The Man Who Sold The World

Side One

1 The Width Of A Circle, 8:05

2 All The Madmen, 5:38

3 Black Country Rock, 3:32

4 After All, 3:51

Side Two

5 Running Gun Blues, 3:11

6 Saviour Machine, 4:25

7 She Shook Me Cold, 4:13

8 The Man Who Sold The World, 3:55

9 The Supermen, 3:38

Bonus Tracks

(on RYKO/EMI re-release 1990, EMI 064 7 91837 1 - LP)

10 Lightning Frightening (Previously Unreleased), 3:38

11 Holy Holy (Studio Version, 1971), 2:20

12 Moonage Daydream (Arnold Corns Version), 3:52

13 Hang On To Yourself (Arnold Corns Version), 2:51

Recorded: Trident & Advision Studios, Soho, London, UK

(Trident – 1.00am 18 April 1970 – 1 May 1970)

(Advision – 12 May 1970 – 22 May 1970)

Musicians: David Bowie, vocals, guitar

Mick Ronson, guitar

Tony Visconti, bass

Mick Woodmansey, drums

Ralph Mace, synthesizer

Producer: Tony Visconti

Released: April 1971

Label: Mercury 6338 041

One of Bowie's most 'hard-rock sounding' albums, TMWSTW, released in April of 1971, hit the charts at No 26 (for 31 weeks) in the UK and at No 105 in the US. 

Produced by Tony Visconti, all songs composed by Bowie. Only 'Width Of A Circle' was written before the recording sessions for this album commenced. The talent of Mick Ronson extended the originally three-minute song into an eight minute masterpiece with his extravagant guitar playing.

The Man Who Sold The World originally had three different release album covers. The fact is that the record producers would not allow a man in a dress to be situated on an album cover. Bowie was obviously upset about this, but he soon won the case. In the meantime, an alternate cover had to be provided. There was an illustrated cover, and another black and white pose.

Most of the ideas on Bowie's part were 'contributed' during the last few days of recording, and the essence of each song and mixing were last-minute projects for Bowie, musicians and Visconti.

Review: Unknown