The David Bowie Thread

[Tombstone Mountain]

What was is it about him that has affected us so? I'm at a loss.

 

Ok Lorraine, if you need some pointers here ya go.

 

As we mourn for David Bowie, what keeps coming to mind is the huge impact he had on our times, anticipating and, often, helping to shape its twists and turns through the past few decades. He got to the "unknown" first.

 

Here are eight ways Bowie influenced popular culture:

 

1. As a gender bender: At a time when homosexuality was still, mostly, illegal, Bowie publicly embraced the idea of a fluid sexuality. As he came to public prominence in the 1970s, he'd wear dresses on stage, proclaim himself gay, flirt openly with guitarist Mick Ronson in a legendary British TV performance of the song "Starman." All of it helped pave the way for a culture that became ever more accepting of non-traditional sex roles. This can't be understated. It was a HUGE deal, to borrow from Donald Trump.

 

2. As a genre bender: Not only did Bowie make music in an astonishing range of styles, but he made compelling music in all of them. His catalog includes everything from singer-songwriter gems ("Changes," "Life on Mars") to grinding, guitar-led rock ("Suffragette City," "Rebel Rebel") to soul ("Young Americans") to funk ("Fame") to post-Cold War anthems ("Heroes," "Station to Station"). And when he needed to make hits, he turned out "Let's Dance" and helped shape the sound of the 1980s. "To me it seems so intentional and so well done that I don't think the word 'poser' fits," said Michael Darling, chief curator of Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, the only U.S. home for the "David Bowie Is" museum show. "It's so strategic and smart in a way that is very Warholian." In this way, one can see how Queen was heavily influenced by Bowie. They share that common thread.

 

3. As a crossover artist: Before settling into rock 'n' roll, Bowie tried his hand at, among other things, mime. And he would keep experimenting, playing a convincing space alien in Nicolas Roeg's "The Man Who Fell to Earth" and the title character in the Broadway play "The Elephant Man". He wasn't the first to move from popular music into film and theater, of course, but he was one of the most effective, even as he said he lacked the discipline to do more than dabble in acting. "It really kind of connects up to bigger ideas about a signature style and how that's maybe an old fashioned notion," Darling said. "This idea of multiple personalities, multiple ways of perception, really is one of the most defining radical aspects of late 20th century culture."

 

4. As a performance artist: There was always an aspect to Bowie's art that was beyond the music, from the theatricality of his costumes and the stage sets he designed to the way he tried on and shed personas. To see this in action, look up the clip of Bowie on "Saturday Night Live" in 1979. There are the songs, yes, stellar versions of "The Man Who Sold the World," "Boys Keep Swinging" and "TVC15," but there are also the remarkable performances, including cabaret artist Klaus Nomi as a backup singer, a pink toy poodle with an embedded TV screen, and Bowie in a giant puppet costume and another that necessitated him being lifted into place on the stage.

 

5. As a music video pioneer: Before there was even an outlet for them, Bowie was seeing that short films were made of his songs. MTV began life by playing the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star," and that works, lyrically, but the better choice might have been, say, Bowie's film of his first hit, 1969's "Space Oddity." "From the very beginning he pushed it and took advantage of it in a way other artists didn't," Darling said.

 

6. As a fashion icon: He was more striking-looking than handsome, but Bowie's angularity, in facial structure and wire-thin body, helped him wear clothes well. And did he ever do so, taking stages in a cotton-candy-colored jumpsuit or in the iconic, wide-legged jumpsuit designed by Kansai Yamamoto, Bowie's partner in one of the 1970s most potent designer-model collaborations.

 

7. As an archivist: The "David Bowie Is" show smashed attendance records, drawing 193,000 visitors in just under four months to Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art in 2014. (The show is now in Groninger, the Netherlands.) Beyond a compelling life story and great integration of music into the museum experience, what made that show work was that Bowie kept just about everything, from a cocaine spoon that was part of his mid-1970s drug troubles to apartment keys from the Berlin years later that decade that helped him find solid ground again. It included the letter in which David Jones formally takes the name David Bowie, as well as costume after outrageous costume. It brought to mind, I wrote at the time of the MCA show, "the hippest lost episode of 'Hoarders' you could ever experience."

 

8. As a planner of his own death: People were puzzling out the meaning of the album Bowie released Friday, "Blackstar," on his 69th birthday (a birthday he shares with Elvis Presley, by the way). But looking at the video now for its first song, "Lazarus," is a haunting experience, and one last coup by the master showman. He's on a hospital bed with bandages around his face and buttons for eyes; he's writing frenetically; he's singing "Look up here, I'm in heaven."

 

Dude was bigger than life. But to top it all off, he was incredible in the studio. His music was so deep, yet simple. He painted in the corners of our collective headphones.

I would also suggest that he and Lemmy were, interestingly, two sides of the same coin. Both men lived their lives and careers their way, without worry of judgement, yet still found an adoring audience that appreciated them.

That's a connection I never would've made, however--spot on!

[Entre_Perpetuo]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

[WorkingAllTheTime]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

If you are looking for something that touches on the bulk his career in a pretty solid way, the Changesbowie compilation is worth it. I am generally not a fan of a greatest hits format as I think albums generally give you a better experience of an artist's time and place. But Changesbowie is a well done collection.

[Entre_Perpetuo]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

If you are looking for something that touches on the bulk his career in a pretty solid way, the Changesbowie compilation is worth it. I am generally not a fan of a greatest hits format as I think albums generally give you a better experience of an artist's time and place. But Changesbowie is a well done collection.

 

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I might even just listen to that on Spotify until we get which ear CD my dad orders in.

[satchmothesnowdog]

What was is it about him that has affected us so? I'm at a loss.

He was like Elvis in a lesser way. A smaller icon, but he transcended generations and his music lasted. His music pushed boundaries and innovated, it stuck with you, it was in jingles and in your love life. He was everywhere. Plus, he always seemed to be a gentle, quality human being.

[Stormtron]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

Hunky Dory and Ziggy are good places to start. I'm just gonna throw out a recommendation for my favorite too...Station to Station. Pretty much a flawless album to me.

[Blue J]

Interesting interview I found, of Bowie talking about David Lynch, and also about some of his (Bowie's) own acting:

 

http://movieline.com/1992/04/01/david-bowie-bowie-at-the-bijou/2/

[Lucas]

Love this ... seems like only the other day

 

[custom55]

Remember Bowie at Live Aid 1985 ? Dynamic performance.

 

http://youtu.be/AGOx0ZpMrrU

Edited January 12, 2016 by custom55

[custom55]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

If you are looking for something that touches on the bulk his career in a pretty solid way, the Changesbowie compilation is worth it. I am generally not a fan of a greatest hits format as I think albums generally give you a better experience of an artist's time and place. But Changesbowie is a well done collection.

 

You need to rent / buy "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" Movie.

 

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w276/custom55/ZiggyStardustAndTheSpidersFromMarsTheMotionPictureSoundtrack_zpsy72p4f4z.jpg

[kamrahai]

Rick Wakeman's tribute...

 

Don't know if this is posted yet. Too many Bowie topics...lol. Sorry if it has been already.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to post an actual video and not just a link

[Entre_Perpetuo]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

Hunky Dory and Ziggy are good places to start. I'm just gonna throw out a recommendation for my favorite too...Station to Station. Pretty much a flawless album to me.

 

Dad decided he's gonna get Ziggy tomorrow. Thanks for the advice!

[The Cat 3]

http://www.davidbowie.com/sites/g/files/g2000002506/f/201304/1972_lift_off_600sq.jpg

[Blue J]

Rick Wakeman's tribute...

 

Don't know if this is posted yet. Too many Bowie topics...lol. Sorry if it has been already.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to post an actual video and not just a link

 

Don't worry- I've never been able to do that, either.

[goose]

Rick Wakeman's tribute...

 

Don't know if this is posted yet. Too many Bowie topics...lol. Sorry if it has been already.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to post an actual video and not just a link

 

Don't worry- I've never been able to do that, either.

Just delete the "s" from "https" Edited January 13, 2016 by goose

[Blue J]

Rick Wakeman's tribute...

 

Don't know if this is posted yet. Too many Bowie topics...lol. Sorry if it has been already.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to post an actual video and not just a link

 

Don't worry- I've never been able to do that, either.

Just delete the "s" from "https"

 

I'll keep trying. I've done that before, and it didn't make a difference. I don't know if it's because 95% of the time I'm on here, I'm in mobile mode, if that has anything to do with it. But I'll keep trying.

 

#dunce

[goose]

Rick Wakeman's tribute...

 

Don't know if this is posted yet. Too many Bowie topics...lol. Sorry if it has been already.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to post an actual video and not just a link

 

Don't worry- I've never been able to do that, either.

Just delete the "s" from "https"

 

I'll keep trying. I've done that before, and it didn't make a difference. I don't know if it's because 95% of the time I'm on here, I'm in mobile mode, if that has anything to do with it. But I'll keep trying.

 

#dunce

Mobile explains it.

[kamrahai]

Rick Wakeman's tribute...

 

Don't know if this is posted yet. Too many Bowie topics...lol. Sorry if it has been already.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how to post an actual video and not just a link

 

Don't worry- I've never been able to do that, either.

Just delete the "s" from "https"

 

thanks goose. I'll try that next time. When on my tablet I can't even see other peoples videos either. Says "Not supported" in a grey window. I only see them when on my pc which I only seem to get to use when my kids are at school

[Babycat]

Just placed an order for Blackstar.

[custom55]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

Hunky Dory and Ziggy are good places to start. I'm just gonna throw out a recommendation for my favorite too...Station to Station. Pretty much a flawless album to me.

 

Dad decided he's gonna get Ziggy tomorrow. Thanks for the advice!

 

Another reason to see the Ziggy Stardust Movie.

 

http://youtu.be/_F58mGsRr8o

Edited January 13, 2016 by custom55

[custom55]

http://youtu.be/-UMBTTgBO60 Edited January 13, 2016 by custom55

[custom55]

[YYZ Working Man]

RIP Mr.Bowie

A notable recording at LeStudio is his 1984 Tonight Album

[Amps211]

So I told my dad to get Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, or Blackstar in light of David Bowie's death. I'm not sure if he's ordered one yet, so what I want to know is, for someone and his dad who have never had a Bowie album before, but have always known and liked many of the hits, would one of those three be a good place to start? (I've already heard and loved a couple tracks off Blackstar by the way). Should I have suggested something else? Let's Dance? Heroes? Space Oddity? A greatest hits? What do you think?

 

Hunky Dory and Ziggy are good places to start. I'm just gonna throw out a recommendation for my favorite too...Station to Station. Pretty much a flawless album to me.

 

Dad decided he's gonna get Ziggy tomorrow. Thanks for the advice!

 

it is ordered ... here by jan 22nd

[custom55]

interesting...From Rolling Stone

 

Visconti said that Bowie was planning a follow-up to Blackstar. Visconti said that about a week before his death Bowie called him to say he wanted to make a final album. He had apparently written and demoed five new songs. “At that late stage, he was planning the follow-up to Blackstar,” Visconti told Rolling Stone.

Visconti said: “I was thrilled, and I thought, and he thought, that he’d have a few months, at least. Obviously, if he’s excited about doing his next album, he must’ve thought he had a few more months.”