David Bowie: Heathen - 2002
"Some mornings I was literally crying when I was writing a song" - David Bowie
This is an album that included three cover versions of other artists' songs and an upbeat, lively ambience, utilising a lot of drum machine rhythms (far more than on Reality for example, which used more "proper" drums).
Personally, I prefer the latter, but this is certainly not a bad album, containing some interesting material that demands several listens.
It's gonna be a slow burn....
The haunting Sunday is a low-key beginning with a percussion riff that sounds as if was taken from the title track of Station To Station (the train sounding bit). There are other addictively weird electronic noises and Bowie's voice is sonorously haughty. After about four minutes it suddenly develops a pounding rock beat and then finishes, just when it was getting interesting.
The powerful drum beat is continued in Cactus, which has an insistent rock beat which is almost "dance" in its metronomic consistency of rhythm. An acoustic guitar leads the track, however and the lyrics are somewhat bizarre. Apparently it is a cover of a song by The Pixies, something of which I was not aware (or of the original song, which I have just listened to, and enjoyed, although I prefer Bowie's version).
Slip Away is a melodic, grandiose song delivered in a sort of Space Oddity anthem type of fashion. It has "space" references and mentions in the chorus of "Uncle Floyd" who was a US children's TV character (another thing of which I had, or indeed have, no knowledge).
It is pretty much a consistently expressed opinion that the "Heroes"-esque Slow Burn is the favourite track on the album for most. It is mine too. It builds up magnificently, with a cutting lead guitar, great bass line and intoxicating rhythm that keeps your attention. It has hints, for me of Teenage Wildlife from Scary Monsters (that other notable "Heroes" re-write). I have read some commenters say that there are vague references to 9/11 (which took place during the recording sessions for this album) on this track and on other parts of the album. Personally, I don't pick up on them at all and indeed, Bowie has stated that none of the songs relate to that event. Maybe people are looking too hard for something that just isn't there. Either way, it's a stunning track. Best on the album.Afraid is pretty good too - lively, fast-paced track with some string orchestration in the backing and an energetic vocal from Bowie. I can see why it is often considered a bit of a throwaway after Slow Burn but I quite like it. The bass is superb too. It also has hints of "Heroes" in it, as well as a Lennon-esque "believe in Beatles" quote.
Firstly, another good one, I've Been Waiting For You - a cover of a song from Neil Young's debut album. It features a powerful guitar sound - more so than Young's, even - and strong hook. The rhythmic opening to I Would Be Your Slave is extremely catchy and the vocal is a typical Bowie one - instantly recognisable in that sort of Absolute Beginners yearning style.
I Took A Trip On A Gemini Spaceship sounds like something from the dance-influenced Earthling album, with that frantic, synthesised drum machine sound. It is vibrant, however, and actually a lot of fun. Almost as if Bowie is parodying himself. It is, however, a cover of something by The Legendary Stardust Cowboy who I have blissfully never heard of. (I checked it out, it's phenomenally awful!).
5.15: The Angels Have Gone is a beguiling song with a totally addictive drum rhythm and a plaintive vocal. It does eventually kick in to a massive, heavy chorus before quietening down again into its inventive rhythm. It is probably the most experimental, adventurous track on the album. I find Everyone Says "Hi" to be somewhat twee, however. It has a good hook, though, with some "way-wah-wah-ooh" backing vocals straight off Absolute Beginners.
I like the deep and resonant A Better Future a lot with its chant-like refrain of "I demand a better future..." - it is definitely one of the best cuts on here - and the album ends with the plaintive, haunting Heathen (The Rays).
Overall, not as good as Reality in my opinion, but still an album worthy of repeated listens.
