I Can’t Explain (Trident Studios Version – Take 2) Digital Single: 2024

A Ziggy-Era Who Cover Unearthed

Released digitally worldwide on May 31, 2024 (exact time zone dependent), David Bowie’s “I Can’t Explain” (Trident Studios Version – Take 2) is the third preview track from the forthcoming box set Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! (5CD/Blu-ray, digital, and half-speed mastered LP, out June 14, 2024).

This previously unheard, high-energy cover of The Who’s 1965 debut single was produced by Bowie and recorded at Trident Studios in Soho, London, on June 24, 1972 — during the Ziggy Stardust sessions. It remained undiscovered for over 50 years. (Bowie later re-recorded a slower version for *Pin Ups* in 1973 with co-producer Ken Scott.)

The track serves as a thrilling taste of the box set, which explores Bowie’s journey from February 1971 through the creation of *The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars*, including unreleased highlights like a lower-register “Lady Stardust (Alternative Version – Take 1)” and the deep-cut “Shadow Man.”

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Parlophone / ISO Records (digital).

Format: Digital single (streaming/download).

Full Track Listing

1. I Can’t Explain (Trident Studios Version – Take 2)

Production and Context

Produced by David Bowie. Recorded June 24, 1972, at Trident Studios, London. A raw, electrifying take from the Ziggy sessions — the first known Bowie cover of The Who.

Do you have “I Can’t Explain” (Trident Take 2) in your digital collection? Ready to rock the Ziggy vaults? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including David Bowie, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History.

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