A new David Bowie box set released late last week includes a complete (and remastered) version of his long-lost album, The Gouster. Bowie originally recorded the album in 1974, but eventually shelved the project. Reworked versions of "Somebody Up There Likes Me" and "Can You Hear Me" wound up on 1975's Young Americans. Other tracks, like "It's Gonna Be Me" and "John, I'm Only Dancing (Again)," trickled out in various forms in the years that followed. But this is the first time Gouster's full track list is available to hear as it was originally intended.

The Gouster is part of the new Who Can I Be Now (1974-1976) box set, the latest in a series of career-spanning box sets in the works. David Bowie – Five Years (1969 – 1973) came out last year. Next up is the Broadway cast recording of Bowie's Lazarus musical, due out Oct. 21.

The full Who Can I Be Now box set is available via Spotify below. The fourth disc containing The Gouster starts at track 50.

Copyright 2016 NPR. To see more, visit NPR.

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate