Daily Jam - The Man Who Sold the World

Here's Midge Ure's excellent darkwave synth pop take on David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World."  This just might be my favorite version of the song.  Listen below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - Sons of the Silent Age

10 years gone.  The only celebrity death to ever make me cry.  Listen to David Bowie today.  Here he is with "Sons of the Silent Age," our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - Days

Celebrating my 17th wedding anniversary today with a love song from David Bowie that makes my heart sing.  Listen to "Days" below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - China Girl

It's been a long ass day so far.  Listening to some Iggy Pop to wind down, though still working.  One of the things i love about "China Girl" is that allegedly David Bowie re-recorded it for his "Let's Dance" album in order to get some extra royalties for his friend.  Just cool dudes all around.  Listen below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - Absolute Beginners

It's my 16th wedding anniversary with Paige today.  We're going to celebrate by eating some sandwiches from Jersey Mike's and then going to our 8-year old's soccer game.  Such is life at 45.  In the meantime, here's David Bowie with "Absolute Beginners," our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - We Are the Dead

There’s this joke internet theory that we’re all currently residing in some kind of false narrative, an alternate reality of sorts created by a rip in the fabric of space and time that opened when the Hadron Collider began operating. It’s a fun theory I suppose, ripe for Sci-fi situations and metaphysical conundrums, and an amusing accounting of why everything is so fucked. But it lets us all off the hook way too easily. The truth is that everything seems so fucked because the world is full of greedy and malicious assholes, and a lot of them are in charge of things. That, combined with our booming, ever-expanding technological landscape and humanity’s penchant for rampant, untethered consumerism, we find that we were always just barreling towards this modern dystopia anyway. It was just waiting for us to get there.

“People will hold us to blame. It hit me today, it hit me today.”

I’m sure the signs were there, both literal and metaphorical. And the oracles of our art and pop culture threw up flashing warnings throughout the decades in their prose, visuals, and songs before ultimately succumbing to the whole inevitability of it all.

These days, I’m drawn to the darker moments of David Bowie’s 1974 album Diamond Dogs, the Orwellian imagery abounding as the record was assembled from the remnants of a proposed and rejected 1984 musical. The album’s glammy rock n’ roll aesthetic cushions the darker, gloomier themes it explores before coming to a head on the record’s second side with the foreboding and doom-fueled “We Are the Dead” in particular. The song slinks and oozes, a hopeless and dreadful lament for what was, what is, and what will be. There is no escape. There will be no survivors.

“Because of all we’ve seen, because of all we’ve said. We are the dead.”

-----

And I could end the column there, cold and devoid of all hope, our fates sealed, and the sun setting one last time. It’s where the song ends after all. But I have to believe that there is still a sliver of light to be seen, a crack to break through, a chance to right the ship. We do not live in an alternate dystopian timeline. We live now. And we make our own reality and our own narrative, and we can fight the assholes before they shit all over everything. We just have to do what’s right and never stop fighting. Don’t give up.

“Trusting on the sons of our love, that someone will care, someone will care.”

Daily Jam - When the Fool Becomes a King

This column was originally posted in 2016 a few days after David Bowie died.

I’ve been listening to everything through a David Bowie filter this last week, which in so many ways could be unfair to the music I’m hearing, as Bowie is such an unrealistic iconic figure to try and live up to. But at the same time, his cultural influence is so prevalent in everything from music to visuals to fashion and art, that maybe in some ways, that filter was there all along. Orchestral chamber psych-choral-pop band/cult The Polyphonic Spree are hardly the first group of minstrels and troubadours I think of when scouring the audio world for Bowie affection and affectations, but listening now, it’s there indeed. It could be the sense of whimsy and star-eyed psychedelia the band trades in that can certainly be linked back to Bowie’s pre-Ziggy days. Or it could be the simple act of following your own muse, harnessing aspects of old or forgotten sounds and making them your own, or crafting something brand new in the process. Or it could be the fact that I saw Bowie and The Polyphonic Spree perform “Slip Away” together in 2004, and it was utterly transcendent. It’s all of these things.

At that same show, during the Spree’s opening set, the band unveiled a slew of new tunes from their then upcoming album Together We’re Heavy, finishing up (I believe) with the 10-minute epic “When the Fool Becomes a King.” I had been following the band since seeing them a few years prior as an opening act (their second ever show, risen from the ashes of 90’s Texas alt-rock staple Tripping Daisy) for Grandaddy, and was probably one of the few people in the large crowd who was genuinely excited to see them too. Their set was poppy and energetic and fun, a perfect aperitif to get us all ready for the main event, though as they approached their booming finale, they seemed at the ready to even eclipse it.

“When the Fool Becomes a King” feels like a grand summation for an artist’s lifetime of work, though it comes from sophomore effort. The crashing crescendos, orchestration, and choral flair lend themselves so perfectly to front man Tim DeLaughter’s gleeful vocals that the end result is intoxicating. It feels like life, like youthful exuberance and elder foreknowledge at the same time, all of the ups and downs and the good with the bad, but still smiling, a kind of melancholy positivity. It’s sonic affirmation at its finest, and it’s beautiful. And in some ways, none of this would have ever existed without David Bowie.

Under the aura of Bowie, so many artists have, and more artists will emerge from his wake in the creative ether, and that’s a fantastic thing to be able to hold on to and look forward to.

“And it makes me smile.”

Listen below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - Quicksand

“I’m closer to the Golden Dawn, immersed in Crowley’s uniform, of imagery.”

Throughout his long and storied career, David Bowie’s lyrics have almost always been ripe and ready to dissect, discuss, and devour. Drawing heavily on the works of Nietzsche, Buddhism, and Occultism, “Quicksand,” one of the standout tracks on 1971’s virtually flawless Hunky Dory LP, is an absolute model of the potential that songwriting has to evoke deep, philosophical thought and debate. In so many ways, it is the poetry of the modern masses…when done correctly. The song’s lush production, acoustic guitar, and string and piano arrangements make for a beautiful listen as well, a kind of sugarcoated pill to make the philosophy study easier to swallow or comprehend.

At first glance “Quicksand” seems to be a rebuttal of religion, maybe even some kind of quasi middle finger directed at the pulpit. But it’s actually so much more. Bowie is not so much about condemning religious thought or parables, but rather opting to let go of one’s preconceived notions on life and the world, a mind opening, view altering schism to our way of thinking. The song employs principles derived from Buddhism, focusing on creating a purposed existence for oneself, seeking harmony and transcendence in our love for the earth, each other, and life in general. To do so, one needs to let go of the otherworldliness of the divine, or of the soul, or of the self.

“I’m not a prophet or a stone-age man, just a mortal with the potential of a superman.”

Bowie wrestles with the concepts of Nietzsche’s Übermensch and Aleister Crowley’s brand of Thelemic mysticism, different paths of existential thought to explore and discover, alternate routes to uncovering true purpose. He seems to weigh in on the pros and cons, practically declaring himself an “overman,” but also minding his own fear of the “total goal” that any line of thinking may ultimately land upon. He accepts a path or ism, and then just as soon questions it or rejects it, his heart, mind, and soul racing in a million directions at once.

It’s all too much.

“And I ain’t got the power anymore.”

Bowie is searching for answers…and finding plenty, but also none at all. He’s searching for reason in man-made constructs and ideas and beliefs, and feeling the weight of all of his thoughts. He feels like he’s sinking in the quicksand of it all. But most importantly, he’s thinking. He’s questioning everything. He’s exploring. And he’s open and accepting, even while investigating and critiquing any and all manner of religion, creed, or existential theory. As so should we all. It’s important to learn, and to discover, and to love. Don’t succumb to the rigidity of theocratic ideology…or even to its antithesis. Think for yourself and just live until you die. Maybe one day we’ll all see the space baby.

“Don’t believe in yourself. Don’t deceive with belief. Knowledge comes with death’s release.”

Maybe I’m over thinking all of this. It’s really just a beautiful song. Listen below, our Daily Jam.

Luna Covers Lou Reed and David Bowie

Yesterday Luna dropped two new cover tunes into the ether, and they're both wonderful.  Check out the faithful takes on Lou Reed's "Satellite of Love" and David Bowie's "Starman" below, and download both of them here from Double Feature Records.

Daily Jam - Sweet Thing

I don't have a favorite David Bowie album.  It's just too hard to decide.  Gun to my head though, it's very possible i'd choose "Diamond Dogs."  I think.  Anyway, here's a track from the 1974 contender.  Listen to "Sweet Thing" below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - Time

I've been doing these Daily Jams for almost three years now, and it occurred to me that i haven't posted a Bowie song yet.  I used to post Daily Bowies, so that's my excuse.  At any rate, on what would have been the artist's 75th birthday today, here's "Time," our Daily Jam.

Rosegarden Funeral Party

Back at the end of October, i was fortunate enough to go out to my first live show in a very, very long time, catching Drab Majesty and Boy Harsher at one of the Levitation shows in Austin.  It was both good and strange to be out like that again.  Between sets, i went over to the smaller stage and caught Dallas goth band Rosegarden Funeral Party, led by the captivating Leah Lane.  Post punk, darkwave, and death rock abounded.  It was like a harder edged Siouxsie and The Banshees.  And now the band has dropped two new albums this month, "In the Wake of Fire," and a collection of covers called "Take Cover."  Both are available for download now with some vinyl coming our way in the summer (the turnaround on getting vinyl pressed these days is something else).  Check out their faithful and excellent version of David Bowie's "Loving the Alien" below and get both albums here.

Daily Jam - Life on Mars?

I very much enjoyed the HBO "Watchmen" show from a couple years ago, and while i certainly would have loved to see more episodes, it's kind of a perfect little one-and-done series.  And the score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross was the perfect companion piece.  Here's their wonderful instrumental cover of David Bowie's "Life on Mars?" which served as both context for the show and as a tribute to a friend.  Check it out below, our Daily Jam.

Khruangbin Cover Bowie

London label BBE has put together a David Bowie tribute album called "Modern Love," and have assembled a very diverse group of artists to take part.  The album features folks like Kit Sebastian, Helado Negro, Jeff Parker, and more.  And more so than a lot of other Bowie cover albums i've heard over the years, the artists on this one morph and mutate the tunes into their own styles and repertoires yet still maintain that Bowie bloodline.  Check out Khruangbin's worldly psyche and soul version of "Right" below and get the whole thing here.

Bowie Covers Lennon and Dylan

Yesterday would have been David Bowie's 74th birthday, and tomorrow he's 5 years gone.  Serendipitously enough, Rhino unearthed two covers recorded by the legendary artist back in 1998.  Check out Bowie's take on John Lennon's "Mother" and Bob Dylan's "Tryin' to Get to Heaven" below, and keep an eye here for the upcoming 7" pre-order.

Daily Jam - Boys Keep Swinging

A couple of decades ago i was in Scotland, scouring the music shops for stuff to take back home with me, and i came across the 1996 David Bowie tribute album "Crash Course for the Ravers."  It's got a bunch of solid stuff on it, but my favorite may be The Dambuilders' take on "Boys Keep Swinging."  Check it out below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam - Province

I remember back in the early and mid '00s, i got really into TV on The Radio, the group basically becoming my favorite band for a couple of years.  And then when listening to their sophomore full-length for the first time, "Province" came on.  And i dug it.  And then David Bowie started singing backup vocals.  And then my head exploded.  Awesome.  Listen below, our Daily Jam.

Daily Jam (Covers Week 2) - The Bewlay Brothers

Failure is one of my all time favorite bands, and i discovered them via a covers project called Replicants featuring the members of Failure, Lusk, and a Tool or two.  The 1995 album features covers of everyone from The Cars to T. Rex to Steely Dan, as well as a trippy and spaced out version of David Bowie's "The Bewlay Brothers," a track that was already pretty trippy and spaced out in its own right.  Check the cover tune out below, our Daily Jam.

Sonic Advent Calendar: Day 23 - Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy

David Bowie's and Bing Crosby's "Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy" from "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" television special, a song and a pairing that still feels otherworldly to me.  Check out the bit from the show below.

5 Record Store Day Recommendations

Well, tomorrow's the day: the 10th anniversary of Record Store Day, a yearly Saturday in April best known as the day where i spend way too much money.  But hey, i get some bitchin records to take home...and that's important.  This year is seeing the release of tons of great stuff, as per usual.  And i'm trying to narrow my selections down and keep to my budget, which generally means i'll have to make some cuts while i'm at the record store tomorrow morning.  But here are 5 releases i'll be searching for, and that i recommend you save a little scratch for.

Good luck.

 1. David Bowie - "Cracked Actor (Live Los Angeles 74)" 3LP
This one's kind of a no brainer for me, a 3 disc Bowie live album from 1974, lovingly mixed and mastered by Tony Visconti, featuring a whole slew of great songs from Bowie's earlier years.  Yes!  Yes!  Yes!

2. John Scoggins - "Pressed for Time" LP
Rhino Records reissues a rare power pop gem from the 1970's from John Scoggins.  Finding an original copy of "Pressed for Time" will set you back a few hundred bucks, so this reissue is probably the way to go.  Oh, and it's fucking great.

3. Ike Reiko - "You, Baby" LP
A mix of erotic jazz, spy music, and Japanese pop, all with a quirky Serge Gainsbourg vibe, Ike Reiko's very rare "You, Baby" LP is a wonderful oddity that needs to be on my record shelf.

4. Popol Vuh - "Cobra Verde" OST LP
An exotic and trippy Popol Vuh score to a Werner Herzog film starring crazy person Klaus Kinski?  Why would i not own this?

5. The Wipers - "Better Off Dead" 7"
Old Wipers records are pretty hard to find, and usually kind of expensive when you do, so what better way to close out you record buying bonanza tomorrow with a reissued copy of the legendary band's debut release?



So there you go.  I could easily recommend a dozen more (The Bad Signs, Dennis Wilson, Nico and The Faction, etc.), but i wanted to keep it reasonable.  Have fun tomorrow.