David Bowie 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 No. 34 in the UK album charts. The album was not issued in the USA.
Track listing[edit]All songs are written by David Bowie except where noted.
Side one[edit]1.”Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola” (Bowie, Mogol) – 5:02
An Italian-language version of “Space Oddity”, released as single in Italy in 1969
2.”Round and Round” (Chuck Berry) – 2:41
A cover of the Chuck Berry song “Around and Around”, recorded for the Ziggy Stardust sessions, and released as the B-side to the single “Drive-In Saturday”
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
Live recording from the same concerts as David Live, and released as the B-side to the single “Knock on Wood”
6.”Young Americans” – 3:11
US single edit
Side two[edit]1.”Velvet Goldmine” – 3:08
Recorded for the Ziggy Stardust sessions, and released as the B-side to the 1975 reissue of “Space Oddity”
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
