David Bowie - Absolute Beginners

'Absolute Beginners' was the theme tune to the film of the same name (an adaptation of the book Absolute Beginners), composed and performed by David Bowie.

Bowie was good friends with the film's director, Julien Temple (who had worked with him in 1984 on the Jazzin' for Blue Jean short film), and landed both the supporting role of Vendice Partners, and the deal to record the theme tune.

The sessions, at Abbey Road Studios, were set up in a novel way, with a group of session musicians all receiving a card to work at the studio with "Mr X", who turned out to be Bowie. The sessions were completed rapidly, but the song was delayed due to the problems with completing the film. Virgin wanted the release to tie in with the film's opening. Shortly after the sessions wrapped, Mick Jagger flew in to record 'Dancing in the Street', which used many of the same musicians.

The song fused 1950s-style doo-wop with Bowie's 1980s sound.

The single reached number 2 in the UK charts, and number 53 in America. Bowie has since performed it live on his Glass Spider and 2000 tours.

Julian Temple shot the music video, which echoed the 1950s style of the movie. The video was a homage to an old British advert for Strand cigarettes. The ill-fated advertising tagline "You're never alone with a Strand." is quoted by Partners in the film. The video also uses footage from the film.

Click the link below to download the following:
Video
Single Version
Full Length Version
Dub Mix

http://www.mediafire.com/?i21476q630xw6