Last year, four KCRW DJs took on the daunting task of remixing David Bowie’s classic track “Golden Years” and now EMI has announced that they are releasing the songs as an EP on June 6 on CD, 12″ & as a Digital Download.

If you haven’t checked them out yet, you can hear all four remixes – from Chris Douridas, Jeremy Sole, Eric J Lawrence and Anthony Valadez – on this very blog!

Blood, sweat and tears went into the making of these remixes. They are the result of many late nights and lots of hand wringing as the DJs waited to hear back on whether they were approved.

I even had the honor of being among the first to hear Jeremy’s remix. He had just returned from NYC where he worked with Victor Axelrod, aka Ticklah recording all star musicians from Budos Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and Menahan Street Band playing the track live. They recorded 100% analog to 2” tape to get a vintage feel. A group of us were gathered around the stereo in KCRW’s Music Library and were blown away. The horns really make this version special.

Eric collaborated with Fol Chen frontman Samuel Bing and brought out the darker elements of the song, adding a militaristic rhythm. Chris focused squarely on the groove with help producer Sunny Levine, grandson of Quincy Jones.  Anthony developed a modern day futuristic boogie feel, for a version that is aimed directly at the dancefloor. Listen to the remixes

Also, more good news for Bowie fans – the same day the EP becomes available, EMI will release the ‘Golden Years’ app so others will get a chance to remix the track.

Fans can make their remixes, using eight stems (bounced down from the original 16 tracks), featuring Bowie’s lead vocal, 12-string guitar, bass, drums, guitar, harmonium, percussion (including blocks, congas, claps) and backing vocals. The stems for this App were specifically created by ‘Golden Years’ and Station To Station’s original producer Harry Maslin.

David Bowie vs KCRW ‘Golden Years’ E.P. tracklistings:

CD & Digital Download

1. Golden Years (Single Version) (2002 Digital Remaster)
2. Golden Years (Anthony Valadez KCRW Remix)
3. Golden Years (Eric J. Lawrence KCRW Remix)
4. Golden Years (Chris Douridas KCRW Remix)
5. Golden Years (Jeremy Sole KCRW Remix)

12”

Side 1
1. Golden Years (Single Version) (2002 Digital Remaster)
2. Golden Years (Anthony Valadez KCRW Remix)
3. Golden Years (Eric J. Lawrence KCRW Remix)

Side 2
4. Golden Years (Chris Douridas KCRW Remix)
5. Golden Years (Jeremy Sole KCRW Remix)