1st September 2003
1. Wildest Dreams (Smith, Harris)
2. Pass The Jam (Dickinson, Gers, Harris, McBrain, Murray, Smith)
3. Blood Brothers (orchestral mix) (Harris)
Wildest Dreams was the first single from the Dance Of Death album. The cover represents a close-up of Eddie's face as can be seen in the 'Wildest Dreams' video, a 3D computer animation directed by Howard Greenhalgh. Strangely enough, the single was not released in New Zealand, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Bulgaria, Croatia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, USA, Hungary, Iceland, Russian Federation, Slovenia and South Africa.
Wildest Dreams (Smith, Harris)
This is the same version as the one that appears on the Dance Of Death album.
Pass The Jam (Dickinson, Gers, Harris, McBrain, Murray, Smith)
A literary critic once mentioned that Stephen King – the best-selling author of horror novels – could publish his shopping list and turn it into a best-seller. Iron Maiden seem to be trying this recipe with 'Pass The Jam'. This is quite simply a jam session they recorded and thought appropriate to put on a single. The result makes a change from the cover versions Maiden used to record as B-sides of their singles and is actually quite funny – mostly when Bruce Dickinson goes, "next up I'll scream", screams a couple of times before adding, "I warned you, I'm going home now".
Blood Brothers (orchestral mix) (Harris)
This is the so-called "orchestral mix" of the song that appears on the Brave New World album. Some synth has been added to give this "orchestral" feel and the distortions have been smoothened out. Other than that, there isn't much of a difference with the original version.
24th November 2003
1. Rainmaker (Murray, Harris, Dickinson)
2. Dance Of Death (orchestral version) (Gers, Harris)
3. More Tea Vicar (Dickinson, Gers, Harris, McBrain Murray, Smith)
This is the second single from the Dance Of Death album. Like the Wildest Dreams single, the cover is a still taken from the corresponding video directed by Howard Greenhalgh. This single also contains a double-sided poster.
Rainmaker (Murray, Harris, Dickinson)
This is the same version as the one that appears on the Dance Of Death album.
Dance Of Death (orchestral version) (Gers, Harris)
This is the "orchestral" version of the song that appears on the Dance Of Death album. Quite a lot of arrangements have been added and make this version of the song quite interesting, as well as enjoyable.
More Tea Vicar (Dickinson, Gers, Harris, McBrain Murray, Smith)
'More Tea Vicar' (MTV for short!) is yet again the recording of a jam session in the same vein as 'Pass The Jam', with Bruce doing some interesting rapping. There isn't a lot to say about it, except that it is less enjoyable than 'Pass The Jam', even if it's shorter.
For those who are not familiar with "British things", just know that a vicar is a priest of the Church of England. This name could have been chosen to have the "V" of "MTV", as this song seems to be some sort of piss-take of that particular channel that calls itself a "music channel" but only plays mainstream commercial crap. The lyrics of 'More Tea Vicar' make no sense at all and reflect perfectly those of the so-called "hits" sung by the talentless monkeys that MTV airs profusely.
On the other hand, an even more logical explanation to such a title comes from a common joke, as the expression "more tea, vicar?" is sometimes used down the pub – and often in an exclusively male company – to acknowledge that somebody has farted. It is normally said in a posh voice in a parody of the behaviour in "upper class" circles. The whole song is in this case simply a big joke with no real meaning.
29th March 2004
1. No More Lies (Harris)
2. Paschendale (orchestral version) (Smith, Harris)
3. Journeyman (electric version) (Smith, Harris, Dickinson)
3 1/2. Age Of Innocence... How Old (Murray, Harris, Mc Brain)
— No More Lies (video) (Harris)
This is the "Dance Of Death Souvenir EP" – so technically-speaking not a single – released by Iron Maiden as "a special thank you to all the Maiden fans in celebration of an amazing year". Needless to say, it is only for the collectors and so-called "die-hard fans", even regardless of the fact that it is also a "strictly limited edition EP" (that incidentally can be found just about anywhere).
No More Lies (Harris)
This is the same version as the one that appears on the Dance Of Death album.
Paschendale (orchestral version) (Smith, Harris)
This is yet again the "orchestral" version of a song that already appears on the Dance Of Death album. It's amazing to see that Iron Maiden managed to make virtually two albums out of one with their different versions and re-mixes of the same songs! This particular version of 'Paschendale' was really not necessary, as the one that features on the album is a masterpiece in its own right. On this "orchestral" version, the musical subtleties of the original song are completely smothered by an over-use of arrangements that actually make this mix less enjoyable than the one on the album. To make yet another comparison, this is a bit like a beautiful woman who is so tarted-up with make-up that she ends up looking ugly and tasteless.
Journeyman (electric version) (Smith, Harris, Dickinson)
This version of 'Journeyman' is actually quite interesting, as it is the original song that was supposed to be recorded for the album before someone – Steve Harris? – decided to make it an acoustic song. Like its acoustic counterpart, it is a brilliant song, with Adrian soloing almost constantly. At last an alternate version of a song that is not disappointing as compared to its original release!
Age Of Innocence... How Old? (Murray, Harris, McBrain)
This "Nicko-mix" version of 'Age Of Innocence' is absolutely hilarious! This is no secret for anyone, but just know that this "hidden bonus-track" comes after six minutes of absolute silence following the last notes of 'Journeyman'. This is a track that is reminiscent of some of the B-sides Maiden used to record in the late 80s and early 90s – a piss-take for the enjoyment of both the band and the fans. Listen to Nicko trying to sing and losing track, and that'll put you in a pretty good mood for the rest of the day.
No More Lies (video) (Harris)
This is a "real false" live video of 'No More Lies'. The studio track has actually been added to live pictures of the rendition of the song, plus a few crowd effects for good measure. Although it's pretty interesting, it leaves the bitter taste of having been somehow cheated. How ironic of Iron Maiden to be lying to their fans on a song with such a title!
