David Bowie: Man Or Android? (The Best Of Bowie - David Bowie)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	The Best Of Bowie - David Bowie
Date:	06/11/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: loads of hits

Disadvantages: some lesser ones

He's an odd fellow isn't here. I always liken Bowie to a cross between Jeremy Irons and one of those humanoid type things that you got in the older Dr Who episodes. Bowie continues to sell music and has a staunchly loyal fanbase. This best of album is spread over two discs, with nineteen songs on disc one and twenty on the second disc.

We begin with the blissful 'Space Oddity' which lives up to its name. Bowie's vocals are other-worldy and the melody is haunting and atmospheric. It cements his appeal as part heartthrob and part weirdo. More of the same can be found on 'Starman' which again sounds so futuristic with neon bright vocals and a dazzling chorus which makes you think you are floating in outer space.

'John Im Only Dancing' returns him back to down to earth with a bump, a raunchier rhythm and a move towards a rockier sound, opening Bowie up to a broader audience. One of the my faves has to be wicked 'Jean Genie' which would make you want to stomp and shout and dig out flares. Bowie's vocals are more robust here and he verges on the daring as he lets rip with the anthemic chorus.

I adore 'Sound And Vision' which has a very long intro, but the melody is just so addictive. The simple but nagging guitar hook embeds in your head and refuses to budge. Bowie's vocals are restrained and dignified, showing a more mature sound to his music.

'Heroes' is anthemic and bold, taking no prisoners with the chorus as it charges forward with biting content. Bowie, casual, yet assertive, delivers the song with an understated gentlemanly allure. He goes a little airy fairy for my liking on 'Fashion' which is not one of the stronger moments, so head instead to the stunning 'China Girl' which is classy and chic and a sterling pop track.

His newer stuff is not so accessible, 'Little Wonder' and 'Hello Spaceboy' show that he is trying to recapture some of his mystique from his early days, but the rhythms are clumsy and the the tunes not as sharp as they could have been. Nonetheless a comprehensive compilation.

Summary: pretty fine