New track is from upcoming Divine Symmetry package
Parlophone Records has released “Kooks” by David Bowie. The track was recorded by Bowie and guitarist Mick Ronson for the BBC’s Sounds Of The 70s presented by Bob Harris at Kensington House, Shepherds Bush, London, Studio T1 for BBC Radio on September 21, 1971, and broadcast on October 4, 1971.
The track is part of the David Bowie: Divine Symmetry four CD, one Blu-ray box set and digital equivalent due November 25th. The collection celebrates the 12 months leading up to the release of the album Hunky Dory in December 1971 via home demos, BBC radio sessions, and live and studio recordings.
The set contains 48 previously unreleased tracks/demos and new alternative mixes of Hunky Dory tracks by original co-producer Ken Scott.
Two books accompany the set, a 100-page hardback book featuring exclusive memorabilia and photos, alongside a 60-page replica composite of Bowie’s notebooks from the era featuring handwritten lyrics, costume drawings, recording notes, and set lists.
The sleeve notes were written for the release by Bowie expert Tris Penna, along with contributions from Hunky Dory, including co-producer Ken Scott, lifelong Bowie friends Geoff MacCormack and George Underwood, singer Dana Gillespie, guitarist Mark Pritchett, Friars Aylesbury promoter David Stopps, publisher Bob Grace, and photographer Louanne Richards.
1971 was a pivotal year for Bowie. He signed a record deal with RCA, met Andy Warhol, Lou Reed, and Iggy Pop while in New York, became a father and penned the song “Kooks” as a show of paternal pride, and played live for the first time that June with Mick Ronson, Woody Woodmansey and Trevor Bolder. This band would later be christened The Spiders From Mars and recorded the classic album, Hunky Dory.
