Written by the soul songwriting team of Gamble & Huff (with Cary Gilbert), "Don't Leave Me This Way" was first recorded in 1975 by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes; their version went to #5 in the UK. In America, it was a #1 hit for Thelma Houston in 1977 (in the UK, her version reached #13). The Communards decided to cover the song, as Jimmy Somerville loved Houston's disco version, while Richard Coles liked the Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes one.
This was dedicated to the Greater London Council (GLC), London's top administrative body, which was about to be abolished by Margaret Thatcher, a move that was drawing much criticism from left wing quarters.
In the UK this was the biggest-selling single of 1986, helped by the inclusion of an innovative 22:55 extended version.
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