MB Essential Guide Poll: ***David Bowie***
 

Tracks:

1. Starman (Ziggy Stardust): I think this was the song that i first really fell in love with from him. One of the best songs from his glam era, this is a perfect example of the out of space, charm filled song writing he did so well.

2. Drive-In Saturday (Aladdin Sane): One of my favourite ballad sorts by him, almost like a waltz really the way it strides.

3. Subterraneans (Low): Possibly my favourite out of the more ambient stuff he did, the mood and textures in the music is gorgeous and it's influence can be seen in tons of artists that followed.

4. Station to Station (Station to Station): A track of epic proportions, it builds and builds with such stride and the end product results in a track that is very underated.

5. Let's Dance (Let's Dance): Because it does exactly what it implies, it makes you want to dance your feet off. Anyone who says it's dated can feck off.

Album:

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

It's the obvious choice but to be fair this album has such a stupid amount of tunes, confidence and charm that it's hard not to pick. It's the first album by him i got and it's made a lasting impression, to the extent i still see it as one of my favourite albums of all time.

Similar Artists:
T-Rex: Marc Bolan was just a less cool version of glam Bowie (in my eyes though, i'm sure others would disagree)
Brian Eno: Worked with Bowie on a few albums and his solo stuff is certainly similar.

Bowie means a crap load to me for... no real specific reason apart from he made incredible songs. Such is the sheer mass of stuff he did there is always something for whatever mood i'm in. I'm pretty sure that he has done a track that ANYONE can enjoy no matter what their taste is or what their background is, for that he is as close to being a genius as a musician can come.

Tracks:

1. Starman (Ziggy Stardust)
2. Life on Mars? (Hunky Dory)
3. Changes (Hunky Dory)
4. Rock 'N' Roll Suicide (Ziggy Stardust)
5. Heroes (Heroes)

Album:

Hunky Dory


Similar Artists:

Lou Reed
Brian Eno

David Bowie is one of the most important figures in my musical journey. He is a true genius, a fact that remains a constant throughout his career. He is never afraid to change his sound and his image and yet he reels off great song after great song, awesome album after awesome album. His entire discography is so diverse and has influence so many people. One of the most important solo artists in music history.

Tracks:

1. Sound and Vision (Low)
2. Heroes (Heroes)
3. Slow Burn (Heathen)
4. Ziggy Stardust (Ziggy Stardust)
5. Starman (Ziggy Stardust)

Album:

Low

Similar Artists:

Lou Reed
Brian Eno

Tracks:

1. Sound and Vision (Low)
One of the best ensemble performances by a backing band I've ever heard. The Alomar-Davis-Murray rhythm section really strikes gold here. It's simply 3 minutes of musical perfection

2. Joe the Lion (Heroes)
Robert Fripp's lead guitar here is absolutely insane, and it drives the song superbly with the help of a terrific group of musicians working with him and a white-hot vocal performance from Bowie

3. Jump, They Say (Black Tie, White Noise)
The man's last top 10 hit, it's a very lively and buoyant tune (like a 90s version of Let's Dance), propelled by virtuoso trumpet performance from the chap's namesake, Mr. Lester Bowie

4. Kingdom Come (Scary Monsters)
Bowie's vocal performance here is one of his finest (the notes he hits here are inhuman!). This lively cover of Tom Verlaine's solo tune also features the wonderful Alomar-Davis-Murray rhythm section propelling it

5. Space Oddity *acoustic version (Scary Monsters, rykodisc reissue)
I actually think the more popular, orchestrated version of this tune is a little on the overcooked side. This simplistic guitar-drums-piano reworking serves the meaty lyrical subject matter a lot better

Album:

Heroes
I'm probably going out on a bit of a limb here, but this is probably my personal favourite. A mix-up of some razor-sharp, at times pretty crazy songs and some wonderfully moving instrumental pieces, it really does benefit so much from repeated listening

Similar Artists:

Gary Numan: This chap was influenced heavily by Bowie's collaborations with Brian Eno

Talking Heads: In collaborating with Eno themselves, these guys were always (certainly in my eyes) in a very similar musical ball-park to Bowie. They even started writing pop songs with prominent horn figures around the same time that Bowie did

I basically have David Bowie to thank for expanding my horizons musically. If it weren't for him I simply wouldn't be as hooked on music as I am these days. His back catalogue is also one of such diversity, which more often than not yielded truly remarkable results, something you simply can't say for a lot of singer/songwriters down the years

Four votes so far. We only need one more to get this first one up. But plenty of time for a lot of other comments. Don't let the thin white duke down, folks.

You try narrowing down about 200 songs you like to 5 :p:

I have....:p:

It's more about 5 songs that best represent him, his different styles or just one of his styles. If someone has never heard one Bowie track, which 5 would you reckon he would like and would get him interested?

I'd probably slap them for living under a rock for the past 35 years

To quote the man himself 'It ain't easy'

But try.

:yeah:

I was veeery close to putting Afraid from Heathen on there, great album.

BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie BowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowieBowie Bowie


....and that is all i have to contribute

...it would be better if you contributed more.

Top 5 (in no order):

1. The Heart's Filthy Lesson from 1.Outside

Not just because it's the outro song to the film 'Se7en', it is also a brilliantly multilayered song that could appeal to rock and Electronic fans. There are some great sound f/x and loops which always sound good and never out dated.

2. Scream Like A Baby from Scary Monsters

It's built around a standard but eminently catchable guitar riff but what I love about the track is the odd keyboard lines that seem completely out of sync. Yet they fit. The manipulation of the vocals works too.

3. John, I'm Only Dancing . Single release available on ChangesBowie.

I am not a huge fan of his glam rock era but this catchy number works on a classic glam guitar sound punctuated with some simple but effective guitar work. Outside of his big hits, this track struck me early on in my life.

4. Subterraneans from Low

A wonderful piece of ambient bliss from his Berlin years. Simply gorgeous and atmospheric. His sax work on here is brilliant too.

5. Don't Look Down from Tonight

A very odd choice for me as it is essentially Bowie does Reggae and as a big Reggae fan I don't normally like what is known as 'Cod-Reggae'. Yet somehow Bowie pulls it off and it is just a great upbeat tune from him.

Album: Station To Station

I don't want to eleborate too much on this as a review may be needed in the future ;) but it remains for me one of his most interesting albums and was quite experimental for Bowie. Outside is very close to being my favourite too.

Similar Artists:

Where do you start?

No chameleon-esque Bowie no Radiohead methinks.

Why?:

Anyone who refuses a Knighthood gains kudos points but the main reason is his willingness to always expand his musical horizons whether he fails or not and have the warmth and intelligence to back his choices up. Vocally he is not the best but for a near 40 year career he is still one of the best British artists to grace our shores.

Nice one!

Now we know that Mr Bowie is going to be the first entry. But we would still love more and more votes peoples.

Surely someone else must like the guy?

I have to admit this is a bit of a limp response to such an awesome artist!

Yup, and 'tis the only reason why the coming artists aren't more obscure.

Obscure usually wins on a site such as MB and Bowie is revered a lot more on this side of the pond.

*cree cree*

(crickets chirping)

come on I thought this one would have at least 10 people voting? I mean David Bowie? I am not even a huge fan but I have listened to a lot of his stuff and I assume most people have...

Yeah Bowie had a great comeback with that album. One of my favorite albums of this decade.

I'm no bowie expert, but anyways, I'll just go ahead and vote -

Top 5:

1. Life on Mars?(Hunky Dory): Kinda an obvious choice, but this was the first bowie song I heard and fell in love with.

2. Station to Station(Station to Station): Epic! No other description is needed.

3. Warszawa(Low): I guess a weird choice but there's just something i love about this.

4. "Heroes"(Heroes): A great song...Love Fripp's guitar work.

5. Starman(Ziggy Stardust): la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la :p:

Album: Hmm tough one, but rite now, I'd say Station to Station, followed by Low.(It keeps changing between the two)

Similar Artist:
Brian Eno

Station to Station, Low & Heroes are my favorite bowie albums...Not much of a fan of his earlier stuff, other than a song or two here and there.

Five Tracks:

1. Heroes
EPIC JAM

2. Starman
Another great epic jam. of Montreal cover this really well.

3. Ziggy Stardust
This song actually made me go out and buy a Bowie album.

4. Rebel Rebel
I dont care if its on the radio alot, its one of the best riffs of all time.

5. Space Oddity
Spooky noochies.


ALBUM:
Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars


SIMILAR ARTISTS:
T. Rex
Lou Reed

BRIEF PARAGRAPH:

David Bowe is the sort of artist that lets me know its okay to try on womens underwar, and have a pre-occupation with Nazi fashion. Without David Bowie, there would be no glitter in rock n' roll. Next to David Bowie's epic jams, the Arcade Fire sound like a wet blanket. Who was your favorite rock band in 10th grade? David Bowie most likely had sex with them. Unless it was Heart. This is what makes David Bowie great.

Tracks:

1. Life On Mars? : A virtually perfect song, on the candidate list for greatest song ever. It shows off his weird lyricism, epic flair and pop aesthetic.

2. Five Years : A wonderful ballad that has a compelling urgency and soaring melody.

3. An Occasional Dream : Another great, early ballad that has a dreamy (appropriate!) melody and a chiming sound.

4. Space Oddity : One of his most famous songs, it hinted at the dramatic nature that would become his trademark, while also capturing a contemplative mood about the space race.

5. Lady Grinning Soul : Exotic and gorgeous. This is the very definition of lush pop melody, yet it has a surreal, swirling element. Just very compelling.


Album:

Space Oddity

While one of the triumverate of Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane and Ziggy Stardust tends to be selected for best Bowie album, I think Space Oddity has become overlooked and under-appreciated. I've lately been listening to it more, and it's packed with brilliance.


Similar Artists:
Jobriath
T-Rex


Thoughts
I like Bowie a great deal because he combined a fusion of different rock and pop sounds with tremendous theatrics and showmanship. His albums are potpourri of epic productions, dirty blues and even McCartney-esque Vaudeville ditties. He's a lot of fun to listen to, he's rarely boring.

Tracks:
1) Cracked Actor
2) Hang Onto Yourself
3) Rebel Rebel
4) Black Country Rock
5) Life On Mars?


Album:
Aladin Sane

Similar Artists:
Lou Reed
Iggy Pop

Not one person put Mott The Hoople for similar artists. All of you...hang your heads in shame.

lmao

i'm 'working' on my entry now

Tracks (not in order):

1. Always Crashing in the Same Car (Low 1977)
Low is my favourite album and this is a choice cut. It always leaves me with a dulcet melancholic kind of feeling (especially the solo).

2. Life on Mars (Hunky Dory 1971)
This is an expected response, but it really can't be beaten. Wakeman's piano is mellifluous and the song overall is majestic, dramatic and theatrical.

3. Station to Station (Station to Station 1976)
Station to Station is quite a proggy song so naturally I'm inclined towards it. I love how it builds up with a slow plodding rhythm and suddenly transforms into a cheery foot-tapping extravaganza.

4. Pablo Picasso (Reality 2003)
I was a bit disappointed to find out that this is a cover, but I had to include it anyway, even if I haven't heard the original. Funny song and the outro is breathtaking.

5. Teenage Wildlife (Scary Monsters 1980)
Teenage Wildlife is happy sounding and anthemic with its backup vocals. Fripp's leads are very nice too.

6. Tonight (Iggy Pop, Lust for Life 1977)
Since #4 was a cover, I get to include another one. :D

Obviously this trumps that sappy reggae re-release. Tonight is a beautiful romantic pop song with some suave guitar riffs.

And I agree with Minstrel in saying that Lady Grinning Soul is great.

Album:
Low all the way.

Similar Artists:
Talking Heads and obviously Eno. And maybe some will hate me for saying that Peter Gabriel reminds me of Bowie sometimes.

Thoughts:
Experimentation is a good thing! Seriously though, Bowie is a wonderful musician with a great voice and he chooses his collaborators wisely. I can't be the only one who feels their sexual orientation being slightly challenged by Bowie. And that is all. :D

riiiight. i can't really be bothered to do this but BOWIE MUST GO IN.

The songs:

1. Width of a Circle from 'The Man Who Sold The World' (1970)
All the tracks I'm choosing are based on the stuff I was obsessed with at 16. This is Bowie and the band (Spider's guitarist Mick Ronson practically directed this album, apparently) trying their hand at power-trio hard-rock a la Sabbath with lyrics about mental illness and mortality and basically everything COOL. The performances on this epic epitomise the album - an oddity (no pun intended) in the Bowie back catalogue - Visconti's bass it tight as ****, Ronson is tight as ****, it's just brilliant. Any Bowie fan would be as loopy as the psychotic war vet from 'Running Gun Blues' not to put this song in their five.

2. Diamond Dogs from 'Diamond Dogs' (1974)
Oh god. Take me now David!!! The pomp n' swagger of glam-era Bowie in all it's glory. This song opens the album, and I really wanted to choose 'Rebel Rebel' (with THE riff) but this song just sets the scene for the post-apocalyptic rock-opera to come; it's quite a spacious album anyway but with the crowd noises it just sounds big and full of vigour, with those classic compressed saxophones that would just not go AWAY on the 'Young Americans' album. But it's all good here. Balls out Stooges sci-fi rock.

'As they pulled you out of the oxygen tent
You asked for the latest party
With your silicone hump and your ten inch stump
Dressed like a priest you was
Tod Browning's freak you was'...

Vote for this song you bastards *jk*

3. Golden Years from 'Station to Station' (1976)
Only FIVE songs?? Are you trying to upset us?
Okay, I could've/should've gone for 'Station to Station', but this is 'Golden Years'; and it's a funky-disco jam, just perfect, but strangely melancholic aswell - like those annoying Abba tear-jerkers that remind you of the innocence of childhood and your first crush. Or something.
'G.Y' sounds like everything he learned from his mercifully brief 'blue-eyed soul' era filtered through a haze of coked-up mysticism. This song has even more resonance though, as Bowie fades out on a whistle and the song blurs into nostalgic reverb, when you remember that this album was recorded at a time when Bowie was a dangerously underweight, drug-addled recluse storing his piss in large glass jars (refrigerated ofcourse). It seems all the more ironic that his paranoiac deterioration and fascination with conspiracy theories to steal his wee occurred in the surreal surroundings of his Hollywood residence. You can hear all that in THIS SONG. Well I can anyway...

4. Sound and Vision from 'Low' (1977)
You bastards... five songs ****sake
Okay. I thought 'What in the World' but I wanna go with the flow this time. If we're only gonna have 10 people voting for David Bowie we need some consistency; and fortunately even the most casual Bowie listener would agree on this song - inventing industrial music and all yer favourite post-punk/indie icons in one stroke, for years to come.

You've heard it all before; this was a coming together of two great creative minds, leaders in their respective areas of music (a third in Iggy was tagging along, you can't help but feel he added energy to the proceedings); feeding off each others' creativity to produce career-defining, buzzing, whirring, introverted and clever pop music. This song, indeed the whole album, is perfect 'comedown' music - possibly because it was made in Berlin in a period of sober, post-addiction catharsis for Bowie and his chum Iggy.
I think Brian Eno probably saved David Bowie's career.

5. DJ from 'Lodger' (1979)
I was going to pick 'Let's Dance' or 'Blue Jean' or some definitive, overproduced, 'fun', song; but as you can see 'DJ' is clearly more worthy. It's a great pop song, and frankly I could choose any song from the album ('Lodger' being the final of the 'Berlin trilogy' with Eno). Of course the final note of each chorus ends on a broken squawk, because 'Lodger' is a bit of a difficult record at heart. It also has the best promotional video ever made, which for me symbolises D.B's enduring cultural cool - he always knew how to dress (and look). Song FIVE. Please forgive me for ignoring the ensuing two decades of (erm, mostly) cracking music, this has been difficult....

The album: ''Heroes'' (1977)
By turns terrifying, beautiful, challenging and catchy; this is the pinnacle IMO. Back from the brink, reinvigorated and riding high on the most productive period of his career - Bowie, Eno and the Gardiner brothers under-produced (as such it still sounds fresh and bold today) and rocked pretty damn hard for five songs to make the first half. The second half, more than anything, heaves the ambient experimentation of 10 years of Cold War Europe and West German music (Neu!, Can, Kraftwerk) into the limelight. What you have is a truly contrary masterpiece. You have ''Heroes''.

Similar artists: Lou Reed and Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees

I feel like I've adequately illustrated my rampant Bowie-ism above (and it is a philosophy, make no mistake) - it's amazing how you can understand a large part of somebody you never met once you know they're a Bowie fanatic. I may not have given him the time of day recently, but like the Beatles, B's an irrefutable part of my (and millions besides) genetic make-up. If you live and breathe music (as many on MB do), Bowie is just in the air. 30 years of Bowie's oxygen in popular AND underground culture wraps up this horrible analogy.
Conclusively he continues to be regarded by women and men (from teenhood up) as a sort of bi-fantasy/father-figure/pin-up idol (don't deny it). In a way, there's a bit of David Bowie in all of us. eewww

Some of his experimental/world music stuff really does remind me of bowie as well. Cmon, his music ain't all that bad :shycouch:

I feel shame.


Although I think Mott the Hoople sounds more like the Beatles. I still feel shame though.

Tracks (no particular order)

Sweet Thing from Diamond Dogs
Sexy, sleazy, brilliant vocal.

Life on Mars? from Hunky Dory
I guess an obvious selection, almost corny in a way, but one of the greatest pop/rock tracks ever written

My Death from Reality DVD
An interpretive masterpiece of the Jacques Brel tune. The version captured on the "Reality" tour DVD is one of his greatest live performances ever.

Stay from Station to Station
A Masterpiece. Great vocal, great energy, and backed by probably the greatest array of musicians he ever recorded with.

Wild is the Wind from Station to Station
Another superb interpretive effort. Possibly his best vocal ever.


Album


Diamond Dogs

An extremely difficult pick. There are at least 5 others that I'd feel just as good about here. I decided on this one primarily for 2 reasons.
The DD tour was the first time I saw DB live and it changed my life. Secondly, this was almost entirely an all-Bowie effort. He did all the writing and production and played almost all the instruments including lead guitar and drums.


Similar artists

Sorry, I don't think anyone compares.

Mr Bowie is my all-time favorite artist. He grabbed me in the early 70's, shook the crap outta me and changed my world forever. Almost 35 years later, he puts on one of the best concerts I've seen anyone do...it's well-documented on the "Reality" DVD. A true genius, extraordinarily prolific, and one of the most influential musical artists of all time. Enough said.

Poll is closed.

Thanks to everyone who took part.

If anyone can think of any more basic info they would like to see, leave a comment.