While everyone was trying to act cool, David Bowie was setting the standard, and more. Hunky Dory was the hidden classic that many collections lacked. While everyone talks about Ziggy Stardust’s genius, it is Hunky Dory that is the perhaps the best of Bowie’s best.
The album opens with the beautiful piano driven “Changes”. What song better represents Bowie’s entire career? Bowie was perhaps more prophet than poet. He seemed to be setting himself up for his soon to be glamorous future with “Queen Bitch” and “Fill Your Heart”.
One of my personal favorites is “Oh! You Pretty Things”. It is simple, powerful, and just a little Beatles ala Bowie. Then there is the damnedest song, “Song For Bob Dylan”. Bowie breaks out an impression of Dylan, which he said sounded like “sand and glue.” Bowie shows his hand and honors his idols. “Andy Warhol” is another tribute. Bowie paid his dues before he even owed. His insight was his mastery; his voice was bonus.
“Life On Mars” is perhaps the best track, but only the calm before the storm. It’s “Quicksand” that takes me down. The lyrics are penetrating. I believe this is one of his cut and paste concoctions where he would cut lines from the newspaper and put them together to form a song. With lyrics like “I’m living in a silent film/ Portraying Himmler’s sacred realm/ of dream reality” or “I’m twisted name on Garbo’s eyes/ living proof of Churchill’s lies/ I’m destiny.” Without this album, many of your loved stars of today would be without a sound or inspiration. Bowie may not have created the entire structure, but he surely drove the nail into the board.
+ rae gun
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