Conversation Piece

David Bowie · 2019

299 min · 75 tracks · alternative rock · electronic · hard rock

A reflective collection of early demos and alternate takes that unveil Bowie's evolving artistry.

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Why listen to this

Best for: reflective moments of quiet introspection short tracks for casual listening exploratory takes on familiar themes
Context: Released on November 15, 2019, 'Conversation Piece' came nearly three years after Bowie's death in January 2016. This album presents an intimate glimpse into his formative years as a songwriter, showcasing previously unreleased tracks from the late 1960s leading up to his iconic hit 'Space Oddity.' It serves as a companion piece to his legacy, revealing the creative process behind some of his most famous works.
If you like: alternative rock, electronic, hard rock

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Conversation Piece is an album by David Bowie, released in 2019. A reflective collection of early demos and alternate takes that unveil Bowie's evolving artistry. The album was well-received for its insight into Bowie’s early creative phase and has contributed to ongoing scholarly and fan interest in his extensive catalog. The release garnered critical attention, highlighting its role in preserving and celebrating Bowie’s artistic evolution during a crucial period in music history. 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 Conversation Piece sound like?

A reflective collection of early demos and alternate takes that unveil Bowie's evolving artistry. Rooted in alternative rock and electronic.

What makes Conversation Piece by David Bowie notable?

The album was well-received for its insight into Bowie’s early creative phase and has contributed to ongoing scholarly and fan interest in his extensive catalog. The release garnered critical attention, highlighting its role in preserving and celebrating Bowie’s artistic evolution during a crucial period in music history. Released on November 15, 2019, 'Conversation Piece' came nearly three years after Bowie's death in January 2016. This album presents an intimate glimpse into his formative years as a songwriter, showcasing previously unreleased tracks from the late 1960s leading up to his iconic hit 'Space Oddity.' It serves as a companion piece to his legacy, revealing the creative process behind some of his most famous works.

Who is Conversation Piece for?

Conversation Piece works well if you're into reflective moments of quiet introspection, short tracks for casual listening and exploratory takes on familiar themes.

How many songs are on Conversation Piece?

Conversation Piece has 75 tracks, running approximately 299 minutes.

Tracklist

75 tracks·299:08

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 April’s Tooth of Gold 2:29
2 The Reverend Raymond Brown (Attends the Garden Fête on Thatchwick Green) 2:17
3 When I’m Five Standout 3:17
4 Mother Grey 3:00
5 In the Heat of the Morning 2:59
6 Goodbye 3d (Threepenny) Joe 3:19
7 Love All Around 2:49
8 London Bye, Ta‐Ta 3:30
9 Angel Angel Grubby Face (version 1) Standout 2:31
10 Angel Angel Grubby Face (version 2) 2:37
11 Animal Farm 2:22
12 Space Oddity (solo demo fragment) 2:39
13 Space Oddity (version 1) Standout 4:02
14 Space Oddity (version 2) 5:01
15 Space Oddity (version 3) 5:09
16 Lover to the Dawn 3:51
17 Ching‐A‐Ling 2:58
18 An Occasional Dream 2:50
19 Let Me Sleep Beside You 2:54
20 Life Is a Circus 4:50
21 Conversation Piece 3:49
22 Jerusalem 4:20
23 Hole in the Ground 3:29

Disc 2

1 Space Oddity 5:28
2 Janine 3:53
3 An Occasional Dream 3:18
4 Conversation Piece 3:31
5 Ching‐A‐Ling 3:35
6 I’m Not Quite (aka Letter to Hermione) 4:04
7 Lover to the Dawn 5:01
8 Love Song 4:08
9 When I’m Five Standout 3:13
10 Life Is a Circus 5:33

Disc 3

1 In the Heat of the Morning (Decca mono version) 2:52
2 London Bye, Ta‐Ta (Decca alternative version) 2:36
3 In the Heat of the Morning (BBC Top Gear radio session with the Tony Visconti Orchestra, recorded 13th May, 1968) 3:01
4 London Bye, Ta‐Ta (BBC Top Gear radio session with the Tony Visconti Orchestra, recorded 13th May, 1968) 2:37
5 Karma Man (BBC Top Gear radio session with the Tony Visconti Orchestra, recorded 13th May, 1968) 3:07
6 When I’m Five (BBC Top Gear radio session with the Tony Visconti Orchestra, recorded 13th May, 1968) 3:14
7 Silly Boy Blue (BBC Top Gear radio session with the Tony Visconti Orchestra, recorded 13th May, 1968) 4:32
8 Ching‐A‐Ling (BBC Top Gear radio session with the Tony Visconti Orchestra, recorded 13th May, 1968) 2:51
9 Space Oddity (Morgan Studios version – alternative take) 4:22
10 Space Oddity (U.K. single edit) 4:42
11 Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (single B‐side – mono mix) 4:54
12 Janine (mono mix) 3:22
13 Conversation Piece 3:07
14 Let Me Sleep Beside You (BBC Dave Lee Travis Show radio session, recorded 20th October, 1969) 3:20
15 Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed (BBC Dave Lee Travis Show radio session, recorded 20th October, 1969) 4:04
16 Janine (BBC Dave Lee Travis Show radio session, recorded 20th October, 1969) 3:03