Features Disc of the day
David Bowie
The Buddha of Suburbia
(RCA, 1993)
The Dame's experimental brainstorm stands up rather well, claims MOJO messageboarder.
In 1992, it emerged that Tin Machine was a means to an end for David Bowie. As a method of working, it was as prescribed as the Oblique Strategy cards laid down by Brian Eno during the making of the late-'70s series of Low, Heroes and Lodger. It was a creative process to focus Bowie's attention on something other than the recording of another disappointing pop album to follow Tonight and Never Let Me Down, and to that end, it worked. A relatively busy 10-year period then ensued, starting with the release of Black Tie White Noise (imagine a Young Americans follow-up, minus the cocaine) and this unusual and low-key release, commissioned for the BBC's adaptation of Hanif Kureishi's novel, for which Bowie teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Erdal Kizilcay.
Beyond the sighing title track/theme (check out a young Steven Mackintosh, and his unconvincing hair), the album appeals to Bowie fans smitten with the experimental studio fiddling of the late '70s. Sex And The Church is a minimalist soundscape built on a platform of early-'90s house and treated spoken word vocals. South Horizon and The Mysteries are instrumentals reminiscent of Low, with Bowie commenting in the sleeve notes that an improvisational approach was taken, and all faders muted on all tracks bar the one being recorded. Dead Against It is back to the stripped-down rock approach of Tin Machine, and in terms of songwriting, is probably the highlight of the album.
Also included is the first recording of Strangers When We Meet, which in its re-recorded form (on the 1.Outside album), went on to become a firm favourite with Bowie's 1990's alt.rock set of fans. In fact the Eno-esque instrumental Ian Fish, U.K. Heir is the only point where you really start to wonder what exactly Dave was on. So minimalist, there's almost no music - just a period of static, white noise, and some lonely bass synth notes for company. There may come a day when I understand how this fits into the wider scheme of things, but it hasn't happened yet.
The Buddha Of Suburbia was deleted shortly after issue, and owing to its experimental sound and low-profile release, was never a commercial success. Yet fans of art-Bowie agree that this is among his very best albums, with a spirit of diversity, recession and urgency which has 'early '90s Britain' written all over it. Incredible stuff.
Richey
Posted by Ross_Bennett at 6:00 AM GMT 11/03/2009
Further Listening
Jonny Greenwood - Bodysong OST (EMI, 2003)
Air - The Virgin Suicides OST (Virgin, 2000)
Mick Karn, David Torn & Terry Bozzio – Polytown (CMP, 1994)
Previous Disc of the day
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The The - Soul Mining
Matt Johnson's self-excoriating - but tunepacked! -classic.
6:00 AM GMT 16/03/2010
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-
Various Artists - Axe Attack Vol II
Metal Britannica inspires MOJO metal amnesty. Studded leather wristbands aloft!
2:32 AM GMT 12/03/2010
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The Pop Group - Y
For connoisseurs of pop-as-rupture-in-the-space/time-continuum
6:00 AM GMT 11/03/2010
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St Vitus Dance - Glypotheque
Belfast combo return unannounced, go sardonic pop-folk.
6:00 AM GMT 09/03/2010
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Comments
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the great lost Bowie L.P. spoilt only by the poor cover shot from the t.v. show. Thank goodness someone else has recognised this gem . Dead Against It and Strangers When We Meet have a strong , playful Roxy element - the whole disc chocker full of 70's references . Bonus point for anyone who can solve the anagram in the track title Ian Fish , U.K. heir !
Posted by young dude at 11:27 AM GMT 11/03/2009 Report Abuse
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And btw u rock:) ur projects and works are cool. and ur website is really informative. learnt a lot from it:)
keep up the good work! cheers!:)
-Ukesh
Posted by agogjelay at 1:40 AM GMT 05/12/2009 Report Abuse
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Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night.
Posted by marthafines at 12:36 AM GMT 25/12/2009 Report Abuse
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I know I might be new, but I'm been reading for a long time, but this forum has really taught me a lot - and I just want to thank all the other people dropping comments for being so damn accepting of newbies like me!
Thanks again, and hope to become a useful member.
SparkyG
Posted by SparkyG at 1:17 PM GMT 08/01/2010 Report Abuse
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