(Please note this is more of a nostalgic writing as it was written 5 years ago and only re- discovered recently. Unfortunately after his passing. So this is to show respect and how much of a fan while he was still around)
To me this is the closest to what an perfect album sounds like.
Released in 1976, It’s the rare album I refuse to listen to on my iPod. I don’t want a single sing to come up randomly or out of place. This is an album that to get the full effect of the album, not to mention the songs you must listen to. From the first track the title of the album STATION TO STATION to the last one WILD IS THE WIND in the perfect order. Six songs that take us around the world almost In which it was made. I only listen to it on CD if i could find the vinyl. I would keep it framed.
Now I love Ziggy Stardust and the spiders from mars. I even got the 2 disc anniversary cd. Even though I had the single digitally remastered one, out of respect, but form my 24th birthday a friend got me this album.
I was a little weary of Bowie, as I had Bowie on Bowie (greatest hits), earthling, low, HUNKY DORY, DIAMOND DOGS and HOURS which was disappointing. So I thought I had heard all the best Bowie of the past there was out there. I’ll ruminate on other albums another time, but hearing this opened my eyes on a spiritual journey of pain, passion, heart, longing and awakening.
What some of the greatest albums are made of, this is an album You can pop in anytime for me and I will listen to no matter what my mood is. It’s not my favorite album of all time, but near the top. I think I like it also because it is a popular Bowie album For fans, but still I believe a undiscovered album for the general buying public.
David Bowie is one of my favorite musical artists for many reasons. How he can reinvent himself, his image and his music, but still true to himself. Which Madonna has been a student of obviously but she has a certain vanity that keeps her wanting to either enchant or keep up with the youth more then her tried and true fans.
Other than music he just has one of the most interesting lives and careers. You never truly know what he is go by to do next. From in it’s early inception. Questioning MTV as to why there were so few black artists on their channel him in his bizzare personae singing a duet with Bing Crosby. Writing and performing music for a Jim Henson movie.(LABRYNTH) Acting in films like THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, THE HUNGER, THE PRESTIEGE and being a credible actor. Doing performance art, resurrecting Iggy pop’s career in the 1970’s. The man can barely do no wrong. How a lot of people felt about U2 and bono in the 90’s and their music is the type of euphoria I feel when it comes to David Bowie.
The wandering spirit and mind of the song WILD IS THE WIND. That takes us through the perils of our own mind. it’s romantic and a tragedy all at once. That is actually a cover of a Nina Simone song. Though might be the finest and most vulnerable singing vocals of his career.
The song TVC 15 is like some otherworldly futuristic dance song using classic instruments. That sound of some different time period that can’t be determined. Sort of like in Star Wars the cantina band playing. That is in a galaxy far far away. It sounds like jolly jazz music.
Then there is the biggest hit of the album GOLDEN YEARS which is generational but also hip. that keeps us bopping as it is so full of hope. that sends the message that there is a plan to still be together always and never quite get sick of one another. As the future is where we want to be and will be happier once we are there, but enjoy the years, time and experiences as we get there.
This is a very visual album. The funny thing about this album is that David Bowie doesn’t really remember recording it. The only reason he knows anything about it is by reading about the making of it. He was heavy into his drug use at the time. This was during his thin white duke phase image. Where he would sing songs of romance, emotion and intensity but would feel nothing and delivered emotionless personally on stage.
The other thing to admire about Mr. Bowie is that no matter what happened to him. Even in his dark days of cocaine addiction. He has always been ahead of the curve creatively, culturally. He has always been able to create with only 6 songs here. One of them even a cover and with an album To time of only 38 minutes. Mr. Bowie my world.
Listening to it feels partly religious almost. Which is why I don’t listen to it too much. As I never want to get tired or even used to it. I want it to stay special and rare.
It feels like a journey and you have traveled even though just staying in the same place. Years ago they even released the Nassau colisseum live version of the album performed in concert
Grade: A+
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