Absolute Beginners (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“Absolute Beginners”
“Absolute Beginners” cover
Single by David Bowie
from the album Absolute Beginners
B-side Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)
Released March 1986
Format 7"/12" single, 3"/5" CD single, Digital download
Recorded Abbey Road Studios, London, June 1985
Genre Rock
Length 5:36
Label Virgin
VS838
Producer David Bowie, Alan Winstanley, Clive Langer
David Bowie singles chronology
Dancing in the Street
(1985)		 Absolute Beginners
(1986)		 Underground
(1986)
This article is about the song by David Bowie. For the song by The Jam, see Absolute Beginners (The Jam song).

"Absolute Beginners" was the theme tune to the film of the same name (an adaptation of the book Absolute Beginners), composed and performed by David Bowie.

Bowie was good friends with the film's director, Julien Temple (who had worked with him in 1984 on the Jazzin' for Blue Jean short film), and landed both the supporting role of Vendice Partners, and the deal to record the theme tune.

The sessions, at Abbey Road Studios, were set up in a novel way, with a group of session musicians all receiving a card to work at the studio with "Mr X", who turned out to be Bowie. The sessions were completed rapidly, but the song was delayed due to the problems with completing the film. Virgin wanted the release to tie in with the film's opening. Shortly after the sessions wrapped, Mick Jagger flew in to record "Dancing in the Street", which used many of the same musicians. The song fused 1950s-style doo-wop with Bowie's 1980s sound.

Temple also filmed the promotional clip, which fitted in with the 1950s style of the movie. The video was a homage to an old British advert for Strand cigarettes. Their ill-fated advertising tagline "You're never alone with a Strand." is quoted by Partners in the film. It also uses footage from the film.

The single reached #2 in the UK charts, and #53 in America. Bowie has since performed it live on his Glass Spider and 2000 tours.

Contents

[edit] Track listing

All tracks by David Bowie

[edit] 3" CD: Virgin / CDT 20 (UK)

  1. "Absolute Beginners" - 8:03
  2. "Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)" - 5:40

[edit] CD: Virgin / CDF 20 (UK)

  1. "Absolute Beginners" - 8:03
  2. "Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)" - 5:40

[edit] 7": Virgin / VS 838 (UK)

  1. "Absolute Beginners" – 5:36
  2. "Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)" – 5:42

[edit] 12": Virgin / VSG 838–12 (UK)

  1. "Absolute Beginners (Full Length Version)" – 8:00
  2. "Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)" – 5:42
  • issued in a gatefold sleeve

[edit] 12": EMI America / SPRO 9623 (US)

  1. "Absolute Beginners (Edited Version)" – 4:46
  2. "Absolute Beginners (Full Length Version)" – 8:00
  • includes exclusive "edited version"

[edit] Download: EMI / iVS 838 (UK)

  1. "Absolute Beginners" – 5:36
  2. "Absolute Beginners (Full Length Version)" – 8:00
  3. "Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)" – 5:42

[edit] Production credits

Gil Evans sings the refrain of the song in the film.

[edit] Live versions

  • A version recorded at BBC Radio Theatre, London, June 27, 2000, was released on the bonus disc following the first release of Bowie at the Beeb.

[edit] Other releases

[edit] Cover versions

  • Info Riot - Ashes to Ashes: A Tribute to David Bowie (1998)
  • Saint Etienne - Live recording

[edit] Chart positions

Chart Position
UK Singles Chart 2
Canada Singles Chart 3
US Mainstream Rock Tracks 9
US Billboard Hot 100 53

[edit] References

Pegg, Nicholas, The Complete David Bowie, Reynolds & Hearn Ltd, 2000, ISBN 1-903111-14-5

v • d • e
David Bowie
Studio albums
With Tin Machine
Live albums
Soundtracks
Compilations
Concert videos
Promotional films
and compilations
Tours
Related articles