Before David Jones called himself David Bowie, he recorded music as Davy Jones. He changed his name to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees. The last song he released using his old moniker, in 1965, was You’ve Got A Habit Of Leaving. 35 years later, Bowie re-recorded the song, along with other tracks from his early career, using the experience and perspective he had at the time. He did so with a band that featured Sterling Campbell, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick, Lisa Germano and others. The sessions were co-produced by Mark Plati (The Cure, Natalie Imbruglia, Lou Reed).

It was Bowie’s intention to collect the new recordings on the album Toy, to be released in 2001. However, Virgin refused to put it out, which eventually led to him leaving the label. Bowie moved on and started writing and recording new songs, which would become his album Heathen. The album Toy (or a version of it) leaked online in 2011, but early next year it’ll be officially released as intended. Warner Music recently acquired the rights to Bowie’s music and will oversee the project.

The ‘new’ version of You’ve Got A Habit Of Leaving is out now as the project’s first single. The recording may be over 20 years old, but in my ears it stood the test of time.

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.