Montreal 1983

((2-5-85); Italy 1985)

Format: 4LP

Release notes: bootleg, white labels, matrix numbers, box with black margins

Tracks: Look Back in Anger / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / Rebel Rebel / Lavender Blue*/"Heroes" / What in the World // Life on Mars? / Sorrow / Fashion / Let's Dance / Red Sails // China Girl / White Light/White Heat / Station to Station // Cracked Actor* / Ashes to Ashes / Space Oddity / band introduction* / Young Americans // Cat People (Putting Out Fire) / Fame / Star / The Jean Genie // I Can't Explain / Modern Love / intro (incl. Let's Dance)* / Look Back in Anger / Breaking Glass / Golden Years // Let's Dance / China Girl / Space Oddity / Young Americans // TVC 15 / Fame / Stay / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Forum, Montreal, Canada, 13/07/1983; *not listed on cover

Collector's notes: This album, of which the first issue was released in 1984, and which is in excellent sound quality, was the first release of the entire Montreal show, albeit in the wrong running order and with some tracks duplicated. Later all these tracks were available on cheaper bootlegs, such as Live 1983, but back in the 1980s this bootleg was sensational. The songs were copied straight from ABC Rock Radio Network - Super Groups and a King Biscuit Flower Hour promo-only album, which explains the order of songs and the song duplication.
This particular copy of the album seems to be a 1985 re-issue. According to Frifelt, the original 1984 issue had no labels at all (and no matrix numbers, if I get it right). The box, however, is still identical to that of the original, and the "typical" 1985 issue has red labels and a box with white margins, so that this appears to be some kind of "intermediate" version. I assume that this is an Italian release because the dead wax introduces the side numbering by the word "LATO", which means "side" in Italian.

Live in Tampa

(TP House Production DRJ 498; ?? 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain white labels, 280 copies with printed cover

Tracks: 1984 / Moonage Daydream / Changes / Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?) / Watch that Man // Time / Width of a Circle / The Jean Genie / Rock'n'Roll Suicide

Other notes: live, Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, 02/07/1974

Collector's notes: The sound quality is so-so: the vocals are quite clear for the most part, but the rest of the music sounds rather dull.

Hammersmith Odeon 30th June 1983 - Part Two

((no number); ?? 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, white NC with black and white insert, plain white labels

Tracks: Cracked Actor / band introduction* / Young Americans / Space Oddity / TVC 15 // Fame / Stay / The Jean Genie / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Hammersmith Odeon, London, 30/06/1983; *not listed on cover

Collector's notes: An audience recording in good sound quality.

Japan 1983

(Cako ZP 1116; Netherlands 1985)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Look Back in Anger / Lavender Blue*/"Heroes" / What in the World / Golden Years / Fashion / Let's Dance / Breaking Glass / Life on Mars? // Sorrow / Cat People (Putting Out Fire) / China Girl / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / Rebel Rebel / White Light/White Heat // Station to Station / Cracked Actor / Ashes to Ashes / Space Oddity / band introduction* / Young Americans // Fame / Star** (includes parts of Ziggy Stardust) / Stay / The Jean Genie / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan, 20/10/1983; *not listed on cover; **called Ziggy Stardust on cover

Collector's notes: Another audience recording in good sound quality.

Blue Jean

(EMI 109-0064; Ecuador 1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: plastic company cover

Tracks: Blue Jean // Tonight

Collector's notes: An unusual coupling of songs from Ecuador. The year of release is from the labels. Since I don't know the exact month, I have filed it under early 1985.

Stage

(RCA PD-89002(2); Germany 1985)

Format: 2CD

Release notes: "Made in Germany" on disc, broad double jewel case with front and back inlay, 2 (identical) booklets

Tracks: Hang on to Yourself / Ziggy Stardust / Five Years / Soul Love / Star / Station to Station / Fame / TVC 15 // Warszawa / Speed of Life / Art Decade / Sense of Doubt / Breaking Glass / "Heroes" / What in the World / Blackout / Beauty and the Beast

Other notes: CD re-issue of 1978 album

Collector's notes: According to the memory of Rob Davison, the Stage CD set was released in early 1985. What is odd about this release is that they included the same booklet twice.

This Is Not America

(EMI 12 EA 190; UK 02/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America* // Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America (instrumental)

Other notes: *studio recording, late 1984

Collector's notes: Some copies came with a poster and a cover sticker promoting it.

This Is Not America

(EMI SPRO-9309/9310; USA 02/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, 33 1/3 rpm, white NC with sticker

Tracks: David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America* // Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America (instrumental)

Other notes: *studio recording, late 1984

Collector's notes: The US issue was a promo-only release, since the only commercial issue in the USA was a 7".

This Is Not America

(EMI 1C 006 20 0482 7; Germany 02/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America* // Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America (instrumental)

Other notes: *studio recording, late 1984

This Is Not America

(EMI 1CK 052 20 0482 6; Germany 02/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America* // Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America (instrumental)

Other notes: *studio recording, late 1984

This Is Not America

(EMI EYS-17522; Japan 02/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, insert

Tracks: David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America* // Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America (instrumental)

Other notes: *studio recording, late 1984

Collector's notes: The cover of this record is a "real" cover and not an insert with a company bag. Like the Japanese Let's Dance single, it has an additional insert, though. Most Japanese single covers were such "real" covers from that time onwards. But note that they usually open to the left, not to the right. The yellow box on the right-hand side of the cover front does not belong to the design, but is a sticker left there by some previous owner. The back of the insert is plain white.

Programme Plus

(Decca 820 193-1; France 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album David Bowie (France 1983)

Early Years

(RCA NL 89494; France 1985)

Format: 3LP

Release notes: box, discs made in Germany (combination original)

Tracks: Watch That Man / Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?) / Drive-In Saturday / Panic in Detroit / Cracked Actor // Time / The Prettiest Star / Let's Spend the Night Together / The Jean Genie / Lady Grinning Soul // The Width of a Circle / All the Madmen / Black Country Rock / After All // Running Gun Blues / Saviour Machine / She Shook Me Cold / The Man Who Sold the World / The Supermen // Changes / Oh! You Pretty Things / Eight Line Poem / Life on Mars? / Kooks / Quicksand // Fill Your Heart / Andy Warhol / Song for Bob Dylan / Queen Bitch / The Bewlay Brothers

Other notes: re-issue of albums Aladdin Sane (1973), The Man Who Sold the World (USA/UK/Australia version, 1970), and Hunky Dory (1971)

Collector's notes: Another box of re-issues, similar to the Portrait of a Star box from 1982. It is difficult to say whether this box should be classified as a German or a French release. It was probably made for an international market, anyway.
This is the last "new" release by RCA in my collection. In 1985 RCA stopped selling old Bowie stuff in new covers. Pye and Deram, by contrast, gave their publishing rights to almost any budget label in the world, it seems...

Interview

(AR 30.009; Denmark 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: picture disc, NC

Tracks: interview // interview

Other notes: re-issue of album Let's Talk (1983); not related to the promo-LP of the same name

Musik + Freizeit

(Decca 6.25232 LF; Germany 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: OIS

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album Die weiße Serie (1982)

Collector's notes: The inner sleeve is the same as that of the original.

Rare Tracks

(Showcase SHLP 137; UK 04/1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1981)

David Bowie

(PRT ZM-702; Spain 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: another re-issue of album Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1981)

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - The Falcon and the Snowman

(EMI 1A 064 240305 1; Netherlands 04/1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks (Bowie): - // David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group: This Is Not America*

Other notes: *studio recording, late 1984

Collector's notes: I have shown the B-side label here, since this is the side on which Bowie's track appears.

The Best of the Biscuit

(D.I.R. Broadcasting; USA 04/1985)

Format: LP/12"

Release notes: 3-sided album, promo-only, cardboard mailer, 3 cue sheets

Tracks: Intro sound / introduction (incl. excerpts from Young Americans*) / ads / Look Back in Anger* / Breaking Glass* / Golden Years* / Let's Dance* / ads / promo clip (incl. exerpts from Young Americans*) / promo clip (incl. excerpts from Young Americans*) // China Girl* / Space Oddity* / Young Americans* / TVC 15* / ads // Fame* / Stay* / Modern Love* / ads / out (incl. excerpts from Space Oddity*)

Other notes: *live, Forum, Montreal, Canada, 13/07/1983; disc 1 couples sides A and C, disc 2 has side B

Collector's notes: There are earlier radio station promos with (most of) these recordings, like the 1983 Super Groups show, but all official versions of this heavily bootlegged broadcast are quite rare. It's no wonder that it has been used on various bootlegs, because the sound quality of this professionally recorded show is perfect: the recording of Modern Love even made it onto the B-side of the corresponding single. Note that promo has some tracks that were not included in the earlier Super Groups set. Note that I no longer assume that any of these promos contains recordings from the 12th (see my notes in the entry of the above-mentioned Super Groups album).
What is interesting about these records is that they still have their original cardboard mailer. Since the D.I.R. radio shows came without a cover, this is as close as you can get to a "cover" for this album. And most of these boxes were certainly thrown away after unpacking the records. Picture 1 shows the box, picture 2 shows the records in a neutral sleeve with one of the cue sheets, and pictures 3 and 4 show the remaining cue sheets.

Loving the Alien

(EMI EAP 195; UK 05/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: shaped picture disc, NC

Tracks: Loving the Alien (re-mixed version) // Don't Look Down (re-mixed version)

Collector's notes: As you can see on the left-hand side of the record, they obviously used a material for this picture disc that started "browning" in the course of time. This browning started approximately a decade after the record had been made and mysteriously affects only the transparent margin and the entire front of the disc. The back seems to be affected only as far as the margin is concerned. By now the copy shown in the picture has slight browning all over the margin, but the front still looks quite good. The only way to stop the effect is to put the record into an intransparent cover (like a neutral cardboard cover), since the deterioration seems to be caused by exposure to light. Most copies sold on the web nowadays are offered with a picture that shows only the back of the record - for good reason... So put your copy in a lightproof cover! Note, though, that even this cannot really prevent the deterioration of the colours, but only slow it down. The deterioration process can also be seen in the pictures shown here: the scan of the front was made in c. 2008 and that of the back in 2015.

Loving the Alien

(EMI 12 EA 195; UK 05/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS, FOC, poster

Tracks: Loving the Alien (extended dance mix) // Don't Look Down (extended dance mix) / Loving the Alien (extended dub mix)

Collector's notes: The same poster came with the US issue. The only difference is that the UK poster has the UK catalogue number in the bottom right corner.

Loving the Alien

(EMI 12 EAP 195; UK 05/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: picture disc, NC

Tracks: Loving the Alien (extended dance mix) // Don't Look Down (extended dance mix) / Loving the Alien (extended dub mix)

Collector's notes: The 12" version of the picture disc doesn't seem to be affected by the "browning" effect described in the entry of the 7" version.

Loving the Alien

(EMI VG-7858-1/2; USA 05/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, PS, FOC, poster, sticker on cover

Tracks: Loving the Alien (extended dance mix) // Don't Look Down (extended dance mix) / Loving the Alien (extended dub mix)

Collector's notes: Same poster as the one that came with the UK release, except for the US catalogue number and some copyright text in the bottom right corner.

Loving the Alien

(EMI 1C 006 20 0599 7; Germany 05/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, FOC

Tracks: Loving the Alien (re-mixed version) // Don't Look Down (re-mixed version)

Loving the Alien

(EMI EYS-17539; Japan 05/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: white label promo, PS, FOC, insert

Tracks: Loving the Alien (re-mixed version) // Don't Look Down (re-mixed version)

Man in the Middle

(Krazy Kat Past 2; Denmark 05/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: pirate release, PS

Tracks: Man in the Middle* // Looking for a Friend / Hang on to Yourself*

Other notes: studio recordings, Trident Studios, 17/6/1971; *from the 1972 single

Collector's notes: This record (which is sometimes considered to be a Norwegian release) was widely available in regular record shops, but is generally assumed to be a pirate issue. It was the first release of the Arnold Corns version of Looking for a Friend. Strangely, they didn't include Moonage Daydream.

The Manish Boys/Davy Jones and the Lower Third

(See for Miles SEA 1; UK 06/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: mono, PS

Tracks: The Manish Boys: I Pity the Fool / The Manish Boys: Take My Tip // Davy Jones: You've Got a Habit of Leaving / Davy Jones: Baby Loves that Way

Other notes: re-issue of 7"EP The Manish Boys/Davy Jones & the Lower 3rd (1979)

Dancing in the Street

(EMI EA 204; UK 08/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Clearmountain mix) // Dancing in the Street (instrumental)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Collector's notes: There are also UK copies with silver labels and red labels.

Dancing in the Street

(EMI/Capitol; USA 08/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: promo-only, white label with handwritten title, NC

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Clearmountain mix) // Dancing in the Street

Other notes: studio recording, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Collector's notes: There are many of these rather unsusual US promo copies with either black or neutral white or handwritten labels - some of them come in the stock copy cover. It is sometimes claimed that copies with such hand-written white labels are test pressings. Well, I know of no other record of which hundreds of test pressings are circulating...

Dancing in the Street

(EMI/Capitol; USA 08/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, 33 1/3 rpm, white label without titles, NC with insert

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Clearmountain mix) // Dancing in the Street (Clearmountain mix)

Other notes: studio recording, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Collector's notes: As in the case of the 7" single, there are also numerous white label 12" promos. They often came with a photocopied insert, like this one.

Dancing in the Street

(EMI 1C 006 20 0787 7; Germany 08/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Clearmountain mix) // Dancing in the Street (instrumental)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Dancing in the Street

(EMI 1C K 060 20 0788 6; Germany 08/1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Steve Thompson mix) // Dancing in the Street (dub mix) / Dancing in the Street (edit)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Collector's notes: Note that in earlier versions of this entry (and the following entries) I confused the edit and the Clearmountain mix. In fact, the two sound almost identical to me.

Dancing in the Street

(EMI POP-744; Mexico 1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Steve Thompson mix) // Dancing in the Street (dub mix) / Dancing in the Street (edit)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Collector's notes: The Mexican issue has a major cover variation with the song title being replaced by its Spanish translation "Bailando en la Calle". The English title is printed much smaller. On some other South American issues this is reversed (with the original title in large print and a smaller Spanish title).

Dancing in the Street

(ST-64; South Korea 1985)

Format: 12"

Release notes: pirate issue, PS

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Steve Thompson mix)* // Dancing in the Street (dub mix) / Dancing in the Street (edit)

Other notes: *called "extended dance mix" on cover and label

Collector's notes: There are also copies with a green cover.

Dancing in the Street

(EMI EYS-17576; Japan 09/1985)

Format: 7"

Release notes: white label promo, PS, insert

Tracks: Dancing in the Street (Clearmountain mix) // Dancing in the Street (instrumental)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Collector's notes: As often, the Japanse issue of the 7" has one of the few major cover variations.

The Collection

(Castle Communications CCSLP 118; UK 11/1985)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: FOC

Tracks: The Laughing Gnome / Rubber Band* / Love You till Tuesday** / Maid of Bond Street / Sell Me a Coat // In the Heat of the Morning / Karma Man / Please Mr. Gravedigger / The London Boys / She's Got Medals // Silly Boy Blue / Join the Gang / Did You Ever Have a Dream / The Gospel According to Tony Day / I'm Not Losing Sleep // I Dig Everything / David Bowie with the Lower Third: Can't Help Thinking about Me / Do Anything You Say / Good Morning Girl / David Bowie with the Lower Third: And I Say to Myself

Other notes: *single version; **album version

Collector's notes: If there was anything remarkable about this album, then it was that it combined Deram and Pye material for the first time.

Janine

(Fancy Records PCS 70; UK 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Amsterdam / God Knows I'm Good / Buzz the Fuzz / Karma Man / London Bye Ta-Ta / An Occasional Dream / The Width of a Circle / Janine // Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud / Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed / Fill Your Heart / The Prettiest Star / The Cygnet Committee

Other notes: The Sunday Show BBC programme, Paris Cinema Studio, London, 05/02/1970; date on sleeve incorrect

Collector's notes: Although the sound quality of this bootleg is at best "quite good", it is a fascinating document. This BBC session was recorded in front of a live audience, and is the oldest surviving Bowie live show of such length that I have ever heard. Only two songs are not included here: Waiting for the Man and Memory of a Free Festival (which has found its way onto Bowie at the Beep, though). Although several other songs from this session could also be found on the official set, this bootleg was indispensable for about 35 years - until all tracks that had been broadcast were finally officially released on The Width of a Circle.

Somebody Up There Likes Me

(MIW 20; ?? 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain white labels, white NC with black and white insert ("advance copy"): limited edition of 100

Tracks: Rebel Rebel / John, I'm Only Dancing (Again) / Sorrow / Changes / 1984 / Moonage Daydream // Young Americans / Can You Hear Me / Rock'n'Roll Suicide / Somebody Up There Likes Me / Footstompin'/Wish I Could Shimmy like My Sister Kate*

Other notes: live, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 10/10/1974; except: *Dick Cavett US TV show, 02/11/1974

Collector's notes: Parts of a show from the elusive Phillydogs tour. An interesting concert, but the sound is rather poor. According to Frifelt, most copies had a printed colour cover, and those with the inserts are limited "advance copies".

A Scandinavian Affair Vol. 1

((no number); ?? 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain white labels with small side numbers, limited edition of 500

Tracks: Warszawa / "Heroes" / What in the World / Be My Wife // The Jean Genie / Blackout / Sense of Doubt / Speed of Life / Breaking Glass / Fame

Other notes: live, Falkoner Teatret, Copenhagen, 31/05/1978

Collector's notes: An audience recording in average sound quality. Note that a volume 2 doesn't exist.

Black Sheep Boys Remixed

(Shelter LP 70 B; Germany 1985)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: David Bowie: The Supermen* / David Bowie: Queen Bitch** / David Bowie: Stay*** / Iggy Pop: Raw Power Poem / Iggy Pop: Night Clubbing (drum version) / Iggy Pop: The Passenger (English/German version) / Iggy Pop: I'm Crying / Iggy Pop: My Name Is Iggy Pop // Iggy Pop: Hang on Sloopy / Iggy Pop: Hassles / Iggy Pop: Ordinary Bummer / Iggy Pop: Street Crazies / Iggy Pop: Gloria

Other notes: *Sounds of the Seventies: Bob Harris BBC programme, Kensington House Studio T1, London, 21/09/1971; **Sounds of the Seventies: Bob Harris BBC programme, Maida Vale Studio 5, London, 18/01/1972; ***Dinah Shore US TV show, 03/01/1976; Iggy Pop recordings live, various locations and dates

Collector's notes: A rather weird Bowie/Pop bootleg with only three Bowie tracks and absolutely incorrect information on the cover. The two BBC session recordings have a rather poor sound, the quality of Stay is better. The sound quality of the Iggy Pop tracks is generally better, and, in fact, they are more interesting (if you like his music). But I doubt that any of these tracks are from the 1977 shows with Bowie. Frifelt lists this album as a 1985 re-issue of the Die Bowie bootleg (which is also the title on the B-side label and the cover back of this issue).
I previously listed this album under 1986, but Frifelt may be right that it was released a year earlier.

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin VSS 838; UK 03/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: shaped picture disc, plastic NC with sticker, limited edition

Tracks: Absolute Beginners (single edit) // Absolute Beginners (dub mix)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin VSG 838-12; UK 03/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: FOC, merchandise insert

Tracks: Absolute Beginners (full length verion)* // Absolute Beginners (dub mix)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985; *identical to the album version

Collector's notes: Some copies came with a poster.

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin 107 937-100; Germany 03/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Absolute Beginners (single edit) // Absolute Beginners (dub mix)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin 602 205-213; Germany 03/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Absolute Beginners (full length version)* // Absolute Beginners (dub mix)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985; *identical to the album version

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin JBV 276; Italy 03/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: jukebox promo-only, NC

Tracks: David Bowie: Absolute Beginners (single edit)* // P.I.L.: Rise

Other notes: *studio recording, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin 07VA-1031; Japan 03/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, insert

Tracks: Absolute Beginners (single edit) // Absolute Beginners (dub mix)

Other notes: studio recordings, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985

Absolute Beginners - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

(Virgin 804 869-955 (cover)/302 704/302 705 (labels); Germany 04/1986)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: FOC

Tracks (Bowie): Absolute Beginners* // That's Motivation** // Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)** // -

Other notes: *studio recording, Abbey Road Studios, London, 06/1985; **unknown recording details

Collector's notes: The first disc of this soundtrack was also available separately, which turned the double album version - and hence Bowie's recording of Volare - into a minor rarity. Note that the records bears different catalogue numbers on cover and labels. There is an alternative German version of this double album with the number "302 706-420" that contains exactly the same discs. However, this copy is definitely a genuine combination, too: it was bought new in Germany soon after the release of the album.

Underground

(EMI EAP 216; UK 06/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: shaped picture disc, plastic NC

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (instrumental version)

Underground

(EMI P-B-8323; USA 06/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: promo-only, PS (stock)

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (edited version)

Underground

(EMI SPRO 9670/9692 (cover)/SPRO 9670/9699 (labels); USA 06/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (LP version)

Underground

(EMI 016 20 1281 7; Germany 06/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (instrumental version)

Underground

(EMI EYS-17635; Japan 06/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, insert

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (instrumental version)

Underground

(EMI K060-20 1288 6; Netherlands 06/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Underground (extended dance version) // Underground (dub mix) / Underground (instrumental version)

Underground

(EMI 2012817; Portugal 06/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (instrumental version)

Collector's notes: A back cover variation...

Underground

(Virgin/EMI 12PS 50; South Africa 06/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, pink vinyl, black NC

Tracks: David Bowie: Underground (extended dance version) // Jermaine Stewart: We Don't Have to...

Underground

(EMI 006 20 1284 7; Spain 06/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Underground (edited version) // Underground (instrumental version)

From the Original Soundtrack of the Jim Henson Film Labyrinth

(EMI 064 24 0578 1; Netherlands 07/1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: OIS

Tracks (Bowie): Opening Titles including Underground / Magic Dance / Chilly Down // As the World Falls Down / Within You / Underground

Other notes: recorded in mid-1985; remaining tracks instrumental score by Trevor Jones

From the Original Soundtrack of the Jim Henson Film Labyrinth

(EMI 064 24 0578 1; Netherlands 07/1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: OIS, signed (possibly fake)

Tracks (Bowie): see other copy

Collector's notes: Apart from the signature, this record is identical to the one in the previous entry.

De la Banda de Sonido Original del Film de Jim Henson Laberinto

(EMI 58439 81 2405781; Argentina 1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks (Bowie): see Dutch issue

Other notes: Argentine edition of album From the Original Soundtrack of the Jim Henson Film Labyrinth

Collector's notes: The only major cover variation that I know of: the large film title is in Spanish.

Archive 4

(Castle Communications TOF 105; UK 08/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: limited edition of 7.500, PS

Tracks: The London Boys / Love You till Tuesday* // The Laughing Gnome / Maid of Bond Street

Other notes: *album version

When the Wind Blows

(Virgin VSS 906; UK 11/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: shaped picture disc, limited edition, plastic NC with sticker

Tracks: When the Wind Blows // When the Wind Blows (instrumental)

Other notes: unknown recording details

When the Wind Blows

(Virgin VSB 906-12; UK 11/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS, FOC, limited edition

Tracks: When the Wind Blows (extended mix) // When the Wind Blows (instrumental)

When the Wind Blows

(Virgin 108 613-100; Germany 11/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, promo-insert

Tracks: When the Wind Blows // When the Wind Blows (instrumental)

When the Wind Blows

(Virgin 608 613-213; Germany 11/1986)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: When the Wind Blows (extended mix) // When the Wind Blows (instrumental)

Original Soundtrack - Raymund Briggs' When the Wind Blows

(Virgin 208 042-630; Germany 11/1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks (Bowie): When the Wind Blows // -

When the Wind Blows

(EMI/Virgin 07VA-1055; Japan 12/1986)

Format: 7"

Release notes: white label promo, PS with 2 promo stickers, insert

Tracks: When the Wind Blows // When the Wind Blows (instrumental)

Berlin '78

(DBB 78; ?? 1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: pirate release, multicoloured vinyl

Tracks: Speed of Life / Ziggy Stardust / Five Years / Soul Love / Star / Station to Station // "Heroes" / Beauty and the Beast / Fame / TVC 15

Other notes: all tracks taken from the official album Stage (1978); incorrect date and place on cover

Collector's notes: The best thing you can say about this item is that the splatter vinyl looks great. It's a beautiful, but absolutely superfluous release. It's a pirate disc pretending to be a bootleg. Not surprisingly, the sound quality is very good, but who needs an edited version of Stage? If you want to hear music from the actual Berlin show, buy the official Live in Berlin [1978] album!

The Missing Link

(Shelter 252570; Germany 1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: David Bowie: TVC 15* / David Bowie: Rebel Rebel* / David Bowie: Modern Love* / David Bowie: "Heroes"* / Band Aid: Do They Know It's Christmas?* // David Bowie: Time**° / David Bowie: John, I'm Only Dancing (Again)**° / David Bowie: Right***° / David Bowie: Ziggy Stardust+ / David Bowie: Five Years+ / Iggy Pop: Gloria/Louie Louie / Iggy Pop: Ordinary Bummer

Other notes: *live, Live Aid Concert, Wembley Arena, London, 13/07/1985; °Cracked Actor BBC documentary: **live, USA, 09/1974; ***rehearsal, USA 1974; +Sounds of the Seventies: Bob Harris BBC programme, Maida Vale Studio 5, London, 18/01/1972; Iggy Pop tracks live, unknown source(s)

Collector's notes: Another mad compilation from Shelter Records. Side 1 has Bowie's complete contribution to the Live Aid Concert including the finale, but in poor sound quality. The excerpts from Cracked Actor are all incomplete snippets, but at least the quality is a bit better than on the awful Stardust from the 70's bootleg. The sound quality of the two BBC tracks is quite good.
Note that this time Iggy's contribution is not mentioned on the record - the tracks are actually sold as Bowie songs!

Tina Turner feat. Bowie

(Metropol TT 233; Italy 1986)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks (Bowie): - // Tonight / Let's Dance/Let's Dance (medley)

Other notes: duets with Bowie, live, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, 23/03/1985

Collector's notes: Let's Dance starts with two verses of the old Chris Montez hit before it turns into the Bowie song. The sound quality of the recording is generally quite bad. It's also shocking to hear in what a bad shape both Bowie's and Turner's voices were at the time. And this is not only due to the sound quality.
In 1987 "polished" versions of both duets were first officially released on Tina Turner's Australian Tina Live album.

Ziggy Stardust - The Motion Picture

(High Stereo 3426; South Korea 1987?)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: -

Tracks: see US issue

Collector's notes: Another typical South Korean pirate issue. It isn't suprising that it didn't have a gatefold sleeve. According to Discogs this album was released in 1987. I don't know how reliable this information is, but since it is the only information I have, I've decided to follow it for the time being.

Magic Dance

(EMI V-19217; USA 01/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Magic Dance (a dance mix) // Magic Dance (dub mix) / Within You

Collector's notes: This 12" was released only in few countries, another one was Italy (same basic cover design).

Raymund Briggs' When the Wind Blows - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

(Virgin 7 90599-1; USA 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks (Bowie): When the Wind Blows // -

Other notes: identical to the European album Original Soundtrack - Raymund Briggs' When the Wind Blows (1986)

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI EAX 230; UK 03/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: red vinyl, limited edition, number 010858, PS-box with sticker, sticker sheet, multi-fold-out insert

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (single edit) // Julie*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Collector's notes: All the nice bonus stuff couldn't conceil the fact that this was the worst single Bowie had (and has) ever released - unless you turned it round and played the B-side, which was the finest track from the entire recording session.

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI P-B-8380; USA 03/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: promo-only, PS (stock)

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (single edit) // Day-In Day-Out (single edit)

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI SPRO9985; USA 03/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (single edit) // Day-In Day-Out (single edit)

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI 1C K 060 20 1815 6; Germany 03/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (single edit) // Julie*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI 1793297; Italy 03/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: jukebox promo-only, NC

Tracks: David Bowie: Day-In Day-Out (single edit) // Mark Farina: Take Your Time

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI K 060 20 1715 6; Netherlands 03/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (extended dance mix) // Day-In Day-Out (extended dub mix) / Julie*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Collector's notes: According to the cover, the catalogue number is K 060 20 1715 6, according to the label, it is 1C K 060 20 1715 6. I treat this as a Dutch release because the cover says it was made in the Netherlands, but the catalogue number and the prominence of the Gema box on the labels indicate that it was primarily made for sale in Germany.
This revised label layout became the standard for Dutch 12" singles for a while.

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI 1C K 060 20 1815 6; Germany 04/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (remix)* // Day-In Day-Out (extended dub mix) / Julie**

Other notes: *not identical to the "extended dance mix" from the commoner Dutch 12"; **studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI EYS-17698; Japan 04/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, insert

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (single edit) // Julie*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

'?' - The Interview

(EMI SPRO79112/79113; USA 04/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: promo-only

Tracks: answer 1 / answer 2 / answer 3 / answer 4 / answer 5 / answer 6 / Time Will Crawl / answer 7 / answer 8 / answer 9 / answer 10 / Bang Bang // answer 11 / answer 12 / answer 13 / answer 14 / answer 15 / Day-In Day-Out / answer 16 / answer 17 / answer 18 / answer 19 / answer 20 / answer 21 / answer 22 / Zeroes / answer 23 / answer 24 / answer 25 / Never Let Me Down (reprise)

Collector's notes: Another silly interview disc without questions, similar to the Interview and Let's Talk promos.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI 064 24 0746 1; Netherlands 04/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: OIS

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out* / Time Will Crawl / Beat of Your Drum* / Never Let Me Down / Zeroes // Glass Spider* / Shining Star (Makin' My Love)* / New York's in Love* / '87 and Cry* / Too Dizzy / Bang Bang*

Other notes: recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, and Power Station Studios, New York, late 1986; *edited vinyl versions

Collector's notes: In most countries the vinyl issue had edited versions of most songs. The full-length versions can be heard on the CD and the Japanese vinyl issue.
Also note that the original 1987 vinyl versions of this record are the only ones that include the track Too Dizzy, which was even omitted from most later CD releases (an exception might be the 1999 Argentina version, but I can't verify this personally - and, in fact, as a vinyl collector I don't care very much...).
The cover says "Printed in Holland", but the prominent "GEMA" sign on the labels shows that this issue was primarily aimed at the German market, and I know of no separate German release. So, alternatively, you could classify this as a German issue.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI 14 576 3; Germany 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: club edition, OIS (with catalogue number 24 0746 1)

Tracks: see Dutch standard issue

Other notes: inner sleeve identical to Dutch standard version

Collector's notes: As in the case of the Dutch standard issue (see previous entry) the cover says "Printed in Holland". However, as a check of releases with "neigbouring" catalogue numbers show, the club for which this one was made was definitely German, although I don't know which club it was. So, again, this issue is difficult to classify. You could also consider this to be a Dutch export copy - that's a matter of perspective.
Since the inner sleeve is that of the standard issue, as seen in the previous entry, I don't show it again here.

Nunca Me Dejes Caer

(EMI 10020/101 2407461; Argentina 04/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: OIS

Tracks: see Dutch issue

Other notes: Argentine issue of album Never Let Me Down

Collector's notes: Another Argentine release with a Spanish title on both cover and labels.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI ST 240746; Australia 04/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: blue vinyl, cover sticker, OIS, limited edition

Tracks: see Dutch issue

Other notes: EMI Australia released a limited edition blue vinyl version of the album.

Never Let Me Down

(Toshiba EMI EYS-91221; Japan 04/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: OBI, fold-out insert, poster

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out / Time Will Crawl / Beat of Your Drum / Never Let Me Down / Zeroes / Girls (Japanese version) // Glass Spider / Shining Star (Makin' My Love) / New York's in Love / '87 and Cry / Too Dizzy / Bang Bang

Other notes: recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, and Power Station Studios, New York, late 1986; all versions unedited as on CD editions

Collector's notes: It has sometimes been claimed (for instance by Pegg) that the full-length versions of the songs that had been edited for most issues (like the Dutch one) are available only on the CD version of the album. However, the Japanese vinyl issue features the unedited tracks, too. The full length versions are not the only reason for the rather long running time of Japanese album: it also includes the Japanese version of Girls as a bonus track. Nonetheless, the sound quality is brilliant.
Only early copies included the poster.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI/Oasis OLE-681 (PJ-17267); South Korea 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: insert

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out* / Beat of Your Drum* / Never Let Me Down / Zeroes // New York's in Love* / '87 and Cry* / Too Dizzy / Bang Bang*

Other notes: recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, and Power Station Studios, New York, late 1986; *edited vinyl versions

Collector's notes: Strangely, the South Korean issue of the album is considerably shorter than all other editions: it omits three tracks (compared to the Dutch release) and features only the shorter, edited vinyl versions of five tracks.
I have never seen a South Korean pirate version of the album. Maybe those days were over...

Artistas Internationales de EMI/Capitol en Concierto

(EMI 056 26 1334 1; Spain 05?/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: promo-only

Tracks (Bowie): Day-In Day-Out* / Never Let Me Down // Time Will Crawl

Other notes: *single edit

Collector's notes: A Spanish promo-only album intended to promote the live shows of three of EMI's most popular artists of the time. Despite the title all tracks are regular studio versions. Given that the Tina Turner and Duran Duran concert dates were between 17th and 25th May, I suppose that this album was released in April or early May. Note that Time Will Crawl is called Time Crawl on both label and cover.

Time Will Crawl

(EMI EAP 237; UK 06/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: poster PS

Tracks: Time Will Crawl (single version) // Girls (single edit)*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Time Will Crawl

(EMI 12EAX 237; UK 06/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS, issue deleted after 5 days

Tracks: Time Will Crawl (Dance Crew mix) // Time Will Crawl (dub) / Girls (Japanese version)*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Collector's notes: For some reason, EMI UK didn't seem to be content with this release. Note that the "Dance Crew mix" of Time Will Crawl is not simply another name for the extended dance mix on other issues. It's a completely different mix.

Time Will Crawl

(EMI 1C 006 20 1892 7; Germany 06/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Time Will Crawl (single version) // Girls (single edit)*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Time Will Crawl

(EMI K060 20 1883 6; Netherlands 06/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Time Will Crawl (extended dance mix) // Time Will Crawl (album version) / Girls (extended edit)*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Collector's notes: Another Netherlands-pressed record that was primarily for the German market (see the prominent "GEMA" sign).
By the way, I still wonder what an "extended edit" (of Girls) is. Usually there is a full length version of a track, which might be turned into an "edit" for a single release or into an "extended version" for a 12" single issue (or some dance mix). However, editing a track only to extend the edit doesn't make much sense...

Time Will Crawl

(EMI 1C 006 20 1892 7; Austria 06/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS, record Germany (combination original)

Tracks: Time Will Crawl (single version) // Girls (single edit)*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

Collector's notes: Same labels as the German issue. A very rare alternative cover, which is usually said to be made in Austria. The record that normally comes with it is the German issue. Not many of these seem to have been printed. These covers look absolutely genuine, and what sense would it have made to fake an alternative cover for this record? The single isn't (and has never been) the hottest collector's item. However, I'm not really sure if these covers were actually distributed.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI SP 1330; France 06/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: promo-only, PS

Tracks: Never Let Me Down // Never Let Me Down

Collector's notes: A French promo-only single to promote the upcoming tour dates in France.

Time Will Crawl

(EMI EYS-17712; Japan 07/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: white label promo, PS with promo sticker, insert

Tracks: Time Will Crawl (single version) // Girls (single edit)*

Other notes: *studio recording, Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, from the Never Let Me Down sessions, 1986

David Bowie Glass Spider Tour Special

(DIR; USA 07/1987)

Format: LP/12"

Release notes: promo-only radio show, 3-sided double album, black NC with cue sheet

Tracks: intro sound / introduction / Toyota ad / comment / Bang Bang* / comment / Fame** / comment / Diamond Dogs*** / out / Toyota ad // Toyota ad / comment / Never Let Me Down*** / comment / Let's Dance** / comment / "Heroes"** / out / Toyota ad // Toyota ad / tour dates / comment / Young Americans** / comment / Suffragette City° / comment / China Girl** / out / Toyota ad / out

Other notes: *live, Cat Club, New York, 18/03/1987; **live, Forum, Montreal, Canada, 13/07/1983; ***official studio version; °live 1974, from the album David Live (1974)

Collector's notes: The insert (cue sheet) of this radio station promo doesn't give any details concerning the source of the recordings. Suffragette City is clearly taken from the David Live album, Bang Bang is introduced with a mention of the Cat Club press conference, and the remaining live tracks are from the professionally recorded 1983 Montreal gig (all these tracks except "Heroes" can also be heard on the Best of the Biscuit album).

Day-In Day-Out

(EMI SP 1334; France 07/1987)

Format: 7" flexi

Release notes: promo-only, one-sided, given away with Lyon Liberation newspaper, NC

Tracks: Day-In Day-Out (single edit)

Collector's notes: This is what I call an overlooked rarity. For all I know, apart from the notorious Record Mirror flexi, this record is the only flexi 7" by Bowie that has ever been officially released. It was distributed in the French city of Lyon on 25/07/1987.
I have brightened up the colour of the label to enhance the readability.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI EAP 239; UK 08/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: picture disc, plastic NC

Tracks: Never Let Me Down // '87 and Cry (edited version)

Collector's notes: Both tracks are listed as single versions on the record (and I listed them as such for a long time, too). However, the "single version" of Never Let Me Down is actually identical to the album version, and the "single version" of '87 and Cry is the edit from the non-Japanese editions of the vinyl LP. I must admit that I never carefully compared the versions because, politely speaking, both songs are not among my favourite Bowie tracks...

Never Let Me Down

(EMI V-19255; USA 08/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Never Let Me Down (extended dance mix) / Never Let Me Down (7" remix edit) // Never Let Me Down (dub mix) / Never Let Me Down (acapella) / '87 and Cry (edited version)

Collector's note: The dub mix is segued into the acapella mix. The 7" remix edit (which puzzled me when it was re-issued in the Loving the Alien box set) was also released as a 7" A-side in the USA and Canada.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI 9951 052; Brazil 1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Never Let Me Down // Never Let Me Down

Collector's notes: Regardless of what the labels say, this is simply the album version.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI 006 20 1996 7; Netherlands 08/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Never Let Me Down // '87 and Cry (edited version)

Collector's notes: Again, both tracks are called "single version".

Never Let Me Down

(EMI K 060 20 2030 6; Netherlands 08/1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: mis-print: blank label on side 1, PS

Tracks: Never Let Me Down (extended dance mix) // '87 and Cry (edited version) / Never Let Me Down (dub mix) / Never Let Me Down (a capella)

Collector's note: Another Dutch release made primarily for the German market. As in the case of the US 12", the dub mix is segued into the acapella mix.

Never Let Me Down

(EMI RP07-2009; Japan 10/1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: white label promo, PS (insert with company cover), promo sticker

Tracks: Never Let Me Down // '87 and Cry (edited version)

Collector's notes: And again, the tracks are listed as "single versions".

Too Dizzy

(EMI SPRO79209; USA 1987)

Format: 12"

Release notes: promo-only, 33 1/3 rpm, black NC

Tracks: Too Dizzy // Too Dizzy

Collector's notes: While EMI USA seemed to love the song so much that they released it as a promo-only record, Bowie seemed to hate it so much that it was omitted from (most) subsequent releases of the Never Let Me Down album. Even in the 2018 Loving the Alien box, which was meant to give an overview of Bowie's work from 1983 to 1988, this song was not included!

China Girl

(EMI-Manhattan B-8165; USA 1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: company cover

Tracks: China Girl (single edit) // Shake It

Other notes: re-issue of 1983 single

1966

(PRT 6.26686 BL; Germany 10/1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1981)

Collector's notes: Pegg gives 10/1987 as the release date of the UK issue of this record, and, in fact, my German copy has "1987" on the cover, too. But note that the UK picture disc version has "1988" on it.

Interview Picture Disc Limited Edition

(D.B. 1010; ?? 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: picture disc, plastic NC

Tracks: see album Let's Talk

Other notes: edited re-issue of Let's Talk (1983)

Collector's notes: A really awful rip-off release. Let's Talk had already been a castrated version of the earlier promo-only album King Biscuit Flower Hour – A Look at the 70's (1980), since all the music had been edited out. Editing the remaining interview even further makes it absolutely useless. Furthermore, the sound quality is bad and it's not a particularly beautiful picture disc.

Press Conference, New York, Cat Club, 18.3.1987

(SPIDER 2; UK 1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, white vinyl, limited edition of 1.000, plastic NC

Tracks: press conference // press conference

Other notes: recorded at the Cat Club, New York, 18/03/1987

Collector's notes: And another rip-off release...

Press Conference, New York, Cat Club, 18.3.1987

(SPIDER 2P; UK 1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: picture disc, 33 1/3 rpm, limited edition of 1.000, plastic NC

Tracks: press conference // press conference

Other notes: recorded at the Cat Club, New York, 18/03/1987; picture disc issue of the record in the previous entry.

The Glass Spider Tour Press Conference's 1987

(Spider 101P; UK 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: picture disc, PS

Tracks: press conference London / press conference Amsterdam / press conference Stockholm // press conference New York / press conference Sydney

Other notes: recorded at various locations, 1987

Collector's notes: Although this record is as superfluous as the singles in the previous entries, it looks quite nice, at least.

The London Boys

(Decca 6.14911 AC; Germany 1987)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: The London Boys // Love You till Tuesday (album version)

Other notes: re-issue of 1975 UK single

Tina Live

(Festival/Interfusion RML 53256; Australia 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: OIS

Tracks (Bowie): Tonight / Let's Dance/Let's Dance (medley) // -

Other notes: duets with Bowie, live, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 23/03/1985

Collector's notes: This Australia-only album is a kind of overlooked rarity: it was the first record on which the two duets of Bowie and Turner were officially released, even before the single release of Tonight. Not surprisingly, the sound quality of the official release of these duets is much better than on the Tina Turner feat. Bowie bootleg. What is more astonishing, though, is how much better the voices of both singers sound...
There was also a 1987 album of the same title released in some South American countries. However, not only did that one have a different cover, but it also omitted the Let's Dance medley, so that it is considerably less interesting from the point of view of Bowie collectors.
The following year, the two tracks with Bowie got a more widespread release on the Tina Live in Europe album.

Press Conference Rome, 25 March '87 Live

((SILU 1987); ?? 1987)

Format: 7"EP

Release notes: bootleg, 33 1/3 rpm, PS

Tracks: Bang Bang / '87 and Cry // Bang Bang / '87 and Cry

Other notes: live, Piper, Rome, 25/03/1987; versions on side 1 and side 2 identical, but from different sources

Collector's notes: First of all, this record is not one-sided, as Frifelt claims. Side 1 seems to have been taken from a radio transmission. The sound quality is very good, but there are voiceovers by an announcer and Bang Bang is heavily edited. Side 2 is an audience recording with less good (but still quite good) sound, and the songs are in full length here.

Ziggy in Japan

(Duck Production; Germany 1987)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, paste-over Iggy Pop labels

Tracks: Hang On to Yourself / Ziggy Stardust / Changes / Moonage Daydream / John, I'm Only Dancing / Watch That Man // The Width of a Circle / Space Oddity / The Jean Genie

Other notes: live, Yubinchokin Kaihan, Hiroshima, Japan, 14/04/1973

Collector's notes: My copy of this album has labels from an Iggy Pop bootleg pasted over the original Duck labels. Nice sound quality for an audience recording from that era.

The Glass Spider Premiere

(Spider JUP 87; UK 1987)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Intro: Up the Hill Backwards / Glass Spider / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang / Absolute Beginners / Loving the Alien // China Girl / Fashion / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / All the Madmen / Never Let Me Down / Big Brother/Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family // '87 and Cry / "Heroes" / Time Will Crawl / Beat of Your Drum / Sons of the Silent Age / New York's in Love // Dancing with the Big Boys / Zeroes / Let's Dance / Fame / Time / Blue Jean / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Feyenoord Stadium, Rotterdam, 30/05/1987

Collector's notes: The sound is a bit thin, but very listenable.

A Night with the Duke

(R.O.A.R. Records; NL? 1987)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg, fold-out insert

Tracks: Glass Spider / Up the Hill Backwards (reprise)* / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang / Absolute Beginners // Loving the Alien / China Girl / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / All the Madmen // Never Let Me Down / Big Brother/Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family* / "Heroes" / Time Will Crawl / Beat of You Drum // Zeroes / Let's Dance / Time / Blue Jean / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Stadio di San Siro, Milano, Italy, 10/06/1987; *not listed on cover, generally incorrect track listing

Collector's notes: An audience recording in acceptable sound quality. Some more songs from this show can be heard on the bootleg Extramilan.

Waiting in the Wind

(Cinthia Records DRJ 490/491; UK 1987)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg, 2nd edition: yellow/orange vinyl, colour cover, poster

Tracks: Intro: Up the Hill Backwards / Glass Spider / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang / Absolute Beginners // Loving the Alien / China Girl / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / Never Let Me Down / '87 and Cry // Time Will Crawl / Beat of You Drum / Sons of the Silent Age / Dancing with the Big Boys / Zeroes // Let's Dance / Fame / Time / Blue Jean / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Stadio Flaminio, Rome, 15/06/1987

Collector's notes: A very thin sound with little bass, but acceptable. In his Illustrated Bowie Bootleg File, Frifelt writes that this is the first edition of this bootleg, but in the second edition of his book he corrects the claim: the yellow/orange version is the second pressing.

Bang Bang

(Bang Bang Productions 2407461 A/B; Germany 1987)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Intro: Up the Hill Backwards / Glass Spider / Up the Hill Backwards (reprise)* / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang // Absolute Beginners / Loving the Alien / China Girl // Fashion / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / All the Madmen / Never Let Me Down / Big Brother/Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family* // '87 and Cry / "Heroes"* / Tonight** / Let's Dance/Let's Dance**

Other notes: live, Platz der Republik, Berlin, 06/06/1987; except: **duets with Tina Turner, live, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, 23/03/1985; *tracks not listed on cover; track listing on cover incorrect

Collector's notes: This is a rather rare bootleg. Only few copies were distributed, since the bootleggers got busted after finishing their product. The sound quality is quite good, but given that the show was recorded from an official radio broadcast (as Frifelt writes), it could be better.

Extramilan

(TPHP DRJ488; UK 1988)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, red vinyl

Tracks: Fashion / All the Madmen / Big Brother/Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family* / '87 and Cry // "Heroes" / Time Will Crawl / band intro / Fame / Time / Blue Jean

Other notes: live, Stadio di San Siro, Milano, Italy, 10/06/1987; *not listed on cover

Collector's notes: Another typical audience recording from the time. Thin sound, but acceptable. It's the same show as on the A Night with the Duke bootleg, but still the concert isn't complete. Obviously from the same people who made the Waiting in the Wind bootleg.

He Never Let Us Down

(Wildcat BOW 5-6; UK 1988)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg, 1st edition: red vinyl, insert, limited numbered edition 405/500

Tracks: Intro: Intro / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang / Absolute Beginners / China Girl // Rebel Rebel / Fashion / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / "Heroes" // Sons of the Silent Age / Young Americans / The Jean Genie / I Wanna Be Your Dog // White Light/White Heat / Let's Dance / Fame / Blue Jean / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Kooyong Stadium, Melbourne, Australia, 23/11/1987

Collector's notes: A very short show, due to bad weather conditions. Judging from the label design, it's one more by the guys who had released Waiting in the Wind and Extramilan. The sound quality is okay, and the record features Bowie's version of I Wanna Be Your Dog, which is quite rare on vinyl.

Glass Spider Tour

(Starlight Records SL 87008; US 1988)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Intro (Glass Spider)* / Fame / Bang Bang / Rebel Rebel / "Heroes" / Sons of the Silent Age // The Jean Genie / Let's Dance / Time / White Light/White Heat / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Entertainment Centre, Sydney, 07 and 09/11/1987; *not listed on cover; incorrect tracks on cover

Collector's notes: Taken from a TV special that was in turn based on the official tour video (offically released on DVD in 2007). Nevertheless, the sound quality is rather poor. This album became absolutely superfluous with the release of the brilliant Glass Spider Live double LP in 2009. Of historical interest only.

Gigantes del Pop Vol. 28

(Decca 64 95 081 (AD); Spain 1988)

Format: LP

Release notes: blank box on cover front

Tracks: see album Another Face

Other notes: re-issue of 1981 album

Collector's notes: See the original edition for criteria to distinguish the original and this re-issue.

1966

(PRT PYX 6001; UK 1988)

Format: LP

Release notes: picture disc, NC

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1981)

Collector's notes: Picture disc version of the album from the previous year.

Don't Be Fooled by the Name

(Green Line/PRT PRQ 04; Italy 1988)

Format: LP

Release notes: -

Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1981)

Collector's notes: I've also read the claim that this album was released in 1989. This may be true, I simply can't say.

Tonight Live - Duet with David Bowie

(Capitol 006 20 3179 7; Netherlands 03/1988)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Tonight (duet with David Bowie)* // River Deep, Mountain High

Other notes: *live, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 23/03/1985

Collector's notes: The release date is based on the fact that the single entered the Swiss charts at the end of March 1988. So I think it was released that month (just like its parent album). The single is another example of a record that can be classified as either Dutch or German. The cover says that the record was made in Holland, but the prominent "GEMA" logo suggests that the record was primarily distributed in Germany.

Tonight Live - Duet with David Bowie

(Capitol K 060 20 3180 6; Netherlands 03/1988)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Tonight (duet with David Bowie)* // Let's Stay Together / River Deep, Mountain High

Other notes: *live, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 23/03/1985

Collector's notes: As in the case of the record in the previous entry, this record can either be classified as Dutch or German.

Tina Live in Europe

(Capitol 198 7 90126 1; Netherlands 03/1988)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: FOC

Tracks (Bowie): - // - // - // Tonight / Let's Dance/Let's Dance (medley)

Other notes: duets with Bowie, live, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 23/03/1985

Collector's notes: For decades I thought that this album was the first official release of the two duets with Bowie (leaving aside the Tonight 7", which was probably released the same month). However, the tracks had already seen an official release in 1987 on the Australian Tina Live album. But in most parts of the world, this was the first album on which the duets were available.
EEC copies (probably pressed in Germany) with a more prominent GEMA logo came with a booklet.

Live BBC '69 with Juniors Eyes

(3349; ?? 1988)

Format: 7"

Release notes: bootleg, green vinyl, PS

Tracks: Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed // Let Me Sleep beside You

Other notes: The Dave Lee Travis Show BBC programme, Aeolian Hall Studio 2, London, 20/10/1969

Collector's notes: Two tracks from a great session in fantastic sound quality!

Absolute Beginners

(Virgin CDT 20; Austria 11/1988)

Format: 3"CDS

Release notes: cardboard cover with EMI plastic cover

Tracks: Absolute Beginners (full length version) / Absolute Beginners (dub mix)

Other notes: CD re-issue of 1986 12" single

Collector's notes: In the late 1980s, some record companies tried to introduce the new format of the 3"CD single. The CDs were so small they were usually sold in larger plastic covers and couldn't be played without an adapter in many CD-players. Understandably, the format went nowhere.

1966

(PRT UDL-1009-Y; Japan 12/1988)

Format: LP

Release notes: mono, 45 rpm, promo, promo print on labels, promo sticker, OBI, insert, correction slip

Tracks: Tracks: see original issue

Other notes: re-issue of album Don't Be Fooled by the Name (1981)

Collector's notes: One more issue of the 1966 album. However, the Japanese release has a beautiful alternative cover. The month of release can be found on the back of cover ("R-12-16", where "R" stands for 1988). The correction slip seems to clear up the mono/stereo confusion caused by contradictory information on cover and labels.

You Need a Tie to Get In

(DEAF 1094; ?? 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain white labels

Tracks: Glass Spider / Up the Hill Backwards (reprise)* / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang / Absolute Beginners / Fashion // All the Madmen* / Never Let Me Down / Big Brother*/Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family* / '87 and Cry* / Alabama Song**

Other notes: live, Platz der Republik, Berlin, 06/06/1987; except: **live, Bremen, Germany, 30/05/1978, for Musikladen Extra TV show; *tracks not listed on cover; track listing on cover incorrect

Collector's notes: Basically, this is a truncated version of the 1987 Bang Bang bootleg. Again, the sound quality is better than on most audience recordings from the tour, but rather dull for an album based on a FM broadcast. Alabama Song also sounds duller than on the Live in Bremen bootleg (and it was copied from an album with clicks). The picture is rounded up by the absurd track list on the cover back. A superfluous release!

David Bowie

(Deram 800 087-2 RT; Germany 04/1989)

Format: CD

Release notes: jewel case with booklet and back inlay, blue name on cover front

Tracks: Uncle Arthur / Sell Me a Coat / Rubber Band / Love You till Tuesday / There Is a Happy Land / We Are Hungry Men / When I Live My Dream // Little Bombardier / Silly Boy Blue / Come and Buy My Toys / Join the Gang / She's Got Medals / Maid of Bond Street / Please Mr. Gravedigger

Other notes: CD re-issue of 1967/1968 album (UK/Germany stereo version)

Collector's notes: This is the second CD release of this album. A first issue, which had white lettering and the same catalogue number, had been released on the London label in 1983, also in Germany. The Illustrated db Discography gives 1987 as the release date of this second issue, but this can't be correct, since the text in the booklet is from 1988. Pegg seems more reliable here.

Tin Machine

(EMI 1C 064 7 91990 1; Germany 05/1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: white OIS, sticker on cover

Tracks: Heaven's in Here / Tin Machine / Prisoner of Love / Crack City / I Can't Read / Under the God // Amazing / Working Class Hero / Bus Stop / Pretty Thing / Video Crime / Baby Can Dance

Other notes: recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, and Compass Point Studios, Nassau, 08/1988-1989

Collector's notes: In Germany, both German and Dutch pressings of the album were sold. The picture on the front cover of the German pressings is slightly cropped, so that the upper part of Tony Sales' hair has been cut off. Furthermore, whereas the German issue has "Electrola" on the back, the Dutch issue has "Printed in Holland" and a slightly different back cover layout. But both versions use the same discs: the labels are identical.

Tin Machine

(EMI 32 941-7; Germany 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: white OIS, club edition

Tracks: see regular issue

Collector's notes: A German club edition. Judging from the catalogue number, it was distributed by the Bertelsmann club. The inner sleeve is identical to that of the standard version (which, once more, leads to a mismatch of numbers).

Tin Machine

(EMI 064 7 91990 1; Netherlands 05/1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: orange OIS, sticker on cover

Tracks: see German issue

Collector's notes: The Dutch issue with the "more complete" front cover. Same labels as in the entry of the German version. Some Dutch copies (like this one) have an orange inner sleeve (which was also used for French discs), though some came in a white inner sleeve similar to the German one.

Tin Machine

(EMI CDP-7-91990-2; USA 05/1989)

Format: CD

Release notes: jewel case with booklet and back inlay, sticker on cover

Tracks: Heaven's in Here / Tin Machine / Prisoner of Love / Crack City / I Can't Read / Under the God / Amazing / Working Class Hero / Bus Stop / Pretty Thing / Video Crime / Run / Sacrifice Yourself / Baby Can Dance

Other notes: recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, and Compass Point Studios, Nassau, 08/1988-1989

Collector's notes: The CD version of the album contains two bonus tracks.

Under the God

(EMI MT 68; UK 06/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Under the God // Sacrifice Yourself

Collector's notes: This single contains one of the bonus tracks from the CD issue of the first Tin Machine album. The single was released in all common vinyl formats: 7", 10" and 12".

Under the God

(EMI 10MT 68; UK 06/1989)

Format: 10"EP

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Under the God / Sacrifice Yourself // the interview

Collector's notes: Side 2 is an interview with the band.

Under the God

(EMI 12MT 68; UK 06/1989)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Under the God / Sacrifice Yourself // the interview

Under the God

(EMI SPRO 4282; USA 06/1989)

Format: 12"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, promo-only, picture labels, NC with artist/title sticker

Tracks: Under the God // Under the God

Under the God

(EMI US 2237; Australia 06/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Under the God // Sacrifice Yourself

Under the God

(EMI DIF 528; Argentina 1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: promo-only, NC

Tracks: Tin Machine: Under the God // Great White: Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Under the God

(EMI 006 20 3415 7; Germany 06/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Under the God // Sacrifice Yourself

Under the God

(Toshiba-EMI PRP-1385; Japan 1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: promo-only, PS (insert with NC)

Tracks: Under the God // Working Class Hero

The Interview

(EMI K 060 203415 6; Netherlands 06/1989)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Under the God / Sacrifice Yourself // the interview

Collector's notes: Strangely, the Dutch issue used the B-side track, i.e. the interview with the band, for the title.
This is another example of a record that can either be classified as Dutch (due to the cover) or German (due to the prominent "GEMA" logo and the catalogue number).

Heaven's In Here

(EMI SPRO 4374; USA 1989)

Format: 12"

Release notes: 33 1/3 rpm, promo-only, picture labels, company cover with artist/title sticker

Tracks: Heaven's In Here (edited version) // Heaven's In Here (album version)

Sound + Vision

(Ryko RALP 0120/21/22-2; USA 09/1989)

Format: 6LP

Release notes: box, limited edition, clear vinyl, 3 FOC, partial cardboard slipcase

Tracks:

Sound + Vision I

(Ryko RALP 0120)

Space Oddity* / Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud** / The Prettiest Star*** / London Bye Ta-Ta° // Black Country Rock / The Man Who Sold the World / The Bewlay Brothers / Changes // Round and Round°° / Moonage Daydream / John, I'm Only Dancing°°° / Drive-In Saturday // Panic in Detroit / Ziggy Stardust+ / White Light/White Heat+ / Rock'n'Roll Suicide+

Sound + Vision II

(Ryko RALP 0121)

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere / Sorrow / Don't Bring Me Down / 1984/Dodo++ / Big Brother // Rebel Rebel+++ / Suffragette City# / Watch That Man# / Cracked Actor# // Young Americans / Fascination / After Today## // It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City## / TVC 15 / Wild Is the Wind

Sound + Vision III

(Ryko RALP 0122)

Sound and Vision / Be My Wife / Speed of Life / "Helden"### / Joe the Lion // Sons of the Silent Age / Station to Station% // Warszawa% / Breaking Glass% / Red Sails / Look Back in Anger // Boys Keep Swinging / Up the Hill Backwards / Kingdom Come / Ashes to Ashes

Other notes: all tracks from the original studio albums; except: *demo, home recording featuring John Hutchinson, London (probably Clareville Grove), spring 1969 (probably 03/1969); **single version without spoken intro, from the 1969 UK single; ***stereo single version, mono version on the 1970 single; °re-recorded version, Trident Studios, 08-15/01/1970; °°same recording as on the 1973 single, but different mix; °°°"sax version" from the 1973 single; +live, from the album Ziggy Stardust - The Motion Picture (1983); ++studio recording, Trident Studios, 10/1973; +++second US single version from the 1974 single; #live, from the album David Live (1974); ##recorded during the Young Americans sessions, Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, 08/1974, It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City incorrectly listed as a Station to Station outtake; ###short German version, 1989 remix; %live, from the album Stage (1978)

Collector's notes: This is a fantastic box set, although (or maybe because) its choice of tracks is rather idiosyncratic. It's partly a "greatest hits" collection, partly a collection of rarities, and partly a set that wants to make you familiar with good, but less popular, Bowie tracks. And it works well - very well! Since it contains a lot of rare tracks in impeccable sound quality, it is still indispensable for any Bowie collector.
A note on the labels: they are individually designed, but I have decided not to show them all, because they are similar. Each double album has its own label colour. The A-side labels always bear the names of the albums covered by the respective record, and the B-side labels are as shown in the picture, only the colour varies according to the double set they belong to. Note that in order to save space I have also changed the usual order of the pictures: I first show the cover backs, and than the inside of the covers.

Sound + Vision Plus

(RYKO RCDV-1018; USA 09/1989)

Format: CDS

Release notes: includes video, originally part of Sound + Vision CD box, distributed for promotional reasons, CD single case with fold-out insert

Tracks: John, I'm Only Dancing / Changes / The Supermen / (NTSC video: Ashes to Ashes)

Other notes: all audio tracks live, Music Hall, Boston, 01/10/1972

Collector's notes: The first CD issue of the Sound + Vision box set came with this additional CD single, but some copies seem to have been distributed separately as promos. The sound quality of the live tracks is as great as expected.
This was one of the first Bowie CDs to include a video; later such CDs were often called "enhanced CDs". What seemed to be a good idea at the time is less convincing with hindsight: such videos don't meet later standards concerning resolution and picture quality.

Tin Machine

(EMI MTG 73; UK 09/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: limited edition, number 2500, PS: FOC with fold-out insert attached

Tracks: Tin Machine // Maggie's Farm*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Collector's notes: The fold-out insert turns the cover into a booklet. I have only shown the innermost double page here.
Note that this issue (like all other formats shown in the next entries) lists Maggie's Farm as the leading track on the cover front, whereas Tin Machine is listed as the A-side on the back and the labels.

Tin Machine

(EMI MTPD 73; UK 09/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: shaped picture disc, limited edition, plastic NC, insert

Tracks: Tin Machine // Maggie's Farm*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Tin Machine

(EMI MTPD 73; UK 09/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: uncut shaped picture disc, test pressing, plastic NC

Tracks: Tin Machine // Maggie's Farm*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Tin Machine

(EMI 12MTP 73; UK 09/1989)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS, poster cover, limited edtion

Tracks: Tin Machine // Maggie's Farm* / I Can't Read*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Prisoner of Love

(EMI MT 76; UK 10/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Prisoner of Love (edit) // Baby Can Dance*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Prisoner of Love

(EMI MTS 76; UK 10/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: PS: envelope cover with 4 postcards

Tracks: Prisoner of Love (edit) // Baby Can Dance*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Collector's notes: Same labels as in the previous entry.

Prisoner of Love

(EMI MTPD 76; UK 10/1989)

Format: 7"

Release notes: shaped picture disc, printed plastic cover, insert

Tracks: Prisoner of Love (edit) // Baby Can Dance*

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Prisoner of Love

(EMI 060 20 3547 2; Germany 10/1989)

Format: 12"

Release notes: PS

Tracks: Prisoner of Love (edit) / Baby Can Dance* // Crack City* / Prisoner of Love (LP version)

Other notes: *live, La Cigale, Paris, 25/06/1989

Tin Machine

(A Faith Healer Production FH/SDR 002; Germany? 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain yellow labels

Tracks: Intro / Amazing / Heaven's In Here / Working Class Hero / Maggie's Farm (includes Jeepster intro*) / Prisoner of Love // Sorry / Bus Stop (country version) / Bus Stop / I Can't Read** / I Can't Read** / Pretty Thing / Crack City

Other notes: live, National Ballroom, London, 29/06/1989; *not listed on cover; **different takes

Collector's notes: Jeepster is just a few instrumental seconds of the song. I still wonder why there are two takes of I Can't Read (and where the second take comes from). The sound quality is not particularly good, but acceptable.

Live at the Town & Country Club

(MMLP012; ?? 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Amazing / Heaven's In Here / Working Class Hero / Prisoner of Love / Bus Stop (country version)* / Bus Stop // Maggie's Farm (includes Jeepster intro*) / I Can't Read / Crack City / Under the God / Shakin' All Over**

Other notes: live, Town & Country Club, London, 27/06/1989; except: **live, National Ballroom, London, 29/06/1989; *not listed on the cover

Collector's notes: The sound quality of the album is okay, but could be better. The sound of the track from the National Ballroom is superior. Note that the picture on the cover back is actually shown upside down on the record, but I have decided to show it the logical way here.

No Iggy, No Ziggy - Just a Tin Machine

(Stadtpark SR 003-89; Germany 1989)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain yellow labels

Tracks: Amazing / Sacrifice Yourself / Heaven's In Here / Working Class Hero // Tin Machine / Sorry / Bus Stop (country version) / Bus Stop / Run / Maggie's Farm // I Can't Read / Baby Can Dance / Pretty Thing // Crack City / Under the God / soundcheck* / Sorry* / TV set Germany - medley: Crack City/Bus Stop/Video Crime**

Other notes: live, Docks, Hamburg, Germany, 22/06/1989; except: *soundcheck for the show; **excerpts from the regular studio versions, from the promo video

Collector's notes: Another Tin Machine bootleg in mediocre sound quality.

The London Tapes

(World Productions of Compact Music WPOCM 0589D020-2; Italy 1989)

Format: CD

Release notes: bootleg, jewel case with fold-out insert and back inlay

Tracks: Interview* / Showboat interview** / Over the Wall We Go*** / Space Oddity° / Love You till Tuesday°° / Janine°°° / Let Me Sleep beside You°°° / Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed°°° / Space Oddity+ / Waiting for the Man++ / The Supermen+++ / Looking for a Friend#

Other notes: *Tonight BBC TV show, 12/11/1964; **recorded live at the Marquee, 1966; ***demo 12?/1966; °unclear origin, see the Kiss Away the Darkest Day bootleg; °°demo, 1966; °°°The Dave Lee Travis Show BBC programme, Aeolian Hall Studio 2, London, 20/10/1969; +home demo, c. 04/1969; ++studio recording, Decca Studios, 05/04/1967; +++Sounds of the Seventies: Andy Ferris BBC programme, Playhouse Theatre, London, 25/03/1970; #In Concert: John Peel BBC programme, Paris Cinema Studio, London, 03/06/1971

Collector's notes: This was the first ever CD bootleg of Bowie. The sound quality is good to very good, but not an improvement, compared to earlier vinyl bootlegs. Which is no wonder: all tracks seem to have been taken straight off vinyl records - you can even hear the occasional click and crackle.

TV Rebell

(n.i.c.o. 671288; Germany 1989)

Format: CDS

Release notes: bootleg, jewel case with fold-out insert and back inlay, blue picture CD, 100 copies

Tracks: Love You till Tuesday/Lieb dich bis Dienstag / When I Live My Dream/Mit dir in meinem Traum

Other notes: original versions from 1967 with voice overdubs recorded at Trident Studios, 29/01/1969; recorded for the non-realised German broadcast of the Love You till Tuesday movie

Collector's notes: A nice release of two tracks that were extremely rare at the time. Great sound quality!

Into the Labyrinth

(L ZL 036; ?? 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, plain white labels

Tracks: Hang On to Yourself / Ziggy Stardust / Changes / Soul Love / John, I'm Only Dancing / Drive-In Saturday* // Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?) / Panic in Detroit / Moonage Daydream / The Width of a Circle

Other notes: live, Radio City Music Hall, New York, 15/02/1973, except: *live, Pirate's Cove, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 17/11/1972; incorrect tracklisting on cover

Collector's notes: A re-issue of an earlier bootleg with a totally inappropriate cover and title. The sound quality is so-so. It's a bit dull, and the vocals are too far in the background. The rare (acoustic!) performance of Drive-In Saturday from Fort Lauderdale is interesting, but the sound of that track is terrible.

Bon Soir Montreal - Part One

(Dragon Fly DFR 1/2; EU 1989)

Format: 2LP

Release notes: bootleg, multicoloured vinyl, 2nd edition, limited edition sticker: 65/100

Tracks: Intro: Up the Hill Backwards / Glass Spider / Up the Hill Backwards (reprise)* / Day-In Day-Out / Bang Bang // Absolute Beginners / Loving the Alien / China Girl / Rebel Rebel // Fashion / Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) / All the Madmen / Never Let Me Down // Big Brother/Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family* / '87 and Cry / "Heroes" / Sons of the Silent Age / Time Will Crawl

Other notes: live, Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada, 30/08/1987; *not listed on cover

Collector's notes: Together with the second part, this is a fantastic bootleg. The show was professionally recorded and a CD promo set was distributed among American radio stations. Since these discs are recorded from the CDs, the sound quality is perfect.
My copy of this album belongs to the second edition, as the sticker ("Collectors edition...") shows.

Bon Soir Montreal - Part Two

(Dragon Fly DFR 3; EEC 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg, multicoloured vinyl, 2nd edition, limited edition sticker: 65/100

Tracks: Young Americans / Beat of Your Drum / The Jean Genie / Let's Dance // Fame / Time / Blue Jean / Modern Love

Other notes: live, Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada, 30/08/1987

Collector's notes: Part 2 of the Montreal show. Same labels as in the previous entry.
Again, the text on the sticker identifies this copy as a second edition. However, according to Frifelt, the record should be in green marbled vinyl. You just can't rely on bootleggers...

A Letter to Hermoine

(Flashback Flash 08.89.0105-33; Luxembourg 1989)

Format: LP

Release notes: bootleg

Tracks: Space Oddity / Janine (includes Hey Jude) / An Occasional Dream / Conversation Piece / Ching-a-Ling // Letter to Hermione* / Love Song / When I'm Five / Life Is a Circus

Other notes: demos, home recordings; London (probably Clareville Grove), spring 1969 (probably 03/1969); *called I'm Not Quiet by Bowie and on the cover

Collector's notes: This bootleg, which is a re-issue of the earlier The Beckenham Oddity, is a typical "protection gap" bootleg, i.e. one that was legally available in regular record shops, due to "gaps" in the copyright laws of some European countries. The sound quality is good, but far from perfect, and varies in the course of the recording.
As regards the music, this is a fantastic document, showing Bowie and John Hutchinson as a kind of Simon-and-Garfunkel-style duo. Janine includes a few seconds of the tune of the Beatles song Hey Jude. The version of Space Oddity is the one that can be found on the Sound + Vision box set in better sound quality. Also note the mis-spelling of the title: it should be "Hermione", and not "Hermoine", of course.
Both Frifelt and Stimson list this record as a 1990 release, but I'm quite sure that I bought my copy in late 1989.
In 2019 these recordings (plus Lover to the Dawn) were finally released officially as the The 'Mercury' Demos in the best possible sound quality. But still there is some controversy as regards the recording date. According to Pegg these demos were recorded around April 1969, but other sources say February. In fact, the later My Secret Memories bootleg even gives the exact date 02/02/1969.