“How I wished that I had joined your Rubber Band”
Released on 2nd December 1966, David Bowie’s first release for DERAM was his fourth single release that year.
This review of the single from Disc and Music Echo is not unfair.
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I do not think Rubber Band is a hit. What it is is an example of how David Bowie has progressed himself into being a name to reckon with, certainly as far as songwriting is concerned. He is not the David Bowie we once knew. Even a different voice - distinctly reminiscent of a young Tony Newley - has emerged.
Listen to this record then turn it over and listen to The London Boys, which actually I think would have been a much more impressive topside. But both are worth thinking about.
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Rubber Band was re-recorded for the DERAM album released the following year. Bowie was fond enough of The London Boys (not The London Boy’s, as the original label and publicity material stated), to revisit the song for TOY, which it seems a few of you have been enjoying.
(Label scans courtesy of the Tris Penna Archive)
#BowieRubberBand #BowieLondonBoys