13 Oct
205: David Bowie starts the 80’s on a high note and releases Scary Monsters
David Bowie entered the Eighties by releasing one of his biggest selling and best albums, Scary Monsters. Released on September 12, 1980. It was his first following the so-called ‘Berlin Trilogy’ of Low, Heroes and Lodger released between 1977 and 1979.
Scary Monsters has some classic Bowie songs including the title song, “Up The Hill Backwards,” “Fashion,” and “Teenage Wildlife.” And on “Ashes To Ashes,” he revisited the character Major Tom from his first hit, “Space Oddity.” Joining Bowie in the studio for additional session help for the album were Roy Bittan of the E Street Band, Pete Townshend and Robert Fripp.
Frankly I’m not sure why this is here rather than Bowie’s Eno collaborations, or, hell, his time in Berlin collaborating/getting off drugs with Iggy Pop. That whole era is more significant and generally fascinating than Scary Monsters, in my mind.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:15 am