45RPM David Bowie - The Laughing Gnome

David Bowie's first major hit 'Space Oddity' was another two years away, when he wrote and recorded this track in 1967 for the Deram label. Deram Records was set up by Decca Records (UK) ostensibly as a label for "alternative" or "progressive" artists. Mint copies of this 7" single, with an 'inverted' matrix number printed on the label are worth in the region of £70. My copy has the matrix number the right way up and is worth around £5.

The turntable is a Rotel RP310 which I purchased in 1980 for £50. The arm is fitted with an Audio Technica AT10E Cartridge purchased late 80's also for £50.

• Category

  Music

[olanzip]

Nice song, Audio Technica make good carts. What speakers are you using in this video?

[45RPMs]

A pair of Wharfedale Programme 50's which are about 25 years old.

[xwsftassell]

*****. Bowie's best.

[Schizima]

If only I grew up in the 1960's and had David Bowie's the laughing gnome on vinyl.

Oh well I'd probably be listening to shit back then anyway.

[BEHEDETY]

Wanted !!! XD

[Jeff H]

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Hee! Hee! Hee! I'm the Travelocity Gnome and you can't catch me!!!!!"

[SuperDiamondDogs]

should've played this in 1990. but No, someone decided to tell David it was a joke and ruined it for everyone who wanted the song. :(

[dzijane]

This is exactly how it sounded on my first ever Dansette, a big cream and navy suitcase sized box, which smelled wonderful and could go from room to room. I loved it and the pleasure it brought

[Coral Holloway]

i remember gettin this album when i was 15....cant find it...Images...double cassette ten..

[Stephen Clementson]

Yes, 'The Laughing Gnome' was also re-released in the UK in 1973. There had been an exponential rise in Bowie's popularity, and the Decca & RCA record companies were cashing in on that rise. That is why the classic 1971 track 'Life on Mars' also found its way onto a 1973 RCA single. And, as a consequence, the 1973 retro character of DCI Gene Hunt (AKA 'Jean Genie') (of Manchester & Salford CID) would later be forged.

[Tangent47]

Shouldn't your name be gnome-more biscuits? ;p

[theboyfromxtown]

It was the only 45 I ever bought! Didn't know about the inverted matrix number. Gonna check that out now!

Thanks

[Wayne King]

I first heard this in New Zealand where it was a hit in 1973. Music was fun and exciting back then, and novelty records were still quite popular on the pop charts. It was fun as a teen to laugh and be silly, and this record remains a fave. As an aside, when I hear pop radio nowadays, the music sounds dark, often very salacious, and totally lacking in fun appeal.

[skwall2]

Hee, hee. hee ... I'd forgotten how adorable this song is (DB's laugh at the end still cracks me up). Must go dig up my records, I have this on vinyl; a double album called Images 1966-1967. I also loved this ditty's evil twin - Please Mr Gravedigger (I have this thing for thunderstorms). Thanks for uploading.