So many column inches or centimetres have already been written or spoken about the phenomenon that was the release of David Bowie's first album of new material in many a long year earlier this month. There is most probably not a lot left to say other than to express what the record means to me personally.
Have experienced my musical awaking in the 60's and 70's David Bowie was at the forefront of my listening. Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Slane , Diamond Dogs, Station to Station Low, Heroes. The first Bowie song I took seriously was 'Life on Mars?' from Hunky Dory back, in those heady musical days when Bowie's was so creative and had that decade of musical creativity that I don't think has been surpassed since by any artist since.
I lost Bowie a bit in the disco days although, the classics from that period are still classics. I came back with the attempt at .garage rock with Tin Machine and then the years just drifted.
The marketing plan behind 'The Next Day' was stunningly simple. Everyone just had to keep quiet before launch day and surprisingly everybody did either that or, we were just not paying attention.
So to the album itself and this maybe a generational statement but, I can't find a duff song on the whole record and thats listening to the Seventeen track 'Deluxe Edition'.
The band lift off all guns blazing on the title track of the opening, Bowie's vocals spat out and seemly glad to be back in the saddle? Dirty Boys takes a sharp turn in style with a slow paced industrial funk. Throughout the record Bowie's vocals are so strong and varied whatever the style of the song, the soulful 'The Stars (are out tonight)' takes the album around another bend.
'Where Are We Now' that reflection on Berlin is pure and simply a lovely song. The song styles change by the track and you can feel his whole career's worth of experience being poured into the record. 'I'd Rather Be High' and 'You Feel So Lonely You Could Die' are particular favourites with styles, that actually take me back to those 70's musically.
There is no one in popular culture quite held in the esteem that David Bowie is and perhaps absence has made the heart grow fonder but heck, it's great have the 'Thin White Duke' back amongst us.
Pete
11/11