I came across this demo of "Lady Stardust" while scrolling through iTunes last week. I hadn't heard it in years and it still knocks me out.
For the most part, the lyrics and melody remained the same for the take found on "Ziggy Stardust," with one exception. Bowie changed one word on the bridge, and that one word, for me, makes all the difference in the character singing the song.
In the original demo, Bowie sings "Oh how I lied, when they asked if I knew his name." On the version we all know, he sings "Oh how I sighed, when they asked if I knew his name." That change was a genius move and yet another example of why record making is so important.
The singer's personality changes completely with that one edit.
I am amazed that with the endless barrage of Bowie reissues since his death, this demo has not found its way onto anything. It is still only available on the 1990 expanded CD reissue.
4 comments:
I've never heard this. Fantastic. How this never made it onto any of the box sets is a mystery.
I have the disc, but never focused on that change in the word. You are spot on, makes all the difference.
Excellent observation!
Since David left us of cousre there has been new product but I seriously believe the powers that be are seriously taking the piss and milking me for all I am worth. Recently, I decided to draw a line in the sand and say “No more!”. Although I am sure it will be a great addition the price of the upcoming Hunky Dory Box Set is far too expensive at 157€. Just compare it to the Lee Perry Box at under 90€. And last week I almost fell off my platform boots when a new mail ad invited me to purchase a Bowie Barbi Doll. That’s what happens when you sell everything you own to the big corporates. I do like this outtake though and the anniversary CD it appears on is worth owning as it contains some songs which were somehow not included on the mammoth Five Years Box Set. Far out!
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