Let’s not talk art, let’s talk commerce. David Bowie’s The Next day was a perfect example as to how business isn’t conducted in the 21st century. A big splash, a couple of videos and then nothing. Down the charts like a stone within a week, and nothing approaching a hit.
Look: nobody is claiming that commerce trumps commerce, what we are claiming is Bowie used to be great at both and he sure ain’t any more. We are also claiming that from album sleeves to on stage suicides, Bowie was once miles ahead of the zeitgeist and is now baffled by it.
The Next day wasn’t a bad album, the deluxe version was actually pretty damn good, but it was behind the 8 ball, it had no audience. It defined built in obsolescence. You can’t say you’re pop and not be popular.
If Bowie is a pro, why act like an amateur. The most obvious thing to ask is why not tour behind the album? Why not go multi media? No apps or 3D conceptualizing razors edge stuff I can’t even imagine? If Bowie isn’t interested, why not remain retired?
I dunno.
But I do know he is releasing another album and if simple interest in the David Bowie name couldn’t save him in 2013, it will bury him in 2014. For a charity in London, Bowie had this statement read according to New Musical Express: “This city is even better than the one you were in last year, so remember to dance, dance, dance. And then sit down for a minute, knit something, then get up and run all over the place. Do it. Love on ya. More music soon. David”
We don’t want another album right now, we want a tour.
