David was (and still is) the greatest artist of all time.
Monday, January 08, 2024
Happy Birthday David Bowie
David was (and still is) the greatest artist of all time.
Sunday, January 17, 2021
David Bowie Is Still Making The Difference
Last week, David Bowie would have been 74 years old. Also, last week marked 5 years since his death.
To celebrate his birthday, Bowie (or who is in charge of his posthumous career) release a new single. A "double A-Side" that has the cover of Bob Dylan's "Tryin' To Get To Heaven" and John Lennon's "Mother".
Bowie was a huge fan of both of the artists and, on the late 90's recorded versions of these 2 songs. Of course that, for each on its songwriter, both of the songs mean a lot and are very important songs.
Bowie gives a new vibe, a very "Bowish" sense (specially on the Dylan song) and, we can see work there, they aren't merely fun sessions covers, they are David's own interpretation of the songs.
What makes us happy is that we have new music by Bowie, although that isn't only the important thing. After his death, whenever he is, we feel that David still manages his releases. Obviously this single isn't a new way of making money (it could have been launched way back). It is Bowie's vision of his career, of his legacy after his death. The same way he released "Lazarus" or "No Plan" or all of the boxsets, I believe that he also planned this. He wanted these songs to be released on 5 year after his death.
We feel that same artists are explored after they pass away (Jeff Buckley, Nirvana, Joy Division, etc.). We don't feel this way about Bowie. This was planned, like he was alive. This is new music. This is still relevant. And this is what makes David Bowie the greatest artist of all time, dead or alive.
Sunday, May 07, 2017
Depeche Mode Covered David Bowie
Depeche Mode started this weekend their Europeen Tour.
The setlist consisted of 5 songs from their new album "Spirit" and a lot a classics. The band played in total 22 songs.
But, the biggest surprise of all was, undoubtedly, that they covered David Bowie playing "Heroes".
Heroes is a very important song for the band, specially for Dave Gahan. Martin Gore, Andre Fletcher and Vince Clark, back in 1980 decided to hire Gahan for vocals, after they heard him singing Heroes.
Also, all of its members praised David Bowie several times in the past.
Can't wait to see them in Portugal this summer!
Take a look of their version here.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
1 Year Since The Death Of Bowie
I remember very well the 11th of January of 2016. Bowie died in the 10th, but it was announced, via his official socials networks on the following day.
I woke up on a monday morning to work, and I was feeling a little bit tired, depressed, after a weekend of partying and drinks. Anyway, It was something like 7 a. m. in the morning when I turned on Facebook while I was having breakfast. Suddenly I say someone posting a Bowie song as a tribute and I immediately went to check on reliable websites if it was true or not. Unfortunately it was and, as every fan of David Bowie, I was deeply shocked. I didn't have bought his new Blackstar album but I was already familiar with the theme song and Lazarus. After the shock I also paid a emotionally tribute to him on my Facebook page and I posted "Heroes", a song that has a gigantic meaning for me, as it was the soundtrack to one of the most beautiful times of my life.
After, I went to work, and on the streets of Porto someone guy was playing "Heroes" on the street. An old couple was standing, almost crying, listening to the guy with their hands together. I also stopped and listened. It was a very emotional moment. As I got to work the construction site, one of the bricklayers, asked me if I heard the news. Bowie was universal.
The rest of the day was quite normal sad day. During the night, I just turned the TV on to see all the news related to him and ended up listening to a lot of Bowie's songs. Probably, the ones that I played more were Lazarus, Blackstar, Where Are We Now, Heroes, Life On Mars and Heathen,
Actually, when David died, it was the first time in my life that I really felt emotionally sad with the death of someone that I actually didn't know.
Monday, January 09, 2017
Happy Birthday David Bowie!
One day later but, Happy Birthday David Bowie!
The most influential artist ever would be 70th yesterday.
We need to remember that, one year ago, David release his last album, Blackstar, which was a sentence to his death, without anyone knowing, revolutionising the image of the death of an artist.
However, still almost one year after his death, David is still surprising us from his grave.
On the day of his 70th birthday, he launched a new EP and a new music video for the song No Plan. No Plan is a song from the Blackstar recording sessions and was released with the Lazarus soundtrack. We didn't know if Bowie planned No Plan but, personally, I believe so.
The EP includes all of the 3 last know recording from David and Lazarus.
Happy birthday my friend and, again, thank you.
Monday, January 02, 2017
2016 Memory And Legacy
Well, people are saying (and they are right) that 2016 was the worst year ever, that a lot of great artists died and that it was like a nightmare.
Actually the bad vibe started in the end of 2015, as a prelude to 2016, with the death of Lemmy, the legendary singer of Motorhead.
Then, it came the death of Bowie. The saddest and, at the same time, greatest death in music history. Bowie, knowing he was passing away, gave us his last piece of magic. He released Blackstar, and, moments before dying, he released the single Lazarus, the man who resurrects according to the bible. Bowie died, but impressed everyone with his pure genius. It was really sad and really incredible. It was the moment that I felt more a death of someone that I don't actually know in my life.
Then, another one very sad was Leonard Cohen. Cohen was getting very old, we could see it, but he, also, released a new album this year. His interview where he says that he is ready to die it's also a peaceful and nostalgic moment. What a man.
George Michael, was never one of my favourite artists but his death also caught the general public very surprised and, it was sad. Listening back to Michael, he did have some very great songs.
Prince also, I never was a super fan, but he inspired almost all of my favourite artists.
Glen Frey, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Dale Griffin (from Mott the Hoople) also left their mark int his year.
Well, the truth is that, the world's greatest artists are getting old. The major acts from the 60's and 70's are, most of them, in a very good shape, but they are getting old, and that's life. McCartney, Jagger or Brian Wilson won't be here forever, unfortunately.
But, as a conclusion let's celebrate the gigantic legacy that, the artists that passed away in 2016 left us. Specially, let's celebrate the greatest musician of all time, David Bowie. Be well David, and thank you.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Bowie Legacy
David Bowie, the legendary singer that passed away earlier this year, is going to release a new compilation album titled "Bowie Legacy".
It was said the musician planned some re-editions and compilations before is death. Who Can I Be Now, the new boxset was released this month and Lazarus, the soundtrack of the musical is set to see soon the light of day. Actually, this Lazarus album will include the very last songs recorded by Bowie during his final Blackstar Sessions.
Legacy won't have nothing really new, except a new mix of the classic "Life On Mars".
It will be some kind of an update of the "Best of Bowie" and "Nothing Has Changed (2CD Edition)", that will collect songs from his early success until his death.
The 2 CD edition of Legacy will include:
CD 1
1. Space Oddity
2. The Man Who Sold The World
3. Changes
4. Oh! You Pretty Things
5. Life On Mars? (2016 mix)
6. Starman (original single mix)
7. Ziggy Stardust
8. Moonage Daydream
9. The Jean Genie (original single mix)
10. All The Young Dudes
11. Drive-In Saturday
12. Sorrow
13. Rebel Rebel
14. Young Americans (original single edit)
15. Fame
16. Golden Years (single version)
17. Sound And Vision
18. "Heroes" (single version)
19. Boys Keep Swinging
20. Ashes To Ashes (single version)
21. Fashion (single version)
CD 2
1. Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
2. Let's Dance (single version)
3. China Girl (single version)
4. Modern Love (single version)
5. Blue Jean
6. This Is Not America - with The Pat Metheny Group
7. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie & Mick Jagger
8. Absolute Beginners (edit)
9. Jump They Say (radio edit)
10. Hallo Spaceboy (PSB Remix) - with The Pet Shop Boys
11. Little Wonder (edit)
12. I’m Afraid Of Americans (V1 edit)
13. Thursday’s Child (radio edit)
14. Slow Burn (radio edit)
15. Everyone Says ‘Hi’ (edit)
16. New Killer Star (radio edit)
17. Where Are We Now?
18. Lazarus (radio edit)
19. I Can’t Give Everything Away (radio edit)
The album will be released on the 11th of November.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
And The Winner Is...
Skepta with Konnichiwa.
I never listened to Skepta, so can't comment the album, but, I was with high hopes (and a lot of people also) that Blackstar would win. Well, in fact, for me, it was the most visionary album on the music history. Bowie, who secretly knew he was going to die, send us a last album talking about it. Even, he released the mythical Lazarus single just days before he died. That's the most artistically and innovative way of passing way ever.
The award was given by the legedanry Jarvis Cocker. His word were "We as a jury decided that if David Bowie was looking down on the Hammersmith Apollo tonight, he would want the 2016 Hyundai Mercury Prize to go to Skepta."
Well, the climax of the night was Michael C. Hall singing Bowie's Lazarus. The singer/actor is doing a musical inspired by David Bowie's music and his 70's movie The Man Who Fell To Earth.
Check it here:
Monday, September 12, 2016
Major Tom To Ground Control
As most of you may know, there's a musical featuring Michael C. Hall called Lazarus which is inspired by David Bowie music and his 70's movie, The Man Who Fell To Earth.
What you may not know is that it will be released a CD of the musical that consists of Bowie's songs covered by various artists. But there is a second CD with 3 new unreleased David songs from his last studio sessions that created the astonishing Blackstar.
The songs are No Plan, Killing A Little Time and When I Met You.
Even from the other world, David Bowie can still send us new music. Thank you.
Monday, August 01, 2016
New Unreleased David Bowie Album On The Way
David Bowie, the legendary musician that passed away earlier this year, will release a new boxset.
The compilation will be called "Who Can I Be Now" and it is the natural continuation of the previous boxset "Five Years".
It will include mainly things between Aladdin Sane era and the Berlin years.
You can spot not only the 3 studio albums Young Americans, Diamong Dogs and Station to Station (the alst two have two versions each) but also the classic David Live, Live Nassau Coliseum '76, and b-sides and single versions album Re:Call 2.
But, most important of all, there will be a new album called The Gouster. This album is something like a sketch or an experiment to what became Young Americans.
Quoting Bowie's long-term producer Tony Visconti "Gouster was a word unfamiliar to me, but David knew it as a type of dress code worn by African-American teens in the Sixties in Chicago," Visconti explains in the excerpt. "But in the context of the album its meaning was attitude, an attitude of pride and hipness. Of all the songs we cut, we were enamored of the ones we chose for the album that portrayed this attitude."
Visconti goes on to discuss his and Bowie's love of soul and says that with The Gouster they "sure as hell wanted to make a killer soul album." This led to a fresh take for "John, I'm Only Dancing (Again)," which was recorded in 1974 and was supposed to be the lead song on the album's original track list. It was later released in 1979. Visconti describes the song as an "outrageous brand new, funkafied version of David's classic."
Monday, April 04, 2016
The Bowie Tribute In Hard Club Porto
As I told last week, there was a David Bowie tribute concert in my home town, Porto.
I was a bit scared because I, honestly, didn't know almost any of the performers.
And in the end, it was a great celebration of Bowie's music with a lot of great versions of his songs.
Most of them (thank God) were very similar to the original ones.
There was a lot of acoustic performances, some of them failed a little bit (Fame, Blue Jean, Where Are We Now?), other worked very good (Five Years, Ziggy Stardust). There was also an incredible version on Lazarus, a very entertaining Let's Dance and the big ending with all the musician on stage singing Heroes and All The Young Dudes. A band played Let's Dance and Little Wonder, and it was terrible, the lowest performance of the night. Don't try to mix those songs with Heavy/Hard Metal. Just doesn't work out in a concert like this.
As a overall, it was a fantastic night, with a lot of nostalgia and good music.
When you have the option, don't stay at home!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
David Bowie Memorial Concert In Porto
Today there's going to be a David Bowie Tribute Concert in Porto, Portugal.
A lot of people is going to play, but special attention for a live message from Mike Garson during the show.
The gig will be at Hard Club, at 20:30 in the city's downtown.
Well, I honestly don't know what to expect from it, but wherever it regards Bowie's music it's always a good thing and specially events like this to praise the greatest musician of all time.
See you there!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Failed Tribute To David Bowie
During this year Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga did a tribute to David Bowie.
Everyone started to speculate that this was going to be the ultimate Bowie's tribute and, after, the performances people are saying that it was perfect and Lady Gaga was the right choice to make this tribute, etc.
Although, I think it was a very very sad tribute for several reasons.
First, Lady Gaga is an international popstar, with pop songs, with people writing for her, etc. You would put her in the same pocket of Rihanna, Britney Spears, Shania Twain, not in the same section of Bowie. The styles are not similar. Bowie created egos, put make up, wear dresses, etc. but he had a point, a vision, and it was directly related with his music.
Second, the Medley is very confused, it has a lot of songs, played very small parts of it and consisted of only hits from the 70's and 80's. Nothing from Blackstar was played or refer in music or image for example.
Gaga's performance is completely hysterical, it looks more like a cabaret play then a sentimental tribute.
Also the vocal performance is weak... When she tries to thicken her voice, it sounds terrible, also she tries to do a lot of "little voice solos" with fast variations of notes, which is a symbol of current popstars, not Bowie for sure. Ziggy Stardust was more focused on the flying piano then on the music. Also, is she trying to impersonate an English accent? Fame is terrible, and actually when she could shine in Let's Dance on the line "and tremble like a flower" her voice crumbles... Heroes is terrible also, it's like she wants to look tough and very passionate at the same time... It seems forced and unnatural at all.
In resume, Lady Gaga is a little bit out of the top of her success form for a while, and this looked like a desperate way to call attention to her following the death of Bowie (probably it wasn't, but still looks like). It's good for people to make tributes and Bowie surely influenced almost every singer in the world but, in my view this was a weak tribute to be calling so much attention. For example, Mike Garson's tribute was much more true, sentimental and interesting than this one.
But hey, take a look on it and have your own opinion about it:
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Mike Garson Pays Live Tribute To David Bowie
A lot of artists are paying tributes to David Bowie. But this time is different.
Mike Garson is the most remarkable pianist in Bowie's career. He played in a lot of his albums, from the classic Aladdin Sane (where he created the most insane and cool piano solo ever during the album's title song) to one of my personal favourites Heathen. We can say that Garson was Bowie's piano man in the 70's and the 90's. He also did amazing live performances with the English musician, including heartbreaking versions of Life On Mars? and Wild Is The Wind.
On monday, there was a charity gig called "Celebrating David Bowie" in Los Angeles, USA, where artists like Seal, Ewan McGregor and Gary Oldman performed. Although, the highest point of the gig was when Mike Garson, who was also part of it, played the song Aladdin Sane, where he tried (and succeed) to replicate the original solo from the album version. After this song, Seal joined Garson and the pair performed Bring Me The Disco King from the 2003 Bowie's album Reality.
Quoting Billboard Magazine:
"The emotional core of the evening, though, came from longtime Bowie keyboardist Mike Garson, who nearly broke into tears explaining his year's-long kinship with the late legend whom he said slept directly across from him on the tour bus. After delivering what amounted to a eulogy, Garson played on "Aladdin Sane" -- including his famous avant-solo, for the first time in 20 years -- and stayed onstage for both an improvised ode to Bowie and a surprise appearance from crooner Seal, who sang the obscure, jazzy track "Bring Me The Disco Queen." Garson -- who popped in and out for the rest of the set -- seemed like he was having a going-away party for his friend."
Check the performance here:
Monday, February 01, 2016
Blackstar by David Bowie, Track by Track
Monday, January 18, 2016
Bowie's Blackstar Tops the UK, the USA and Portugal
David Bowie's new album, Blackstar topped a lot of countries.
For the first time in his career the album went straight to number 1 in the USA. His previous work, The Next Day was number 2 and his highest place there until then.
In the UK, it's not a big surprise that it went to number 1. Even before his death, everything was pointing that Blackstar would reach the top of the charts.
In Portugal, my home country, although it is not official, it will also be number 1. Last week I tried to buy it on a store in Porto, and not only Blackstar was sold out, but all Bowie discography in CD and Vinyl was sold out in FNAC.
Blackstar also topped a lot of other countries like Germany, Belgian, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, among others.
Lazarus, his goodbye single, was the video with more views on Youtube in a single day. Ever.
Obviously the sad news of his death contributed to these amazing records, but it is completely deserved. Not only Blackstar his a brilliant, amazing, incredible album, but the career of Bowie by itself deserves this kind of recognitions.
Bowie was, is and will be, the most important musician / artist of all time for me.
The Greatest, a Godlike Artist.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
5 Fantastic Not-Famous Bowie Songs
Monday, January 11, 2016
David Bowie Passed Away
The legendary David Bowie died at 69, following a 18-month fight with cancer.
This is so sad, so sad, actually I never felt this sad by the death of someone that I actually don't know.
I can say without any doubt that, Bowie is the most influential artist of all time. No one can ever be compared with him, he was high above anyone else, since he was young until the day of his dead.
Bowie released in last album "Blackstar" last friday and, magically, he released also a farewell song, Lazarus, that is a statement about his own death. What a vision.
Listening to Lazarus now is a strange experience... Really sad one, but also amazing one.
Almost all of my favourite artists sent some words about him.
Personally, some of his songs really mean a lot to me. If I would choose two songs, I can say that "Heroes" was some kind of a Shield song for a very special relationship I had and "Where Are We Now?" was the most uplifting experience I had. I was travelling to Slovakia on the next day that it was released, I bought The Times, that had a big article about him and I was in London airport for hours, listening to the song on repeat.
David Bowie, you will be forever with us.
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
David Bowie, The Blackstar
Can an artist be more interesting than David Bowie? Really difficult to answer, and, for me, the correct answer is no.
We all know who Bowie is and what he did (and still does) to music, and how many times his identity changed. Through all the changes, only one thing never changed:the high quality of Bowie's music.
And again, with 68 years old, after the most extraordinary come back of all music history, he releases a great single. It's not his best work (for me) but, he remains very powerfully interesting.
It's not a catchy song, it's not a typical single (it's a 10 minutes track) but it is fantastic.
Blackstar is a mix of different sounds, different instruments and a it is a really dark tune, which completes the lyrics and the melody very well. It's a little bit insane too and has a very peaceful and calm part, something like the moment when you leave the darkness behind, to embrace the heaven, but then you fall again to the dark side.
Oh well, it's fantastic, sounds like something that came from a God, or a superior soul.
Actually, I think that this "title" is the one that fits better to Bowie. Dylan is a legend, Lennon was a revolutionary, McCartney the successful, Hendrix the genious, Elvis the king, and Bowie the God.
The video fits the crazy part of the song very well.
In two days we will have the new album.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Bowie's Back Again!
The legendary David Bowie will return with a new album called "Blackstar".
The album will be launched on the 8 of January, the same day of his 69th anniversary, and will contain 7 tracks separated in 45 minutes.
The lead single will have the name title as the album and will be released on the 19 of November. According with The Times, it's a 10-minute song.
More news to follow soon!
There's a preview available here!



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