David Bowie (September 26, 1975) – "Space Oddity" b/w "Changes" Single: United Kingdom
Updated: 6 days ago
In September 1975, RCA Victor reissued David Bowie's landmark recording "Space Oddity" as a UK maxi-single. Issued as part of the RCA MaxiMillion Series, the release paired the original 1969 recording with two additional Bowie compositions, "Changes" and "Velvet Goldmine".
The reissue arrived at a time when Bowie's catalogue was attracting renewed interest and presented three songs drawn from different phases of his early career. Although originally recorded years earlier, "Space Oddity" remained one of Bowie's defining recordings and was selected as the lead track for the release.
The package featured a monochrome version of a photograph taken by Steve Schapiro and was marketed as a special maxi-single edition rather than a standard single release.
RECORDING
"Space Oddity" was produced by Gus Dudgeon and featured an arrangement credited to David Bowie and Paul Buckmaster.
Both "Changes" and "Velvet Goldmine" were produced by Ken Scott under the credit "Ken Scott (Assisted By The Actor)" and were issued as part of a Gem Production.
The labels carried copyright dates showing "Space Oddity" and "Velvet Goldmine" as ℗ 1969 recordings, while "Changes" was listed as ℗ 1974. Notes accompanying the release state that "Velvet Goldmine" had actually been recorded in late 1971.
STYLE & THEMES
The release brought together material reflecting several aspects of Bowie's early artistic development. "Space Oddity" represented his breakthrough blend of rock and science-fiction imagery, while "Changes" showcased his evolving songwriting and observations on personal and artistic transformation. "Velvet Goldmine" added a glam-era dimension to the package, making the maxi-single a broad overview of Bowie's creative range.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• Space Oddity — The lead track and title song of the release, produced by Gus Dudgeon and arranged by David Bowie and Paul Buckmaster.
• Changes — Included as the first B-side selection and produced by Ken Scott.
• Velvet Goldmine — Included as the second B-side track and produced by Ken Scott. Release notes indicate the recording was actually made in late 1971.
RELEASE HISTORY
The maxi-single was released in the United Kingdom on September 26, 1975 through RCA Victor as part of the MaxiMillion Series.
The release was issued in several UK configurations, including 4-prong centre and solid-centre pressings. Additional editions subsequently appeared in mainland Europe and later reissues followed in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Yugoslavia.
A further pressing using black RCA labels was later issued while retaining the original catalogue number.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
EUROPE
UK Singles Chart — Peak: 1
PERSONNEL
David Bowie — vocals, songwriter, arranger
Paul Buckmaster — arranger
Gus Dudgeon — producer
Ken Scott — producer
Steve Schapiro — photography
PRODUCTION
Produced by Gus Dudgeon and Ken Scott
Label: RCA Victor / RCA
NOTES
• Released as part of the RCA Victor MaxiMillion Series.
• Published by Essex Music International Ltd., Chrysalis Music and MainMan Ltd.
• Manufactured by RCA Ltd.
• Pressed by RCA Records Pressing Plant, Washington, UK.
• Featured a monochrome version of an original Steve Schapiro photograph.
• A black-label RCA reissue was later issued using the same catalogue number.
• The release carried differing copyright dates on the labels.
Jugoslavia manufactured edition of UK 45 - omits the track "Changes".
Matrix is UK catalogue number.
Picture cover is UK image, though reversed and in full colour.
"Velvet Goldmine" was noted as having actually been recorded in late 1971.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
David Bowie | Space Oddity | RCA Victor | United Kingdom | RCA 2593 | Sep 26, 1975 | 7" Maxi-Single |
David Bowie | Space Oddity | RCA Victor | Netherlands | RCA 2593 | 1975 | 7" Maxi-Single |
David Bowie | Space Oddity | RCA Victor | Yugoslavia | SRCA 88884 | 1976 | 7" Single |
David Bowie | Space Oddity | RCA | United Kingdom | RCA 2593 | 1979 | 7" Reissue |
David Bowie | Space Oddity | RCA / RCA Victor | United Kingdom | BOW 518 / RCA 2593 | 1983 | 7" Reissue |
David Bowie | Space Oddity | RCA / RCA Victor | Ireland | BOW 518 / RCA 2593 | 1983 | 7" Single |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" Maxi-Single | RCA 2593 | A. Space Oddity (5:15) B1. Changes (3:35) B2. Velvet Goldmine (3:10) |
7" Single | SRCA 88884 | A. Space Oddity B1. Changes B2. Velvet Goldmine |
7" Reissue | RCA 2593 / BOW 518 | A. Space Oddity B1. Changes B2. Velvet Goldmine |
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