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{{Infobox single
{{Infobox song
| Name = Quicksand
| name = Quicksand
| Cover = La Roux - Quicksand original.jpg
| cover = La Roux - Quicksand EP.png
| Caption = EP cover
| border = yes
| Artist = [[La Roux]]
| alt =
| caption = EP cover
⚫
| Album = [[La Roux (album)|La Roux]]
| Released = {{Start date|2008|12|15|df=yes}}
| type = single
| Format = {{flatlist|
| artist = [[La Roux]]
⚫
| album = [[La Roux (album)|La Roux]]
*[[CD single]]
| released = {{Start date|2008|12|15|df=yes}}
⚫
*[[Extended play|EP]]
| recorded = 2008
*[[Gramophone record|7" single]]
⚫
| studio = Elfin ([[Teddington]], London)
⚫
*[[12-inch single|12" single]]
| genre = [[Synth-pop]]
⚫
*[[Music download|digital download]]}}
| length = 3:05
⚫
| Recorded = 2008; Elfin Studios<br><small>([[Teddington]], [[London]], England)</small>
| Genre = [[Synthpop]]
| label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| Length = 3:05
| writer = * [[Elly Jackson]]
⚫
* Ben Langmaid
⚫
| Label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
⚫
| producer = * Ben Langmaid
| Writer = {{flatlist|
*[[Elly Jackson]]
* Elly Jackson
⚫
| next_title = [[In for the Kill (song)|In for the Kill]]
⚫
*Ben Langmaid}}
| next_year = 2009
| Producer = {{flatlist|
| misc = {{Extra album cover
*Elly Jackson
| header = Alternative cover
⚫
*Ben Langmaid}}
| Last single =
| type = single
| This single = "'''Quicksand'''"<br>(2008)
| cover = La Roux - Quicksand (reissue).png
| border =
⚫
| Next single = "[[In for the Kill (song)|In for the Kill]]"<br>(2009)
| Misc = {{Extra album cover
| alt =
| Upper caption = Alternative cover
| caption = Re-release cover
⚫
}}
| Type = single
{{External music video|{{YouTube|kErEUhlPoMU|"Quicksand"}}}}
| Cover = Quicksand2.jpg
| Lower caption = Re-release cover
⚫
}}
}}
}}


"'''Quicksand'''" is a song by English [[synthpop]] duo [[La Roux]] from their self-titled debut album, ''[[La Roux (album)|La Roux]]''. Written and produced by [[Elly Jackson]] and Ben Langmaid, the song was released as the album's [[lead single]] on 15 December 2008 by [[Kitsuné Music]].<ref name="musicOMH">{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=John |url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/la-roux_1208.htm |title=La Roux – Quicksand (Kitsune) |publisher=[[musicOMH]] |accessdate=9 April 2009}}</ref> It peaked at number 153 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] upon limited release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Balls |first=David |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a176806/la-roux-wont-re-release-quicksand-single.html |title=La Roux 'won't re-release Quicksand single' |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |date=10 September 2009 |accessdate=10 September 2009}}</ref> When re-released on 23 November 2009, the single re-entered the chart at number 129.
"'''Quicksand'''" is a song by English [[synth-pop]] duo [[La Roux]], released on 15 December 2008 by [[Kitsuné]]<ref name="musicOMH">{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=John |url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/la-roux_1208.htm |title=La Roux – Quicksand (Kitsune) |work=[[musicOMH]] |access-date=9 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419090703/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/la-roux_1208.htm |archive-date=19 April 2009}}</ref> as both their debut single and the lead single from their [[La Roux (album)|eponymous debut studio album]] (2009). Written and produced by members [[Elly Jackson]] and Ben Langmaid, the track was a commercial disappointment despite acclaim from critics, peaking at number 153 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] upon limited release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Balls |first=David |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a176806/la-roux-wont-re-release-quicksand-single/ |title=La Roux 'won't re-release Quicksand single' |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> When re-released on 23 November 2009, the single re-entered the chart at number 129.


==Song information==
==Song information==
Jackson told ''[[The London Paper]]'' that the song is about "having an intense moment with someone, when maybe you're watching a film or listening to music, and both of you are yearning for the other one, and it's almost painful to sit next to them."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=14969 |title=Quicksand by La Roux |publisher=Songfacts |accessdate=16 November 2009}}</ref>
Jackson told ''[[The London Paper]]'' that the song is about "having an intense moment with someone, when maybe you're watching a film or listening to music, and both of you are yearning for the other one, and it's almost painful to sit next to them."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=14969 |title=Quicksand by La Roux |publisher=Songfacts |access-date=16 November 2009}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
"Quicksand" was met with critical acclaim. [[Digital Spy]] music editor Nick Levine wrote that "[l]ike most of the songs on their debut album, it's a winning combination of pop smarts, stifling romantic obsession and production that mixes the sounds of '82 with the sonic punch of '09."<ref>{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a187684/la-roux-quicksand.html |title=La Roux: 'Quicksand' |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |date=23 November 2009 |accessdate=17 May 2010}}</ref> [[Alexis Petridis]] of ''[[The Guardian]]'' commented that "the sparse dynamics and stabbing synthesisers of 'Quicksand' offer a reminder that not every aspect of the 80s has been mined to exhaustion in recent years."<ref>{{cite web |last=Petrides |first=Alexis |authorlink=Alexis Petridis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/26/la-roux |title=La Roux: La Roux |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[guardian.co.uk]] |date=26 June 2009 |accessdate=17 May 2010}}</ref> [[Peter Paphides]] of ''[[The Times]]'' called the song "superb" and added, "Propelled along by a melody that shares some of its DNA with [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]'s '[[When Doves Cry]]', Jackson casts herself as the recipient of an overture from someone already in a relationship."<ref>{{cite web |last=Paphides |first=Peter |authorlink=Peter Paphides |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6578062.ece |title=La Roux: La Roux |work=[[The Times]] |publisher=[[News International|Times Newspapers Ltd]] |date=25 June 2009 |accessdate=17 May 2010}}</ref> John Murphy, writing for [[musicOMH]], described the song as "instantly addictive and catchy", while stating that "unlike a lot of [[Electro (music)|electro]] acts out there, 'Quicksand' has real heart and emotion to it as well—certainly not a case of style over substance."<ref name="musicOMH"/> [[Allmusic]]'s Heather Phares noted that the track "uses a relentlessly tight arrangement and Jackson's frosty soulfulness to give the song's obsession a shot of excitement."<ref>{{cite web |last=Phares |first=Heather |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=la-roux-r1567159/review|pure_url=yes}} |title=La Roux – La Roux – Review |publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]] |accessdate=17 May 2010}}</ref> Luke Turner from the ''[[NME]]'' referred to "Quicksand" as "liquid-mercury-smooth but pierced by sharp vocals."<ref>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Luke |url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/la-roux/10596 |title=Album Review: La Roux – 'La Roux' |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[IPC Media]] |date=23 June 2009 |accessdate=17 May 2010}}</ref>
"Quicksand" was met with critical acclaim. ''[[Digital Spy]]'' music editor Nick Levine wrote that "[l]ike most of the songs on their debut album, it's a winning combination of pop smarts, stifling romantic obsession and production that mixes the sounds of '82 with the sonic punch of '09."<ref>{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a187684/la-roux-quicksand-187684/ |title=La Roux: 'Quicksand' |work=Digital Spy |date=23 November 2009 |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> [[Alexis Petridis]] of ''[[The Guardian]]'' commented that "the sparse dynamics and stabbing synthesisers of 'Quicksand' offer a reminder that not every aspect of the 80s has been mined to exhaustion in recent years."<ref>{{cite web |last=Petrides |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/26/la-roux |title=La Roux: La Roux |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=26 June 2009 |access-date=17 May 2010}}</ref> [[Peter Paphides]] of ''[[The Times]]'' called the song "superb" and added, "Propelled along by a melody that shares some of its DNA with [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]'s '[[When Doves Cry]]', Jackson casts herself as the recipient of an overture from someone already in a relationship."<ref>{{cite web |last=Paphides |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Paphides |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6578062.ece |title=La Roux: La Roux |work=[[The Times]] |date=25 June 2009 |access-date=17 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615064557/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6578062.ece |archive-date=15 June 2011}}</ref>
John Murphy, writing for ''[[musicOMH]]'', described the song as "instantly addictive and catchy", while stating that "unlike a lot of [[Electro (music)|electro]] acts out there, 'Quicksand' has real heart and emotion to it as well—certainly not a case of style over substance."<ref name="musicOMH"/> [[AllMusic]]'s Heather Phares noted that the track "uses a relentlessly tight arrangement and Jackson's frosty soulfulness to give the song's obsession a shot of excitement."<ref>{{cite web |last=Phares |first=Heather |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/la-roux-mw0000823831 |title=La Roux – La Roux – Review |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> Luke Turner of ''[[NME]]'' referred to "Quicksand" as "liquid-mercury-smooth but pierced by sharp vocals."<ref>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Luke |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/reviews-la-roux-10596 |title=Album Review: La Roux – 'La Roux' |work=[[NME]] |date=23 June 2009 |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref>


==Music video==
==Music video==
The music video of "Quicksand" was directed by [[Kinga Burza]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Knight |first=David |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2008/12/03/la-roux%e2%80%99s-quicksand-by-kinga-burza/ |title=La Roux's Quicksand by Kinga Burza |publisher=Promo News |date=3 December 2008 |accessdate=8 May 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003040328/http://www.promonews.tv/2008/12/03/la-roux%e2%80%99s-quicksand-by-kinga-burza/ |archivedate=3 October 2011 |df= }}</ref> It was released on [[YouTube]] on 13 January 2009. The video shows Jackson on a tropical island with pineapples and the sun setting. Girls are dancing. Jackson is seen with a parrot on her shoulder, singing. It mostly features Jackson singing with the sun setting behind her.
The music video of "Quicksand" was directed by Kinga Burza.<ref>{{cite web |last=Knight |first=David |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2008/12/03/la-roux%e2%80%99s-quicksand-by-kinga-burza/ |title=La Roux's Quicksand by Kinga Burza |publisher=Promo News |date=3 December 2008 |access-date=8 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003040328/http://www.promonews.tv/2008/12/03/la-roux%e2%80%99s-quicksand-by-kinga-burza/ |archive-date=3 October 2011}}</ref> It was released on [[YouTube]] on 13 January 2009. The video shows Jackson on a tropical island with pineapples and the sun setting. Girls are dancing. Jackson is seen with a parrot on her shoulder, singing. It mostly features Jackson singing with the sun setting behind her.


==Track listings==
==Track listings==
Line 48: Line 48:
{{col-start}}
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*'''French 12" single'''<ref name="FR 12-inch"/>
*'''French 12-inch single'''<ref name="FR 12-inch"/>
:A1. "Quicksand" (Original) – 3:07
:A1. "Quicksand" (Original) – 3:07
:A2. "Quicksand" ([[autoKratz]] Drags to Riches Mix) – 4:44
:A2. "Quicksand" ([[autoKratz]] Drags to Riches Mix) – 4:44
Line 54: Line 54:
:B2. "Quicksand" (Chateau Marmont Remix) – 3:34
:B2. "Quicksand" (Chateau Marmont Remix) – 3:34


*'''French iTunes EP'''<ref name="iTunes FR"/>
*'''French digital EP'''<ref name="iTunes FR"/>
#"Quicksand" – 3:07
#"Quicksand" – 3:07
#"Quicksand" (AutoKratz Drags to Riches Mix) – 4:42
#"Quicksand" (AutoKratz Drags to Riches Mix) – 4:42
Line 61: Line 61:
#"Quicksand" (Joe and Will Ask? Remix) – 5:01
#"Quicksand" (Joe and Will Ask? Remix) – 5:01


*'''UK iTunes single'''<ref name="iTunes UK 1"/>
*'''UK digital single'''<ref name="iTunes UK 1"/>
#"Quicksand" (Standard Version) – 3:05
#"Quicksand" (Standard Version) – 3:05
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*'''US EP and iTunes EP'''<ref name="US EP"/><ref name="iTunes US"/>
*'''US EP and digital EP'''<ref name="US EP"/><ref name="iTunes US"/>
#"Quicksand" (Original Version) – 3:06
#"Quicksand" (Original Version) – 3:06
#"Quicksand" (Mad Decent Remix No. 1) – 5:07
#"Quicksand" (Mad Decent Remix No. 1) – 5:07
#"[[In for the Kill (song)|In for the Kill]]" ([[Skream]]'s Let's Get Ravey Remix) – 5:02
#"[[In for the Kill (song)|In for the Kill]]" ([[Skream]]'s Let's Get Ravey Remix) – 5:02


*'''US 12" single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/La-Roux-Quicksand/release/1827889 |title=La Roux – Quicksand (12", Single) |publisher=[[Discogs]] |accessdate=2 August 2011}}</ref>
*'''US 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/La-Roux-Quicksand/release/1827889 |title=La Roux – Quicksand (12", Single) |publisher=[[Discogs]] |access-date=2 August 2011}}</ref>
:A1. "Quicksand" – 3:08
:A1. "Quicksand" – 3:08
:A2. "Quicksand" (Mad Decent Mix No. 1) – 5:10
:A2. "Quicksand" (Mad Decent Mix No. 1) – 5:10
Line 80: Line 80:
{{col-start}}
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*'''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/La-Roux-Quicksand/release/2041227 |title=La Roux – Quicksand (CD, Single) |publisher=[[Discogs]] |accessdate=2 August 2011}}</ref>
*'''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/La-Roux-Quicksand/release/2041227 |title=La Roux – Quicksand (CD, Single) |publisher=Discogs |access-date=2 August 2011}}</ref>
#"Quicksand" – 3:07
#"Quicksand" – 3:07
#"Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix) – 5:58
#"Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix) – 5:58
#"Quicksand" (Beni's Sinking at 1.56 Mix) – 4:19
#"Quicksand" (Beni's Sinking at 1.56 Mix) – 4:19


*'''UK limited edition 7" single'''<ref name="UK 7-inch"/>
*'''UK limited-edition 7-inch single'''<ref name="UK 7-inch"/>
:A. "Quicksand" - 3:07
:A. "Quicksand" - 3:07
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*'''UK iTunes EP'''<ref name="iTunes UK 2"/>
*'''UK digital EP'''<ref name="iTunes UK 2"/>
#"Quicksand" – 3:07
#"Quicksand" – 3:07
#"Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix) – 5:58
#"Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix) – 5:58
Line 94: Line 94:
#"Quicksand" (Mad Decent Remix No. 1) – 5:12
#"Quicksand" (Mad Decent Remix No. 1) – 5:12
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}

==Credits and personnel==
Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''[[La Roux (album)|La Roux]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=[[La Roux (album)|La Roux]] |type=liner notes |others=[[La Roux]] |publisher=[[Polydor Records]] |year=2009 |id=2703635}}</ref>

===Recording and management===
* Recorded at Elfin Studios ([[Teddington]], London)
* Mixed at Mr Dan's (London)
* Published by Big Life Music Ltd.

===Personnel===
* [[Elly Jackson]] – vocals, production
* Ben Langmaid – production
* [[Dan Carey (music)|Dan Carey]] – mixing


==Charts==
==Charts==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
!Chart (2009)
!scope="col"|Chart (2009)
!Peak<br>position
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|19|artist=La Roux|song=Quicksand|rowheader=true|access-date=1 October 2020}}
|[[Ultratop#Ultratip|Belgian Tip Chart]] (Flanders)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=La+Roux&titel=Quicksand&cat=s |title=La Roux – Quicksand |language=Dutch |publisher=[[Ultratop]]. Hung Medien |accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref>
|align="center"|19
|-
|-
|[[UK Singles Chart]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK2009.HTM |title=Chart Log UK – Chart Coverage and Record Sales 2009 |publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]. The Zobbel Website |accessdate=11 March 2010}}</ref>
!scope="row"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK2009.HTM|title=Chart Log UK – Chart Coverage and Record Sales 2009|publisher=Zobbel|access-date=11 March 2010}}</ref>
|align="center"|129
|129
|}
|}


==Release history==
==Release history==
{|class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
|-
! scope="col"| Region
! Country
! Date
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format
! Label
! scope="col"| Label
! Format
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
!colspan="5"|Original release
! colspan="6"| Original release
|-
|-
| France
! scope="row"| France
| 15 December 2008
| 15 December 2008
⚫
| {{hlist|[[12-inch single]]|[[Music download|digital EP]]}}
| [[Kitsuné Music]]
| [[Kitsuné]]
| [[12-inch single|12" single]],<ref name="FR 12-inch">{{cite web |url=http://musique.fnac.com/a2521989/La-Roux-Quicksand-Maxi-vinyl |title=Quicksand : La Roux |language=French |publisher=[[Fnac]] |accessdate=2 August 2011}}</ref> [[music download|digital EP]]<ref name="iTunes FR">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/kitsune-quicksand-ep/id298822866 |title=Kitsuné: Quicksand – EP de La Roux |language=French |publisher=[[iTunes Store]] France. [[Apple Inc.]] |accessdate=7 February 2010}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref name="FR 12-inch">{{cite web |url=https://musique.fnac.com/a2521989/La-Roux-Quicksand-Maxi-vinyl |title=Quicksand : La Roux |language=fr |publisher=[[Fnac]] |access-date=2 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="iTunes FR">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/kitsune-quicksand-ep/id298822866 |title=Kitsuné: Quicksand – EP de La Roux |language=fr |publisher=[[iTunes Store]] (France) |access-date=7 February 2010}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| United States
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| United States
| 14 April 2009
| 14 April 2009
⚫
| {{hlist|[[Extended play|EP]]|digital EP}}
| rowspan="2"| [[Cherrytree Records]], [[Interscope Records]]
| rowspan="2"| {{hlist|[[Cherrytree Records|Cherrytree]]|[[Interscope Records|Interscope]]}}
| [[extended play|EP]],<ref name="US EP">{{cite web |url=http://www.interscope.com/artist/releases/detail.aspx?pid=2135&aid=1129 |title=La Roux : Releases : Quicksand EP |publisher=[[Interscope Records]] |accessdate=8 February 2010}}</ref> digital EP<ref name="iTunes US">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/quicksand-ep/id311213218 |title=Quicksand – EP by La Roux |publisher=[[iTunes Store]] US. [[Apple Inc.]] |accessdate=7 February 2010}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref name="US EP">{{cite web |url=http://www.interscope.com/artist/releases/detail.aspx?pid=2135&aid=1129 |title=La Roux : Releases : Quicksand EP |publisher=[[Interscope Records]] |access-date=8 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114043631/http://www.interscope.com/artist/releases/detail.aspx?pid=2135&aid=1129 |archive-date=14 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="iTunes US">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/quicksand-ep/id311213218 |title=Quicksand – EP by La Roux |publisher=iTunes Store (US) |access-date=7 February 2010}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 9 June 2009
| 9 June 2009
⚫
| 12-inch single
| 12" single<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029LJAFY |title=Quicksand/In for the Kill <nowiki>[Vinyl]</nowiki>: La Roux |publisher=[[Amazon.com]] |accessdate=8 February 2010}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029LJAFY |title=Quicksand/In for the Kill [Vinyl]: La Roux |publisher=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] (US) |access-date=8 February 2010}}</ref>
|-
|-
| United Kingdom
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| 2 July 2009
| 2 July 2009
| Digital single
| [[Polydor Records]]
⚫
| [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| Digital single<ref name="iTunes UK 1">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/quicksand-standard-version/id320374995 |title=Quicksand (Standard Version) – Single by La Roux |publisher=[[iTunes Store]] UK. [[Apple Inc.]] |accessdate=7 February 2010}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref name="iTunes UK 1">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/quicksand-standard-version/id320374995 |title=Quicksand (Standard Version) – Single by La Roux |publisher=iTunes Store (UK) |access-date=7 February 2010}}</ref>
|-
|-
!colspan="5"|Re-release
! colspan="6"| Re-release
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| United Kingdom
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| United Kingdom
| 22 November 2009
| 22 November 2009
| Digital EP
| rowspan="2"| Polydor Records
| rowspan="2"| Polydor
| Digital EP<ref name="iTunes UK 2">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/quicksand-ep/id340840125 |title=Quicksand – EP by La Roux |publisher=[[iTunes Store]] UK. [[Apple Inc.]] |accessdate=7 February 2010}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref name="iTunes UK 2">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/quicksand-ep/id340840125 |title=Quicksand – EP by La Roux |publisher=iTunes Store (UK) |access-date=7 February 2010}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 23 November 2009
| 23 November 2009
| {{hlist|[[CD single]]|[[7-inch single]]}}
| [[Compact Disc single|CD single]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002UNWIN2 |title=Quicksand: La Roux |publisher=[[Amazon.com|Amazon.co.uk]] |accessdate=13 February 2010}}</ref> [[gramophone record|7" single]]<ref name="UK 7-inch">{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/La-Roux-Quicksand/release/2017413 |title=La Roux – Quicksand (7", Ltd, S/Sided, Etch) |publisher=[[Discogs]] |accessdate=8 February 2010}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002UNWIN2 |title=Quicksand: La Roux |publisher=Amazon (UK) |access-date=13 February 2010}}</ref><ref name="UK 7-inch">{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/La-Roux-Quicksand/release/2017413 |title=La Roux – Quicksand (7", Ltd, S/Sided, Etch) |publisher=Discogs |access-date=8 February 2010}}</ref>
|}
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|la-roux|quicksand}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{La Roux}}
{{La Roux}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2008 singles]]
[[Category:2008 songs]]
[[Category:Debut singles]]
[[Category:2008 debut singles]]
[[Category:Cherrytree Records singles]]
[[Category:Interscope Records singles]]
[[Category:Kitsuné singles]]
[[Category:Kitsuné singles]]
[[Category:La Roux songs]]
[[Category:La Roux songs]]
[[Category:Polydor Records singles]]
[[Category:Polydor Records singles]]
[[Category:2008 songs]]

Latest revision as of 08:35, 19 December 2024

"Quicksand"
EP cover
Single by La Roux
from the album La Roux
Released15 December 2008 (2008-12-15)
Recorded2008
StudioElfin (Teddington, London)
GenreSynth-pop
Length3:05
LabelPolydor
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Ben Langmaid
  • Elly Jackson
La Roux singles chronology
"Quicksand"
(2008) 		"In for the Kill"
(2009)
Alternative cover
Re-release cover
Music video
"Quicksand" on YouTube

"Quicksand" is a song by English synth-pop duo La Roux, released on 15 December 2008 by Kitsuné[1] as both their debut single and the lead single from their eponymous debut studio album (2009). Written and produced by members Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid, the track was a commercial disappointment despite acclaim from critics, peaking at number 153 on the UK Singles Chart upon limited release.[2] When re-released on 23 November 2009, the single re-entered the chart at number 129.

Song information

[edit]

Jackson told The London Paper that the song is about "having an intense moment with someone, when maybe you're watching a film or listening to music, and both of you are yearning for the other one, and it's almost painful to sit next to them."[3]

Critical reception

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"Quicksand" was met with critical acclaim. Digital Spy music editor Nick Levine wrote that "[l]ike most of the songs on their debut album, it's a winning combination of pop smarts, stifling romantic obsession and production that mixes the sounds of '82 with the sonic punch of '09."[4] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian commented that "the sparse dynamics and stabbing synthesisers of 'Quicksand' offer a reminder that not every aspect of the 80s has been mined to exhaustion in recent years."[5] Peter Paphides of The Times called the song "superb" and added, "Propelled along by a melody that shares some of its DNA with Prince's 'When Doves Cry', Jackson casts herself as the recipient of an overture from someone already in a relationship."[6]

John Murphy, writing for musicOMH, described the song as "instantly addictive and catchy", while stating that "unlike a lot of electro acts out there, 'Quicksand' has real heart and emotion to it as well—certainly not a case of style over substance."[1] AllMusic's Heather Phares noted that the track "uses a relentlessly tight arrangement and Jackson's frosty soulfulness to give the song's obsession a shot of excitement."[7] Luke Turner of NME referred to "Quicksand" as "liquid-mercury-smooth but pierced by sharp vocals."[8]

Music video

[edit]

The music video of "Quicksand" was directed by Kinga Burza.[9] It was released on YouTube on 13 January 2009. The video shows Jackson on a tropical island with pineapples and the sun setting. Girls are dancing. Jackson is seen with a parrot on her shoulder, singing. It mostly features Jackson singing with the sun setting behind her.

Track listings

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Original release

[edit]

Re-release

[edit]

Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from the liner notes of La Roux.[19]

Recording and management

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  • Recorded at Elfin Studios (Teddington, London)
  • Mixed at Mr Dan's (London)
  • Published by Big Life Music Ltd.

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2009) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[20] 19
UK Singles (OCC)[21] 129

Release history

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Region Date Format Label Ref.
Original release
France 15 December 2008
Kitsuné [10][11]
United States 14 April 2009
  • EP
  • digital EP
[13][14]
9 June 2009 12-inch single [22]
United Kingdom 2 July 2009 Digital single Polydor [12]
Re-release
United Kingdom 22 November 2009 Digital EP Polydor [18]
23 November 2009
[23][17]

References

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  1. ^ a b Murphy, John. "La Roux – Quicksand (Kitsune)". musicOMH. Archived from the original on 19 April 2009. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
  2. ^ Balls, David (10 September 2009). "La Roux 'won't re-release Quicksand single'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  3. ^ "Quicksand by La Roux". Songfacts. Retrieved 16 November 2009.
  4. ^ Levine, Nick (23 November 2009). "La Roux: 'Quicksand'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  5. ^ Petrides, Alexis (26 June 2009). "La Roux: La Roux". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  6. ^ Paphides, Peter (25 June 2009). "La Roux: La Roux". The Times. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  7. ^ Phares, Heather. "La Roux – La Roux – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  8. ^ Turner, Luke (23 June 2009). "Album Review: La Roux – 'La Roux'". NME. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  9. ^ Knight, David (3 December 2008). "La Roux's Quicksand by Kinga Burza". Promo News. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  10. ^ a b "Quicksand : La Roux" (in French). Fnac. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  11. ^ a b "Kitsuné: Quicksand – EP de La Roux" (in French). iTunes Store (France). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  12. ^ a b "Quicksand (Standard Version) – Single by La Roux". iTunes Store (UK). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  13. ^ a b "La Roux : Releases : Quicksand EP". Interscope Records. Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  14. ^ a b "Quicksand – EP by La Roux". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  15. ^ "La Roux – Quicksand (12", Single)". Discogs. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  16. ^ "La Roux – Quicksand (CD, Single)". Discogs. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  17. ^ a b "La Roux – Quicksand (7", Ltd, S/Sided, Etch)". Discogs. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  18. ^ a b "Quicksand – EP by La Roux". iTunes Store (UK). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  19. ^ La Roux (liner notes). La Roux. Polydor Records. 2009. 2703635.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ "La Roux – Quicksand" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  21. ^ "Chart Log UK – Chart Coverage and Record Sales 2009". Zobbel. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  22. ^ "Quicksand/In for the Kill [Vinyl]: La Roux". Amazon (US). Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  23. ^ "Quicksand: La Roux". Amazon (UK). Retrieved 13 February 2010.
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