David Bowie D.J. – Repetition (1979 France) estimated value € 11,00.
Label: RCA Records / PB-9412 (France)
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single
Recorded at: Mountain, Montreux,
Recorded date: September 1978
Released: 29 June 1979
Country: Switzerland
"DJ" is a song by English musician David Bowie, released on his 1979 album Lodger, and then as a single on 29 June 1979.
A cynical comment on the cult of the DJ, the track is noted for Adrian Belew's guitar solo, which was recorded in multiple takes, and then mixed back together for the album track. In a biography of Talking Heads, it is said this song was an attempt by Bowie to sing like David Byrne, who was befriending Brian Eno at the time. The single was an edited version, but was still possibly too uncommercial for substantial chart success – it peaked at No. 29 in the UK and No. 106 on the Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart in the US.
Track listing
Side A – D.J. – 3:20
Written-By – Brian Eno, Carlos Alomar, D. Bowie
Side B – Repetition – 2:58
Written-By David Bowie*
Description
Media & Sleeve Condition
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Ring wear: No
All three seams looking perfect: Yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: Yes
creases or folds: No
Stamps or writing: No
Production credits
Producers:
Tony Visconti
David Bowie
Musicians:
David Bowie: Vocals, Chamberlin, Piano
Adrian Belew: Guitar
Carlos Alomar: Guitar
George Murray: Bass Guitar
Dennis Davis: Drums
Simon House: Violin
Brian Eno: Synthesizer on "Repetition"
Key Production Details
Musicians: The track features a frantic guitar solo by Adrian Belew. In a unique experimental technique, Belew recorded several solos without hearing the backing track; producer Tony Visconti then edited these "blind" takes together to create the final version.
Production: The song was co-produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti as part of the Lodger sessions. Themes: The lyrics satirize the influence and cynicism of the disc jockey persona ("I am a D.J., I am what I play").
Release: Issued as the second single from the album Lodger on June 29, 1979.
Music Video
Location: Filmed in Earl's Court, London.
Director: Directed by David Mallet, the video is famous for the scenes where Bowie walks down a public street, interacting with unsuspecting passers-by and being kissed by fans. For more archival details, you can visit the Official David Bowie Website or the Bowie Bible entry for "D.J.".