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Posted by MF DU on 2007-03-19 12:19:50 +0000

From the Dick Cavett show (Netflix the Cavett DVDS - you won't be sorry)

Posted by Chopper on 2007-03-19 18:32:01 +0000

"Young Americans" is an album where Bowie made a sudden and very obvious step in a new direction. Gone for good were the glam rock trappings and now the "focus" was the exploration of the Philly soul and funk sound. In fact, the "Diamond Dogs" tour was stopped mid-way and the entire show was re-worked with less of a focus on the "glam." This album was a commercial success by far. On this album you will find the No. 1 hit "Fame," a very interesting and surprisingly different collaboration with John Lennon. In truth, this was one of the funkiest things Bowie had recorded to date. But the rest of the album has never been anything that thrilled me. Becoming so obsessed with the "soul" sound, Bowie mixed R & B and jazz on most of the tracks thanks to David Sanborn's saxophone. Sorry, but even the dance happy title track really doesn't do anything for me. John Lennon also appears on a scary (i.e., bad) cover version of his own "Across The Universe." The three bonus tracks issued in later years are more of the same, including yet another version of "John, I'm Only Dancing Again." Luther Vandross is one of the backup singers and gets a co-write with the tune "Fascination." Carlos Alomar on guitar makes his debut appearance of many to come, and sort of ex-Spider Mike Garson on piano makes his last appearance for awhile (he will return in the early '90s). Some will argue that this was a great album, I differ. However, it turned out to be a necessary transitional step to Bowie's next album (and tour) "Station to Station," which I think is pure genius.

Posted by tommy on 2007-03-19 14:38:15 +0000

First impressions here are lukewarm. I've always liked the two singles well enough... but the rest of the stuff isn't doing anything for me.

Posted by Epoisses on 2007-03-19 15:19:36 +0000

Agreed. This one and 'David Live' are pretty dull.

Posted by jbcardinale on 2007-03-20 15:43:21 +0000

Two home runs out of eight tries, not bad. Young Americans (karaoke, anyone) and Fame have stood the test of time. Fame still sounds great on the radio, excellent drum sound, great guitar riff from Carlos Alomar.