DJ (David Bowie song)



"DJ" is a song by David Bowie, released on the 1979 album Lodger, and then as a single on 29 June 1979.

A cynical comment on the cult of the DJ, the track is noted for Adrian Belew's guitar solo, which was recorded in multiple takes, and then mixed back together for the album track. In a biography of Talking Heads, it is said this song was an attempt by Bowie to sing like David Byrne, who was befriending Brian Eno at the time. The single was an edited version, but was still possibly too uncommercial for substantial chart success – it peaked at No. 29 in the UK, and was not released in other markets. The single was issued on green vinyl in the UK and is now a very desirable collector's item.

The song was performed live for the first time on Bowie's Outside Tour in 1995.

Track listing

 * 1) "DJ" (Bowie, Eno, Alomar)  – 3:59
 * 2) "Repetition" (Bowie) – 2:59

Production credits

 * Producers:
 * Tony Visconti
 * David Bowie
 * Musicians:
 * David Bowie: Vocals, Chamberlin, Piano
 * Adrian Belew: Guitar
 * Carlos Alomar: Guitar
 * George Murray: Bass Guitar
 * Dennis Davis: Drums
 * Simon House: Violin
 * Brian Eno: Synthesizer on "Repetition"

Music video
David Mallet filmed a music video for the song, featuring Bowie destroying a DJ studio, mixed with Bowie strolling around London and attracting a crowd of curious passers-by.

Other releases

 * It appeared on the following compilations:
 * Chameleon (Australia/New Zealand 1979)
 * ChangesTwoBowie (1981)
 * Fame and Fashion (1984)
 * The Singles Collection (1993)
 * The Best of David Bowie 1974/1979 (1998)
 * Best of Bowie (US/Canada 2002)
 * The Platinum Collection (2005/2006)
 * It was released as a picture disc in the RCA Life Time picture disc set.

Cover versions

 * Danny Michel - Loving the Alien: Danny Michel Sings the Songs of David Bowie (2004)