CHANGESBOWIE at #1 in the UK 30 years ago today

“Ch, ch, ch, ch, changes”

The CHANGESBOWIE best of compilation LP hit the top spot in the UK 30 years ago today, promoted by Bowie’s SOUND + VISION World Tour which kicked off in Quebec, Canada, on 4th March.

Released on Monday 12th March 1990 by EMI in the UK (with three extra tracks on the 21 track LP & cassette), the 18-track US version was issued by RYKO on Friday 16th March 1990.

CHANGESBOWIE collected together songs chronologically that had previously appeared on both CHANGESONEBOWIE (11 tracks) and CHANGESTWOBOWIE (4 tracks) with other hits released after CHANGESTWOBOWIE and a couple of live favourites thrown in for good measure.

The album was released in several formats, including CD, Double Vinyl LP, Minidisc and cassette, while RYKO released limited editions on Clear vinyl and gold numbered Au20 CD, not forgetting a CD and cassette bundle with a free CD rack!

It could be argued that the compilation was UK-centric as it included 16 UK Top 20 hits, of which 10 were Top 5 hits, while also containing 6 US Top 20 hits of which 2 made the Top 5.

Either way, the album's sales were very healthy with it attaining Platinum status in the US where 1,000,000 copies were shipped, and Platinum in the UK and France were 300,000 were shipped in each country. CHANGESBOWIE was also Gold status in many other countries.

C1 = included on CHANGESONEBOWIE

C2 = included on CHANGESTWOBOWIE

N/A = Not applicable as either wasn't released as a single or didn't make the UK Top 30 or the American Bilboard Hot 100

01 - Space Oddity (UK #1 US #15) (C1)

02 - Starman (UK #10 US #65) (C2) (Exclusively on the EMI LP & cassette)

03 - John, I'm Only Dancing (UK #12 US N/A) (C1)

04 - Changes (UK N/A US #41) (C1)

05 - Ziggy Stardust (UK N/A US N/A) (C1)

06 - Suffragette City (UK N/A US N/A) (C1)

07 - The Jean Genie (UK #2 US #72) (C1)

08 - Life On Mars? (UK #3 US N/A) (N/A) (Exclusively on the EMI LP & cassette)

09 - Diamond Dogs (UK #21 US N/A) (C1)

10 - Rebel Rebel (UK #5 US #64) (C1)

11 - Young Americans (UK #18 US #28) (C1)

12 - Fame 90 (Gass mix) (UK #17 US #1) (C1)*

13 - Golden Years (UK #8 US #10) (C1)

14 - Sound And Vision (UK #3 US #69) (C2) (Exclusively on the EMI LP & cassette)

15 - "Heroes" (UK #24 US N/A) (N/A)

16 - Ashes to Ashes (UK #1 US N/A) (C2)

17 - Fashion (UK #5 US #70) (C2)

18 - Let's Dance (UK #1 US #1) (N/A)

19 - China Girl (UK #2 US #10) (N/A)

20 - Modern Love (UK #2 US #14) (N/A)

21 - Blue Jean (UK #6 US #8) (N/A)

* (Information relates to the original Fame single which later replaced Fame 90 on the CHANGESBOWIE Au20 CD)

#CHANGESBOWIE #BowieFame90 #BowieSOUNDandVISION

Hype and David Bowie’s future fifty years ago

“They fall on today, They beat on the outside.”

Fifty years ago this week the issue of Melody Maker dated 28th March, 1970, featured a David Bowie interview by Raymond Telford.

Titled: “HYPE AND DAVID BOWIE'S FUTURE”, here’s an edited excerpt from it:

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What then does the future hold for his new release with Hype’s Prettiest Star?

“I think a lot of people are expecting another Space Oddity,” said David, “and Prettiest Star is nothing like it. I'm sure this is why the BBC aren't plugging it. Everyone wanted another song with the same feel as Space Oddity but as I'd done it, I didn't see the point of doing it again. The song served its purpose but I hope I'm not going to be expected to write and record a whole lot of stuff that is so obvious as Space Oddity.”

The conversation then swung once more to the intriguing Hype.

“I'm very happy with the band,” says David. “I have Tony Visconti who has played bass on nearly all my records, John Cambridge, who used to be with Juniors Eyes and Mick Ronson on guitar and I play 12-string guitar. Although we're all happy with the set up, I can't see it becoming a really permanent thing. I want to retain Hype and myself as two separate working units whereby we can retain our own identities.”

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In the event, that particular line-up of Hype certainly didn’t become a permanent thing. A 30th March gig at the Star Hotel in West Croydon (fifty years ago tonight and a mere two days after the Melody Maker publish date), would be drummer John Cambridge’s last gig with the band.

Another Hull musician, Mick 'Woody' Woodmansey, would fill the vacant spot immediately and though he even signed a contract with Philips on 3rd April as a member of Hype, it’s hard to find evidence that the name Hype was used for any more gigs after 30th of March. We’d love to be proved wrong on that if you have printed evidence to the contrary.

So, if our theory is correct, as a gigging entity with its name appearing in listings, it seems Hype lasted a little over a month, from 28th February to 30th March.

Either way, John Cambridge himself remained friends with David over the years and they met several more times. Our picture shows them backstage at Hammersmith Apollo on 2nd October, 2002.

#Bowie1970 #BowieHype

Is It Any Wonder? EP in Official UK Album Chart Top 10

“Little wonder then, little wonder, You little wonder, little wonder you”

The 6-track limited edition Is It Any Wonder? EP has entered the new official album chart in the UK today at #10, following its release last Friday.

This from the Official Charts:

“…while previously unreleased David Bowie EP Is It Any Wonder? enters at Number 10 following its release on vinyl - the week’s biggest seller on black wax.”

Which, as you've no doubt worked out, means that Is It Any Wonder? Is #1 on the official vinyl album chart too.

Thanks to all of you that bought either the CD or the vinyl for returning Bowie to the Top 10.

#BowieIIAW #BowieVinyl #BowieOCC

Fame 90 released 30 years ago today

“Fame. What’s your name?”

Fame 90 was released as a single in the UK on 26th March 1990, the very day that David Bowie’s SOUND + VISION World Tour continued its globe trot with a 3-day stint at the London Arena. CHANGESBOWIE, the best of compilation LP whence the single came, was at #2 on the official UK album chart that day, reaching the top spot later that week.

Fame 90 was released on the following formats in the UK: • 7" • Cassette • 7" Limited Edition Changes Envelope Pack with three prints • 12" • 12" Shrink Wrap Pack • CD • 7" picture disc •

Despite the formats and different mixes, not to mention a brand new video, the single only just scraped into the Top 30.

Watch the Fame 90 (Official Video) over on the David Bowie YouTube channel:

#BowieFame90 #BowieSOUNDandVISION

David and Tina’s live duet 35 years ago

“Everything will be alright tonight”

As you are no doubt aware, Tonight is a song written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop originally released on Iggy’s 1977 Lust For Life album. Bowie’s own version was recorded as a duet with Tina Turner for 1984’s Tonight LP and was released as a single later that year.

On 23rd March, 1985, 35 years ago tonight, at a Tina Turner concert at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in the UK, Bowie performed the song live with Turner along with a section of the Chris Montez hit, Let’s Dance, seguing into Bowie’s song of the same name.

Bowie guested the following night too, but the first night was filmed and released as part of the Tina Live Private Dancer Tour video the same year and the Tina Live in Europe album three years later.

This live duet of Tonight was also released as a single in late 1988, becoming a #1 hit in the Netherlands and also reaching #3 in Belgium, not to mention making Switzerland’s Top 20.

Tina Live In Europe also contained a live version of the Bowie/Kızılçay penned Girls, which Turner had originally recorded for the 1986 Break Every Rule album.

View the live version of Tonight on Tina’s official YouTube channel, but for those of a nervous disposition, be warned… apparently it's steamy, whatever that means? Any lip readers out there?

#BowieTurner #BowiePop #BowieKızılçay

Fun (Dillinja mix) single out now

“My dream dogs have arrived”

The 1 track digital download and streaming single of the drum and bass mix of Fun (Dillinja mix), is out now.

The track had only been available previously on the exclusive to BowieNet members Liveandwell.com CD, released in 2000.

This is the digital debut of Fun (Dillinja mix) and you can also find it on the Club Bowie playlist now.

(Images by Floria Sigismondi)

#BowieFun

Is It Any Wonder? EP out now

“Bang Bang - I got mine”

The 6-track limited edition vinyl and CD of the Is It Any Wonder? EP (out now), has completely sold out at the Bowie Official Store.

However, Warner/Rhino still have limited stock remaining here.

Also, as you may have read, along with the Record Store Day date change, the Space Oddity picture disc has now been moved to 19th June.

Here's the updated release schedule:

★ Friday 20th March: Limited Edition 6-track IS IT ANY WONDER? physical EP on 12” vinyl and CD released.

★ Friday 20th March: FUN (Dillinja mix) 1 track digital download and streaming single due.

★ Friday 19th June: Space Oddity picture disc vinyl LP released.

★ Saturday 20th June: CHANGESNOWBOWIE vinyl LP and CD released for Record Store Day.

★ Saturday 20th June: I’M ONLY DANCING (THE SOUL TOUR 74) Double vinyl LP and 2CD released for Record Store Day.

#BowieIIAW #SpaceOddityPicDisc #BowieIOD74 #CHANGESNOWBOWIE #BowieRSD20 #BowieVinyl

Record Store Day 2020 moves to 20th June

“It's the safest thing to do”

In response to the current global Coronavirus situation, The folks at Record Store Day have decided to postpone until Saturday, 20th June. Here's an excerpt from the press release:

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There is no perfect solution. There is no easy answer. We’ve decided that the best of all possible moves is to change the date of Record Store Day this year to Saturday, June 20.

We’re working with all of our partners and our stores to make this change as smooth as possible for everyone who participates in Record Store Day: customers, record stores, artists, labels and more. Record Store Day is everywhere and we want to hold our party when everyone can gather around safely to celebrate life, art, music and the culture of the indie record store.

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Meanwhile here's the updated release schedule:

~ Friday 20th March: Limited Edition IS IT ANY WONDER? physical EP on 12” vinyl and CD released.

~ Friday 20th March: FUN (Dillinja mix) 1 track digital download and streaming single due.

~ Friday 17th April: Space Oddity picture disc vinyl LP released.

~ Saturday 20th June: CHANGESNOWBOWIE vinyl LP and CD released for Record Store Day.

~ Saturday 20th June: I’M ONLY DANCING (THE SOUL TOUR 74) Double vinyl LP and 2CD released for Record Store Day.

#BowieIOD74 #CHANGESNOWBOWIE #BowieRSD20 #BowieIIAW #SpaceOddityPicDisc #BowieVinyl

Space Oddity 1972 picture disc due next month

“Well, ain’t that poster love?”

On Friday 17th April (the day before RSD2020), Parlophone will release a limited edition picture disc replicating the 1972 RCA edition of Space Oddity.

The disc features the same iconic Mick Rock shots that were used on the front and back of the original sleeve, albeit in much better quality due to Mick Kindly supplying new scans of the negatives. The pictures were taken at Bowie’s then home, Haddon Hall, in the spring of 1972.

The album also comes with a replica of the cover image poster which was part of the package at the time and no doubt helped launch a thousand punk hairdos a few years later. The back sleeve image was taken in Zowie’s (Duncan Jones) pink bedroom.

Along with The Man Who Sold The World, the November 1972 edition of Space Oddity was repackaged for the new Bowie audience to make available the increasingly hard to find Philips and Mercury originals.

Needless to say, both albums performed considerably better released in the wake of Ziggy’s success, with Space Oddity peaking at #17 in the UK chart and #16 in the US.

The picture disc will feature the 2009 40th anniversary remaster of the album, which was undertaken to match as closely as possible to the original vinyl issue.

We’ll leave you with the notes that appeared on the back of the 1972 original…most likely very familiar to fans of a certain age.

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SPACE ODDITY

Finally, words cannot speak of music, they cannot elucidate nor illuminate. Both sounds enter through the ears, but only music travels throughout and animates the whole body. David Bowie has always known this.

Space Oddity, which opens this album, and which in 1968 (sic) brought David Bowie into music’s world arena as one to be reckoned with, inhabits and charges the whole being. As with all of Bowie’s music it is both ecstatic and uncomfortable — discomforting. lt dates early in the mutable yet paradoxically consistent Bowie odyssey and remains archetypal. Its achievement, and this is so of Bowie’s music in general, is that it was NOW then, and it still is now NOW: personal and universal, perhaps galactic, microcosmic and macrocosmic.

Everything we are is engaged here. We have only to let it in.

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Well, it was 1972.

DAVID BOWIE - SPACE ODDITY 1972 PICTURE DISC RELEASED BY PARLOPHONE 17th APRIL 2020

#SpaceOddity72 #SpaceOddityPicDisc #BowieVinyl

18-year-old Manish Boy is 55

“You’re playing with the spider, who possesses the sky”

No, it’s not Brian Jones and Keith Relf. It’s Davie Jones and Davie Jones.

In the week that we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Davie Jones and The Manish Boys on BBC 2’s Gadzooks! It's All Happening (8th March, 1965), and the release of their one and only single, I Pity The Fool (5th March, 1965), we thought it would be nice to mark the occasion with a couple of pictures from around the same time.

The promo shots were taken in EMI’s boardroom at the Manchester Square offices in London.

I Pity The Fool was the follow up to the previous year's debut by Davie Jones with The King Bees, Liza Jane, and was notable for having the first ever released Bowie composition in Take My Tip on the B-side. Good to see a spider reference in his first ever published song, see today’s lyric quotation.

The A-side has an urgency that still cuts through today, no doubt helped somewhat by a lead guitar played by the young Jimmy Page and a brass section that included Davie Jones himself.

Within two months, Jones had left the group and joined The Lower Third, but that’s another story

As you would expect, I Pity The Fool is far more sought after now than it was fifty five years ago, with an acetate selling for £3,833 GBP three months ago and a stock copy fetching £2,500 GBP in 2018.

And, despite the record’s age, it’s travelled extremely well as you can hear for yourself here.

#Bowie1965

Young Americans album is 45 today

“All right, you want the young American”

David Bowie’s ninth studio album, the Bowie/Visconti/Maslin produced Young Americans, was released in the UK on this day in 1975.

A top ten album in both the US (#9) and the UK (#2) it also furnished Bowie with his first ever #1 single in the shape of the Bowie/Lennon/Alomar composition, Fame.

Have a listen to this episode of In The Studio with Redbeard, wherein we hear from Bowie regarding the creation of the Young Americans and Station To Station albums.

Also, if you’ve not listened in a while, check Young Americans out again on Spotify now.

(Original photo from Young Americans promo video shoot by Ellen Graham)

#YoungAmericansLP45

The Prettiest Star and The World Of David Bowie are 50

“It can all but break your heart, in pieces”

March 6th 1970 saw the release of both an album and a single for David Bowie in the shape of the Mercury 45, The Prettiest Star/Conversation Piece, and the Decca album, The World Of David Bowie.

The Prettiest Star was the beautifully melodic and worthy follow-up to Space Oddity and yet another label change for Bowie. Mercury was the sixth label that David had released UK singles on.

However, it looked like the label’s faith was well-placed with the signs looking good for another top ten UK hit, as suggested by an NME review of the single.

Sadly that was not to be and taking in to account the gentleness of both sides of the 45, it was an unusual follow-up considering David was plugging his new, rather loud, electric band, Hype, in both the press and on stage around the time of the single's release.

Bowie obviously recognised how strong a song The Prettiest Star was as he rescued it for the 1973 Aladdin Sane album, with Mick Ronson affectionately recreating Marc Bolan's original solo.

The B-side, Conversation Piece, was also re-recorded thirty years later for the Toy project and finally issued in 2002 as a Heathen bonus track.

DECCA realised it was time to cash in their chips following the Philips label's success with the Space Oddity 45 a few months earlier, and they did exactly that with The World Of David Bowie on March 6th 1970.

With David’s blessing the compilation rounded up ten tracks from the original fourteen-track UK Deram album, (marked thus * in the tracklisting below) discarding We Are Hungry Men, Join The Gang, Maid of Bond Street and Please Mr. Gravedigger.

Joining the ten album tracks were The London Boys, plus three unreleased tracks recorded with Tony Visconti in 1968. Here's the tracklisting...

Side 1

1 Uncle Arthur*

2 Love You Till Tuesday*

3 There Is A Happy Land*

4 Little Bombardier*

5 Sell Me A Coat*

6 Silly Boy Blue*

7 The London Boys (From Deram single DM 107)

Side 2

1 Karma Man (Previously unreleased)

2 Rubber Band*

3 Let Me Sleep Beside You (Previously unreleased)

4 Come And Buy My Toys*

5 She's Got Medals*

6 In The Heat Of The Morning (Previously unreleased)

7 When I Live My Dream*

Originally, the single versions of both Love You Till Tuesday and When I Live My Dream were meant to replace the album versions for this compilation, but this didn't transpire.

Illustrated in the montage here is the original copy of the album, complete with the nineteen shillings and eleven pence recommended retail price sticker (this was pre-decimal), as advertised in the trade press advert.

As well as the German picture sleeve for The Prettiest Star and the common or garden* Irish pressing of the same, the other item pictured is the UK 8-track cartridge along with its outer cardboard slipcase. This format had the same content as the vinyl version, albeit with the tracks in a different running order.

Listen to the original recordings of The Prettiest Star as it was originally released and the 1997 stereo mix, below.

The Prettiest Star – Original Mono Version

The Prettiest Star – 1997 Stereo Version

* The collectors among you will know that the original Mercury Irish pressing of The Prettiest Star is actually very far from common, or indeed, garden. It remains one of the most collectable Bowie pressings of all time, coveted by a very select few. (Hi Mauro, Roel and Reto)

#Bowie1970