The ‘Mercury’ Demos
David Bowie · 2019
41 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock · electronic · hard rock
Intimate and raw demos reveal the embryonic stages of Bowie's cosmic storytelling and musical experimentation.
Why this album works
- Best for
- intimate glimpses of creative process reflective moments for quiet listening raw emotion in simple arrangements
- Context
- The 'Mercury' Demos were released posthumously in 2019, showcasing early versions of songs that would later appear on Bowie's seminal self-titled album from 1969. At this time in his career, Bowie was evolving from a quirky folk artist into a groundbreaking figure in glam rock, setting the stage for his future innovations.
- If you like
- alternative rock, electronic, hard rock
The ‘Mercury’ Demos is an album by David Bowie, released in 2019. Intimate and raw demos reveal the embryonic stages of Bowie's cosmic storytelling and musical experimentation. This collection is significant for its insight into Bowie's creative process and the evolution of his sound during a formative period. The demos highlight how songs such as 'Space Oddity' were developed, providing fans and scholars with a deeper understanding of Bowie's artistic trajectory and influence. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
New to David Bowie? Read our guide on where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The ‘Mercury’ Demos sound like?
Intimate and raw demos reveal the embryonic stages of Bowie's cosmic storytelling and musical experimentation. Rooted in alternative rock and electronic.
What makes The ‘Mercury’ Demos by David Bowie notable?
This collection is significant for its insight into Bowie's creative process and the evolution of his sound during a formative period. The demos highlight how songs such as 'Space Oddity' were developed, providing fans and scholars with a deeper understanding of Bowie's artistic trajectory and influence. The 'Mercury' Demos were released posthumously in 2019, showcasing early versions of songs that would later appear on Bowie's seminal self-titled album from 1969. At this time in his career, Bowie was evolving from a quirky folk artist into a groundbreaking figure in glam rock, setting the stage for his future innovations.
Who is The ‘Mercury’ Demos for?
The ‘Mercury’ Demos works well if you're into intimate glimpses of creative process, reflective moments for quiet listening and raw emotion in simple arrangements.
How many songs are on The ‘Mercury’ Demos?
The ‘Mercury’ Demos has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Space Oddity Standout 5:28
- 2 Janine 3:53
- 3 An Occasional Dream 3:18
- 4 Conversation Piece Standout 3:31
- 5 Ching‐A‐Ling 3:35
- 6 I’m Not Quite 4:04
- 7 Lover to the Dawn Standout 5:01
- 8 Love Song 4:08
- 9 When I’m Five 3:13
- 10 Life Is a Circus 5:33
Release Date
June 28, 2019
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
41 min 44 sec
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