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Posted by Chopper on 2007-04-30 10:59:32 +0000

A new era dawns! Well, it was obvious that Bowie was heading into a new direction, new sound, new image and new era. It also certainly helped his cause in the early 80s by touring (with huge productions, dancing choreographed by Toni Basil, etc.), appearing in movies, and shaping the MTV generation. But what really made this Bowie's big comeback record was the quality of the music - with apologies to old Bowie purists. To start off, there was the very popular title track - Bowie's second #1 hit. "China Girl" (written originally and performed by Iggy Pop) and my favorite, "Modern Love" also were major hits. Also to be found on this record was the re-recording of the previous year's soundtrack hit "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" which Bowie recorded for the Natasha Kinsky movie of the same name. All of this record was powered by very dancable, funky, up-beat sounds somewhat reminiscent of Bowie's 70s offerings including lots of R & B horns. And of course awesome Stevie Ray Vaughan added some brilliant guitar solos that really added to the record. Co-producer Nile Rodgers (who was all over MTV in these days) played rhythm guitar and put his mark all over. The down side to this record arguably could be the lyrics - some of which are clever. Elsewhere Bowie is either corny ("Let's Dance"), pretentious ("Cat People"), or somewhat obnoxious ("China Girl," a bit of stereotyping?). In sum, there is an obvious emphasis on commercialization here. But take it for what it is and I promise, you'll enjoy the all the tracks.

Posted by mahatma chani on 2007-04-30 12:34:48 +0000

A very strong collection of songs here. It's pretty obvious he was going for the money shot on this one. Thing is, I'm excited that he's actually going for the prize. How many times have we heard about beloved bands making the jump to the majors and then deliberately putting out non-commercial music? Too many times, and that slacker move frankly pisses me off. Glad to see David does wave the freak flag a bit, some assymetrical song structures, freaky horn sections. But throughout it, you have a solid drum track and confident vocals. Folks, everything else is window dressing with pop songs. At least half of these songs are keepers.

Posted by Miriam on 2007-04-30 13:44:58 +0000

In my collection; used to play regularly at the Malbert. May pull it out tonight, pre-Heroes, post-watering the garden.

Posted by MF DU on 2007-04-30 14:06:33 +0000

LOL - Heroes the TV show - not the Bowie album

Posted by Miriam on 2007-04-30 14:23:22 +0000

Yes.

Posted by tommy on 2007-05-01 13:02:53 +0000

Church on time makes me party!

Posted by Miriam on 2007-05-02 14:29:08 +0000

Just sent this pic to my IT guy, who restored our internet service moments ago. He's my hero/Hiro.

Posted by mr. mister on 2007-05-02 16:56:19 +0000

I forgot all about ricochet. good funny stuff. There are a lot of good songs on this one it kind of reminds me of an 80's pool party for obvious reasons. Where is the old schol let's dance? I guess Bowie was pulling in the same kind of money as Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones after this one. "Ricochet!"