🔘 You've Got a Habit of Leaving – Single: Aug. 1965

In the summer of 1965, a young Davy Jones (later known as David Bowie) was still finding his voice as a recording artist. Backed by his band The Lower Third, he released “You've Got a Habit of Leaving” — a powerful, mod-influenced beat track with a raw, energetic edge.

Released on August 20, 1965, the single appeared on Parlophone Records under catalogue number R 5315. Backed with “Baby Loves That Way,” this 7-inch release marked one of the earliest official recordings of Bowie’s original compositions.

Label: Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: R 5315

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: August 20, 1965 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Parlophone – R 5315 — 1965

A. You've Got a Habit of Leaving

B. Baby Loves That Way

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks, credited as Davy Jones)

Produced by: Shel Talmy

Recorded: 1965

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released August 20, 1965

• One of David Bowie’s (as Davy Jones) earliest solo singles with The Lower Third

• Both tracks were original compositions by Bowie

• Produced by Shel Talmy, who had previously worked with The Who and The Kinks

• Did not chart in the UK

🔘 The Story

“You've Got a Habit of Leaving” was a strong, rhythm-driven beat song with a rebellious edge, showing clear influences from the mid-1960s mod scene. Producer Shel Talmy, known for his work with The Who and The Kinks, brought a powerful, punchy sound to the recording. The B-side “Baby Loves That Way” was another original Bowie composition with a more melodic feel.

Although the single failed to chart, it holds significant historical importance as one of the first times Bowie’s own songs were made available to the public. Shel Talmy later described it as a key early milestone in Bowie’s songwriting career.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Parlophone – R 5315 — UK — 1965

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Parlophone – R 5315 — UK — 1965

• Issued in standard Parlophone company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “You've Got a Habit of Leaving” – energetic mod/beat track with a raw, rebellious feel.

• B-side: “Baby Loves That Way” – melodic original composition.

• Production: Shel Talmy – delivering a powerful, professional sound typical of his work with major British acts of the era.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Parlophone company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the mid-1960s beat era, several years before Bowie’s breakthrough with “Space Oddity” and the glam explosion of the early 1970s.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on David Bowie early career rarities compilations and box sets.

🔘 Related Material

• Can't Help Thinking About Me (1966, with The Lower Third)

• The Laughing Gnome (1967)

• Space Oddity (1969)

🔘 Discography

You've Got a Habit of Leaving – Single: 1965

Can't Help Thinking About Me – Single: 1966

The Laughing Gnome – Single: 1967

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1965 — Recorded with The Lower Third and producer Shel Talmy

✦ August 20, 1965 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Long before the lightning bolt and Ziggy Stardust, a young Davy Jones was already writing and recording his own songs with The Lower Third in 1965 — the very first sparks of the artistic fire that would later change British music forever.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #YouveGotAHabitOfLeaving #1965 #Parlophone

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Parlophone Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.