Bowie – Pinups (1974 French Press)

David Bowie – Pin Ups

Released in October 1973, Pin Ups finds David Bowie paying tribute to the artists and records that shaped his musical identity during the British rock explosion of the mid-1960s. Rather than presenting a collection of original compositions, Bowie's seventh studio album revisits twelve songs by some of the era's most influential groups, transforming familiar material through the distinctive sound and theatrical energy of his own musical world.

Recorded at Château d'Hérouville in France and AIR Studios in London, and co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, the album captures the transition between the Ziggy Stardust era and the next chapter of Bowie's constantly evolving career. It also features much of the celebrated Spiders from Mars line-up, including Mick Ronson on guitar and piano, Trevor Bolder on bass and Aynsley Dunbar on drums, alongside pianist Mike Garson.

The choice of material provides a fascinating snapshot of the British R&B, mod, psychedelic and freakbeat scenes that influenced Bowie as a young musician. The original songs came from artists including The Pretty Things, Them, The Yardbirds, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Easybeats, The Merseys and The Kinks. These were the records and groups associated with the London club circuit of the 1960s, particularly venues such as the Marquee, where emerging British bands developed the sound that would influence an entire generation.

Bowie approaches the material with a combination of reverence and reinvention. The opening 'Rosalyn', originally recorded by The Pretty Things, establishes a lively, guitar-driven rock'n'roll atmosphere, while Them's 'Here Comes The Night' and Billy Boy Arnold's blues classic 'I Wish You Would' showcase the tougher R&B foundations behind the British beat movement. His interpretation of Pink Floyd's 'See Emily Play' is particularly intriguing, bringing a glam-rock sensibility to Syd Barrett's wonderfully eccentric psychedelic composition.

Other highlights include The Who's 'I Can't Explain', delivered with characteristic urgency, and The Easybeats' 'Friday On My Mind', which retains the irresistible energy of the original. The album's standout single, 'Sorrow', originally recorded by The Merseys, became a major UK hit, reaching number three in the singles chart. Its dramatic arrangement and memorable melody make it one of the defining performances on the record.

The second side continues with energetic interpretations of The Pretty Things' 'Don't Bring Me Down', The Yardbirds' 'Shapes Of Things' and The Who's 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere', before closing with The Kinks' 'Where Have All The Good Times Gone?'. Together, the twelve tracks form a spirited celebration of the British beat era, filtered through Bowie's unmistakable personality and the accomplished musicianship of his backing band.

The striking cover photograph, taken by Justin de Villeneuve in Paris, features Bowie alongside British fashion model Twiggy. Originally intended for Vogue, the image became one of the most recognisable sleeves of Bowie's 1970s catalogue, perfectly complementing the album's retrospective concept.

An essential release for David Bowie fans, Pin Ups is also a rewarding listen for enthusiasts of 1960s British beat, psychedelic rock, mod, freakbeat and early glam. More than a straightforward covers collection, it offers an insight into the musical influences behind one of rock's most adventurous artists.

This 1974 French RCA pressing offers an appealing period edition of a classic Bowie album, with its distinctive selection of 1960s favourites and enduring place in his celebrated 1970s discography.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Rosalyn (2:20)
A2. Here Comes The Night (3:08)
A3. I Wish You Would (2:47)
A4. See Emily Play (4:10)
A5. Everything's All Right (2:27)
A6. I Can't Explain (2:10)

Side B
B1. Friday On My Mind (2:56)
B2. Sorrow (2:53)
B3. Don't Bring Me Down (2:06)
B4. Shapes Of Things (2:52)
B5. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3:05)
B6. Where Have All The Good Times Gone? (2:46)