In being told to review an "obscure vinyl from my collection", I immediately went for my most recent purchase. Although not obscure, I do believe it's worthy of a review.
I went to Newbury Comics and was searching for some new stuff. I ended up picking out Touché Amore/Casket Lottery, Balance and Composure, and a used "Young Americans". My first Bowie vinyl. The original buyer kept the price sticker on-3 dollars. I got it for 8, and figured I couldn't go wrong. I was so interested in this find that I actually wanted to read up a bit on it and see if I could find out some fun facts about it.
Recorded in 1974, Bowie's ninth studio album expressed his obsession with soul music. What I found the most interesting is that 85% of the album is 'live'- I think that's what makes it so great. Bowie brought in funk and soul musicians to help out with the record, and you can tell when you hear it that's it has a truly authentic sound.
The title track, "Young Americans", took two days to record. This really famous tune's been in countless films and TV programmes, and rightfully so. By no means the best opening to a Bowie album, nor the best tune of the record, it still holds your attention and absolutely calls for some impromptu dancin'. You really can't sit still whilst it's playing, and Bowie's vocals are good for either giggling about or singing really loud to. What a jam.
One of the main reasons I picked up the album was because of the John Lennon contribution. I mean, "Across The Universe" is such a good song. It's just fun to listen to. Easily one of Bowie's best collabs, it's beautifully composed and makes you wanna close your eyes, tip your chin up, and sing at the top of your lungs. And then do air-guitar. So great for road trips, too.
Also, let's not forget about "Fascination". This is just one of those songs that you have to turn up all the way and move about to. It's so funky and damn catchy. It merges together everything you love about the man and more. The conglomeration of emotion and sounds builds up and pushes you into a state of happiness and undeniable addiction.
Ending on "Fame", written with Lennon and this hit reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1975. Bowie's described the track as "nasty, angry" and commented on it again in 1990: "I'd had very upsetting management problems and a lot of that was built into the song. I've left that all that behind me, now… I think fame itself is not a rewarding thing. The most you can say is that it gets you a seat in restaurants." The cutest quote about the song? "I wouldn't know how to pick a single if it hit me in the face." Well, David, you certainly know how to write 'em.
I'm so glad I didn't overlook this vinyl; the condition it's in, the stories it holds, everything about it basically reassured me I made the right decision. That, and the fact that I hope my neighbours are enjoying it just as much as I am right now.
