago
afghanen... read my comments above about why they changed the lyrics. It was not some "Jewish conspiracy" (where do you people get this stuff?) in the U.S. As it was, the band was British, not American.
itsthatguyphil 2 years ago
ok, thanks for info. Always thought it was some jewish thing..
Afghanen 2 years ago
Good news for City Boy fans! The first four albums are due for re-release in August 2008! Don't miss this opportunity!
Vaffanura 3 years ago
I remember City Boy well, and this person`s doing his best to destroy a perfectly good song..
Coopersk 3 years ago
Coopersk - actually "this person" is the band, doing the original version of the song. LOL!
itsthatguyphil 2 years ago
WHAT????
Speachless,.... hmm was it also one of the number.. a good one.
Surlejma 4 years ago
Is that drummer the man who was a judge on pop idol once? lol
chezzeeX 4 years ago
the drummer is my father in laws dad
treechris007 4 years ago 2
I think that they may have been told to change the chorus to 5.7.0.5 as this one might have been deemed as a bit gospel? I dont know, but sometimes bands are told what direction to go in, any other ideas?
woody2shoes 4 years ago
Same bloke who later formed a 1 hit wonder band "The Maisonettes" the hit song? "Heartache Avenue"
leschampkin 4 years ago
Very interesting! In the audio everything is exactly the same except for the lead and backing vocals.
javierduhart 4 years ago
this is mad - i knew the band well and this was not the song its some kind of weird parallel world spookiness..its blown my mind...
KWStudd 4 years ago
Great, awful, phenomenal. This is the original single. Great....who did it?? Lov'it
hannie63 4 years ago
It might have worked in America!
OnceWasRStrathfield 5 years ago
Fuck you dick
moonrock 4 years ago
No thank you
OnceWasRStrathfield 4 years ago
great
oldie1001 5 years ago
Did Mr. ever get through? what dos 5705 mean?
4321Blastoff 5 years ago
It's the last four digits of a phone number!
loudmusic67 3 years ago
Where did you get this???
cronin99 5 years ago
wtf?
sonnybuddy2001 5 years ago