In the wake of his passing we're paying tribute this week to the legendary, David Bowie. We've enjoyed his music here at Vinyl for nearly four decades. Though it would take a month of Sundays to honor him properly we'll try our best with seven days. Rest in peace, David Bowie, and thank you. Your music is a gift we'll treasure always.
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SONG OF THE monDAY
David Bowie was the king of reinvention, which is no surprise that Changes, from Hunky Dory (1971), is considered by many to be his signature song. The song is cited as Bowie's first official North American release, though The Man Who Sold the World was released in 1969.
Trivia: Changes was the last song Bowie performed live on stage before his retirement from live performances in 2006. |
SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Space Oddity spins the tale of Major Tom, an unfortunate astronaut trapped in space. Released in 1969 when interest in the space program was at a pinnacle, Space Oddity is a hodge podge of sounds somehow seamlessly blended together to make one cool (and weird) hit. Classic Bowie.
Trivia: The song was inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). |
SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Under Pressure is a Queen song featured on the album Hot Space (1982), but it wouldn't have been possible without David Bowie's help. Not only has the song been used in a bazillion movies, commercials and other marketing efforts, the bass line got ripped off. Ice Ice Baby too cold.
Trivia: The song was played live at every Queen concert from 1981 until the end of their touring career in 1986. |
SONG OF THE thursDAY
From Aladdin Sane (1973), The Jean Genie is one of Bowie's most famous songs. The song has a protagonist inspired by long-time friend, Iggy Pop, and the title is a tribute to author, Jean Genet. The song was originally promoted with Andy Warhol's associate Cyrinda Foxe.
Trivia: The line "He's so simple minded, he can't drive his module" later give the band Simple Minds their name. |
SONG OF THE friDAY
Let's Dance (1983) is Bowie's 15th studio album. It sold over 10.7 million copies, making it his best-selling album. The album had songs like Modern Love and China Girl, but the title track is one of the more popular. It reached #1 on the charts in the UK, US, and several other countries.
Trivia: Let's Dance was a stepping stone for Texas blues guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan who played on the album. |
SONG OF THE saturDAY
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) is Bowie's fifth studio album. It is a concept album telling the story of Bowie's alter-ego, a fictional bisexual rock star. It's often considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Rolling Stone has ranked it 35.
Trivia: The album was among those the Royal Mail chose for a "Classic Album Cover" postage stamp series in Jan, 2010. |
SONG OF THE sunDAY
Originally released as a single in 1975, then on the album Station to Station (1976), Golden Years is a great song with a different vibe than a lot of David Bowie's songs. It was written at the peak of his cocaine addiction and was featured in A Knight's Tale, starring Heath Ledger.
Trivia: Bowie had offered the song to Elvis Presley to perform, but Presley declined. |
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