The Shel Talmy Recordings, a collection of David Bowie’s 1965 sessions with The Who and The Kinks producer Shel Talmy, has been announced for release on September 18th via Parlophone. As a first preview, you can check out the previously unheard “I Want Your Love” below.
Made when Bowie was still known as Davie Jones, the CD and digital versions of the album feature 10 previously unheard tracks, while the vinyl edition features six. Besides Jones’ own Manish Boys and The Lower Third, The Shel Talmy Recordings features contributions from future Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and pianist Nicky Hopkins (The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who).
Background and Release
Pre-order the vinyl and CD versions of The Shel Talmy Recordings now at the official David Bowie and Rhino stores.
Music historian Alec Palao writes in the sleeve notes, “This collection, a primary chapter if not the very earliest installment in David Bowie’s musical journey, deserves legitimate consideration… The sounds here should not be judged by the standards of his later career, but by the standards of what was happening in Britain at that precise point in time.”
By 1964, Shel Talmy already had major success with The Who and The Kinks, but was scouting emerging talent when he met and signed Bowie in London as a member of The Manish Boys. When the recording sessions began, however, Bowie had formed Davie Jones & The Lower Third.
Thus, the majority of Bowie’s work with Talmy at The Who’s favorite studio, IBC (where Tommy would later be recorded), was either solo demos or featured The Lower Third. According to a press release, Jimmy Page was brought in as Talmy’s go-to “precocious guitar-slinger,” who would frequently “supercharge” sessions with a custom-built fuzz pedal “to add extra bite.”
Tracklist and Artwork
The Shel Talmy Recordings features a total of 21 tracks on the CD and digital versions, including previously unheard songs like “I Want Your Love” and “Cupid”. The vinyl edition features 11 tracks, including “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving” and “Take My Tip”.
The album artwork for The Shel Talmy Recordings is now available, showcasing a unique design that reflects the era and style of the recordings.
The tracklist for The Shel Talmy Recordings is as follows:
CD –
01. You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving (2026 Remaster) ^
02. I Want Your Love *^
03. Cupid *^
04. I Pity the Fool (2026 Remaster) +
05. Baby Loves That Way (2026 Remaster) ^
06. Keep Up with the Jones (Instrumental) *^
07. Leave Her to Me *^
08. I’ll Follow You ^
09. You Gotta Tell Her (2026 Remaster) *^
10. Take My Tip (2026 Remaster) +
11. Certain Woman *^
12. Today (Demo) *%
13. I Want My Baby Back (Demo) (2026 Remaster) %
14. I Live in Dreams (Demo) *%
15. Bars of the County Jail (Demo) %
16. That’s Where My Heart Is (Demo) (2026 Remaster) %
17. I Do Believe I Love You (Demo) *%
18. You’ve Got a Habit Of Leaving (Alternative overdub/vocal) (2026 Remaster)^
19. I Pity the Fool (Alternative vocal take) (2026 Remaster)+
20. Baby Loves That Way (Alternative vocal take) *^
21. Take My Tip (Alternative vocal take) (2026 Remaster)+
* = Previously Unreleased
^ = Davie Jones & The Lower Third
+ = The Manish Boys
% = Davie Jones
Vinyl –
Side A –
01. You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving (2026 Remaster) ^
02. I Pity the Fool (2026 Remaster) +
03. Baby Loves That Way (2026 Remaster) ^
04. I’ll Follow You ^
05. Take My Tip (2026 Remaster) +
Side B –
01. I Want Your Love *^
02. Cupid *^
03. Keep Up with the Jones (Instrumental) *^
04. Certain Woman *^
05. Leave Her to Me *^
06. You Gotta Tell Her (2026 Remaster) *^
* = Previously Unreleased
^ = Davie Jones & The Lower Third
+ = The Manish Boys
In conclusion, The Shel Talmy Recordings is a significant release for David Bowie fans, offering a unique glimpse into the early stages of his career. With its mix of previously unheard tracks and rare recordings, this collection is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of David Bowie and the development of his unique sound.
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