Vinyl Releases of the Week: November 9, 2011
This week we’ve got vinyl records from two Kings (Carole and Crimson), a classic from Pink Floyd, and a new cosmic offering from Florence + the Machine! Top that off with some exciting 180-gram audiophile reissues from Friday Music and the news that major record labels will cease production of CDs in 2012, and I’d say there’s plenty to talk about.
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (EMI)
For the second phase of the massive Why Pink Floyd…? reissue campaign comes 1975’s Wish You Were Here from the English prog-rock band’s classic era. Named one of the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone, Wish You Were Here is also the favorite Pink Floyd album of band members Richard Wright and David Gilmour.
Florence + the Machine – Ceremonials (Universal Republic)
Double vinyl LP pressing of the British powerhouse’s sophomore album. Decidedly bigger, bolder, and darker than 2009’s Lungs, Ceremonials is a testament to what frontwoman Florence Welch refers to as her “incorrigible maximalism.” Dealing with the theme of death by drowning—its lead single “What the Water Gave Me” specifically inspired by the suicide of Virginia Wolf—Ceremonials is teaming with vast anthems and emotional bombast.
Rush – Moving Pictures: Live 2011 (Roadrunner Records)
Brace yourself, Rush fans: the Canadian prog-rock band’s landmark 1981 album as performed live in its entirety during the trio’s recent Time Machine World Tour is presented here on 180-gram vinyl with brand new artwork. Also includes a download of the audio in high-quality FLAC files as well as standard MP3s.
King Crimson – In the Wake of Poseidon (Panegyric)
Super heavyweight 200-gram vinyl pressing of the band’s 1970 sophomore album. In the Wake of Poseidon was newly cut from masters approved by the band’s guitarist Robert Fripp and is packaged here in an original replica gatefold sleeve.
Carole King – A Holiday Carole (Hear Music)
Carole King’s first-ever holiday album! Produced by her daughter, Louise Goffin, A Holiday Carole features standards like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Sleigh Ride” alongside originals co-written by Goffin. There are also a few atypical selections like William Bell and Booker T. Jones’ Stax classic “Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” and the jazz-inflected “Chanukah Prayer” featuring King, her daughter, and her grandson on vocals.
Deep Purple – Made in Europe (Friday Music)
180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of the hard-rock legends’ 1976 live album. Recorded on the final dates of their 1975 tour in support of their albums Burn and Stormbringer, Made in Europe features the classics “Burn,” “Mistreated,” “You Fool No One,” and “Stormbringer”—not to mention the indelible guitar licks of Ritchie Blackmore and vocals of David Coverdale. Mastered from the original master tapes and featuring original replica album art.
*also from Deep Purple is the BBC Sessions 1968-1970, an EMI import box set featuring two CDs and two 180-gram vinyl LPs.
Ray Charles – What’d I Say (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl is Ray Charles’ 1959 masterpiece, re-mastered from the original Atlantic mono tapes. This album, which easily helped define American soul music, features the immensely influential title track, “What’d I Say,” along with classics like “Rockhouse,” “You Be My Baby,” and “Tell Me How Do You Feel.”
Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party: Honoring Les Paul (Friday Music)
The first-time 180-gram audiophile vinyl release of this live tribute album to the late guitar icon. The performance was recorded on June 9, 2010—what would have been Paul’s 95th birthday—at New York’s Iridium Jazz Club where Paul played every Monday night for 14 years before his death in 2009. Beck is joined by Imelda May, Brian Setzer, Trombone Shorty, Darrel Higham, Jason Rebello, and Gary U.S. Bonds on hits of the ’50s and ’60s including many that Paul sang himself like “Train Kept a-Rollin’,” “How High the Moon,” “Vaya Con Dios,” “Mockin’ Bird Hill,” and “The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise.” Double LP.
Jean-Luc Ponty – King Kong: Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa (Friday Music)
This 1970 prog-jazz classic is now available on 180-gram vinyl. A collaborative masterwork between Frank Zappa and the French jazz electric violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, King Kong includes Zappa’s earlier classics like “Idiot Bastard Son” as well as the extraordinary orchestral piece “Music for Electric Violin and Low-Budget Orchestra.” Also contributing to the album is George Duke on piano, Ernie Watts on alto and tenor sax, Wilton Felder on bass, Ian Underwood on tenor sax, and Art Tripp on drums.
The Louvin Brothers – Tragic Songs of Life, Satan Is Real, Handpicked Songs 1955-1962 (Light in the Attic)
180-gram vinyl reissues of two classic albums from the country/gospel duo, Tragic Songs of Life (1956) and Satan Is Real (1959), both meticulously re-mastered from the original tapes and featuring new liner notes, rare period photos, and the original replica artwork. Also from Light in the Attic is a best-of collection handpicked by the artists that the Louvin Brothers inspired including Dolly Parton, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Graham Nash, Beck, M. Ward, Devendra Banhart, and Will Oldham.
Tim Buckley – Dream Letter: Live in London 1968 (Manifesto Records)
Vinyl pressing of this double live album, originally recorded in 1968 at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and first released in 1990. Tim Buckley’s incredible voice is accompanied by guitarist Lee Underwood, vibraphone player David Friedman, and bassist Danny Thompson on classics like “Morning Glory” and “”Once I Was.” Features several songs not recorded elsewhere.
Brian Eno – Panic of Looking EP (Warp Records)
The second release of the year from sound artist Brian Eno, Panic of Looking continues his collaboration with British poet Rick Holland with six more tracks from their Drums Between the Bells recording sessions. Produced by Eno, the EP also features his original artwork.
Modeselektor and Thom Yorke – “Shipwreck” 7-inch single (Monkeytown Records)
Collaboration between Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke and the German electronic production duo Modeselektor. From Modeselektor’s new LP, Monkeytown.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Roc-A-Fella)
The debut solo album from the former Oasis guitarist and songwriter. 180-gram vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
Kurt Vile – So Outta Reach EP (Matador)
This six-song EP features five unreleased tracks from the Smoke Ring for My Halo sessions, plus a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Downbound Train.”
Atlas Sound – Parallax (4AD)
The third proper full-length album from Atlas Sound, the psych-pop solo project of Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox. Artwork by Mick Rock, the legendary photographer best known for his work with David Bowie.
Join the Conversation: Post a Comment!
Topics: Music, Record Collecting, Vinyl Releases | No Comments »
Vinyl Releases of the Week: November 2, 2011
OK Beach Boys fans, your holy grail awaits: after 45 years of anticipation, the Smile Sessions are being released, and they’re being released on vinyl!! But don’t let that overshadow the rest of this week’s releases. Sony Legacy ups the ante even more with a new Journey compilation and a Steve Perry reissue, U2 and Jethro Tull release deluxe anniversary box sets, and Bob Dylan leads a Hank Williams tribute. Plus, Ryan Adams comes out of retirement, Coldplay’s new album gets the vinyl treatment, and Sun Records gets the Chris Isaak treatment. Did someone say holidays?!
Beach Boys – The Smile Sessions (Capitol)
Calling this “much anticipated” is a vast understatement; “The most famous unfinished album in rock and roll history” is more like it. Indeed, the Beach Boys’ SMiLE project has become a legend of almost mythical proportions. These legendary 1966-’67 sessions, intended to make up the even greater follow-up to the Beach Boys’ 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds, have been gathered here and packaged in a double gatefold featuring the original 1967 LP art. This is the first time a cohesive SMiLE featuring the group’s original recordings has been issued in official form.
Journey – Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (Sony Legacy)
This new collection features several hits that didn’t make it onto Journey’s 1988 Greatest Hits album, as well as album tracks and rarities from 1978 to 1996. 180-gram double LP pressing is packaged in a gatefold jacket and includes a digital download. The original Greatest Hits LP will also be reissued as a gatefold double 180-gram vinyl LP. In the words of Steve Perry, who oversaw the project: “I truly forgot how sonically exciting and just plain better these Journey tracks sound back where they originally lived…on vinyl. The stereo separation, the center imaging, and the sonic depth of the tracks themselves is more true to what we all loved about these original final mixes. All the instruments and voices, to me personally, sound so damn good that all I want to do is reach for the volume and turn it up!”
Steve Perry – Street Talk (Sony Legacy)
180-gram meticulously re-mastered reissue of the Journey frontman’s multi-platinum 1984 solo debut, overseen by Perry himself. Features the hits “Oh Sherrie” and “Foolish Heart.” Includes an exclusive download of the specially mastered-for-vinyl digital files.
Jethro Tull – Aqualung 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (EMI)
This limited-edition collector’s edition celebrates the 40th anniversary of the British rock band’s definitive 1971 album, Aqualung, with two CDs, a DVD, Blu-Ray, and 180-gram vinyl LP. The LP features the album’s new stereo mix (previously unreleased) pressed on heavyweight vinyl and packaged in an original replica gatefold sleeve.
U2 – Achtung Baby Vinyl Box Set (Universal)
In celebration of this pivotal album’s 20th anniversary, Universal Music has issued a special anniversary edition of Achtung Baby in multiple physical formats. In addition to a very limited “Uber Deluxe Edition” featuring six CDs, four DVDs, a double vinyl LP, five clear 7-inch singles in their original sleeves, and a pair of Bono’s trademark sunglasses, there is also a 4xLP vinyl box set available, which features a double vinyl pressing of the album plus two translucent blue LPs of remixes.
Chris Isaak – Beyond the Sun (Vanguard Records)
On Beyond the Sun, Chris Isaak acknowledges his great debt to the Sun Records sound and his great love for its artists. Recorded by Isaak at Memphis’ Sun Studios, he captures the original rock ‘n’ roll label’s spirit with his Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis covers, as well as with a few new Isaak originals. Double vinyl LP pressing.
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto (Parlophone)
Coldplay’s fifth studio album, the follow-up to 2008’s Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, is a pop-oriented concept album set in an urban dystopia that follows the love story of Mylo and Xyloto. It features synth and co-writing assistance from co-producer Brian Eno—so you know it’s got incredible spacey atmospheres in addition to Chris Martin’s soaring vocals and melodic piano hooks. It also features a guest vocal from Rihanna. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl. (Also, check out the deluxe “pop-up” package featuring a 180-gram graffiti picture disc.)
Various Artists – The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams (Third Man Records)
From Jack White’s Third Man Records comes this Hank Williams tribute. The project stemmed from unused lyrics that Williams left behind, which were then set to music by Bob Dylan (who spearheaded the project), Norah Jones, Jakob Dylan, Levon Helm, Merle Haggard, Patty Loveless, Lucinda Williams, Sheryl Crow, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Holly Williams, and White himself. 180-gram vinyl LP.
Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire (Capitol)
Last month, Ryan Adams returned from a two-year hiatus with his thirteenth studio album, and now it’s available on vinyl. Ashes & Fire features production by the legendary Glyn Johns (the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Clash, the Who, the Rolling Stones) as well as guest vocals and piano from Norah Jones and keys from Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
The Decemberists – Long Live the King (Capitol)
An EP of B-sides from the Decemberists’ early-2011 release, The King Is Dead. Opening with the acoustic tale “E. Watson” (indeed about the murderous late-19th century Florida plantation owner, Edgar Watson), the EP veers towards Americana and includes a cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Row Jimmy.”
Indigo Girls – Beauty Queen Sister (Vanguard)
The new album from the Grammy-winning folk-rock duo was recorded in Nashville with producer Peter Collins (who helmed their classic ’90s albums Rites of Passage and Swamp Ophelia) and features some of the city’s best talent.
Helmet – Meantime (Original Recordings Group)
Reissue of Helmet’s 1992 breakthrough album, recorded with the legendary Steve Albini (who would record Nirvana’s In Utero shortly after). This influential alt-metal album features the band’s most well-known song “Unsung” and was certified gold in 1994. 140-gram vinyl pressing.
Join the Conversation: Post a Comment!
Topics: Music, Record Collecting, Vinyl Releases | No Comments »
Top 10 Women in Rock
Rock and roll has always been a male-dominated arena, but there’s no overemphasizing the great impact female rockers have had on the last 50 years of music. Here we acknowledge the women who not only paved the way for others by changing people’s expectations of women in rock and dismantling gender barriers, but who stretched the boundaries of the genre. They are easily some of the best artists of all time. Thankfully, compiling this list was not easy—there are way more than 10 incredibly talented and influential women in rock. So don’t be surprised if I post a Part II soon.
Join the Conversation: Post a Comment!
Topics: Artist Tributes, Music, Record Collecting, Rock | No Comments »
Vinyl Releases of the Week: October 26, 2011
Halloween is fast approaching, and there is no shortage of vinyl treats here! This week we’ve got new albums from blink-182 and Bjork, a Smiths vinyl box set, a Monkees reissue, and even a Christmas album!
Tom Waits – Bad As Me (Epitaph)
Tom Waits’ first proper new studio album in seven years, Bad As Me is already being heralded as one of his finest. It features guests Keith Richards and Flea, reed and brass players from New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band, his longtime guitarist Marc Ribot, and his wife, Kathleen Brennan, a frequent collaborator since 1983’s Swordfishtrombones.
She & Him – A Very She & Him Christmas (Merge)
Those who first fell in love with Zooey Deschanel as the elf-costumed, caroling love interest of Will Ferrell in the 2003 comedy Elf should be thrilled to hear that the actress-turned-singer is releasing a Christmas album with her bandmate, guitarist extraordinaire M. Ward. Drawing inspiration from classic Christmas albums by the Carpenters and the Beach Boys, the duo brings its homey take on holiday favorites to make for A Very She & Him Christmas.
blink-182 – Neighborhoods (David Geffen Company)
The reunion album and first in eight years from the SoCal pop-punk band is now available as a deluxe vinyl package! It features a double white vinyl LP inside a six-panel jacket and includes a digital download coupon. Leaving behind the trademark toilet humor of blink-182’s early work, Neighborhoods is a gloomier album with a more atmospheric, keyboard-infused prog-punk sound, likely influenced by guitarist Tom DeLonge’s band Angels & Airwaves.
Bjork – Biophilia (Nonesuch)
With each new Bjork album, you can expect something completely innovative, groundbreaking, and inspired. Biophilia is no exception. Her most ambitious undertaking to date, Biophilia “reconnects musicology with nature” and incorporates new technology in the process, resulting in what the New York Times has called “a possible paradigm for the 21st century album.” In addition to harnessing the interactive aspects of the internet and smart phones in its multi-media elements, it harnesses the magical quality of Bjork’s 2000 album, Vespertine, which promises total sonic brilliance on vinyl.
Dirty Projectors & Bjork – Mount Wittenberg Orca (Domino)
Originally a live set performed only at a one-off benefit concert in 2009, this seven-song suite composed by Dirty Projectors’ David Longstreth and Bjork is now available on vinyl.
The Smiths – Complete (Rhino UK)
This comprehensive, limited-edition 8xLP box set includes the Smiths’ complete discography remastered by the band’s guitarist Johnny Marr and pressed on 180-gram vinyl. And if you can get your hands on the deluxe edition, you’ll also find 25 7-inch singles (the Smiths’ entire singles collection) including specially reproduced rarities.
The Monkees – Head (Rhino)
From Rhino US is a reissue of the Monkees’ soundtrack to their 1968 film of the same name. Originally released in 1978, this classic is now available on 180-gram vinyl with all original replica packaging, including the mirrored cover.
The Magnetic Fields – Holiday reissue (Merge)
For the first time on vinyl, the band’s classic 1994 album, remastered and pressed on 180-gram vinyl.
Lost Highway 10th Anniversary Album (Lost Highway)
Just over a decade ago, the Nashville-based label released its debut record, the soundtrack to the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. The album garnered five Grammys, thus setting the precedent for the label, which has since released 80 albums and had 15 Grammy wins. They celebrate their 10 years of great music with this artist compilation featuring Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Hank Williams, Ryan Adams, Lyle Lovett, and of course the Soggy Bottom Boys, among others. Pressed on limited-edition clear vinyl.
Donavon Frankenreiter – Move By Yourself: 10th Anniversary Edition (Lost Highway)
Also from Lost Highway’s 10th Anniversary Series is the 2006 album from Jack Johnson’s comrade Donavon Frankenreiter. On this, his sophomore album, the California singer/songwriter/surfer Frankenreiter explores a soulful ’70s sound.
The Devil Makes Three – Stomp and Smash (Milan)
The long-awaited live album from this dynamic, drumless punk-bluegrass trio. Recorded live at Northern California’s Mystic Theater, the live set features fan favorites from DM3’s previous three studio albums, as well as two new songs, “This Life” and “They Call That Religion.”
Join the Conversation: Post a Comment!
Topics: Music, Record Collecting, Vinyl Releases | No Comments »
Vinyl Releases of the Week: October 19, 2011
I love compiling these lists because it reminds me of flipping through record crates at a yard sale—where Red Hot Chili Peppers pop up between ABBA and Merle Haggard, and it totally makes sense. The cherry on top is that most of these new releases and reissues come in deluxe packaging and heavyweight pressings as opposed to warped vinyl and disintegrating gatefolds.
ABBA – Ring Ring (1973), Waterloo (1974), ABBA (1975), Arrival (1976), The Album (1977), Voulez-Vous (1979), Super Trouper (1980), The Visitors (1981) (Universal Music Enterprises)
In August we saw all eight of the Swedish pop stars’ studio albums reissued on vinyl in the UK; this month we see them storming the States courtesy of UMe.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m With You (Warner)
2xLP vinyl pressing of the L.A. alt-funk icons’ 10th studio album. The Peppers’ first record in five years and first since the departure of longtime guitarist John Frusciante, I’m With You finds the band recharged with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer and longtime producer Rick Rubin in tow. One of RHCP’s most accomplished albums, it kicks off with a chugging disco groove (“Monarchy of Roses”), confronts life and death with a new sense of maturity (“Brendan’s Death Song”), and retains plenty of the Peppers’ love for Southern California (“Happiness Loves Company”), striking an ideal balance of sensitivity and perpetual playfulness.
Merle Haggard – Working in Tennessee (Vanguard)
The new album from the 74-year-old country music legend is just as blunt as it is compassionate. In addition to new Haggard tunes—which are full of sharp melodies, bluesy undertones, boogie rhythms, jazzy guitar solos, and California twang—Working in Tennessee features Haggard covering the Carter-Cash classic “Jackson” with his wife Theresa and revisiting his own classic “Working Man Blues” with his son Ben Haggard and Willie Nelson.
Todd Rundgren – Something/Anything? (Rhino)
180-gram Rhino Records reissue of Todd Rundgren’s best-selling album, originally released in 1972. Featuring all original replica packaging, the double LP features the hits “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light,” as well the power-pop touchstone “Couldn’t I Just Tell You.”
George Benson – Guitar Man (Concord Jazz)
The new album from Grammy-winning artist George Benson is a mix of jazz and pop covers recorded using an “old school,” nearly live approach with the savvy team of pianist Joe Sample, bassist Ben Williams, drummer Harvey Mason, and musical director David Garfield on keys. Where previous recordings have showcased Benson’s jazz vocals, Guitar Man is primarily instrumental, highlighting Benson’s masterful guitar chops. Included are covers of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” Jesse Harris’ “Don’t Know Why” (Norah Jones’ breakout hit), the Champs’ “Tequila,” and even a deep cut from Michael Jackson’s Thriller with “The Lady in My Life.”
DJ Shadow – The Less You Know, the Better (Verve)
The new album from the sample wizard/instrumental hip-hop pioneer DJ Shadow (his fourth in 15 years) features diverse sonic collages that incorporate heavy metal riffs, acoustic folk, old-school hip-hop, and Brit-rock, as well as vocal contributions from Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano, De La Soul’s Posdnuos, Tom Vek, and Talib Kweli.
Shelby Lynne – Revelation Road (Everso Records)
Shelby Lynne’s new acoustic album, Revelation Road, is a true solo effort—written, performed, and produced entirely by Lynne. However, it’s not considered the Americana artist’s most personal album to date for this reason alone. On Revelation Road, Lynne bravely confronts a dark demon in her past: the murder-suicide of her parents. As its title suggests, the album is not without a revelation, however—nor is it lacking in beauty.
Marianne Faithfull – Strange Weather (ORG)
Limited 180-gram 45rpm double LP pressing of Marianne Faithfull’s 1987 album. Her first proper studio release after a 17-year battle with heroin addiction, Strange Weather is a mix of rock, blues, and cabaret featuring a re-recording of Faithfull’s 1964 hit “As Tears Go By” along with covers of Lead Belly’s “I Ain’t Goin’ Down to the Well No More,” Bob Dylan’s “I’ll Keep It with Mine” (originally penned for Nico), and the standards “Yesterdays” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”
Lindsey Buckingham – Gift of Screws (Hi Horse Records)
Vinyl reissue of the Fleetwood Mac guitarist’s fifth solo album, originally released in 2008. Featuring the pop-rock sound that made the Mac famous, Gift of Screws is very much a Buckingham affair—though it does feature guest contributions from the Fleetwood Mac rhythm section John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, as well as a few co-writing credits with Buckingham’s son, Will, and wife, Kristen.
Weather Report – Heavy Weather (ORG)
Limited 180-gram 45rpm double LP pressing of the jazz-rock powerhouse’s best-selling album, mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog master tapes and packaged in numbered deluxe gatefold jackets. Wayne Shorter’s sax and Jaco Pastorius’ bass have never sounded so good!
Diana Krall – Live in Paris (ORG)
Limited 180-gram 45rpm double LP pressing of the first live album from the renowned jazz singer/pianist. Recorded during her sold-out run at Paris’ historic Olympia Theatre in late 2001, Live in Paris features a stellar group of musicians—including the Orchestra Symphonies European—performing a selection of classics like Gershwin’s “‘S Wonderful,” Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love” alongside more contemporary works like Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You.”
M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute)
Arguably the most exciting thing to be released on vinyl this week, sonically speaking, is the new album from M83. Three years in the making, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is a gorgeously constructed double LP that soars with grand, dream-pop splendor. Inspired by the Smashing Pumpkins’ epic 1995 double album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, it features production from Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Nine Inch Nails, the Mars Volta) and guest vocals from Zola Jesus.
Puscifer – Conditions of My Parole (Self-released)
Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle) has emerged from his wine-cellar studio in Northern Arizona with the second album from his electro-rock side project Puscifer. Described by Keenan as “like Twin Peaks in the desert,” Conditions of My Parole features 16 musicians (including Keenan’s son Devo on cello, former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodor, L.A. songstress Juliette Commagere, and Bat for Lashes percussionist Sarah Jones) and is influenced by the ghosts and aliens, the Republicans and Democrats, and the scorpions and rattlesnakes of the Verde Valley.
Join the Conversation: Post a Comment!
Topics: Music, Record Collecting, Vinyl Releases | No Comments »
Top 10 David Bowie Albums
There’s no denying the impact this English artist has had on music over the last four decades. The sheer amount of innovation and eclecticism in his oeuvre is staggering. Therefore, it’s not difficult to fill up these 10 slots. What is difficult is to rank his genius. David Bowie has had so many incarnations—mod Bowie, dancehall Bowie, folk Bowie, glam-rock Bowie, electronic Bowie, “plastic soul” Bowie, pop Bowie—many of which sparked a number of rock sub-genres. So instead of a Top 10 comparing flamboyant, androgynous apples to avant-garde oranges, look at this as more of a history of Bowie’s legacy as told through 10 essential masterworks. And yes, one of his most quintessential songs, “Space Oddity,” is not represented here on these albums. So in the imaginary #11 slot, I’d like to include the song’s 1969 parent album, Space Oddity, for that masterpiece alone is worth hearing on vinyl.
Join the Conversation: Post a Comment!
Topics: Artist Tributes, Music, Musicians I Like, Record Collecting | No Comments »