David Bowie (September 3, 2012) – John, I’m Only Dancing 40th Anniversary Picture Disc 7"

Sep 3, 2012

2 min read

Issued as part of EMI’s 40th Anniversary picture disc campaign, this single revisits one of Bowie’s most playful and provocative glam‑era tracks.

Originally released in 1972 between The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Aladdin Sane, John, I’m Only Dancing remained a non‑album single throughout the period.

The 2012 picture disc pairs the original 1972 recording with the 1973 Sax Version, cut during the Aladdin Sane sessions and distinguished by its bold brass arrangement.

RECORDING

The 1972 version was recorded during Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust period, capturing the swagger, ambiguity and glam‑rock energy of the era. The 1973 Sax Version was recorded the following year with additional brass overdubs, aligning the track with the jazz‑inflected, muscular sound Bowie explored during the Aladdin Sane sessions.

STYLE & THEMES

The original 1972 recording reflects Bowie’s glam‑era theatricality, gender play, and rhythmic looseness. The 1973 Sax Version adds a sharper, more aggressive edge, driven by its brass arrangement and the heightened sonic palette of Bowie’s early‑1973 work.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• John, I’m Only Dancing (1972 Version) — The classic Ziggy‑era single, defined by its playful vocal delivery and glam‑rock groove.

• John, I’m Only Dancing (Sax Version 1973) — A brass‑driven reinterpretation recorded during the Aladdin Sane sessions, adding a tougher, jazz‑inflected character.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released on September 3, 2012 in the United Kingdom as a limited edition 7" picture disc. Part of EMI’s ongoing 40th Anniversary picture disc series celebrating Bowie’s early‑1970s singles.

Artist: David Bowie

Title: John, I’m Only Dancing

Label: EMI Records

Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: DBJOHN40

Date: September 3, 2012

Format: Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc

Tracklist (7"):

A — John, I’m Only Dancing (1972 Version)

B — John, I’m Only Dancing (Sax Version 1973)

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