Following our fantasy Clash tribute album, here’s another we’d like to see at Rock NYC;
This was tougher that I thought mainly because Bowie’s songs are so inherently his, it’s tough to envision them being played by someone else, much less sung. First me, than Helen than Iman offer our choices. Here we go.
Mike’s choices:
“Young Americans”-Steely Dan—This tune always kinda reminded me of the Dan and how they would lyrically drive that narrative behind a funky beat. This would work as a kind of teenage “Haitian Divorce”.
“Drive –In Saturday”- Jethro Tull-Just to hear Ian Anderson warble “His name was always Buddy”.. that would crack me up everytime.
“Sorrow”-Iggy Pop-This tune would serve that bellowing low register Iggy vocal very well.
“Heroes”-Jeff Beck-Everybody knows the words , so lets make this thing a jazz fusion instrumental in that trademark Beck style.
“Moonage Daydream”- Sonic Youth—The guitars alone would be killer here, let Kim do the vocals
“TVC15”-Elton John-It has a cool piano bit that’s why I thought of him here.
“Stay”- Alison Moyet—I’ve always wanted to hear a female voice take this thing on, because there’s just so much untapped emotion. Alison has the pipes to deliver as well. Whatever happened to her?
“Jean Genie”-Bo Diddley – You’d actually have to speed it up, but I think it would work.
“Star”-The Jimi Hendrix Experience -This is my favorite track off the Ziggy LP by far. Jimi could’ve pulled this one off with style to spare.
“Hang On To Yourself”-The Ramones-Those power chords are right up their alley.
“Soul Love”-The Monkees—Davy Jones on vocals, natch.It has that Anthony Newley kinda vibe.
“Station To Station”-Talking Heads- Eno producing of course. layer upon layer of density.
Helen’s choices:
Wild Is The Wind- Chrissie Hynde. With her gravely tone and an acoustic guitar she would offer us girls the opportunity to hand this song out as a love note.
DJ- Shinobi Ninja, how freakin fun would that be? Funk it up make it insane slamming beat.. making record spinner into house DJ with a boom
Ziggy Stardust-Alesana, this song would be SICK with a growl.
African Nightflight (I loved Lodger)- Jay Z. Make it a fast rap but dangerous, man I love this song anyway.
Queen Bitch-Rob Thomas dont laugh Mr Matchbox would kill this one. He has that twang
Be My Wife- Blue October. Cuz I just want Justin to sing this title to me.
Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed- This is a great underdog song I would love to hear Eddie Vedders voice on it and he is also fitting to the title. But throw down some ‘Unplugged’ type strings and it would be breathtaking.
Iman’s choices:
Panic In Detriot – Kid Rock – Bowie’s take is so sexually ambigious but I’ve heard a demo which is tough indeed and with a southern lick it should be awesome.
China Girl – Vampire Weekend – A cover of a cover I realize, but that world sound of VW would be a perfect fit.
Fame – Titus Andronicus – If they can cover “I Turned Out A Punk”…
Andy Warhol – Lady Gaga – A meeting of three master media manipulators somewhere in the middle.
When You Rock And Roll With Me – The Rolling Stones – I know it is all about manipulating emotion and Bowie fakes sincerity better than Jagger but Jagger rocks harder.
Sound And Vision – Kanye West – Shoulda been on 808s And Heartbreaks