"Head On" is a song written by Jim Reid and William Reid of the Scottish alternative rock band the Jesus and Mary Chain. It was originally recorded for the group's 1989 album Automatic and was released as a single in November 1989. Background In the UK, it was released in seven different formats, including four 7" singles. One 7" single was released per week, and one of them included a cardboard box to house the full set. The single reached #57 in the UK. In the US, it was broadcast a lot on Alternative radio, so it reached #2 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart which listed the most played songs on college radios. In Australia, the single peaked at #102 on the ARIA singles chart. The song has been covered by several other groups, most notably the American alternative rock band Pixies on their fourth studio album, Trompe Le Monde. The melody and lyrics of the chorus are also quoted by Liz Phair in "Slave," the fourth song from the Sooty tape of her self-produced Girly-Sound tapes. Musical style Denise Sullivan of AllMusic described the song as "blueprint post-punk in the tradition of Joy Division/New Order." The song relies on a synth bass and a drum machine, latter of which provides a pop-influenced new wave beat. While the song lacks the layers of guitar feedback of the band's previous works, it features a "1950s-style riff," provided by William Reid. The song's style was also compared to the sound of the Beach Boys. Track listing All tracks written by Jim Reid and William Reid, except where noted. 7" (NEG42) "Head On" - 4:11 "In The Black" - 2:59 7" (NEG42XB) "Head On" - 4:11 "Terminal Beach" - 2:25 7" (NEG42Y) "Head On" - 4:11 "Deviant Slice" - 3:00 7" (NEG42Z) "Head On" - 4:11 "I'm Glad I Never" (Lee Hazlewood) - 1:31 12" (NEG42TE) "Head On" - 4:11 "In The Black" - 2:59 "Terminal Beach" - 2:25 CD3 (NEG42CD) "Head On" - 4:11 "In The Black" - 2:59 "Drop (Acoustic Remix)" - 1:52 "Break Me Down" - 2:29 Cassette (NEG42C) "Head On" - 4:11 "In The Black" - 2:59 Personnel The Jesus and Mary Chain Jim Reid - vocals, guitar, synthesizer, drum programming, producer William Reid - guitar, synthesizer, drum programming, producer Additional personnel Alan Moulder - engineer ("Head On", "Drop") Charts Pixies version "Head On" was covered by the