in the UK Singles Chart when released as a single on 12 June 1995. MacColl has described the song as "glorious and tragic at the same time". Speaking of her collaboration with Dando, she told Steve Harris in 1995: "I met Evan a couple of years ago and we sort of talked about possibly doing something together. When I was recording the new tracks for [Galore], I thought "Perfect Day" would be a really good song to do as a duet [and that] he would be the ideal person to sing it with me." MacColl was initially unsure of how to contact Dando, but decided to record the backing track in anticipation of being able to add his contribution at a later date. By coincidence, Dando phoned MacColl two days after the backing track was recorded to let her know he was performing in London with his band The Lemonheads and he agreed to provide vocals on the track while in the UK. In 2022, Dando recalled to Stereogum that collaborating with MacColl was "great" and "really fun". Music Week described "Perfect Day" as a "hugely sentimental ballad" with Dando "shockingly in deep-voiced crooner mode". Nick Marshall of the Hull Daily Mail considered the version to be "very moody" and remarked about Dando's vocals, "If you think Bob Geldof has attitude, listen to Dando." He felt that MacColl "fits well into this serene ballad, but battles in sharp contrast to her spritely lyrics she has become renowned for". Caitlin Moran of the Irish Independent praised it as "a languorous version" on which MacColl and Dando duet "beautifully". BBC corporate film and charity release In 1997, the BBC made a version of the song with advertising agency Leagas Delaney. It showcased the BBC in a lengthy corporate promotion of its diverse music coverage which was broadcast on BBC channels, in cinemas, and at major events organised by the BBC such as the Eurovision Song Contest 1998. It featured Lou Reed himself and other major artists in what the Financial Times described as "an astonishing line-up of world class performers". In reference to the licence fee, the film ends with the message "Whatever your musical taste, it is catered for by BBC Radio and Television. This is only possible thanks to the unique way the BBC is paid for by you. BBC. You make it what it is." This message appears over