Great news as two previously unreleased tracks, Karma Man and Silly Boy Blue, have been issued by the estate of David Bowie. Both tracks will accompany the lost 2001 album, Toy, which is set to release in January 7th, 2022.
Karma Man was first recorded in 1967, making its debut on BBC Radio1’s John Peal Show in ’68 before its official release within the 1970 compilation album, The World of David Bowie. Backed by his Glastonbury band, (Plati, Campbell, Dorsey, Slick, Garson, Palmer and, Gryner), Bowie recorded the track in 2000.
Coproducer and mixer of Toy, Mark Plati said the track “is notable for [trumpet player] Cuong Vu’s opening and closing lines and especially the glorious backing vocals from Holly, David Bowie. Palmer, Emm Gryner, and Lisa Germano — they had so much to do with the sound of Toy, and this is a prime example. When I relistened to these tracks, the sound of fall 2000 came flooding out of the speakers from a song I’d not heard since then. I’m not too proud to say I shed a bit of a tear, something that happened a few times while mixing it.”
Originally recorded in 1967, Silly Boy Blue appeared on Bowie’s self-titled debut album and as with Karma Man, reveals his interest in Tibetan culture. Both tracks can be heard below. The new Toy album will be included within the upcoming David Bowie Five: Brilliant Adventure (1992 – 2001) boxset. The boxset will be the fifth instalment of the late singer’s series of career-collecting sets and will sure to delight Ziggy’s army.
Five is scheduled for released on November 26th and includes an array of newly remastered versions of amazing music. Black Tie White Noise, The Buddha of Suburbia, 1. Outside, Earthling and ‘Hours …, an expanded live album, BBC Radio Theatre, London, June 27, 2000, and Re:Call 5, a collection of non-album, alternate version, B-sides and soundtrack songs.
