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Posted by Chopper on 2007-04-02 13:31:03 +0000

The first of three records that Bowie cut in Berlin while working with electronic music music guru, Brian Eno. All three albums are important because they foreshadow the "new wave" sound that was to make the scene.

Now many of you will not believe this, but it all started when Bowie and Eno were trying to figure out what to do. One day Eno came running into the studio with a tape recorder and a recording of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love." Yes, you read this correctly. Eno played it for Bowie and exclaimed that "this is future of music."

"Low" contains synthesized sounds with disco rhythms and hints of punk (e.g., "Always Crashing In The Same Car" and "Speed Of Life").

"Breaking Glass" and "Be My Wife" are innovative tunes that have a pop-sound. While not classics (although Bowie is quite fond of the latter track), they are entertaining nonetheless. "Sound And Vision" was the only hit on this album.

Bowie and Eno play with a series of hi-tech sounds throughout. At first RCA was appauled with this album and pleaded with Bowie to do "another Young Americans." Bowie refused. If you listen carefully to this 1977 album, you'll agree that this very avant-guard record was cleverly composed. I personally am partial to "Warszawa," "Art Decade," and "Subterraneans".

This album, I feel, was one of Bowie's most ingenious efforts, but was not for everyone - it was a disaster in the U.S. and in Britain, Bowie never saw the light of day (on the charts that is) until "Let's Dance."

Anyway, this album remains one of Bowie's pride and joys. I actually have a 2003 live recording of this album from start to finish. Bowie performed it with great enthusiasm.

Posted by MF DU on 2007-04-02 13:37:54 +0000

I don't know if I've said it yet, but I really like and benefit from Chopper's insight on these 'Immersion' thing a ma jigs. Thanks, man!

Summoning Pharohaoe Monch (Yeah! Now I've Said It!)

Posted by tommy on 2007-04-02 13:40:09 +0000

Agreed! Thanks Chopper!

Haven't had a good chance to 'warm up' to this yet. I've been looking forward to this one (and the next 2) since the beginning.

Posted by mahatma chani on 2007-04-02 14:25:05 +0000

Not true... "Ashes to Ashes" was a #1 song in Britain.

FWIW: this was Pitchfork's best album of the 70s.

Posted by mr. mister on 2007-04-02 14:34:19 +0000

I always liked Be my Wife, great guitar work. Low sounds like an Eno album, but without the goofy lyrics. Great keyboard sounds on Art Decade, New Career in a New Town, Speed of Life. I get Sound and Vision stuck in my head from time to time, can't say it's my favorite on the disk.

Posted by virtue on 2007-04-02 19:14:58 +0000

Maybe even eerily ahead of its time? Art decade and weepeing wall sound an awful like parts of the 1985 Ladyhawke soundtrack by Andrew Powell (of the Alan Parsons project).

Posted by Chopper on 2007-04-03 11:03:55 +0000

Thanks to all of you for the words of appreciation. I'm having a blast with these "Immersions."

P.S. And I stand corrected.... "Ashes to Ashes" was a #1 hit.

Posted by jbcardinale on 2007-04-03 13:20:29 +0000

"Low" was made at the same time/in conjunction with "The Idiot" by Iggy Pop. I was always considered "The Idiot" one of Bowie's better efforts. My fave fr: Low is "What In The World" with Ig careening on backup vocals, works in any punk set.

Posted by tommy on 2007-04-04 02:44:35 +0000

I am now definitely digging this album.

Posted by Epoisses on 2007-04-04 03:09:47 +0000

I'm enjoying this one very much.

Posted by Epoisses on 2007-04-04 15:44:53 +0000

"Weeping Wall" = the career of Tortoise and every other Chicago post-rock jazz act ever.

Posted by mahatma chani on 2007-04-06 12:12:40 +0000

I'm a little behind on the immersion, but just wanted to echo the sentiments, yep, this records the balls.