<img src ="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0e/DavidBowieScaryMonstersCover.jpg/200px-DavidBowieScaryMonstersCover.jpg">
Record is <a href ="http://www.sendspace.com/file/77bwku"> here. </a>
Released September 12, 1980 on RCA.
1980, UK Albums Chart #1
1980, Billboard Pop Albums #12
1980, "Ashes to Ashes," UK Singles Chart #1
1980, "Fashion," UK Singles Chart #5
1980, "Fashion," Billboard Pop Singles #70
1981, "Scary Monsters," UK Singles Chart #20
1981, "Up the Hill Backwards," UK Singles Chart #32
It was very clear that Bowie was taking a more commercial approach but still was experimenting with electronic sounds, strange lyrics, and a "new wave/funk/disco" sound. The two very danceable tunes became career high points for Bowie. "Ashes To Ashes" was a coldly grandiose while sad at the same time tune where Bowie fan hears from an old friend - Major Tom. The other, "Fashion" which jams with cool and hard moving sounds.
With Brian Eno now gone and Carlos Alomar on guitar along with Robert Fripp, several other tunes are strong, including "It's No Game," which contained two versions - one in English and the other with a a bizarre Japanese voiceover. "Up The Hill Backwards," with it's interesting and somewhat preachy lyrics, and the title track, which features wild Fripp guitar riffs are among my favorites.
Fripp's solos and Bowie's frequent bizarre vocals present a solid, listenable record. Lowpoints do exist - the way too long "Teenage Wildlife" and "Kingdom Come." Tony Visconti (as always thankfully) co-produced with Bowie; Pete Townsend made a dull cameo on "Because You're Young."
The CD re-issue contains some worthy remakes ("Space Oddity" minus all the orchestration and a fantastic rendition of "Panic In Detroit") while Bowie threw on some bizarre synthesized experimentation ("Crystal Japan").
Also added was Bowie's favorite song of the moment - a cover of "Alabama Song." He included this tune throughout his touring to follow.
After this, Bowie waited out the last two years of his record contract with RCA and was silent for quite some time to follow. He did however, in 1981, record the Top 40 hit "Under Pressure" with Queen. Bowie was the only person ever to sing with the group.
In sum, this album appeared when Bowie finally had confronted his past drug addiction. "Scary Monsters" is Bowie being happy as Bowie. Sadly it does not continue in throughout the '80s.
"Scary Monsters," the song, is a blueprint for so many new wave-y bands. Flesh For Lulu, f'r example, modeled their whole career around that song (he even SAYS 'stupid in the street' right in there).
And 'Ashes To Ashes' would be a sick cover.
Everything about Ashes to Asian is undeniable. I was suprised when I read about how Bowie found the actors for the Ashes to Ashes video in a doorman named Steve Strange and his friends from a club called the Blitz in London. THey got together that night at 6AM and started filming in front of a bulldozer which represented "oncoming violence". pretty good video for 1980
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Although I probably slightly prefer the 'trilogy' albums, this is definitely another gem!
This one seems unbelievably confident.
Anyhoo - I also walked away with the Pixies' 'Bossa Nova' cd for $3.99 USD, The Smiths' "Strngeways Here We Come" cd for $3.99 USD, and The Replacements' 'All Shook Down' also for $3.99 USD.
Also got Stevie Wonder's 'Hotter Than July', The Doobie Brothers' 'Minute By Minute;, and Steely Dan's 'Gaucho' all in excellent condition on LP for $1 USD each.
Not bad for a $25 outing.