Bowie's David Bowie 5: Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) and Toy box sets were announced last month, and today two previously unheard versions of "Karma Man" and "Silly Boy Blue (Alternative Endinng Mix)" have been unveiled.
"Karma Man" was recorded by Bowie in 1967 and debuted on John Peel's BBCR1 show in early 1968. The song wasn't released officially until 1970's The World Of David Bowie album, and in 2000 it was re-tracked by Bowie and his Glastonbury band for the shelved Toy album. "Silver Boy Blue" featured on Bowie's self-titled debut album in 1967.
Co-producer Mark Plati says, ""Karma Man" is notable for Cuong Vu’s opening and closing lines, and especially the glorious backing vocals from Holly Palmer, Emm Gryner, and Lisa Germano - they had so much to do with the sound of Toy, and this is a prime example. When I re-listened to these tracks, the sound of fall 2000 came flooding out of the speakers, from a song I'd not heard since then. I’m not too proud to say I shed a bit of a tear, something that happened a few times while mixing it/"
David Bowie 5: Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) will feature Toy, Black Tie White Noise, The Buddha Of Suburbia, 1. Outside, Earthling and 'hours...', as well as the expanded live album BBC Radio Theatre, London, June 27, 2000 and a compilation of non-album b-sides, alternate versions, soundtrack music and more called Re: Call 5.
An expanded edition of Toy titled Toy:Box is also due for release in January 2022 in 3xCD or 6x10" vinyl formats. As well as including a 16-page book of previously unseen photographs by Frank Ockenfels 3, it'll close with a new song titled "Toy (Your Turn To Drive)", which was created from a jam at the end of one of the live takes of "I Dig Everything".
