And I say to myself you’re a fool, fool, fool…
David Bowie has contributed a brand new recording to a tribute album in honour of the late Anthony Newley. The song, What Kind Of Fool Am I?, was recorded during sessions for David’s next album, and was produced by Tony Visconti, who had this to say about the recording of the track:
It really was quite a touching session. David clearly has a genuine affection for the song, and it’s an emotional rendition which boasts one of his very best vocal performances, ever.
Of course, DB is no stranger to the song, he used to perform it live back in the sixties with The Buzz. Neither has he made any secret of his love for the work of Anthony Newley. His first album, David Bowie, released by Deram in 1967 received many comparisons to Newley, and David has spoken of his love for Newley’s bizarre TV production, The Strange World Of Gurney Slade, on this very site.
The 16-track album, POP GOES THE WEASEL – A Tribute To Anthony Newley, is due on April 14th, the anniversary of Newley’s death on the same day in 1999. All of the songs have been recorded exclusively for the CD, and initial copies will include a competition to spend a day going up and down the City Road in London’s Islington.
I don’t yet have a full tracklisting, but here are the songs mentioned in the press release:
DAVID BOWIE – What Kind Of Fool Am I?
BLUR – Pop Goes The Weasel
RAY DAVIES – I Guess It Couldn’t Happen to a Nicer Guy
McALMONT & BUTLER – I Get Along Without You Very Well
THE PRODIGY – I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire
SUEDE – The Candy Man
PAUL WELLER – Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
THE WHO – Gonna Build A Mountain
Copyright issues mean that we can’t stream the song online just yet, but those of you who would like to hear a 30-second snippet can e-mail me at TotalBlamBlam@davidbowie.com for an Mp3. };-)