"Was There Anything I Could Do?" is a song by Australian indie group the Go-Betweens that was issued as the second single from their 1988 album 16 Lovers Lane. The song was released 3 October 1988 by Beggars Banquet Records in the UK and Mushroom Records in Australia but failed to chart in either region. It was released as a promotional single in the US by Capitol Records and charted on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks charts in the United States, peaking at No. 16.
"Was There Anything I Could Do?" was not necessarily the unanimous choice by all members of the band, with claims by some that they wanted Forster's "Clouds" whilst McLennan pushed for the song as it was more driving and anthemic.
Cover versions The song was covered by Maxïmo Park and included on a limited edition compilation album, released in July 2008 to celebrate the launch of Independents Day.
In 2010 a cover of the song by the Buzzards, was included on a Go-Betweens tribute album, Right Here.
Franz Ferdinand in November 2013 covered the song on Triple J's Like a Version programme.
In 2014 a cover of the song by Missy Higgins was included on her album, Oz.
Track listing
Original 7" Vinyl release "Was There Anything I Could Do?" - 3:06 "Rock and Roll Friend" - 3:30
Original 12" Vinyl release "Was There Anything I Can Do?" - 3:06 "Rock and Roll Friend" - 3:30 "Mexican Postcard" - 2:13
Original CD single release "Was There Anything I Can Do?" - 3:06 "Rock and Roll Friend" - 3:30 "Mexican Postcard" - 2:13 "Bye Bye Pride" - 4:06
Release history Region Date Label Format CatalogueUnited KingdomOctober 1988Beggars Banquet 7" vinyl BEG 219 12" vinyl BEG 219T CD single BEG 219CDAustraliaDecember 1988Mushroom7" vinylK698 12" vinyl X14667 United States 1988 Capitol 12" vinyl SPRO-79427 Notes A. :The US release was a 12" promotional release with "Was There Anything I Could Do?" on each side.
Charts Chart (1988–89)Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 159
References
External links [ "Was There Anything I Could Do?"] @ AllMusic "Was There Anything I Could Do?" @ MusicBrainz "Was There Anything I Could Do?" @ Discogs Video Alternate Video