David revisited Sigma Sound in November 1974 between the two shows at the Spectrum to rework some of the songs recorded there in
August and to record some new ones. Invoices from the studios identify the following recordings:
Most of the songs recorded during the Sigma Sound Sessions have been released in some form as follows:
Young Americans. Originally titled ‘Young American’ or ‘The Young American’, this was the first song to be finalised and became the title track
of the album released in March 1975. It was released as a single in full length form in the UK but most other countries issued an edited
version. The version used by the video game ‘Rock Band’ does not fade out.
Can You Hear Me. Also released on the ’Young Americans’ album although a different version was released on ‘The Gouster’ album included
with the 2016 ‘Who Can I Be Now?’ boxset.
Right. Also released on the ‘Young Americans’ album although a remixed version was used on the Ryko re-issue in 1991. A different version
was released on ‘The Gouster’ album.
Somebody Up There Likes Me. Also released on the ‘Young Americans’ album although a different version was released on ‘The Gouster’
album.
Win. Also released on the ‘Young Americans’ album although a remixed version was used on the Ryko re-issue in 1991. The surround sound
mix on the 2007 EMI Special Edition does not fade out.
Fascination. Also released on the ‘Young Americans’ album although a remixed version was used on the Ryko re-issue in 1991.
John, I’m Only Dancing (Again). This song remained unreleased until 1979 when it was issued as a single from the planned, but shelved, RCA
album of unreleased tracks.
Who Can I Be Now? This song remained unreleased until 1991 when it was issued as a bonus track on the Ryko re-issue of the ‘Young
Americans’ album.
It’s Gonna Be Me. This song remained unreleased until 1991 when it was issued as a bonus track on the Ryko re-issue of the ‘Young
Americans’ album. However, the 2007 EMI Special Edition included a version with strings which were added by Tony Visconti in January 1975.
After Today. This song was released as part of the Ryko ‘Sound+Vision’ boxset in 1989. However, this version is different to all versions held
on the reels in the Drexel archive.
It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City. A much reworked version of this song was released as part of the Ryko ‘Sound+Vision’ boxset in 1989.
Shilling The Rubes. This song remains unreleased.
I Am A Laser. This song remains unreleased.
The Young American
Sigma Sound Studios - November Session
20 November 1974
1. Jam #1.
2. Jam #2.
3. Foot Stompin’.
4. Can You Hear Me.
5. Young American.
6. Jam #3.
21 November 1974
1. All You Got To Do Is Win.
2. Fascination.
David had introduced the Flares ‘Footstompin’’ into the Soul Tour set teamed with an old jazz number titled ‘I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My
Sister Kate’. ‘Fascination’ was David’s version of the Luther Vandross song ‘Funky Music’ which was then being performed by The Garson
Band during their opening set.
‘Win’ appears to have been borne from ‘Rock’n’Roll Suicide’ which was still the closing number of the main set of the Soul Tour. David would
improvise the ending so that “All you got to do is turn on with me” became “All you got to do is win” which would then be followed by “When
you’re trying not to lose”.
It’s unclear whether a version of the Bruce Springsteen song "It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City" was completed during these sessions. Tony
Visconti has said that it was laid down but left unfinished i.e. without vocal. However, (Sigma Kid) Patti Brett is convinced that she heard a
completed version played at a private party in the Artemis nightclub on 25 November 1974.
“At 1am Monday morning the 25th of November, David Bowie met and
welcomed Bruce Springsteen while recording his latest album at Sigma Sound.
In an open and candid evening he touched on his recent concert performance
and spoke of audiences and flying saucers.”
This meeting was reported in The Drummer 26 November 1974.