I thought this might be a nice diversion.

From both politics AND Christmas. Bah-humbug

David Bowie’s Favorite Albums In Vanity Fair’s November 2003 issue, Bowie reveals, in no particular order, the music that changed his life, and why it will surely change yours.

I was in the middle of rummaging through Youtube to find the albums/tracks, when I found that someone on Spotify had already put the list together.

So here is that with full versions (subscription needed) link: open.spotify.com/…

Here is a Free Spotify Sampler: scallemang.ca/…

For the rest of you, I will pick a few.

Hey, that rhymes.

MUSIC FOR 18 MUSICIANS STEVE REICH

(1978, ECM) “Bought in New York. Balinese gamelan music cross-dressing as Minimalism. Saw this performed live in downtown New York in the late 70s. All white shirts and black trousers. Having just finished a tour in white shirt and black trousers, I immediately recognized Reich’s huge talent and great taste. The music (and the gymnastics involved in executing Reich’s tag-team approach to shift work) floored me. Astonishing.” — D. Bowie x x YouTube Video

FORCES OF VICTORY LINTON KWESI JOHNSON

(1979, Mango) “A Carib-Brit contribution to the history of rap. This man writes some of the most moving poetry to be found in popular music. The quite achingly sad “Sonny’s Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)” is alone worth the price of admission. Although not sung but spoken word set against a superb band, this must be one of the most important reggae records of all time. I gave my original copy just recently to Mos Def, in whom I see connections to Johnson, thinking I had already got it on CD. Dammit, I haven’t. So now I’m searching high and low for a copy.” — D. Bowie x x YouTube Video

FOUR LAST SONGS (STRAUSS) GUNDULA JANOWITZ

(1973, DG) “Like that certain book, this is one album that I give to friends and acquaintances continually. Although Eleanor Steber and Lisa della Casa do fine interpretations of this monumental work, Janowitz’s performance of Strauss’s Four Last Songs has been described, rightly, as transcendental. It aches with love for a life that is quietly fading. I know of no other piece of music, nor any performance, which moves me quite like this.” — D. Bowie x x YouTube Video