it's a pretty obvious difference... listen to the bridge - the "morse code" A to G section - before the chorus. even engineer Ken Scott doesn't recall making two distinct mixes but the loud mix is what appeared on the original UK vinyl LP and a handful of singles (see earlier posts), while the subdued mix has been used on subsequent vinyl releases and all CD issues.

'Da,da,d-da,..da, da d-da,..' there's a........

Louder DA DA's!


Pete.

okay, I heard it. I mean, yes it is louder, but I certainly don't feel silly for missing it the first time I tried to hear it. However, thank you shooky for posting your vinyl rip.

it's an odd one. being of the age to remember when it came out and frequently hearing it on the radio in the UK, i often felt something was "missing" when i heard it later on CD. it was only within the last couple of years that the notion of two distinct mixes came to light and the "mystery" was solved. it doesn't seem to have concerned any of the reissuing labels who've stuck with the subdued mix throughout the CD age.

It probably isn't different enough to warrant inclusion as a bonus track on a reissue, and if Bowie or the labels have decided they prefer the subdued mix...

The loud mix makes it even easier to sing along to!

it's the original single version and original album version, so you're right it shouldn't be a bonus track... it should be the standard version on all issues. it's the wrong version for any UK singles compilations at the very least.

good points. Well I am sure there is another reissue of Ziggy coming soon!

Update: STARMAN

today i bought the Portuguese Starman EP and the US Starman stock single (b/w pic sleeve). the Portuguese EP is in mono (as claimed on the sleeve) and is the edit with LOUD morse-code section as previously mentioned. curiously though the US single uses the exact same version, i.e. mono/edit/loud despite the stereo claim on the label. odder still, the b-side of suffragette city is in stereo! so this would seem to confirm that the edit (the hummed section of the intro has been cut out) is ONLY available in mono, and only using the loud mix.

unless...?

Update: 8 April.
The Australian single has the mono/loud/edit as per the US and Portugal, but the b-side is also mono.

Update: KNOCK ON WOOD

Portuguese version includes audience intro but both sides are mono despite stereo on the label.

in a word... minefield.

Chas just emailed me that the Canadian Starman has the edit in stereo! As far as I know this is the only source for the stereo version.

Another update on the Starman singles front:
- Argentina: album/loud

Andy Warhol

i only have a handful of Changes/Andy Warhol singles, but there are three variations among them.

US - Stereo and mono edit with no talking intro (3.03)
UK - Mono LP version (with intro) (3.48) (label says 3.03)
New Zealand - Mono LP version (with intro, but no clapping at the end) (3.41)

i also have the German single which has the stereo edit as per the US (3.03).
i know the Japanese edition has the stereo edit too.

for those with functioning turntables and time on their hands, i'd like to know if the NZ edit is unique, and whether there are full album versions (as per the UK) in stereo.

Australia (possibly promo-only)
Canada (presumably same as US)
France (some copies are mispressed but those that play Andy Warhol use the 3.03 edit according to Chas)

are there other countries not listed in Jarman?

thanks...