"I'm a Cuckoo" is the second single from Scottish indie pop band Belle & Sebastian's sixth studio album, Dear Catastrophe Waitress (2003). Produced by Trevor Horn, the track was released as a single on 16 February 2004. B-side "Stop, Look and Listen" merges into "Passion Fruit" at the end of a song—an instrumental piece which was performed live prior to its release. The front cover features Shantha Roberts.
"I'm a Cuckoo" fared better on the UK Singles Chart than previous single "Step into My Office, Baby", reaching number 14. It is the only Belle & Sebastian song to chart in Spain, peaking at number 19, and was their most recent hit in Sweden, reaching number 59. A Japanese version of the song was released as a B-side to the Japanese version of Belle & Sebastian's subsequent EP, Books.
Critical reception
An AllMusic reviewer described the track as being "like the indie pop version of Thin Lizzy",[2] who are also mentioned in the lyrics.
Reviewing the remix, PopMatters said, "the Avalanches’ remake draws out a more organic side with casual wind instruments and warm percussion. The samples of hustling, bustling chit-chat strike a note of extroverted gregariousness that shy, retiring types like Belle and Sebastian sometimes need someone else to bring out of 'em."[3]
Music video
The video for "I'm a Cuckoo" features Scottish Olympic 100m gold medallist Allan Wells as a running coach and lead singer, Stuart Murdoch, as an aspiring runner.
^I'm a Cuckoo (US CD single liner notes). Belle & Sebastian. Rough Trade Records. 2004. 06076-83234-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^I'm a Cuckoo (Australian CD single liner notes). Belle & Sebastian. Rough Trade Records. 2004. URA125.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^I'm a Cuckoo (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Belle & Sebastian. Rough Trade Records. 2004. RTRADS 157.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^I'm a Cuckoo (UK DVD single liner notes). Belle & Sebastian. Rough Trade Records. 2004. RTRADSDVD 157.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)