Bowie's music has been part of my consciousness since the mid-70s. I was too young for the glam period, much less "Space Oddity," so the Young Americans period was my childhood introduction to him. Seeing him belting soulfully in coked-out emaciation on Dinah Shore or Mike Douglas or whatever was fruitfully destabilizing to my 10-year-old mind. Having said that, this essay deepens and amplifies my understanding of what he was up to in '74 to '76 enormously. Thank you!
The title track of the album is my favorite Bowie song of them all- he apes the cutting-edge soul music of the 1970s while still remaining uniquely himself.
Working my way through the Cocaine Side Effects play list (thanks very much!) on my afternoon commute. I'm hearing most, if not all, of these songs for the first time. So far, Fascination is the one I want to listen to on repeat. That will have to wait till I'm done exploring the rest of the list though. Your insights are appreciated!
John, I have added a bunch of Bowie to my Spotify playlist for this upcoming weekend. I usually block off some dedicated music time on Saturday's so I am looking forward to an education in Bowie this week.
Sadly, I have never been able to hear song lyrics particularly well though I am pretty good at sensing meaning and mood conjured via melody, vocals, and instrumentation. To put it mildly, I've been missing a lot, especially when it comes to Bowie's search for authenticity and connection in his musical journey. Thank you, John, for helping me rediscover my favorite artist of the 70s.
Thanks John, I am excited to dive into this!
You’re welcome! Part 2 coming on Sunday.
Bowie's music has been part of my consciousness since the mid-70s. I was too young for the glam period, much less "Space Oddity," so the Young Americans period was my childhood introduction to him. Seeing him belting soulfully in coked-out emaciation on Dinah Shore or Mike Douglas or whatever was fruitfully destabilizing to my 10-year-old mind. Having said that, this essay deepens and amplifies my understanding of what he was up to in '74 to '76 enormously. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Simon!
The title track of the album is my favorite Bowie song of them all- he apes the cutting-edge soul music of the 1970s while still remaining uniquely himself.
Working my way through the Cocaine Side Effects play list (thanks very much!) on my afternoon commute. I'm hearing most, if not all, of these songs for the first time. So far, Fascination is the one I want to listen to on repeat. That will have to wait till I'm done exploring the rest of the list though. Your insights are appreciated!
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! And yes, Fascination is a jam.
John, I have added a bunch of Bowie to my Spotify playlist for this upcoming weekend. I usually block off some dedicated music time on Saturday's so I am looking forward to an education in Bowie this week.
Excellent! He will win you over, and your wife will be pleased 😉
This is great. Thanks for resharing!
You’re welcome! 🙏🏻
Sadly, I have never been able to hear song lyrics particularly well though I am pretty good at sensing meaning and mood conjured via melody, vocals, and instrumentation. To put it mildly, I've been missing a lot, especially when it comes to Bowie's search for authenticity and connection in his musical journey. Thank you, John, for helping me rediscover my favorite artist of the 70s.