Record is here.
Released September 16, 2003 on ISO Records.
Posted by Chopper on 2007-07-09 05:26:09 +0000
The last record to date for David Bowie. Reality, co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti (who is on bass) again. The band is one-half veteran - Earl Slick and Mike Garson and one-half recent collaborators - Gail Ann Dorsey, Gerry Leonard, and Sterling Campbell.
Reality's strength is in Bowie's songwriting and the album continues to embrace the "new basics" heralded in Heathen. Tony Visconti's efforts are ever more ambitious and echo Bowie's Manhattan living while not forgetting his 1970's musical roots (an era during which Visconti was often on board). 2002's Heathen, was recorded in the relative peace of upstate New York. Reality was recorded in Manhattan. Laced with references to Battery Park, Riverside and the Hudson, this album displays the pretty/not-so-pretty feel of Manhattan.
Parts of Heathen are political ("New Killer Star," "Fall Dog Bombs the Moon" and "Looking For Water") and parts are covers (Jonathan Richman's AWESOME VERSION of "Pablo Picasso," and Ronnie Spector's, "Try Some, Buy Some" written by Gearge Harrison). On the personal level, "Days" and "Never Get Old" speak to where Bowie's head is at present. "The Loneliest Guy" is a tune I can live without.
Bowie's work here shows a renewed sense of dramatic focus and music for music's sake. To me, Bowie found his most compelling music in decades.
Posted by tommy on 2007-07-09 06:48:10 +0000
Another good effort! Definitely a solid record. I was pleasantly surprised with Bowie's last three albums here.
Thanks go to Epoisses for putting this whole number together, and also to Chopper for the insightful comments along the way.
Posted by Chopper on 2007-07-09 13:32:03 +0000
Thank you Tommy and all of the Bowie Immersion listeners. I enjoyed the whole experience. Was nice to "meet" all of you.
As a treat for the group, I would like to post a special concert performed just before Bowie hit the road in support of HEATHEN. The first half of the show is all of LOW, and the second half is the entire HEATHEN album. The encores are also special treats. A very awesome listen.
I will get the discs to Epoisses so he can upload it. I have no idea how to.
Best to all.
Chopper
Posted by mahatma chani on 2007-07-09 13:37:40 +0000
This Bowie thing was good. A little too long, but it's been great to finally get around to some records I'd been meaning to listen to (Berlin trilogy, f'r instance).
Posted by G lib on 2007-07-09 13:43:05 +0000
here here!
Posted by MF DU on 2007-07-09 13:43:31 +0000
Chopper, rated in terms of Bowie albums = either Aladdin Sane or Low or Station To Station
good work!
Posted by Chopper on 2007-07-09 14:09:38 +0000
Cheers !!
Posted by mr. mister on 2007-07-09 14:30:54 +0000
This was an awesome idea. Thanks for posting all of the albums and comments.