David Bowie Be My Wife - Speed Of Life (1977 Japan) estimated value € 42,50 .
Label: RCA – SS-3104, RCA – PB 11017
Length: 2:51
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single
Recorded at: Château d’Hérouville, Hérouville, France
Recorded date: September–November 1976
Released: 17 June 1977
Country: Japan
Note: Paper insert with brief uncredited liner notes in Japanese, personnel credits in Japanese and lyrics to side A in English and Japanese.
Be My Wife
“Be My Wife” is a song by English musician David Bowie. It was the second single from Low (1977), released on 17 June 1977. Its presence on Low tones down the electronic feel of the rest of the album. The song features a more conventional lyric, closer to a traditional rock song than the fragmented lyrics elsewhere on the album. It opens with a ragtime piano figure that complements the somewhat retro lyric, before being set against guitars and drums. The lyrics are repeated with altered spacing throughout the verses, and the track fades out by returning to the introductory ragtime riff, repeating indefinitely with the band playing behind it.
“Be My Wife” became the first new Bowie release since “Changes” to fail to enter the UK chart. Despite this, it was frequently played live on subsequent tours, with Bowie often introducing it on stage as “one of my favourites,” as documented in various concert recordings and footage.
Track Listing
Side A – Be My Wife = ビー。マイ。ワイフ – 2:51
Guitar – Ricky Gardiner
Guitar, Bass [Pump Bass], Vocals – David Bowie
Side B – Speed Of Life = スピード。オブ。ライフ – 2:45
Synthesizer [Arp] – David Bowie
Description
Media Condition
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Ring wear: No
All three seams looking perfect: Yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: Yes
Creases or folds: No
Stamps or writing: No
Key Details
Album: Low (1977), the first album in David Bowie’s celebrated Berlin Trilogy.
Songwriter: David Bowie.
Production: Produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti.
Recording: Recorded between September and November 1976 at Château d’Hérouville, France.
Style: Although Low is known for its experimental electronic soundscapes, “Be My Wife” is one of the album’s most straightforward rock songs, featuring piano, guitars and a direct lyrical approach.
Music Video: The promotional video features Bowie performing alone against a plain white background and remains one of the simplest videos of his career.
Live Performances: Bowie performed the song during later tours, including the Isolar II Tour, Sound+Vision Tour and A Reality Tour.
Legacy: Despite failing to chart as a single, “Be My Wife” has become a respected fan favourite from the Low period.
Chart Positions
United Kingdom Singles Chart: Did not chart
Personnel
A – Be My Wife
Bass – George Murray
Bass [Pump Bass] – David Bowie
Guitar – David Bowie, Ricky Gardiner
Rhythm Guitar – Carlos Alomar
Piano – Roy Young
Percussion – Dennis Davis
Vocals – David Bowie
B – Speed Of Life
Bass – George Murray
Brass – David Bowie
Horn [Tape Horn] – David Bowie
Rhythm Guitar – Carlos Alomar
Piano – Roy Young
Percussion – Dennis Davis
Strings [Synthetic] – David Bowie
Synthesizer [ARP] – David Bowie
Trivia
- “Be My Wife” was released as the second and final single from Low.
- It became David Bowie’s first newly released single since “Changes” to fail to enter the UK Singles Chart.
- The song is one of the more conventional rock tracks on Low.
- The promotional video is notable for its very minimal visual style.
- “Speed Of Life”, the B-side, is the opening instrumental track from Low.
Single Information
Title: Be My Wife
Artist: David Bowie
Album: Low
Label: RCA Records
Catalogue Number: SS-3104 / PB 11017
Format: 7-inch Vinyl Single
Genre: Art Rock, New Wave
Producer: David Bowie, Tony Visconti