Hunky Dory 50th Anniversary Releases 1xLP & Digital: 2021–2022

To mark the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s landmark album Hunky Dory (originally released December 17, 1971), Parlophone Records issued two very special commemorative releases:

HUNKY DORY LIMITED EDITION 50TH ANNIVERSARY VINYL PICTURE DISC

Released: January 7, 2022 (the day before what would have been Bowie’s 75th birthday, and exactly 50 years after the original UK release of the “Changes” single)

Features the 2015 vinyl remaster

Includes a poster of David’s original annotated back cover image

Strictly limited edition picture disc

CHANGES (2021 ALTERNATIVE MIX) – streaming single

Released: December 17, 2021 (streaming platforms)

This fresh mix of the iconic track was created by original Hunky Dory co-producer Ken Scott from the multi-track masters.

Ken Scott commented:

“The new version of ‘Changes’ is a fresh look at David’s classic. When listening to the original multi-track I discovered a few things that I had eliminated from the original mix and also a completely different sax solo at the end. It was those things that led me to try a new mix, trying for a slightly harder, more contemporary edge to it.”A lyric video for the original mix (featuring previously unpublished photos from the Hunky Dory cover session with Brian Ward) was also made available.

Why these releases matter

Although now considered one of the greatest albums ever made, Hunky Dory didn’t chart highly upon its 1971 release. It only reached the UK Top 5 in August 1973, after the success of Ziggy Stardust and the reissue of “Life On Mars?”.

Tracks like “Changes,” “Oh! You Pretty Things,” “Life On Mars?,” “Kooks,” “Queen Bitch,” “Quicksand,” and “The Bewlay Brothers” have since become enduring classics.

Track Listing (Original Album)

Side One

Changes – 3:37

Oh! You Pretty Things – 3:12

Eight Line Poem – 2:55

Life On Mars? – 3:43

Kooks – 2:53

Quicksand – 5:08

Side Two

Fill Your Heart – 3:07

Andy Warhol – 3:56

Song For Bob Dylan – 4:12

Queen Bitch – 3:18

The Bewlay Brothers – 5:22

These 50th anniversary releases offered fans a beautiful way to revisit and celebrate one of Bowie’s most beloved and influential albums.

Do you have the Hunky Dory 50th picture disc or the 2021 Changes alt mix in your collection? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including davidbowie.com, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia and BBC Official Charts Company

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.