David Bowie

Since 1973, David Bowie has been my favorite musical artist.

A few years ago (2014) I read an online article called “David Bowie’s 40 Greatest Songs – As Decided By NME And Friends”. I could tell the list was not compiled by a true Bowie fan. My response to that article was the following blog post (now transferred here to this site). Keep in mind that my list was made before his death, and before the release of Blackstar.

David Bowie’s 40 Greatest Songs – As Decided By ME*

*Edward Leach, Bowie fan.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

This is my response to a recent article published by NME online. I’d like to thank them for giving me the inspiration I needed to compile a list of my own.

I will start the list at number 40 and count down to number 1. I’ll list each song followed by a few comments about the song, perhaps my rationale for inclusion or any random thoughts I have at that moment. My apologies to the hard-core Bowie fans for some of my obvious comments. They are meant for the neo-fan, still discovering all things Bowie.

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40. Wild Is The Wind

This is one of a few songs on my list that was not actually written by David Bowie. I heard him say in an interview that he liked to include a cover song on each album, so I guess it’s okay to include a cover song on this list. The song was written for Johnny Mathis by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington. With your kiss, my life begins.

39. Pallas Athena

From Black Tie White Noise, it features great saxophone, very few lyrics and some wonderful chanting. My favorite version is from a 12″ called Tao Jones Index which was a 1997 live recording at Paradiso in Amsterdam (see Tin Machine photo below, #36). Very nice live recording. We are we are we are.

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38. Cracked Actor

There are so many great live versions of this song, which is why it made it to the top 40. The original 1973 recording from Aladdin Sane is a bit sterile. Cracked Actor was also used by the BBC as a title for a 1974 documentary about Bowie. Crack, baby, crack.

37. The Motel

From 1.Outside, this song took a while to grow on me. I heard David say it was a favorite of his too. It’s one of those slow songs that feels like it might build to a climax. It never really does, but I still love to hear it. As with a lot of the songs on this list, the live version clinched its place on the list. There is no Hell like an old Hell.

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36. I Can’t Read

From the first Tin Machine album. This song was resurrected for the live shows in the mid 90’s as a pared down version while Reeves Gabrels was still touring with Bowie. My very favorite version comes from the Bridge Benefit Concert in 1996. Hey Andy, where’s my fifteen minutes?

My first Bowie concert.

35. Right

Some fans were not pleased with the soulful direction taken by Bowie in 1974. I was pleased. My first live rock concert was not David Bowie. It was a couple of popular rock groups of the day, which shall remain nameless. Anyhow, I saw that concert and was hooked on live music. Eventually the Bowie tour made it to my hometown, and I was ready to see my favorite rock star. The date was November 11, 1974. By that time the Diamond Dogs tour had turned into what some call the “soul tour”. I’m fairly certain that “The Garson Band” opened the show but I must admit that I do not remember. This is kind of sad, because the bootleg recorded just two weeks before the show I saw contains the compete Garson Band set, and, I love it. The audience on that bootleg was not that happy. They can be heard whining and complaining during the warm-up set wishing Bowie would show up soon. In fact, I’ll wager to say that most of them didn’t realize the band was playing a Bowie song just before he took the stage. So, back to this song: Right is super-soulful. Bowie and the background singers in a kind of call and response thing that is quite complicated, but works so well. Never no turning back.

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34. Rock & Roll Suicide

I still remember seeing this song performed on TV. I guess it must’ve been the Ziggy Stardust motion picture? Not sure there, but I do remember the word “suicide” being bleeped out. What a strange thing. Seeing the crowd as Bowie pleads: “gimme your hands”makes me wish I was just a few years older so I could’ve experienced it as well. This song, of course made the list. Oh no love! you’re not alone.

A small venue in D.C. – 1996

33. Hallo Spaceboy

Seems like a running theme here, but live music really unlocks the greatness of any song. This one is no exception. Perhaps by the late nineties, the sound systems had improved. It could be that Bowie was performing in smaller spaces. Bowie had become quite confident while performing. The music was loud. He had an incredible band. The drums and bass were physically moving my body. Or maybe it was just those fans throwing moon dust around. This chaos is killing me.

32. The Bewlay Brothers

Sometimes a song has to “grow on you”. This was one of those songs for me. I discovered Bowie after this album was released, so my first list of favorite songs came from Ziggy. The Hunky Dory album is much different than the Ziggy. Quieter, artsy, lots of piano and light guitar (for the most part), lots of lyrics (which I like). I was young, and in high school. I needed a little time to appreciate the beauty of this album, and this song in particular. I grew to love this album, and now count it as one of Bowie’s best. We were so turned on in the Mind-Warp Pavilion.

31. Absolute Beginners

I read some review that called this song “bland pop”. Odd, because the same reviewer went on to rave about Cygnet Committee (which I love, and is number 21 on this list). Absolute Beginners may be pop, and it was obviously bland to someone, but for me, not at all. It simply creates a mood for me that I can enjoy for six minutes or so. As long as we’re together, the rest can go to Hell.

Homer changing the oil

30. Changes

This song was a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 hit twice. Originally released in 1971, it made the charts then, but did much better in 1975. By 1975 I was really deep into Bowie, and of course didn’t want to hear the popular songs that everyone else liked. It really is a good song though, nice melody, a vocal hook and some lovely piano. Strange fascination, fascinating me.

29. Blackout

The songs on the “Heroes” album have a particular sound. I’m guessing Tony Visconti had something do with that. A lot of layers, a lot of instruments, a lot of different sounds. They all come together here to form this great Bowie song. I’m under Japanese influence and my honour’s at stake.

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28. China Girl

I’m happy that Nile Rodgers was asked produce the Let’s Dance album. Now, years later I can say that I really like this song. I think at the time it was cool to hate this version of Bowie. Too often the hit songs of the day were “bland pop”. Bowie proved early on that a hit song could be more (i.e. Space Oddity, Changes). Speaking of Pop, it was Iggy who co-wrote this song and was it actually released on his album The Idiot. Back to the Bowie version, it’s got that cute guitar hook (which is probably the reason it was so popular). Anyhow, I could do without that part, but I tolerate. The bass line is nice, and Bowie’s voice is perfect, almost screaming when necessary, soft and distinct as well. I don’t really care about Stevie Ray Vaughn but I do like the lead guitar sound. It’s just a great song. She says, “shhhhhhhh…”

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27. Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)

In the late 1970’s, I spent most of my free time in the local discos in Baltimore, and even worked in a couple. Naturally I heard quite a lot of disco music, but I always made time for Bowie and a few of my other favorites. While at the disco, I made friends with a new music rep for RCA Records, and I casually mentioned that I was a big Bowie fan. Soon after that he presented me with a pre-release promo copy of the LP Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). I loved the album (of course), and this is the title song from that LP. It features some nice guitar work from Robert Fripp. Dennis Davis does a wonderful job on drums, which have a synthesized feel. This is one of those songs that are really good live. It’s got a nice sing-a-long at the end and a lot of shouting. When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home.

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26. Memory Of A Free Festival

This song was released as a single in 1970 and did very poorly. I’m not surprised the single didn’t do well. It’s certainly not a song for the masses. I love it just the same. It was recorded in 1969 opening with the sounds of an electric toy organ; it features some laughing and festival sound effects. The last three minutes are fantastic. Bowie repeating, then singing with the “crowd”. I’d be happy if it went on for thirty minutes. The sun machine is coming down and we’re gonna have a party.

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25. I’m Afraid Of Americans

I remember when the Reality album came out, it was said that David wrote those songs with the intention of playing them live. Well, I think five or six years earlier, he wrote this song with that same thing in mind. Of course this song comes from the Earthling album, and it’s explosive. Johnny wants to suck on a Coke.

Looking down Heddon Street, London in 2014

24. Five Years

My first real exposure to a Bowie album was this one, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. Five Years is the first song on the album, and consequently, the one that made the all-important first impression. Fade in of a very catchy drum beat, the other instruments arrive momentarily, then drum beat again, vocals, background vocals repeat, vocals get louder then louder and louder. I kiss you, you’re beautiful, I want you to walk.

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23. Subterraneans

One of the mostly instrumental songs on Low. As I listen, I’m lulled into a peaceful place. The few lyrics are English (I believe) but nonsensical. But they are also an important part of song. Bowie has created an atmosphere here. It’s a lovely place to me, although it is said that he meant to portray a sad, miserable place. Perhaps that is true, but it is certainly one of his best efforts.

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22. The Supermen

From an album that was quite different than the previous album. Well, I guess I could say that about a lot of Bowie songs, but this one is from his “harder rock” period. That is, heavy bass lines, lots of great rock guitar work from Ronno. The album of course, is The Man Who Sold The World. The original version opens with drums and a haunting choir of background singers. Bowie’s voice is very distinct as he almost runs out of breath as he goes on. It was rerecorded during the Ziggy period without the dramatic effects, but an excellent version nonetheless. The guitar on the alternate version is much nicer. I first heard the alternate version on a TAKRL bootleg called Dollars In Drag. I like both versions for different reasons. Life rolls into one for them.

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21. Cygnet Committee

The album I knew as Space Oddity was released with a few different names. In 1969, in the U.S., it was called Man Of Words, Man Of Music. Not terribly original, but certainly apropos. The songs on this album were lyric heavy, especially this song. I don’t pretend to understand any of it, but I love it just the same. I think it has something to do with hippies. It’s begins slowly and builds into something sensational. And we can force you to be free.

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20. Quicksand

I could probably copy and paste the comments from the first mention of the album Hunky Dory. Quicksand is all of that same stuff I mentioned about The Bewlay Brothers, to the nth degree. Soft piano, string arrangements by Mick Ronson, beautiful vocals, many many lyrics, and the song builds slowly, then explodes for a minute with guitar, then back again. Wonderful! Can’t take my eyes from the great salvation of bullshit faith.

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19. My Death

Yet another great “Bowie song” that he did not write. It was written by Belgian songwriter Jacques Brel. Clearly one of Bowie’s favorites, as he performed it often over the years. He got a great kick out of the audience response to this song in Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture. Lots of great live performances to choose from. I really like the 1997 GQ Awards Show. Listen for Mike Garson doing his thing. For in front of that door, there is…

18. Heathen (The Rays)

From the album entitled Heathen comes this great song about which Bowie said in a Rolling Stone interview, “It’s a man confronting the realization that life is a finite thing, and that he can already feel it, life itself, actually going from him, ebbing out of him, the weakening of age.”

This is one of those songs that I played over and over the day I bought the album. The music, and the lyrics are haunting. Perfectly executed, they come together to make an absolutely fabulous song. And when the sun is low, And the rays high, I can see it now, I can feel it die.

Mick Ronson from “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” motion picture

17. Moonage Daydream

I used to love watching Mick Ronson play. He would strike a rock-god pose with one foot propped up while pounding on his Les Paul then, lean into Bowie while helping him sing, then grimace at just the right time. He was fantastic. Watching (and hearing) him play Moonage Daydream really made me love this song.

Bowie performing on the Dick Cavett Show – 1974

16. Young Americans

Bowie performed this song on the Dick Cavett show in 1974, before it was released on the album of the same name. I went to my first Bowie concert a few weeks before the program aired so I knew what to expect musically, but I was not prepared to see my idol so clearly addicted to cocaine. It was (and still is to this day) difficult to watch. I bought the album when it was released in early 1975, and was amazed. Bowie was able to create something wonderful despite his addiction. I loved the vocal arrangements, especially the backing vocals. Ain’t there one damn song that can make me break down and cry?

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15. Lady Grinning Soul

Sounds like a song from long ago. The piano sets the mood, the singing is sublime. Someone on Wikipedia says: “The song contains the highest note Bowie has sung on a studio album (G#5)” I don’t know if that’s true but I sure do enjoy hearing this song over and over. She will be your living end.

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14. Waiting For The Man

While not written by Bowie, this is most certainly a “Bowie song”. He said he first heard it back in 1967 and has been doing it ever since. Written by “Mr. New York” Lou Reed, it has become a staple of most Bowie shows. He’s done many different versions. I’m partial to the 1972, and also 1997. Hey, white boy, what you doin’ uptown?

Gail Ann Dorsey 2004 – Photo: Edward Leach

13. Under Pressure

Originally, it was a song in progress by Queen. With Bowie’s collaboration the finished version was titled, “Under Pressure”, and was released as a single. Bowie performed it live on most his tours since 1995 with Gail Ann Dorsey singing the Freddie Mercury parts. It’s the terror of knowing what this world is about.

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12. Station To Station

I can still remember going to the record store to buy this album when it was released. My memories of that event are still fresh in my mind some 38 years later. I still have that copy of Station To Station on vinyl and listen to it frequently. It’s sad that the youth of today will never now that joy. I guess you could still buy a new record somewhere, but for the most part songs (not albums) are just clicked on and appear magically on your computer or phone. Nothing tangible, no anticipation, no joy. Anyhow, this one made it to number 12 on the list. Any Bowie fan knows why. It’s a great song, feedback, drums, train whistles… It’s 10 minutes of wonderfulness. The European Cannon is here.

11. Look Back In Anger

From Lodger, which is definitely an underrated album. Lots of good and interesting stuff there. This one is my favorites from the album. It’s got a loud driving rhythm, certainly not a happy song, but I love hearing it. It’s time we should be going.

Edward Leach, circa 1974

10. All The Young Dudes

No. 253 in its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Rolling Stone. Well, it makes number 10 here and if I ever decide to publish my version of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, I’m sure it will be much higher than 253. Guitar riff, great lyrics, sing-a-long. Is there concrete all around or is it in my head?

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9. “Heroes”

Recorded in Berlin. Another great Eno/Bowie collaboration. Robert Fripp on lead guitar. Bowie called it “a song of triumph” for him. Proof as he says, that “you don’t need to get stoned out of your gourd to write well” How true it is. Guards, gun turrets, the Wall, Awesome music. We can beat them, for ever and ever.

Sparks, Kimono My House album cover

8. It’s No Game, Pt. 1

It opens with the sound of a reel-to-reel tape machine spinning the loose piece of tape around and round. Then a loud, forceful Japanese female voice shouting the lyrics, followed by Bowie screaming the English lyrics. Repeat. Incredible. Mo tengoku no giyu no kaidan wa nai.

7. Starman

I suppose I was 15 or 16 when I first heard the Ziggy Stardust album on vinyl. Prior to that I listened to music on an 8-track tape player that my mom gave me for Christmas one year. A friend from school introduced me to high fidelity, and showed me how much better vinyl sounded compared to my crappy 8-track. That same friend was also a huge Bowie fan, and he played for me The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. Needless to say, I was hooked. Not just on vinyl, but on Bowie. I bought every available album (I think Pin Ups had just been released). So, back to this song. I liked most of the songs on the album a lot, but Starman was always the one I wanted to hear over and over. It was quite a simple song, not complex in any way. I just loved the hazy cosmic jive guitar sound, then the chorus, I would sing aloud (fortunately the music was loud enough to drown out my voice). Let all the children boogie.

6. Space Oddity

A “giant leap for mankind” happened when I was 12 years old. I remember watching on our small black and white television set. We had a top 40 radio station in Baltimore called WCAO. That’s where my music came from for several of my formative years. I don’t mean that I listened incessantly, or even more than most kids that age. I do remember hearing that song about Major Tom though. A few years later I rediscovered Major Tom after my introduction to Ziggy. I really like the sound of the 12-string guitar, and the way the song builds (and actually counts down). Really well done, at such an early stage in his career. I’m floating in a most peculiar way.

Roseland Ballroom Marquee in 2000

5. Ashes To Ashes

I remember the day that MTV began. It was a Saturday afternoon, when a friend who lived nearby rushed over and told me to turn on the TV. It was music, and video. MTV. I watched most of that weekend. I can’t remember for sure when I first saw the Ashes To Ashes video, but it was probably in those first few days. Of course I already knew the songs on the Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) album. And this was obviously one of my favorites. So of course the video cemented my feelings for this great song. The studio recording is awesome. Should be played at maximum volume. One of my favorite live ones though is from the Roseland 2000 show. Mike Garson added some extra niceness toward the end. Sordid details following.

Bowie performing a song from “Low” 2002 – Photo: Edward Leach

4. Warszawa

Much has already been said about this wonderful piece of music. Critics, fans, and just about anyone with ears and a brain can see why this song made it to the top 5. I was fortunate enough to see this song (and the entire Low album) performed live at the 2002 Roseland Ballroom show.

Funky Music – Bowie and Luther Vandross

3. Fascination

I liked it when it was just “Funky Music”. When it became Fascination, it won a place in my heart as an all time favorite. Like the others from the Young Americans album, it features a wonderful set of backing vocalists, including co-writer Luther Vandross. Bowie assembled this group and managed to create something special while in the throws of drug addiction. Sho ’nuff.

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2. Stay

Carlos Alomar is one of those guitar players that doesn’t seem to get the credit he deserves for some wonderful songs. The riff in Stay is so memorable, and when cranked up to eleven, it still gives me chills after all these years. Then, add Bowie style and voice and you’ve got a masterpiece. I recall again, that day in the record store. The store was called “Harmony Hut” by the way. But that day when I bought this album, some guy had noticed what I had in my hands; he came over to me, and had some negative comments about the album, and about Bowie. I don’t believe he was a real fan, but if he was, then he couldn’t possibly have listened to the same album. Undeterred, I took the album home, and it played it over and over and over. This is the way we enjoyed music then. It’s different these days. Stay is one of the best. Maybe I’ll take something to help me.

1. Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise)

Okay, so maybe it’s what we used to call a “cop-out” back in the 70’s, but I couldn’t choose just one song to be number one. For that matter, I could’ve included Rebel Rebel as part of this set too. These songs all run together, and I couldn’t imagine listening to one without continuing onto the next. The grinding guitar at the end of the reprise leads into Rebel Rebel, and I just can’t stop there. It makes me enjoy Rebel Rebel that much more. Some of my favorite songs start out slowly, and turn into something completely different. I guess there’s some musical term for this but I just don’t know what it is. I have vague memories of most things in my life, but there are a few moments in my life where the memories are crystal clear. Buying this album is one of those clear memories. The album of course was Diamond Dogs. I bought it on vinyl when it came out. I probably paid some outrageous price for the album (maybe $6.98). Anyhow, I took it home, played it again and again. I probably transferred it to 8-track so I could listen to it in my car. I loved it. Soon after it’s release, I read a review in Circus magazine, and was disappointed that the critic didn’t really like the album. He liked Rebel Rebel, and wished that Bowie would stick to writing songs like that. Well, I liked Rebel Rebel too, but I didn’t want more songs just like that. I wanted Bowie to keep on making songs that were different. I’m happy to say that that is just what he did. I’ll make you a deal, like any other candidate.

I had a lot of fun coming up with this list. It brought back some really good memories. Choosing my top 10 was easy. The hard part was arranging those ten songs in order and choosing number one.

I know, somehow I forgot to include Always Crashing in the Same Car, and probably a few others. If I were to redo the list, it might be completely different.

When I read the NME list I agreed with some of their choices, but a few really puzzled me. Perhaps you feel the same way about this list, but remember it’s only my opinion. I welcome your comments.