Light in the Attic will be reissuing four albums by the late funk and fashion icon Betty Davis, marking 50 years since her self-titled debut in 1973. The reissues include her debut album, “Betty Davis,” along with “They Say I’m Different” from 1974, “Is It Love or Desire?” (originally recorded in 1976 but first released in 2009), and “Crashin’ From Passion,” an unreleased collection of recordings from her final 1979 studio sessions. Davis collaborated on all four reissues before her passing last year. The albums are scheduled to be released on August 25. A trailer for the reissues, as well as the title track from “Crashin’ From Passion,” can be found below.
Each reissue of “Betty Davis,” “They Say I’m Different,” and “Crashin’ From Passion” will include booklets featuring rare photos from that era, lyrics, and new liner notes containing Davis’ final interviews, written by Danielle Maggio, a close friend of Davis and a writer and ethnomusicologist. “Is It Love or Desire?” will include liner notes from Oliver Wang, a journalist, DJ, and professor.
In 2019, Davis released “A Little Bit Hot Tonight,” a song she wrote, arranged, and produced in collaboration with local musicians in her hometown of Pittsburgh. The track features vocals from Danielle Maggio. The year before that, Light in the Attic reissued Davis’ 1975 album, “Nasty Gal.”
Please note that the prices for the reissued albums are $30 each at Rough Trade. When you make a purchase through our retail links, Newsound may earn an affiliate commission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about reissues
What albums are being reissued by Light in the Attic?
Light in the Attic is reissuing four albums by Betty Davis: “Betty Davis,” “They Say I’m Different,” “Is It Love or Desire?,” and “Crashin’ From Passion.”
What is included in the reissues?
The reissues of “Betty Davis,” “They Say I’m Different,” and “Crashin’ From Passion” include booklets with rare photos, lyrics, and new liner notes containing Davis’ final interviews by Danielle Maggio. “Is It Love or Desire?” includes liner notes from Oliver Wang.
When will the reissued albums be available?
The reissued albums are scheduled to be released on August 25.
Are there any additional releases or collaborations by Betty Davis?
In 2019, Betty Davis released the song “A Little Bit Hot Tonight” featuring vocals by Danielle Maggio. Light in the Attic also previously reissued Davis’ 1975 album, “Nasty Gal.”
Where can I purchase the reissued albums?
The reissued albums can be purchased at Rough Trade, with each album priced at $30.
Does Newsound earn any commission from the retail links?
Yes, when you make a purchase through the retail links provided by Newsound, they may earn an affiliate commission.
More about reissues
- Trailer for the reissues
- Title track from “Crashin’ From Passion”
- Betty Davis’ self-titled debut
- “They Say I’m Different” album
- Is It Love or Desire? album
- Crashin’ From Passion album
- Danielle Maggio, writer and ethnomusicologist
- Oliver Wang, journalist, DJ, and professor
- “A Little Bit Hot Tonight” song
- Betty Davis’ 1975 album “Nasty Gal”
- Rough Trade, where the albums can be purchased
4 comments
betty davis was a true fashion icon. can’t wait to see those rare fotos in the booklets. her music and style are timeless. thank you, light in the attic!
wait, betty davis got an unreleased album? crashin’ from passion sounds amazin’. gotta check out that trailer n’ title track. funky stuff!
wow betty davis albums gettin’ reissued?! ’bout time light in the attic did that. can’t wait 4 the rare fotos n’ liner notes. gonna b dope!
light in the attic always comin’ through with the reissues. gonna grab all 4 betty davis albums. rough trade better stock up. groovy vibes guaranteed!