David Bowie: Pin Ups Album (1973)

A Glam Salute to the Sixties

David Bowie’s Pin Ups LP, was released in the UK on October 19, 1973, on RCA Victor (catalogue: RS 1003). This 12-track covers album paid homage to Bowie’s 1960s influences, reinterpreting hits by The Who, The Kinks, and Pink Floyd with a vibrant glam rock twist. Produced by Ken Scott and Bowie, and featuring Mick Ronson’s searing guitar work, the album captured Bowie at the height of his Ziggy Stardust fame, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Housed in a gatefold sleeve with an iconic Twiggy and Bowie cover photo by Justin de Villeneuve, Pin Ups bridged his glam era with his mod roots.

Album Overview

Release Details:

Label: RCA Victor (UK).

Formats: Vinyl LP (primary 1973 format); later CD and cassette reissues (detailed below).

℗ & ©: 1973 RCA Records. Recorded at Château d’Hérouville, France, in July 1973. Matrix numbers (e.g., RS 1003 A-1E) confirm authenticity.

UK Release Formats and Track Listings

Pin Ups was primarily released in the UK as a vinyl LP in 1973, with CD and cassette formats appearing in later reissues (e.g., 1984 RCA, 1990 Rykodisc). All formats maintain the same 12-track sequence:

Vinyl LP (Catalogue: RS 1003):

Side A:

Rosalyn (2:27) – Pretty Things cover.

Here Comes the Night (3:09) – Them cover.

I Wish You Would (2:40) – Yardbirds cover.

See Emily Play (4:03) – Pink Floyd cover.

Everything’s Alright (2:26) – Mojos cover.

I Can’t Explain (2:07) – The Who cover.

Side B:

Friday on My Mind (3:18) – Easybeats cover.

Sorrow (2:48) – McCoys cover.

Don’t Bring Me Down (2:01) – Pretty Things cover.

Shapes of Things (2:47) – Yardbirds cover.

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3:04) – The Who cover.

Where Have All the Good Times Gone (2:35) – Kinks cover.

Packaging: 33⅓ RPM, stereo, in a gatefold sleeve with Twiggy and Bowie cover photo by Justin de Villeneuve, including inner sleeve with lyrics and Bowie’s handwritten notes on the original artists.

Compact Disc (CD) (Later reissues, e.g., 1984 RCA PD81090, 1990 Rykodisc):

Single Disc:

Rosalyn (2:27)

Here Comes the Night (3:09)

I Wish You Would (2:40)

See Emily Play (4:03)

Everything’s Alright (2:26)

I Can’t Explain (2:07)

Friday on My Mind (3:18)

Sorrow (2:48)

Don’t Bring Me Down (2:01)

Shapes of Things (2:47)

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3:04)

Where Have All the Good Times Gone (2:35)

Packaging: Jewel case with booklet featuring lyrics, original artwork, and bonus content in some editions (e.g., 1990 Rykodisc added “Growin’ Up” and “Port of Amsterdam”).

Cassette (Later reissues, e.g., 1984 RCA PK 81090):

Side A:

Rosalyn (2:27)

Here Comes the Night (3:09)

I Wish You Would (2:40)

See Emily Play (4:03)

Everything’s Alright (2:26)

I Can’t Explain (2:07)

Side B:

Friday on My Mind (3:18)

Sorrow (2:48)

Don’t Bring Me Down (2:01)

Shapes of Things (2:47)

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3:04)

Where Have All the Good Times Gone (2:35)

Packaging: Standard cassette case with fold-out J-card featuring lyrics and artwork.

Production and Context

Produced by Ken Scott and Bowie, with

arrangements by Bowie and Mick Ronson, Pin Ups was recorded in a swift three-week session at Château d’Hérouville, France, following Aladdin Sane. The lineup featured Bowie (vocals, guitar), Mick Ronson (guitar, vocals), Trevor Bolder (bass), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), and Ken Fordham (saxophone). The album reimagined ‘60s British Invasion hits with glam swagger, reflecting Bowie’s mod influences during his Ziggy Stardust peak. Released amid the glam rock boom, it competed with Roxy Music and Sweet, serving as a nostalgic bridge to Diamond Dogs (1974).

Chart Performance

Pin Ups was a commercial triumph:

UK: No. 1 (Official Albums Chart, 5 weeks), charting for 21 weeks, certified Gold (100,000 copies sold).

US: No. 23 (Billboard 200), certified Gold (500,000 copies sold).

Australia: No. 4 (ARIA Charts).

Canada: No. 9.

France: No. 5.

Netherlands: No. 3.

Germany: No. 4.

New Zealand: No. 7.

Sweden: No. 11.The single “Sorrow” drove sales, peaking at No. 3 (UK), No. 35 (US), No. 1 (Ireland), No. 2 (Netherlands), No. 4 (Belgium), No. 7 (Germany), and No. 10 (Australia).

Legacy and Collectibility

Pin Ups is a glam rock essential, praised for its vibrant covers and Ronson’s guitar work, influencing tribute albums and ‘60s revivals. Tracks like “Sorrow” and “See Emily Play” remain fan favorites, with the Twiggy cover photo iconic. Original UK vinyls fetch £20–£100 on Discogs, with first pressings (gatefold, intact inner sleeve) commanding premiums—check matrix numbers for authenticity. CD reissues (£5–£20, e.g., 1990 Rykodisc, 2015 Parlophone) and cassettes (£5–£15) are collectible in mint condition. Spotify streams and remasters preserve the album’s analog punch.

This LP is a dazzling tribute to Bowie’s ‘60s roots—a must-have for glam enthusiasts.

Do you have Pin Ups in vinyl, CD, or cassette? Which cover track rocks your turntable? Share in the comments!