Rare (David Bowie album)

Rare
Compilation album by David Bowie
Released December 1982
Recorded 1969-1980
Genre Rock
Length 42:02
Label RCA Records
David Bowie Compilation chronology
Changestwobowie
(1981)		 Rare
(1983)		 Golden Years
(1984)
Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic [1]

Rare (often known as Bowie Rare) was a compilation album released by RCA Records to cash in on David Bowie for the 1982 Christmas market. The artist's relations with the company were at a low - Bowie had recorded his last music for RCA with the Baal EP, and had already been annoyed by the release of his five-year old duet with Bing Crosby ("Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy") as a single without his consultation. Bowie let it be known he was unhappy with the Rare package, and would sign with EMI for his next album. All of the songs were being issued for the first time on an LP and cassette.

The compilation contained a mix of rarities ranging from 1969 to 1980. There is no CD reissue of this compilation yet, and the release of one seems unlikely as much of the content is available on other CDs.

The album reached #34 in the UK album charts. The album was not issued in the USA.

Contents

Track listing

All songs are written by David Bowie except where noted.

Side one

  1. "Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola" (Bowie, Mogol) – 5:02
  2. "Round and Round" (Chuck Berry) – 2:41
  3. "Amsterdam" (Jacques Brel, Mort Shuman) – 3:25
    • A cover of a Jacques Brel song, recorded for the Ziggy Stardust sessions, and released as the B-side to the single "Sorrow"
  4. "Holy Holy" – 2:15
    • A newer version of Bowie's 1970 single, recorded for the Ziggy Stardust sessions, and released as the B-side to the single "Diamond Dogs"
  5. "Panic in Detroit" – 5:49
  6. "Young Americans" – 3:11
    • US single edit

Side two

  1. "Velvet Goldmine" – 3:08
  2. "Helden" (Bowie, Brian Eno, Antonia Maass) – 6:07
    • A version of "Heroes" with English and German lyrics, released as single in West Germany in 1977
  3. "John, I'm Only Dancing (Again)" – 3:26
    • Single edit
  4. "Moon of Alabama" (Bertold Brecht, Kurt Weill) – 3:51
  5. "Crystal Japan" – 3:07

Charts

Album

Year Chart Position
1983 UK Album Chart 34 [2]
1983 Norway's Album Charts 11

Notes

  1. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/album/r31309
  2. ^ "UK Top 40 Hit Database". http://www.everyhit.com. Retrieved 2008-07-27. 
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Book:David Bowie / Part 2: Singles and songs · Category:David Bowie