David Bowie (1976) Special – 2LP Compilation (Japan)

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: David Bowie Title: Special (Big Artist Golden Special)

Label: RCA – SRA-9503~04

Format: 2 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Reissue Country: Japan

Released: 1976

THE STORY This Japanese double LP compilation brings together key tracks from David Bowie’s early career, spanning his glam rock peak. It was released with the striking Thin White Duke era artwork on the cover, replacing the earlier Ziggy Stardust imagery used on the original 1973 version. The set includes a gatefold sleeve, obi strip, and a 2-page insert with Japanese liner notes and English lyrics.

CONTEXT & NOTES

Released in 1976 during Bowie’s Thin White Duke period, this compilation served as an excellent introduction for Japanese fans. It features many of his most important songs from the Hunky Dory through Aladdin Sane era, beautifully presented with the iconic new cover image that defined his mid-1970s image.

Side A

A1. Starman – 4:11

A2. Moonage Daydream – 4:35

A3. Five Years – 4:38

A4. Hang On To Yourself – 2:35

A5. Suffragette City – 3:24

A6. Rock 'n' Roll Suicide – 2:57

Side B

B1. The Jean Genie – 4:03

B2. Time – 5:11

B3. Let's Spend The Night Together – 3:04

B4. The Prettiest Star – 3:26

B5. Watch That Man – 4:24

B6. Alladin Sane (1913-1938-197?) – 4:53

Side C

C1. Space Oddity – 5:13

C2. The Man Who Sold The World – 3:57

C3. The Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud – 4:46

C4. Cygnet Committee – 9:30

Side D

D1. Changes – 3:33

D2. Life On Mars? – 3:51

D3. Fill Your Heart – 6:59

D4. Black Country Rock – 3:34

D5. The Width Of A Circle – 8:04

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Gatefold sleeve with Thin White Duke artwork

• Includes original obi strip

• 2-page insert with Japanese notes and English lyrics

• Both records labelled Side 1 / Side 2

WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS

The front cover features a classic mid-70s portrait of David Bowie in his Thin White Duke persona. The gatefold and insert provide additional imagery and detailed track information.

RELATED MATERIAL

•The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)

• Aladdin Sane (1973)

• Hunky Dory (1971)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES

Discogs, original release information

All album artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.