David Bowie: "D.J." Single (1979)
- David Bowie
- Jul 4, 1979
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
David Bowie’s "D.J." backed with "Repetition", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by RCA Victor (catalog number BOW 3) on July 6, 1979, as the second single from his 1979 album Lodger.
Overview
Release Date: June 29, 1979 (UK); July 2, 1979 (US)
Label: RCA Victor
Catalog Number: BOW 3 (PB 9412 in some regions)
Tracks:
A-side: "D.J." (written by David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Carlos Alomar)
B-side: "Repetition" (written by David Bowie)
Producer: David Bowie and Tony Visconti
Formats: 7" vinyl (standard black vinyl, with a scarcer green vinyl UK release and a picture disc for the 40th anniversary in 2019
About "D.J."
Background: "D.J." is a cynical commentary on the cult of the DJ, reflecting Bowie’s response to the disco era. Bowie himself described it as a reaction to the pressures faced by DJs, where a single mistake (like mistiming a record) could ruin their career: “This is somewhat cynical but it’s my natural response to disco.”
Musical Style: A mix of new wave and art rock, the track features a distinctive guitar solo by Adrian Belew, recorded in multiple takes and mixed to create a disjointed, channel-switching effect. Bowie’s vocal performance mimics David Byrne of Talking Heads, and the song includes allusions to artists like the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and the Beach Boys. The primary key is A minor, with a tendency to shift to A major, and the original mix pushes bass, drums, and rhythm guitar to the background with an Envelope phaser effect on the guitar.
Lyrics: The song explores the dehumanization of the DJ, reduced to their role: “I am a DJ, I am what I play.” Biographers compare it to Elvis Costello’s “Radio Radio” (1978) for its critique of media culture. The title “D.J.” also nods to Bowie’s real name, David Jones.
Recording: The backing track was recorded at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland (September 1978), with vocals and overdubs at Record Plant in New York City (March 1979). Bowie and Eno used Oblique Strategies cards to spark creative ideas, a technique previously employed on “Heroes” (1977).
Chart Performance: Peaked at #29 on the UK Singles Chart and #106 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Top 200 Singles chart in the US.
Music Video: Directed by David Mallet, it features Bowie walking down London’s Earl’s Court Road, where passersby recognize and follow him, interspersed with scenes of Bowie as a tortured DJ destroying his studio.
Reception: Critics praised “D.J.” as a highlight of *Lodger*, with Ultimate Classic Rock calling it a “danceable gem” and AllMusic noting its “strong melodic hooks” subverted by layered, dissonant production. It was ranked #16 in a 2016 *Ultimate Classic Rock* list of Bowie singles and #76 in a 2015 *Mojo* magazine list of his best songs.
About "Repetition"
Background: The B-side, “Repetition,” is a darker, more introspective track from Lodger, addressing themes of domestic abuse and a crumbling marriage. It’s considered a standout by some reviewers for its emotional depth, with one noting it as “where it’s at” compared to the A-side.
Musical Style: Less polished than “D.J.,” it has an “oddly lumbering” quality, described as sounding like an early run-through with rough edges, yet compelling for its rawness.
Lyrics: The song chronicles a bleak domestic scenario, contrasting with the more upbeat, satirical tone of “D.J.” It’s noted for its stark, narrative-driven approach.
Additional Details
Vinyl Specifics: The UK release (BOW 3) includes matrix/runout details like PB 9412-A-2 and PB 9412-B-1, with some variants featuring a “W” etching and a lyre symbol. A US promotional version had “D.J.” in both stereo and mono on either side, marked “NOT FOR SALE.”
Cultural Impact: “D.J.” was performed live only during Bowie’s 1995 Outside Tour.
It appeared in a 2005 XM Satellite Radio commercial alongside stars like Snoop Dogg and Ellen DeGeneres. A 2009 remix by Benny Benassi was cleared by Bowie’s estate for digital release. The song is featured on compilations like Changestwobowie (1981), *The Singles Collection* (1993), and *Best of Bowie* (2002).
Critical Reflection: While “D.J.” is celebrated for its innovative production and cultural commentary, some critiques find it less imaginative lyrically compared to Bowie’s best work, with one reviewer calling it “rather boring” despite its intrigue. “Repetition,” however, is often praised for its raw emotional weight.
This single encapsulates Bowie’s experimental phase during the *Berlin Trilogy* era, blending satire, innovative production, and social commentary, with “Repetition” offering a darker counterpoint.
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