"Pretend We're Dead" | ||||||||||
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Single by L7 | ||||||||||
from the album Bricks Are Heavy | ||||||||||
B-side | "Shitlist" | |||||||||
Released | 1992 | |||||||||
Format | 7", 12", CD, CS | |||||||||
Recorded |
Various
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Genre | Grunge | |||||||||
Length | 3:55 | |||||||||
Label | Slash | |||||||||
Writer(s) | Donita Sparks | |||||||||
Producer(s) | L7, Butch Vig | |||||||||
L7 singles chronology | ||||||||||
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"Pretend We're Dead" is a 1992 song by grunge band L7, from the album Bricks Are Heavy. The song was written and sung by Donita Sparks. The song achieved international success peaking at #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and #21 on the UK Singles Chart as well as charting in Belgium and Australia.
The song has a 'dirty' sound synonymous with the grunge movement; distorted, industrial-punk influenced guitars. However the song has a crossover appeal, that made the song radio friendly, even on conservative stations such as the BBC's Radio One. This is underlined by the immediate and infectious chorus, despite a heavy rock, punk attitude and sound. L7 Performed the song on the UK family friendly music show "Top of the Pops" and the Channel 4 late night cult pop culture show "The Word" - often seen as the antithesis of "Top of the Pops". This was never more evident than when Donita Sparks dropped her trousers, during a performance, revealing no underwear.
The single was released on the following formats in the UK - 7", 12", CD Single and as a limited edition (vinyl), picture disc.
The song was featured in the video games, TV shows and films including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rock Band 2, Beavis and Butt-head, Hindsight and The Perks of Being a Wallflower in addition to the trailer for Shaun of the Dead.