David Bowie Life On Mars – The Man Who Sold The World (1973 UK) estimated value € 40,00
Label: RCA Victor – RCA 2316
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue
Recorded at: April – June 1971.
Recorded date: Trident Studios in St Anne's Court, Soho, London.
Released: 1973
Country: UK
"Life on Mars?" is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was first released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory and later released in 1973 as a single. The song has cryptic lyrics by Bowie and prominent piano by Rick Wakeman. As a single, "Life on Mars?" reached number three in the UK Singles Chart and stayed on the chart for thirteen weeks. A music video was filmed by Mick Rock to promote the single release.
Tracklist
Side A – Life On Mars? – 3:45
Producer – Ken Scott
Side B – The Man Who Sold The World – 3:40
Producer – Tony Visconti
Description
Media Condition
Media & Sleeve 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
There is another master for the single Life On Mars? with Drive-In Saturday as B-side.
Side A:
Produced by Ken Scott (assisted by the actor)
A Gem Production
"Life On Mars?"
(taken from the album "Hunky Dory” SF 8244)
Side B:
Produced by Tony Visconti
"The Man Who Sold The World”.
(taken from the album of the same name LSP 4816)
Key Details
Album: It is one of the most famous tracks from the album Hunky Dory (1971).
Musicians: The recording features the core members of the future Spiders from Mars: Mick Ronson (guitar and iconic string arrangement), Trevor Bolder (bass), and Mick Woodmansey (drums).
Instrumentation: The soaring piano part was performed by Rick Wakeman. Bowie later noted that the song was written on the piano as a parody or response to Frank Sinatra's "My Way" (following a copyright dispute over the melody of "Comme d'habitude").
Production: The track was co-produced by David Bowie and Ken Scott.
Release: Although recorded in 1971, it was not released as a single until June 22, 1973, to capitalize on the success of the Ziggy Stardust era.
Music Video: The iconic video featuring Bowie in a turquoise suit and heavy makeup against a white background was directed by Mick Rock and filmed at Earl's Court in 1973.