Width Of A Circle (2CD)

2021 sees the 50th anniversary of the original U.K. release of THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD, David Bowie’s landmark entry into the 1970s. The album not only began the collaboration with guitarist Mick Ronson that would continue with such Bowie classics as HUNKY DORY, ZIGGY STARDUST and ALADDIN SANE, it kicked off a 10-year run of indispensable albums stretching through 1980’s SCARY MONSTERS.

The 2020 re-release of THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD restored the album’s intended title METROBOLIST, while featuring a new mix by original producer Tony Visconti. Taking its name from the album’s opening track, which was named after a painting by Bowie’s friend George Underwood, the new two-CD set, THE WIDTH OF A CIRCLE, acts as a complementary piece to that album. Its 21 tracks feature non-album singles, a BBC In Concert l session, music for a TV play and further Visconti remixes wrapping up David’s recordings from 1970 and revealing the first sonic steps toward HUNKY DORY.

A picture disc version of THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD album featuring the striking black and white imagery of the 1972 reissue will also be released on May 28th.