David Bowie (October 2, 2015) – Space Oddity (Original Mono Single Edit) / Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (Original Mono Single Version)

Oct 2, 2015

3 min read

BACKGROUND

Released on October 2, 2015 by Parlophone Records, this limited-edition 7-inch picture disc commemorated the 50th anniversary of David Bowie's breakthrough 1969 single, Space Oddity.

The release faithfully recreated the original UK single configuration using the original mono mixes recorded at Trident Studios. Issued as part of Parlophone's ongoing Bowie archival programme, the picture disc paired the original mono single edit of "Space Oddity" with the original mono single version of "Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud".

Presented as a collector-focused release, the single celebrated the recording that introduced the character of Major Tom and provided fans with newly remastered versions sourced from the original Trident Studios tapes.

RECORDING

Originally recorded in 1969 at Trident Studios.

Produced by Gus Dudgeon.

The anniversary release used the original mono single mixes, newly remastered from the original tapes.

STYLE & THEMES

"Space Oddity" blended folk, progressive pop and orchestral elements to create one of Bowie's earliest signature recordings. Its narrative of astronaut Major Tom became one of the defining stories within the Bowie catalogue.

"Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud" showcased Bowie's increasingly ambitious songwriting and orchestral arrangements during the same creative period.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Space Oddity (Original Mono Single Edit) — The original 1969 mono single version presented in its authentic edited form.

• Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (Original Mono Single Version) — The original mono B-side version reproduced from the original single release.

PERSONNEL (1969)

David Bowie — vocals, guitar, Stylophone

John Hutchinson — guitar

Herbie Flowers — bass

Terry Cox — drums

Rick Wakeman — Mellotron

Paul Buckmaster — cello

Gus Dudgeon — producer

RELEASE HISTORY

The picture disc was released in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2015.

Issued by Parlophone Records, the release formed part of a wider programme of archival Bowie reissues following the transfer of his catalogue to the label.

The edition was specifically designed to recreate the original 1969 single experience while offering improved audio mastering from the original source tapes.

PRODUCTION

Label: Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: DBSO 140

Format: Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc (45 RPM)

Country: United Kingdom

Produced by: Gus Dudgeon

NOTES

• Released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of David Bowie's landmark 1969 single "Space Oddity".

• The release reproduced the original UK single configuration using the authentic mono single mixes.

• Both tracks were newly remastered from the original Trident Studios tapes.

• Unlike many later reissues, this edition focused specifically on recreating the original mono listening experience rather than presenting modern remixes or alternate versions.

• "Space Oddity" introduced Major Tom, one of the most important recurring characters in Bowie's catalogue.

• The single was originally associated with the period surrounding the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

• The anniversary edition highlighted the differences between the original mono single version and the more familiar stereo album recordings.

• Issued as a limited-edition picture disc aimed at collectors and Bowie archivists.

• The release formed part of Parlophone's extensive programme of archival Bowie singles and album reissues during the 2010s.

• "Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud" was restored in its original mono single form, making the release especially attractive to collectors seeking period-accurate versions.

• The picture disc featured period-inspired artwork reflecting the original era of Bowie's breakthrough success.

• The release celebrated the recording widely regarded as Bowie's first major international breakthrough.

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Limited-edition picture disc

• Period-inspired 1969 artwork

• Original mono single mixes

• Newly remastered from Trident Studios source tapes

• Part of Parlophone's Bowie archival series

RELATED RELEASES

• Space Oddity (1969 Original Single)

• Space Oddity 40th Anniversary Edition (2009)

• Space Oddity 50th Anniversary Mixes (2019)

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
David Bowie	Space Oddity (Original Mono Single Edit) / Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (Original Mono Single Version)	Parlophone Records	UK	DBSO 140	October 2, 2015	Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Picture Disc	DBSO 140	Side A • Space Oddity (Original Mono Single Edit) Side B • Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (Original Mono Single Version)