A Must to Avoid

"A Must to Avoid" is a song written by P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri and performed by Herman's Hermits. It was featured on their 1966 album, Hold On!^[1] and on their 1966 EP, A Must to Avoid. The song was produced by Mickie Most.^[2]

"A Must to Avoid"
Single by Herman's Hermits
from the album Hold On!
B-side	"The Man with the Cigar"
Released	17 December 1965 (UK) December 1965 (US)
Recorded	30 September 1965
Studio	RCA Studio B, Hollywood
Genre	Pop rock
Length	2:18
Label	MGM 13437
Songwriter(s)	P.F. Sloan, Steve Barri
Producer(s)	Mickie Most
Herman's Hermits singles chronology
"Just a Little Bit Better" (1965) "A Must to Avoid" (1965) "Listen People" / "You Won't Be Leaving" (1966)

Background

Billboard said of the single: "The group has a winning and swinging rocker with hit written all over it."^[3] Cash Box described it as a "rhythmic, twangy item about an unusual gal who means poison to any guy."^[4]

Chart performance

"A Must to Avoid" reached #1 in New Zealand, #3 in Canada,^[5] #4 in Australia, #5 in Norway, #6 on the UK's Record Retailer chart, and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.^[6]

Influences

• This song was reworked by the Swedish band The Shanes as Chris-Craft No. 9.