Built around the “Doctor Who” theme, Sweet’s “Blockbuster!” and Gary Glitter’s “Rock And Roll”, Doctorin’ The Tardis saw The Timelords climb to #1 in mid 1988.
A 12″ of alternate versions – some of them featuring Gary Glitter himself – was released three weeks later.
The record’s chart performance later inspired Cauty and Drummond to release their tongue-in-check step-by-step guide The Manual. Despite the single’s success they did not try to cash in on their new found attention with a follow-up single, though.
Promotion & Advertising
Most of the promotion for Doctorin’ The Tardis was built around the Timelords’ front “man” Ford Timelord. Interviews with the iconic cop car appeared in various music magazines like Smash Hits and Record Mirror.
Promo whitelabels where sent out by Appearing, including a handwritten note by Scott Piering claiming the song was meant to “touch the nerves that respond to Dr. Who, Gary Glitter, The Sweet, and of course sing-along- football chants.”
Landscape adverts also appeared various magazines, kicking off the tradition of later KLF/JAMs adverts in a similar format (albeit without their signature typeface yet).
Reviews
Tracks & Formats
KLF 003
| 7″ Single / 23 May 1988 | ||
| A | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Radio) | 3:37 |
| B | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Minimal) | 4:28 |
KLF 003P
| 10″ Picture Disc Single / 23 May 1988 | ||
| A | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Radio) | 3:37 |
| B | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Minimal) | 4:28 |
A couple of uncut versions exist, making them highly sought-after collectors items.
KLF 003T
| 12″ Single / 23 May 1988 | ||
| A | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Club Mix) | 8:15 |
| B1 | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Radio) | 3:37 |
| B2 | Doctorin’ The Tardis (Minimal) | 4:28 |
KLF 003R
| 12″ Single / 13 Jun 1988 | ||
| A1 | Gary In The Tardis (Radio) | 3:21 |
| A2 | Gary In The Tardis (Minimal) | 4:08 |
| B | Gary Joins The JAMs | 6:12 |
Other notable international editions include the CD singles released on Somersault and Indisc which include all six mixes in CD quality, and the CD-Video release on Phonovision which includes the music video. However, since the CD-Video format disappeared again in 1991 you might have troubles finding a playing device these days.
Hi
I have a new “Doctorin’ the Tardis” mashup for you……
I admit, it is an unlikely combination of tracks, but they actually fit surprisingly well together IMHO.
Doctorin’ The Parklife
• Ron Grainer & Delia Derbyshire – Dr Who Theme v
• The Timelords / The KLF – Doctorin’ The Tardis v
• Blur – Parklife.
https://soundcloud.com/philb/phil-b-doctorin-the-parklife
There is more info on my website
Cheers
Phil B
Brighton, England
http://www.philb.info | http://www.soundcloud.com/philb | http://www.mixcloud.com/philb-mashup
Hi, My 7″ single starts with the dalek as opposed to the chanting “Dr Who” do you know why mine is different & how rare is it? regards Robert.
What do the Daleks say at the start of your 7″ single Robert?