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A Melody Maker Bowie Berlin Release Published in the UK on January 15, 1977, Melody Maker’s one-page advert announced the release of David Bowie’s new album Low — out that Friday, January 14. Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, recorded at Château d'Hérouville in France and Hansa By The Wall in Berlin, featuring Brian Eno (tapes, synthesisers, ARPs), George Murray (bass), Dennis Davis (percussion), Carlos Alomar and Ricky Gardiner (guitar), Roy Young (piano, organ), and Iggy Pop (vocals on “What In The World”). Bowie played guitar, piano, keyboards, saxophone, pump bass, vibraphone, xylophone, synthetic strings, and vocals. Retail price £3.09. Also noted a new fan club organization in Los Angeles (Major Fulfillment) to address UK fan complaints. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1977. Format: One-page album advert. Exact Text from the Advert album Bowie out this week 'Low' - with Eno and Iggy THE NEW David Bowie album is released this Fri-day, Januaгу 14. Entitled 'Low,' it was produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, and was recorded at the Chateau d'Herouville in France and the Hansa By The Wall Studio in Berlin. Musicians on the album are Brian Eno on tapes, synthesisers and ARPS, George Murray on bass, Dennis Davis on percussion, Carlos Alomar and Ricky Gardiner on guitar and Roy Young on piano and organ. Iggy Pop also contributes vocals on one track, 'What In The World.' Bowie himself plays guitar, piano, key-boards, saxophone, pump bass, vibraphone, xylophone, synthetic strings and vocals. The album will retail at £3.09. Bowie has also appointed a new organ. isation to take over his fan club, following complaints from British fans. The new club will be operated from Los Angeles by a company called Major Fulfill-ment. A spokesman for Bowie said, "David himself has decided to make changes in the fan club operation after hearing of the problems being experienced by fans. "All the British fans who have written with complaints will be contacted in January. "Major Fulfillment is a company with consid erable experience in organising consumer services and we are now confident that the David Bowie fan club will be run with total efficien cy. The Post Office box number in London is now closed and all future correspondence regarding the fan club should be addressed care of Major Fulfill-ment, 5025 West Jeffer son, Los Angeles, CA 90016, California, USA." Do you have this Melody Maker advert in your archive? Bowie’s back with Low? Share in the comments!

A Record Mirror T. Rex Reissue & Single Tease Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Record Mirror’s one-page article “Cut Price T. Rex” announced Fly Records’ plan to reissue all of T. Rex’s early albums (originally recorded as Tyrannosaurus Rex on Regal Zonophone/EMI). The sleeves would remain the same, but the Fly logo and label would be substituted. The albums were to be released in original order at bargain prices (exact dates and costs pending). The article also previewed the first single on the new T. Rex label: “Telegram Sam” (c/w “Cadillac” and “Baby Strange” in stereo), recorded in Denmark, due out January 21, 1972. The only live date mentioned was the Starlite Boston, Lincolnshire. Article Overview Publication Details Magazine: Record Mirror (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: News/feature article. **Cut price T. Rex** FLY Records is planning to release all of T. Rex's early albums, recorded under the name of Tyrannosaurus Rex. The material was originally released through EMI on the Regal Zonophone label, and although the sleeves will remain the same, the Fly logo and label will be substituted. The albums are intended for release in their original order, but no definite release dates are yet set as Fly have yet to decide on the cost of the albums. They will, however, be available at bargain prices. The official follow up to 'Get It On' and the first single to be released through the new T. Rex label is released on Friday 21st January. Recorded by T. Rex the number is a Marc Bolan composition, 'Telegram Sam', coupled with two B sides 'Cadillac' and 'Baby Strange'. All the numbers are in stereo and emerged from the recording session in Denmark. The only live appearance for the group scheduled at present is the Starlite Boston, Lines. Do you have this Record Mirror article in your archive? Ready for cut-price T. Rex? Share in the comments!

Bowie's Queen Bitch & Changes Glory Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Melody Maker’s one-page album review “Hunky Dory - The Best Thing to Come Out of Britain” hailed David Bowie’s Hunky Dory (RCA) as possibly the biggest thing to come out of Britain that year — and not through hype. The enthusiastic review called it Bowie’s best album to date, the most inventive song-writing in a long time, and praised its depth, mirroring events around the singer with ambiguity and outrage. Review Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: One-page album review. Exact Text from the Review **DAVID BOWIE: "Hunky Dory" (RCA).** Possibly, just possibly, David Bowie could be the biggest thing to come out of Britain this year, and if this album is any indication, it won't be through hype either. "Hunky Dory" is not only the best album Bowie has ever done, it's also the most inventive piece of song-writing to have appeared on record for considerable time. His songs, although they adhere to a strictly pop format for the most part, have that sort of inner depth that is found in the work of Lou Reed, the songwriter with whom Bowie seems to share an affinity. Bowie, perhaps, recognises this. Queen Bitch" on this album is an exact parody of Velvet Underground style, right down to Lou Reed vocal and arrangement. Bowie's songs are not intellectual. Rather, they're a mirror held up to the events and circumstances that surround the singer. As such, their meaning is often shrouded in ambiguity. Can he be for real, for example, when he talks of his sexual aberrations in "Queen Bitch," whose theme is about some guy stealing his boyfriend? Or Kooks," where he sings to his son, Zowie, warning him that if he stays with his parents when he grows up he's "gonna be pretty kooky, too?" His own caricature as a priest of high camp, replete with flowing dress and Lauren Bacall/Greta Garbo hair, is reflected in his writing. He belongs to that oeuvre which Alice Cooper occupies; he's Mick Jagger's heir; and his songs as such carry outrage. This album is his best because it can be listened to at any level. Each of the songs is musically arresting (the only number he didn't write was Biff Rose's "Fill Your Heart"). Most of them are enormously catchy, like "Changes," with its stuttering chorus, descendant of "My Generation"; or "Oh! You Pretty Things," which has become one of the most infectious pop compositions of all time, so irresistible that it's a wrench to even take it off the turntable. Then you can take your pick from "Life On Mars?" with fabulous Ken Scott production like a movie soundtrack, a "Quicksand," with its gorgeously aching chorus and a dying vocal fall that recalls Joni Mitchell on "For Free," and "Andy Warhol," featuring mesmerising guitar from Mick Ronson. - M.W. Do you have this Melody Maker review in your archive? Did Hunky Dory become the biggest thing? Share in the comments!

A New Statesman Bowie Legacy Tribute Published in the UK on January 15, 2016, New Statesman Magazine’s one-page cover “Misfit Revolution Transformed Britain” was a powerful posthumous tribute to David Bowie, following his death on January 10, 2016. The cover featured Bowie in iconic pose, with the article exploring how his life, music, and cultural impact — from Ziggy Stardust to Berlin Trilogy to *Blackstar* — revolutionized and transformed British (and global) culture as a misfit icon. Cover Overview Publication Details Magazine: New Statesman (UK). Date: January 15, 2016. Format: Front cover Do you have this New Statesman cover in your archive? Did Bowie's misfit revolution transform you? Share in the comments!

A Sweet & Pipkins Split MFP Release Released as a vinyl LP in the UK on January 15, 1971, on Music for Pleasure (catalogue: MFP 5571), The Sweet’s Gimme Dat Ding was a split album with The Pipkins on side two. The album took its name from The Pipkins' 1970 hit song “Gimme Dat Ding.” In North America, The Pipkins released a full-length album of the same title, featuring the six tracks from this UK release plus four additional songs, which reached No. 27 on the Canadian charts and No. 132 on the U.S. charts. This unexpected partnership between two groups with such opposing views is due to the fact that, at that time, they both had the same record producer (John Burgess) and shared the same team of composers. In 1971, following unsatisfactory commercial outcomes with Burgess, The Sweet chose to chart their own course by partnering with the successful songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, and a new producer, Phil Wainman. Meanwhile, The Pipkins disbanded that year, as their comedy act experienced only fleeting success in their home country, Britain. The CD version booklet for this album claims that Gimme Dat Ding is regarded as "the first rap album," primarily due to The Pipkins' contributions. Album Overview Release Details Label: Music for Pleasure. Format: Vinyl LP, Album. Track Listing (UK split edition) (The Pipkins tracks, including “Gimme Dat Ding”) Side one The Sweet "Lollipop Man" "Time" "All You'll Ever Get from Me" "The Juicer" "Get on the Line" "Mr. McGallagher" Side two The Pipkins "Gimme Dat Ding" "Yakety Yak" "The People That You Wanna Phone Ya" "My Baby Loves Lovin'" "Busy Line" "Sunny Honey Girl" Chart Performance (North American full-length version) - Canada: 27 - US: 132 Do you have Gimme Dat Ding in your vinyl stack? Ready for the ding? Share in the comments! Sources Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including 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.

A Melody Maker Low Album Announcement Published in the UK on January 15, 1977, Melody Maker’s one-page cover “Bowie’s Back” announced the imminent release of David Bowie’s new album Low — the follow-up to Station To Station — arriving in shops that week. The cover featured Bowie in dramatic pose, with the article listing key details: recorded in France and Berlin last autumn, featuring Eno, Iggy Pop, and British rock 'n' roller Roy Young, alongside the core band (Carlos Alomar, George Murray, Dennis Davis) and additional players (Ricky Gardiner, Roy Young, Iggy Pop). Bowie himself played guitar, piano, stylophone, xylophone, pump bass, and synthesizer, plus strings. The track listing was included. Cover Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1977. Format: Front cover + one-page announcement. Exact Text from the Article THE NEW David Bowie album, Low," will be in the shops at 1 of this week. The album, the follow-up to "Sta Station," was recorded in France an many last autumn. And among the featured are Eno, Iggy Pop and the British rock 'n' roller, Roy Young. The full line-up is: Carlos Alomar ( George Murray (bass), Dennis Davi cussion) - all of whom played with on "Station To Station " togeth Eno (vocals, synthesizer), Ricky G (guitar), Roy Young (piano, orgar Iggy Pop (vocals). Bowie himself plays guitar, piano phone, xylophone, pump bass and sy strings. The track listing is: Do you have this Melody Maker cover in your archive? Bowie’s back — ready for Low? Share in the comments!

A Melody Maker T. Rex Gig Promo Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Melody Maker’s one-page advert “Starlight Rooms Boston” promoted T. Rex’s upcoming performance at The Starlight Rooms, Boston Gliderdrome, in Lincolnshire — one of the most iconic and filmed T. Rex shows of the early glam era. The ad highlighted the gig as a major event, with footage later used in documentaries and posters. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: Venue advert. Do you have this Melody Maker advert in your archive? Ready for the Boston boogie? Share in the comments!

Bolan's Ballrooms Of Mars Poster Push Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Melody Maker’s one-page advert promoted a special double-sided T. Rex poster from Cauldron Promotions. One side featured a photograph of Marc Bolan; the other side showed photos of Marc and Mickey, plus Steve and Bill, along with "The Ballrooms of Mars" lyrics. Originally published as a souvenir for T. Rex's recent "Autumn Tour", the poster was supplied folded (though could be dispatched rolled), with creases ironable. Colour: Magenta and White. Size: 20" x 30". Price: 30p each, or two for 50p (postage and packing 15p). Each order included a free illustrated poster catalogue (over 450 posters/prints). Trade inquiries welcome. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: One-page poster advert. Exact Text from the Advert **DOUBLE-T. REX (A SPECIAL POSTER)** now available ONLY from Cauldron Promotions On one side (illus. below left) a photograph of Marc Bolan. On the other side (illus. below right) photographs of Marc and Mickey, and Steve and Bill. ALSO a poem, specially written by Marc, entitled "The Ballrooms of Mars". This poster was originally published as a souvenir for T. Rex's recent "Autumn Tour". Please note that this poster is supplied to us folded (although we will dispatch it to you rolled) but the creases can be ironed out if desired. COLOUR: Magenta and White. SIZE: 20" x 30". PRICE: 30p each, or TWO for 50p. (Postage and packing 15p.) With each order we will send a FREE copy of our illustrated poster catalogue (now listing OVER 450 different posters and prints). If required separately, catalogue price is 10p. CAULDRON PROMOTIONS DAR 98 MILL LANE, LONDON, NW61PA (Trade inquiries welcome) Do you have this Melody Maker advert in your archive? Ready to do the Thunderwing? Share in the comments!

A Melody Maker Glam Future Tease Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Melody Maker’s one-page article “T.Rex's Next” previewed Marc Bolan’s upcoming plans after the massive success of “Ride A White Swan” and the shift to T. Rex. The feature discussed new singles, potential album direction, and the growing T. Rextasy wave — a forward-looking glimpse into Bolan’s 1972 dominance. Article Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: News/feature article. Do you have this Melody Maker article in your archive? Ready for T.Rex's next? Share in the comments!

Bowie's Changes Single Promo Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Melody Maker’s one-page advert promoted David Bowie’s new single “Changes” — the lead track from his album Hunky Dory (RCA Victor SF 8244). The bold ad highlighted the song’s infectious energy and Bowie’s rising star power, signaling the arrival of his glam era. A key early 1972 promo moment. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: Single advert. Do you have this Melody Maker advert in your archive? Ready for the changes? Share in the comments!

The Starlight That Hit TV & Posters On January 15, 1972, T. Rex performed at The Starlight Rooms, Boston Gliderdrome, in Lincolnshire — one of the true high spots in the band's history. Often overlooked, the show was filmed for both UK and overseas TV, with footage later appearing in the documentary Whatever Happened to Tin Pan Alley?. Many of the iconic posters and pictures that adorned fans' walls over the next year came from this night, including the one used for the back cover of the Fly release Bolan Boogie. Songs Performed Cadillac Jeepster Thunderwing Baby Strange Spaceball Ricochet (Acoustic) Girl (Acoustic) Cosmic Dancer (Acoustic) Hot Love Get It On Spaceball Ricochet (Acoustic) Girl (Acoustic) Cosmic Dancer (Acoustic) Hot Love Get It On Performance Overview Details Venue: The Starlight Rooms, Boston Gliderdrome, Lincolnshire. Date: January 15, 1972. Filmed for: UK and overseas TV (some footage in Whatever Happened to Tin Pan Alley?). Context Peak early T. Rextasy era — just after Electric Warrior release. The show produced many of the most enduring T. Rex fan images/posters, including the famous Bolan Boogie back cover shot.

A Record Mirror Bowie Triumph Published in the UK on January 15, 1972, Record Mirror’s album review “Hunky Dory - Assisted By The Actor” hailed David Bowie’s Hunky Dory (RCA Victor SF 8244) as his best album to date. Produced by Ken Scott and “assisted by the actor,” the review praised the showcase of Bowie’s “almost violent range” of voice, strong backing (notably Rick Wakeman), and consistency across the production — including a good “Song For Bob Dylan.” The piece concluded it must do Bowie’s reputation a lot of good. Review Overview Publication Details Magazine: Record Mirror (UK). Date: January 15, 1972. Format: One-page album review. Text from the Review DAVID BOWIE Hunky Dory (RCA Victor SF 8244). Produced by Ken Scott and "assisted by the actor." About right David does act out his songs and this is quite definitely his best album to date. Good backing musicians, notably Rick Wakeman, but it all showcases the almost violent range of the Bowie voice. A good "Song For Bob Dylan," but there's a strong consistency over the whole production. Must do the Bowie reputation a lot of good. Did Hunky Dory do the reputation good? Share in the comments!

Bowie's Black Country Rock B-Side Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on January 15, 1971, on Mercury Records (catalog number 6052 049), David Bowie’s “Holy Holy” — backed with “Black Country Rock” — was a non-album track recorded in November 1970 after completing The Man Who Sold the World. The single was created because the album was felt to lack an obvious single release. It did not chart. David Bowie’s "Holy Holy" backed with "Black Country Rock", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Mercury Records (catalog number 6052 049) on January 15, 1971.The single did not chart. It was recorded in November 1970, after finishing the album The Man Who Sold the World, due to the belief that the album lacked an obvious single. During this period, Marc Bolan's Tyrannosaurus Rex greatly inspired Bowie. As noted by NME editors Roy Carr and Charles Shaar Murray, "Bolan's influence is so prominent that it almost seems like a case of demonic possession" on this track. The B-side of the single featured another song with a Tyrannosaurus Rex vibe, "Black Country Rock," from The Man Who Sold the World. Bowie performed "Holy Holy" on Britain's Granada Television while wearing a dress, which he also donned on the cover of the upcoming UK edition of The Man Who Sold the World. An energetic version of the song was recorded in late 1971 for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Although it was omitted from the album, it later appeared as the B-side to "Diamond Dogs" in 1974. This version was also included as a bonus track on the 1990 Rykodisc reissue of The Man Who Sold the World (despite the sleeve notes mistakenly calling it the original cut) and on the Ziggy Stardust – 30th Anniversary Reissue bonus disc in 2002. Bowie himself decided against including the original version at the last minute, opting for the remake instead, and the single remained the only official release of the 1970 recording until 2015, when it was featured on Re:Call 1, part of the Five Years (1969–1973) compilation. Single Overview Release Details Label: Mercury Records. Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single. Full Track Listing Side A Holy Holy Side B Black Country Rock Production and Context Recorded November 1970 (post-The Man Who Sold the World). A one-off single to fill a perceived gap in the album’s singles potential. Chart Performance No chart entry. Do you have Holy Holy in your vinyl stack? Still holy? Share in the comments! Sources Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.

The Thin White Duke, Ziggy Stardust, Major Tom – one man, a thousand faces. No artist reinvented himself more times than David Bowie – from folky oddball to glam alien, soul man, Berlin minimalist, 80s pop titan, and elder statesman of art-rock. Here’s your essential map to the labyrinth. The Classic Line-Up (ever-changing, but key eras) 1969–1971: Space-folk Bowie (with Mick Ronson emerging) 1971–1974: Ziggy & the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Woody Woodmansey) 1975–1976: The Thin White Duke (Carlos Alomar, Earl Slick, etc.) 1977–1979: Berlin Trilogy (Brian Eno, Tony Visconti, Robert Fripp) 1980s: The polished pop years (Nile Rodgers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Reeves Gabrels later) Essential Starting Point (The Holy Trinity) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) The ultimate glam opera – “Starman”, “Suffragette City”, “Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide”. If you only own one Bowie album, make it this. Hunky Dory (1971) The breakthrough – “Changes”, “Life on Mars?”, “Oh! You Pretty Things”, “Queen Bitch”. Low (1977) Side A: fractured art-pop; Side B: ambient instrumentals with Brian Eno. The birth of modern Bowie. The Five Eras Everyone Should Know Early Years (1969–1971): Space Oddity → The Man Who Sold the World → Hunky Dory Glam Peak (1972–1974): Ziggy → Aladdin Sane → Pin Ups → Diamond Dogs Plastic Soul (1975–1976): Young Americans → Station to Station Berlin Trilogy (1977–1979): Low → "Heroes" → Lodger 80s Imperial Phase (1980–1987): Scary Monsters → Let's Dance → Tonight → Never Let Me Down The Big Hits Everyone Knows Space Oddity (1969) Changes (1971) Starman (1972) Rebel Rebel (1974) Fame (1975) "Heroes" (1977) Ashes to Ashes (1980) Let's Dance (1983) Where Are We Now? (2013) Blackstar (2016 days before his death, 2016) Where to Start Listening Today (4 tracks) Life on Mars? – the greatest pop song ever written "Heroes" – anthemic, heartbreaking, immortal Starman – the moment glam changed everything Ashes to Ashes – Major Tom returns, darker than everBlackstar – his haunting farewell Bowie wasn’t just a musician – he was a cultural earthquake. Dive in. The stars look very different today.

From Major Tom to the Berlin exile David Bowie never stood still. Six decades of reinvention – folk dreamer, glam alien, plastic soul man, Thin White Duke, Berlin minimalist, 80s pop titan, and elder statesman of art-rock. This ever-growing archive collects every UK studio album, live album, compilation, and single – plus adverts, reviews, features, and chart entries from the original music papers. Swipe or scroll for the full timeline (new entries added regularly). Studio Albums David Bowie Album Release 1967 Released June 1 1967 on Deram Space Oddity Album Release 1969 Released November 4 1969 on Philips/Mercury UK #17 The Man Who Sold the World Album Release 1971 Released April 1971 on Mercury Hunky Dory Album Release 1971 Released December 17 1971 on RCA UK #3 The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars Album Release 1972 Released June 16 1972 on RCA UK #5 Aladdin Sane Album Release 1973 Released April 13 1973 on RCA UK #1 Pin Ups Album Release 1973 Released October 19 1973 on RCA UK #1 Diamond Dogs Album Release 1974 Released May 24 1974 on RCA UK #1 Young Americans Album Release 1975 Released March 7 1975 on RCA UK #2 Station to Station Album Release 1976 Released January 23 1976 on RCA UK #5 Low Album Release 1977 Released January 14 1977 on RCA UK #2 "Heroes" Album Release 1977 Released October 14 1977 on RCA UK #3 Lodger Album Release 1979 Released May 18 1979 on RCA UK #4 Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) Album Release 1980 Released September 12 1980 on RCA UK #1 Let's Dance Album Release 1983 Released April 14 1983 on EMI America UK #1 Tonight Album Release 1984 Released September 24 1984 on EMI America UK #1 Never Let Me Down Album Release 1987 Released April 27 1987 on EMI America UK #6 Black Tie White Noise Album Release 1993 Released April 5 1993 on Arista Savage UK #1 The Buddha of Suburbia Album Release 1993 Released November 8 1993 on Arista UK #87 1 Outside Album Release 1995 Released September 25 1995 on Arista UK #8 Earthling Album Release 1997 Released February 3 1997 on Arista UK #6 Hours... Album Release 1999 Released October 4 1999 on Virgin UK #5 Heathen Album Release 2002 Released June 10 2002 on ISO/Columbia UK #5 Reality Album Release 2003 Released September 15 2003 on ISO/Columbia UK #3 The Next Day Album Release 2013 Released March 8 2013 on ISO/Columbia UK #1 Blackstar Album Release 2016 Released January 8 2016 on ISO/Columbia UK #1 Live Albums David Live – Album Release (1974) – Released October 29, 1974 on RCA – UK #8 Stage – Album Release (1978) – Released September 8, 1978 on RCA – UK #5 Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture – Album Release (1983) – Released October 1983 on RCA – UK #17 Santa Monica '72 – Album Release (1994) – Released September 1994 on Golden Years A Reality Tour – Album Release (2010) – Released January 25, 2010 on ISO/Columbia – UK #53 Cracked Actor (Live Los Angeles '74) – Album Release (2017) – Released June 16, 2017 on Parlophone – UK #20 Welcome to the Blackout (Live London '78) – Album Release (2018) – Released April 21, 2018 on Parlophone – UK #37 Glastonbury 2000 – Album Release (2018) – Released November 30, 2018 on Parlophone – UK #25 Major Compilations ChangesOneBowie – Album Release (1976) – Released May 20, 1976 on RCA – UK #2 ChangesTwoBowie – Album Release (1981) – Released November 1981 on RCA – UK #29 The Singles Collection – Album Release (1993) – Released November 15, 1993 on EMI – UK #9 Best of Bowie – Album Release (2002) – Released October 22, 2002 on EMI – UK #11 Nothing Has Changed – Album Release (2014) – Released November 17, 2014 on Parlophone – UK #5 Legacy – Album Release (2016) – Released November 11, 2016 on Parlophone – UK #5 Key Singles (selection) Space Oddity Single Release 1969 UK #5 The Jean Genie Single Release 1972 UK #2 Drive-In Saturday Single Release 1973 UK #3 Rebel Rebel Single Release 1974 UK #5 Knock on Wood Single Release 1974 UK #10 Young Americans Single Release 1975 UK #18 Fame Single Release 1975 UK #17 Golden Years Single Release 1975 UK #8 Sound and Vision Single Release 1977 UK #3 "Heroes" Single Release 1977 UK #24 Boys Keep Swinging Single Release 1979 UK #7 Ashes to Ashes Single Release 1980 UK #1 Fashion Single Release 1980 UK #5 Under Pressure with Queen Single Release 1981 UK #1 Let's Dance Single Release 1983 UK #1 China Girl Single Release 1983 UK #2 Modern Love Single Release 1983 UK #2 Absolute Beginners Single Release 1986 UK #2 Day-In Day-Out Single Release 1987 UK #17 Jump They Say Single Release 1993 UK #9 Where Are We Now? Single Release 2013 UK #6 More adverts, reviews, live boots, and rare features added weekly – keep swiping for the full Bowie story! 🚀

The cosmic yob who took a whispery hippie duo, plugged in the electricity, grew the curls, and accidentally invented glam rock overnight. One minute he’s a bongo-playing Tolkien elf called Tyrannosaurus Rex, strumming acoustic fairy tales about unicorns. The next he’s Marc Bolan in satin and glitter, getting it on straight to number one and turning every teenage bedroom in Britain into a shrine. The Glam Slam Essentials Electric Warrior (1971) – Album Release (1971) – UK #1 The blueprint for glam – “Get It On”, “Cosmic Dancer”, “Jeepster”, “Mambo Sun”. The Slider (1972) – Album Release (1972) – UK #4 Even better – “Metal Guru”, “Telegram Sam”, “Children of the Revolution”, “Ballrooms of Mars”. Tanx (1973) – Album Release (1973) – UK #4 Funkier, hornier – “20th Century Boy”, “The Groover”, “Born to Boogie”. Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks) Get It On (Bang a Gong) – the riff that launched a million air guitars 20th Century Boy – pure sexual electricity Children of the Revolution – the ultimate glam war cry Metal Guru – #1 and mystical as hell Telegram Sam – the sound of 1972 in three minutes T.Rex didn’t follow glam – Marc Bolan was glam: feather boas, cheekbones, and lyrics about cars, stars, and wizards. Turn it up, wear your hair long, and remember: you’re never too old to boogie. Deep Dive: Formed in London in 1967 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan. Here's a comprehensive overview based on available information: Initially named Tyrannosaurus Rex, the group was a duo consisting of Bolan and percussionist Steve Peregrine Took. They were known for their psychedelic folk music. Name Change: In 1970, after Took left and Mickey Finn joined as a percussionist, they shortened their name to T. Rex, marking a shift towards electric rock. T. Rex became one of the key figures in the glam rock movement with their flamboyant style, catchy tunes, and Bolan's charismatic presence. Their music was characterized by Bolan's distinctive guitar work and lyrical content that mixed whimsy with sensuous grooves. Hit Singles: From 1970 to 1973, T. Rex had a string of hits in the UK, including "Ride a White Swan," "Hot Love," "Get It On," "Telegram Sam," and "Metal Guru." Four of these singles reached number one on the UK charts. Electric Warrior (1971): Often cited as one of the quintessential glam rock albums, it was critically acclaimed and reached No. 1 in the UK. The Slider (1972): This album also saw success, entering the top 20 in the US, showcasing a blend of rock with soul and funk influences. Tanx (1973): Followed with top 5 positions in various countries, showing further musical exploration. After 1973, the band's popularity began to wane, although they continued to release albums that experimented with different musical styles including R&B and disco. End of T. Rex: The band effectively ended with Marc Bolan's tragic death in a car accident in 1977, just months after their final album "Dandy in the Underworld" was released. Posthumous Influence: T. Rex has left a significant mark on music, influencing numerous artists across genres. Their music continues to be celebrated with bands like The Smiths, Guns N' Roses, and Oasis citing Bolan's influence. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. The term coined to describe the fan frenzy and cultural impact similar to Beatlemania, highlighting Bolan's massive popularity in the UK during the early '70s. Visual and Performance Style: Bolan's fashion sense, including glitter and makeup, contributed significantly to the glam rock aesthetic, influencing not just music but fashion and performance art. Bolan had a tumultuous relationship with record labels and management, which affected album releases and commercial success in some regions like the US. Live Performances: Known for energetic live shows, Bolan's onstage charisma was a key element of T. Rex's appeal. T. Rex's legacy remains vibrant, with their music still resonating with new generations, and their style setting a precedent in rock music's visual and sonic evolution.

A Berlin Trilogy Ambient Masterpiece Released as a vinyl LP in the UK on January 14, 1977, on RCA Victor (catalogue: PL 12030), David Bowie’s Low — the first of his Berlin Trilogy — was a groundbreaking ambient/experimental rock album. Produced by Bowie & Tony Visconti at Château d’Hérouville and Hansa Tonstudios, this 11-track set featured “Sound And Vision,” “Be My Wife,” and the instrumental side B. side it peaked at No. 2 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart where it resided for 17 weeks. It is the first of three collaborations with producer Tony Visconti and musician Brian Eno, collectively known as the Berlin Trilogy. The project began after Bowie moved to France in 1976 with his friend Iggy Pop to overcome their drug addictions. In France, Bowie produced and co-wrote Pop's debut studio album, The Idiot, which included sounds that Bowie would later explore on his own album. After finishing The Idiot, recording sessions for Low started at Château d'Hérouville in Hérouville in September 1976 and concluded in October at Hansa Studios in West Berlin, where Bowie and Pop had moved. An art rock album inspired by German bands like Tangerine Dream, Neu!, Harmonia, and Kraftwerk, "Low" marks Bowie's initial foray into electronic and ambient music styles. The first side primarily features short, direct avant-pop song fragments with mostly somber lyrics reflecting Bowie's mindset, while the second side includes longer, mostly instrumental tracks that capture musical impressions of Berlin. Visconti crafted the unique drum sound using an Eventide H910 Harmonizer, a pitch-shifting device. The cover art, showing a profile of Bowie from the film "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976), was meant as a visual pun, indicating a "low profile." RCA delayed the release of Low for three months, concerned it might not succeed commercially. When it finally came out, it sparked mixed reviews and received minimal promotion from RCA and Bowie, who chose to tour as Pop's keyboardist instead. Despite this, it climbed to number 2 in the UK and number 11 in the US charts. Two singles were released: "Sound and Vision", which reached the UK top five, and "Be My Wife". The album's success led RCA to release The Idiot in March 1977. In mid-1977, Bowie contributed to Pop's next album Lust for Life before working on his album "Heroes", which built upon Low's musical style and included a similar blend of songs and instrumentals. In subsequent decades, critics have regarded Low as one of Bowie's finest works, and it has been featured on numerous lists of the greatest albums ever. It inspired many post-punk bands, and its drum sound has been extensively emulated. As a precursor to the post-rock genre of the 1990s, Low has been reissued multiple times and was remastered in 2017 as part of the A New Career in a New Town (1977–1982) box set. “It’s as plain as night and day, no its not ” following text from https://www.davidbowie.com/blog/2022/1/14/low-album-released-45-years-ago-today ? January 14 1977 saw the release of the first instalment of what came to be known as Bowie’s Berlin trilogy. That album was the Bowie/Visconti produced Low and it was followed later the same year by "Heroes" with the trilogy completed in 1979 by the arrival of Lodger. Most of the music across the three albums wasn't even recorded in Berlin, the unifying factor actually being Bowie, Visconti and Eno. The evolution of the Low album sleeve started with a couple of sketch artwork ideas David created for the album when it was still called New Music: Night And Day. And before that he was toying with an altogether different title again, providing another example of his fondness for recycling. Steve Schapiro produced the artwork which became Low following the poster/advert he created for the US release of the The Man Who Fell To Earth utilising David’s character, TJ Newton, in a still from the film. In the event, it seems the name change to Low was truly last minute. The album was already mentioned in various forthcoming release lists for January 1977 as New Music: Night And Day and allocated the same catalogue number as Low. The stickered back as opposed to a proper printed tracklist on the sleeve also suggested a rush job. It seems there was no press kit or even a press release for Low and RCA’s advertising campaign was non-existent before the release. Adverts only appeared after the album had already charted in the UK. This may be down to the fact that RCA didn’t seem too keen to release the album, suggesting it seemed unfinished and needed more work. By all accounts one RCA exec even offered Bowie a house in Philadelphia if he made another Young Americans. Thankfully, Bowie stood by the finished work and insisted that was what would be released. Anyway, it’s a great sleeve even if not everybody got the visual pun of Low profile. Here's Bowie shortly after the release: “You see the album, has a profile of me on it, and on the album itself I keep a very 'low profile'. I was very disappointed no one picked up on that. I thought it would've been obvious.” Much has been written about the brilliance and braveness of the music on Low, and rightly so. It’s probably hard to imagine with the ears of today how utterly unique the record sounded back in 1977. Apart from the obvious slicing of the album into two distinct sides (reflected better in the original working title of New Music Night And Day), Visconti gifted Low that distinctive drum sound, among other things, via his latest gadget, the Evantide Harmonizer. The Eventide was a machine that Visconti described to Bowie and Eno in a conference call before the sessions, thus: “It fucks with the fabric of time.” Though Low was a record purportedly informed by the likes of Kraftwerk and other German musicians of the time, it sounded far more organic and not at all mechanised. This was in no small measure due to the nucleus of the band Bowie had favoured during this whole period (starting with Station To Station), of Dennis Davis (drums), Carlos Alomar (guitar) and George Murray (bass), otherwise known as The DAM Trio. Despite a very mixed press reaction to Low, the album was a commercial success, peaking at #2 on the UK Albums Chart and #11 on the US Billboard Pop Albums chart. "Sound and Vision" and "Be My Wife" were released as singles; the former reaching #3 on the UK Singles Chart. Low sounds as fresh today as it ever did...thirty nine minutes of untouchable genius. Album Overview Release Details Label: RCA Victor. Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo. Side A 1. Speed Of Life 2. Breaking Glass 3. What In The World 4. Sound And Vision 5. Always Crashing In The Same Car 6. Be My Wife 7. A New Career In A New Town Side B 1. Warszawa 2. Art Decade 3. Weeping Wall 4. Subterraneans - LP, Album – RCA PL 12030 – UK – 1977 UK Variants: - Cassette, Album – RCA PK 12030 – UK – 1977 A1 Speed Of Life A2 Breaking Glass A3 What In The World A4 Sound And Vision A5 Always Crashing In The Same Car A6 Be My Wife A7 A New Career In A New Town B1 Warszawa B2 Art Decade B3 Weeping Wall B4 Subterraneans - 8-Track Cartridge, Album – RCA PS 12030 – UK – 1977 A1 Speed Of Life A2 Breaking Glass A3 What In The World A4 A New Career In A New Town B1 Sound And Vision B2 Always Crashing In The Same Car B3 Be My Wife C1 Warszawa C2 Weeping Wall D1 Art Decade D2 Subterraneans Production and Context Produced by David Bowie & Tony Visconti. Recorded at Château d’The Man Who Fell To Earth. No synthesizers. Singles Released and Chart Performance - Sound And Vision (February 1977) – UK No. 3 Album Chart Performance Peak position: 2 17 weeks – entry January 29, 1977 37 → 2 → 5 → 9 → 12 → 21 → 18 → 11 → 12 → 16 → 18 → 21 → 24 → 28 → 27 → 31 → 59 Do you have Low in your vinyl stack? Ready for sound and vision? Share in the comments! Sources Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including 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.