Now Available: David Bowie, CLAREVILLE GROVE DEMOS / “Boys Keep Swinging” 7” Picture Disc

This year marks the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” but if you frequent Rhino.com with any regularity, then you know we’ve been singing this same song since the start of 2019, so let’s add another verse: to further commemorate the occasion, today marks the release of CLAREVILLE GROVE DEMOS, a vinyl collection which spreads six home demos – all of which were recorded in January 1969 at Bowie’s flat in Clareville Grove, London – across three 7” singles.

Will you recognize all of the songs? If you’re a diehard Bowie fan, then you just might. Then again, this set’s contents features the sort of material that separates the men from the boys, fan-wise.

Track List

Single 1
Side A
"Space Oddity"
Now featuring the final lyrics, this version of the demo first appeared on the long deleted Space Oddity 40th Anniversary 2-CD release, and is making it's debut on vinyl and predates the February 2 Morgan Studios recording that featured in the unbroadcast Love You Till Tuesday television film.
 
Side B
"Lover To The Dawn"
This song aimed at a former lover would eventually morph into "Cygnet Committee" recorded for the David Bowie (aka Space Oddity) album later in the year.
 
Single 2
Side A
"Ching-a-Ling"
Previously recorded in October 1968 by the trio Turquoise featuring Bowie, Farthingale, and Tony Hill (who became Feathers when Hutchinson replaced Hill). Bowie and Hutchinson continued to perform the song as a duo following Farthingale's departure.
 
Side B
"An Occasional Dream"
Slightly different lyrically to the later album version, this version of the demo also first appeared on the deleted Space Oddity 40th Anniversary release.
 
Single 3
Side A
"Let Me Sleep Beside You"
A studio version was first recorded in September 1967 but remained unreleased until The World Of David Bowie album in 1970. The song was later recorded in session for the BBC in October 1969 and was one Bowie clearly believed in, recording it once more for the unreleased Toy album 30 years later. That version finally saw the light of day on the Nothing Has Changed 3-CD set in 2014.
 
Side B
"Life Is A Circus"
A cover of an obscure song written by Roger Bunn recorded by vocal/instrumental quartet Djinn. Vocals are shared Simon and Garfunkel style by Bowie and Hutchinson.

And if that’s not enough Bowie for one week – and if you’re a fan, then why would it be? – then you’ll be pleased to discovered that today finds another interesting item sitting in your friendly neighborhood record store (or your favorite online retailer): “Boys Keep Swinging,” the latest addition in the ongoing series of Bowie picture discs.

Why waste time? Go ahead and buy both of these new Bowie releases right away!