Rare (album)

Infobox Album
Name = Rare
Type = compilation
Artist = David Bowie


Released = December 1982
Recorded = 1969-1980
Genre = Rock
Length = 42:02
Label = RCA
Producer =
Reviews =
*Allmusic Rating|3|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:4fjw7i2jg76r link]
Misc = Extra chronology 2
Artist = David Bowie Compilation
Type = Compilation
Last album = "ChangesTwoBowie" (1981)
This album = "Rare" (1983)
Next album = "Golden Years" (1984)

"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.

Track listing

ide one

# "Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola" (An Italian language version of "Space Oddity") – 5:02 (Bowie/Mogol)
# "Round and Round" (A cover of a Chuck Berry song named "Around and Around", recorded for the "Ziggy Stardust" sessions, and issued as the B-side to the single "Drive-In Saturday") – 2:41 (Berry)
# "Amsterdam" (A cover of a Jacques Brel song, recorded for the "Ziggy Stardust" sessions, and issued as the B-side to the single "Sorrow") – 3:25 (Brel)
# "Holy Holy" (A newer version of Bowie's 1970 single, recorded for the "Ziggy Stardust" sessions, and issued as the B-side to the single "Diamond Dogs") – 2:15 (Bowie)
# "Panic in Detroit (Live)" (From the same concerts as "David Live", and issued as the B-side to the single "Knock on Wood". – 5:49 (Bowie)
# "Young Americans (US Single Edit)" – 3:11 (Bowie)

ide two

# "Velvet Goldmine" (Recorded for the "Ziggy Stardust" sessions, and issued as the B-side to the 1975 reissue of "Space Oddity") – 3:08 (Bowie)
# " Heroes/Helden" – 6:07 (A version of "Heroes" with English & German lyrics) (Bowie/Eno)
# "John, I'm Only Dancing (Again)" (Single Edit) – 3:26 (Bowie)
# "Alabama Song" (Credited on the sleeve as "Moon of Alabama") – 3:51 (Brecht, Weill)
# "Crystal Japan" – 3:07 (Bowie)

Charts

Album

Notes