Space Cowboy (song)
Encyclopedia
"Space Cowboy" is the lead single from British
band Jamiroquai
's second studio album, The Return of the Space Cowboy
. The single reached #17 in the UK Singles Chart
and was their first #1 on the U.S. Dance Chart
.
on bass, has a greater tempo, and uses a 'bass slap' technique during the chorus. This version is commonly known as the "Stoned Again Mix", even though it is the original version. The second version, the one that appears on the album is considerably different, with a lower tempo, and a completely dissimilar bassline. The bass on the album version was not played by Zender, but by an unknown artist only credited as "Mr. X" in the booklet. It was this song that earned Jason
the "space cowboy" nickname in the British press. The U.S. version of the single contains remixes by David Morales. Most live versions of the song are very long, about 10–12 minutes, adding additional verses, and instrumental parts. While the album version utilizes no wind instruments, some live versions, such as the ones from the Travelling Without Moving
era, or the High Times: Singles 1992-2006
era, do. The version of the song played live is the "Stoned Again Mix".
US CD Single
and mainly featured Jay Kay dancing around a blue room with multiple versions of him and the other band members appearing and disappearing. Occasional breaks show the band members against a blacklight with marijuana-leaf motifs. The video makes use of motion control photography
to allow a seemingly-continuous shot as the camera pans around the room. The US video replaced the leaves with daisies
, without Jay's consent. A video of the remix by David Morales also exists. "Space Cowboy" is a frequently covered song, with two notable cover versions; one by Jazzamor
, and one by the band Jacarandaa.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
band Jamiroquai
Jamiroquai
Jamiroquai is a British jazz funk and acid jazz band formed in 1992. Jamiroquai were initially the most prominent component in the early-1990s London-based acid jazz movement, alongside groups such as Incognito, the James Taylor Quartet, and the Brand New Heavies. Other Acid Jazz artists such as...
's second studio album, The Return of the Space Cowboy
The Return of the Space Cowboy
The Return Of The Space Cowboy is the second album by the band Jamiroquai. Released in 1994, it is usually classified under the acid-jazz and funk genre.-Album information:...
. The single reached #17 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and was their first #1 on the U.S. Dance Chart
Hot Dance Club Play
The Hot Dance Club Songs chart is a weekly national survey of the songs that are most popular in U.S. dance clubs...
.
Background
Two very distinct versions of the song exist: One was recorded with Stuart ZenderStuart Zender
Stuart Patrick Jude Zender is an English bassist, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for being the original bass player for Jamiroquai.-Early life:...
on bass, has a greater tempo, and uses a 'bass slap' technique during the chorus. This version is commonly known as the "Stoned Again Mix", even though it is the original version. The second version, the one that appears on the album is considerably different, with a lower tempo, and a completely dissimilar bassline. The bass on the album version was not played by Zender, but by an unknown artist only credited as "Mr. X" in the booklet. It was this song that earned Jason
Jason Kay
Jason "Jay Kay" Luís Cheetham , is a Grammy Award-winning English musician, best known as the lead singer of the band Jamiroquai...
the "space cowboy" nickname in the British press. The U.S. version of the single contains remixes by David Morales. Most live versions of the song are very long, about 10–12 minutes, adding additional verses, and instrumental parts. While the album version utilizes no wind instruments, some live versions, such as the ones from the Travelling Without Moving
Travelling Without Moving
Travelling Without Moving is the third studio album released by British Acid Jazz band Jamiroquai. Released in 1996, the album features the international hit single "Virtual Insanity"...
era, or the High Times: Singles 1992-2006
High Times: Singles 1992-2006
High Times: Singles 1992–2006 is the fifth compilation album released by British acid jazz band Jamiroquai. The album was intended to be a collection of the group's singles, however, is more widely known as is a collection of the band's best-known hits, as it does not include the singles "Stillness...
era, do. The version of the song played live is the "Stoned Again Mix".
Tracklisting
UK CD Single- "Space Cowboy"
- "Journey To Arnhemland"
- "Kids"
- "Space Cowboy" (Demo Version)
US CD Single
- "Radio Edit"
- "Classic Radio Remix"
- "Album Version"
- "Classic Club Remix"
- "Instrumental"
- "Babinstrumental"
Official Versions
- Album Version
- Stoned Again Mix
- Radio Edit
- Classic Club Remix
- Classic Radio Remix
- Babinstrumental
- Instrumental
- Mayhem & Musaphia Reconstruction Remix
- Demo Version
- Video Edit
Music video
A music video was shot for "Space Cowboy", using the "Stoned Again" Mix of the song. It was directed by Vaughan ArnellVaughan Arnell
Vaughan Arnell is a British music videos and television commercials director. Although having done films for high profile clients in the tv commercial field, including Nestlé and Levi's, he is mostly known for his music video work. He is a frequent collaborator of music artist Robbie Williams...
and mainly featured Jay Kay dancing around a blue room with multiple versions of him and the other band members appearing and disappearing. Occasional breaks show the band members against a blacklight with marijuana-leaf motifs. The video makes use of motion control photography
Motion control photography
Motion control photography is a technique used in still and motion photography that enables precise control of, and optionally also allows repetition of, camera movements. It can be used to facilitate special effects photography. The process can involve filming several elements using the same...
to allow a seemingly-continuous shot as the camera pans around the room. The US video replaced the leaves with daisies
Bellis perennis
Bellis perennis is a common European species of Daisy, often considered the archetypal species of that name. Many related plants also share the name "Daisy", so to distinguish this species from other daisies it is sometimes qualified as Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy or occasionally English daisy. It is...
, without Jay's consent. A video of the remix by David Morales also exists. "Space Cowboy" is a frequently covered song, with two notable cover versions; one by Jazzamor
Jazzamor
Jazzamor is a German musical duo which consists of Bettina Mischke and Roland Grosch. Their music combines elements of lounge music, jazz and bossa nova.-Albums:*Lazy Sunday Afternoon...
, and one by the band Jacarandaa.