“Sorrow,” the only single released from David Bowie’s 1973 covers project Pin Ups, is being reissued by Parlophone Records as a 40th anniversary limited-edition 7-inch vinyl picture disc. Cheer up, though: Popdose has five of these gems to give away.

“Sorrow” — which, like the rest of Pin Ups, was a cover song — followed a string of strikingly original glam-rock albums from Bowie, and a crack band that included Mick Ronson on guitar and Aynsley Dunbar on drums doesn’t disappoint here. Their new take, featuring a bawdy turn on the sax from Ken Fordham, vastly improves on earlier passes by the McCoys in 1965 and the Merseys in 1966. Bowie’s version went to No. 3 in the UK, and was later included in the 2008 film War, Inc., starring John Cusack.

Parlophone is only issuing 10,000 of these special-edition commemorative discs worldwide. The b-side will feature a live take on “Sorrow,” recorded on September 12, 1983 during Bowie’s “Serious Moonlight” tour.

So, how to win? Simply email Dave Lifton with “David Bowie” in the subject line and within the text of your email, ask Dave if he’s ever “put on his red shoes and danced the blues.” We’ll randomly select five winners. Must be a U.S. resident.

The “Sorrow” picture disc, set for release on October 15, 2013, is available for purchase through Amazon, and at local indie retailers.

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About the Author

Nick DeRiso

Nick DeRiso has also explored jazz, blues, rock and roots music for USA Today, Gannett News Service, Something Else!, All About Jazz, Living Blues, Rock.com and the Louisiana Folklife Program, among others. Named newspaper columnist of the year five times by the Associated Press, Louisiana Press Association and Louisiana Sports Writers Association, he oversaw a daily section that was named Top 10 in the nation by the AP in 2006.

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