David Bowie – Absolute Beginners / Dub Mix (Europe 1980)

David Bowie Absolute Beginners - Absolute Beginners (dub mix) (1980 Europe) estimated value € 3,00.

Label: Virgin – 107 937-100

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

Recorded at: Primary Location Abbey Road Studios in London (Initial backing tracks in June 1985) Secondary Location Westside Studios in Shepherd's Bush, London (Final vocals and mixing in August 1985)

Recorded date: June and August 1985

Released: 1986

Country: Europe

"Absolute Beginners" is a song written and performed by the English singer-songwriter David Bowie. Recorded in August of 1985, and released on 3 March 1986, it was the theme song to the 1986 film of the same name (itself an adaptation of the book Absolute Beginners). Although the film was not a commercial success, the song was a big hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK singles chart. It also reached the top 10 on the main singles charts in ten other countries. In the US, it peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Tracklist

Side A – Absolute Beginners – 5:35

Side B – Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix) – 5:37

Description

Media Condition

Media: Near Mint (NM)
Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Ring wear: Backside
All three seams looking perfect: Yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: Yes
Creases or folds: No
Stamps or writing: No

Personnel

Vocals: David Bowie
Backing vocals: Janet Armstrong
Bass: Matthew Seligman
Drums: Neil Conti
Guitar: Kevin Armstrong
Keyboards: Steve Nieve
Extra keyboards: Rick Wakeman
Percussion: Luis Jardim
Baritone saxophone: Andy Mackintosh, Don Weller, Gordon Murphy
Tenor saxophone: Gary Barnacle, Paul Weimer, Willie Garnett
Solo saxophone: Don Weller

Producer: Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley, David Bowie
Written-by: David Bowie
Design / Art direction: Tracy Drew
Photography: Davies and Starr
Back cover photography: Roger Mayne

Key Details

Purpose: Bowie wrote and recorded the track specifically as the theme song for the 1986 film Absolute Beginners, directed by Julien Temple.

Collaborators: The track was co-produced by David Bowie, Alan Winstanley, and Clive Langer. It features Rick Wakeman on piano, who previously played on "Space Oddity" and the Hunky Dory album.

Musicians: The session band included Kevin Armstrong (guitar), Matthew Seligman (bass), and Neil Conti (drums).

Release: The single was released on March 3, 1986, peaking at number 2 on the UK charts.
Music Video: Filmed in London, notably around The Embankment and Wardrobe Terrace near St. Paul's Cathedral.

David Bowie Absolute Beginners – Absolute Beginners (dub mix) (1980 Europe) estimated value € 3,00