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Bowie PDF Book from JFK247

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David <strong>Bowie</strong><br />

aka Space Oddity (UK 1972 re-release); Man of<br />

Words/Man of Music (US).<br />

Recorded: June – September 1969; Trident<br />

Studios, London.<br />

Released: Philips/Mercury, November 1969.<br />

Chart Peak: 17 (UK); – (US.<br />

Key Personnel: Mick Wayne, Tim Renwick (gtr);<br />

John ‘Honk’ Lodge (bs); John Cambridge (dms);<br />

Keith Christmas (acoustic gtr).<br />

Producer: Tony Visconti.<br />

A failure of an album that betrayed its creator’s lack<br />

of confidence, <strong>Bowie</strong>’s second release was almost<br />

an afterthought to his obvious breakthrough song,<br />

‘Space Oddity’ – its style and song selections<br />

arranged by committee. Predictably, perhaps, it<br />

therefore never quite transcends its obvious<br />

influences and limitations to become a coherent<br />

statement in its own right. Yet in the larger context of<br />

David’s career, it has many moments of charm, for<br />

the very reason that it is unconsidered and confused.<br />

‘Letter to Hermione’ is gorgeously gauche, while<br />

‘Cygnet Committee’ is a grandiose construction<br />

which shows David attempting to piece together a<br />

philosophy and style – and failing. Only ‘Space<br />

Oddity’ truly transcends its intentions.

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