David Bowie, Remembered

The quote Matt provided in the previous post sums up all we need to remember about our time with David Bowie. We have never before, or ever can again, experience what he was: a shapeshifting artist who could take on as many pop and music personas as he did, and yet those personas never overshadowed his artistry and immense talent. Rather than be any more depressed about it (for today, at least), here are some quick list and thoughts:

My Top Five Bowie Albums

1. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust- The first one I listened to. My dad had the album.

2. Diamond Dogs- FYI, Glam Bowie was my favorite Bowie.

3. Aladdin Sane- Glam Bowie is my favorite Bowie.

4. Hunky Dory- I was thinking about Low, but I just haven't listened to it as much.

5. A New Day- In light of his death, this album stands out more as a testament to an artist who never stopped creating, and after four decades of music, could still put something out there that is completely him.

Least Favorite Recording

We know Bowie had a sense of humor. Ricky Gervais had shared an email he had with Bowie, twelve years ago, wishing him a happy birthday:

 "“57???? Isn’t it about time you got a proper job? -Ricky Gervais, 42, Comedian.” 

He replied: “I have a proper job. David Bowie, 57, Rock God.”

With that in mind, we have to poke some fun at him for this:

"Dancing in the Streets"

But to Bowie's credit, I think he knew what he was doing and it all fell in line with some cultivated plan that made sense in the mid-80s. Jagger might just have wanted to get in bed with him? I don't know. Since, "Start Me Up", Jagger's been a dork.

Favorite Bowie Recording

"Rebel Rebel"

Maybe my all-time favorite guitar riff.

Favorite Bowie Film Role

The Prestige

He certainly could have done more films if he had wanted to, although his listing is pretty lengthy for someone who was never a full- time actor. Jareth the Goblin King is his defining role (and I wish he just stayed dressed that way through the 80s and in "Dancing in the Streets"), but if I had to pick something other than that, I'd go with his small role as Nikola Tesla in The Prestige. He plays the character as someone who (of course) knows of things not in the normal realm of the world and who works on level of intelligence none comprehend. He's not someone who plays with morality because morality is irrelevant to his science and his world view.

Also, Bowie was Pontius Pilate in Last Temptation of Christ, so I bet his dinner tonight up above with The Big Guy had some good conversation.

Favorite Bowie Homage

Velvet Goldmine

I suppose The Man Who Fell to Earth would make more sense. But the music and costumes are awesome, and it looks great,and that's all I need for a "Bowie" film. Jump to  4:00 for when Brian Eno kicks off the opening credits with "Needle in the Camel's Eye".

Velvet Goldmine (Dir. Todd Haynes, 1998) -- opening from CAJ on Vimeo.

Runner Up: "Bowie's in Space"

Good-bye, Mr Bowie. I'll let Commander Chris Hadfield play you off...

-Chris