David Bowie Sound And Vision – A New Career In A New Town (1977 The Netherlands) estimated value € 20,00

"Sound and Vision" is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie which appeared on his 1977 album
Low.
The song is notable for juxtaposing an uplifting guitar and synthesizer-led instrumental track with Bowie’s withdrawn lyrics.
In keeping with the minimalist approach of Low, Bowie and co-producer Tony Visconti originally recorded the track as an instrumental,
bar the backing vocal (performed by Visconti’s wife, Mary Hopkin). Bowie then recorded his vocal after the rest of the band had left the studio,
before trimming verses off the lyrics and leaving a relatively lengthy instrumental intro on the finished song. Selected as the first single from the album,
"Sound and Vision" was used by the BBC on trailers at the time. This provided considerable exposure, much needed as Bowie opted to do nothing to promote the single himself,
and helped the song to No. 3. The song was also a top ten hit in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. However, it stalled at No. 87 in Canada and only managed No. 69 in the United States,
where it signaled the end of Bowie's short commercial honeymoon until "Let's Dance" in 1983.

The first live performance of the song was at

Earl’s Court during the Isolar II Tour on 1 July 1978.
In 1990, it was a regular number for Bowie’s greatest hits Sound+Vision Tour. The name was also used for a Rykodisc boxed set anthology in 1989.

Tracklist

side A. Sound And Vision 3:00

Music/Text: David Bowie
Producer: David Bowie, Tony Visconti

side B. A New Career In A New Town 2:50

Music/Text: David Bowie
Producer: David Bowie, Tony Visconti

Description

Label:

Media & Sleeve Condition

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

 

 

Production credits

Producers: David Bowie, Tony Visconti

Musicians

David Bowie: vocals, electric guitar, ARP synthesizer
Brian Eno: EMS synthesizer treatments, backing vocals
Carlos Alomar: rhythm guitar
Ricky Gardiner: lead guitar
George Murray: bass guitar
Dennis Davis: drums
Mary Visconti: backing vocals

Key Details

Album: Low (1977) – lead single from the album.

Background: “Sound And Vision” was recorded during the Berlin-era sessions at Château d’Hérouville and Hansa Studio, reflecting Bowie’s retreat from fame and emotional withdrawal. The song famously opens with a long instrumental section before the vocals enter after 1 minute and 25 seconds, defying pop conventions.

Release: Issued as the first single from Low on 11 February 1977, it became a major commercial success, reaching No. 3 in the UK and Top 10 positions across Europe despite Bowie doing virtually no promotion.

Legacy: The track is renowned for Tony Visconti’s revolutionary snare-drum sound created with the Eventide Harmonizer and for Brian Eno’s atmospheric synth work, making it one of the defining recordings of Bowie’s Berlin period.