1984 (song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| "1984" | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
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| Single by David Bowie | ||
| from the album Diamond Dogs | ||
| B-side(s) | Queen Bitch | |
| Released | April 1974 | |
| Format | 7" single | |
| Recorded | Olympic and Island Studios, London; Studio L Ludolf Machineweg 8-12, Hilversum, Holland | |
| Genre | Funk | |
| Length | 3:27 | |
| Label | RCA 10026 (US) |
|
| Producer(s) | David Bowie | |
| David Bowie singles chronology | ||
| Rock 'n' Roll Suicide 1974 |
1984 1974 |
Diamond Dogs 1974 |
"1984" is a song from David Bowie's 1974 album Diamond Dogs. The song is based on and inspired by the George Orwell book Nineteen Eighty-Four. George Orwell's widow would not give Bowie the rights to make a play based on 1984, but many of the songs intended for the play ended up on the album Diamond Dogs, including "Diamond Dogs", "Candidate", "We Are the Dead", and "Big Brother". Featuring a funk/disco rhythm not unlike that of the theme from Shaft by Isaac Hayes, the song has been seen as a clear indicator of where Bowie's sound was headed on his next album, Young Americans.
"1984" was also recorded in a medley with "Dodo" (referred to as "1984/Dodo"). This medley was the last recording with Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder at Trident Studios, London, November 1973. The medley was also played live, and was the first song played at the The 1980 Floor Show.
Contents |
[edit] Track listing
- "1984" (Bowie) – 3:27
- "Queen Bitch" (Bowie) - 3:13
[edit] Production credits (1984)
[edit] Production credits (Queen Bitch)
- Musicians:
- David Bowie: vocals, guitar
- Mick Ronson: guitar
- Trevor Bolder: bass
- Mick Woodmansey: drums
[edit] Live versions
- A live version from the 1974 tour was released on David Live and another recording from the 1974 tour was released on the semi-legal album A Portrait in Flesh.
[edit] Other releases
- It appeared on several compilations:
- Chameleon (Australia/New Zealand 1979)
- ChangesTwoBowie (1981)
- Fame and Fashion (1984)
- The Best of 1974/1979 (1998)
- The "1984/Dodo" version was released in the Sound + Vision box set in 1989, and in 2004 on the bonus disc of the 30th Anniversary Edition of Diamond Dogs.
[edit] Cover versions
- Tina Turner - Private Dancer (1984)
