What vinyl are you listening to?

[knaithrover]

Bowie and lots of it.

 

[stevebrock]

BlackStar

Very spooky that it turned up today

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

BlackStar

Very spooky that it turned up today

My copies arrived today, but I can't face listening to the album just yet. To say I'm gutted is a massive understatement.

 

[knaithrover]

BlackStar

Very spooky that it turned up today

My copies arrived today, but I can't face listening to the album just yet. To say I'm gutted is a massive understatement.

So so sad.. I'm not given to showing emotion but I shed a tear watching the news tonight. A wizard a true star.

 

[knaithrover]

BlackStar

Very spooky that it turned up today

My copies arrived today, but I can't face listening to the album just yet. To say I'm gutted is a massive understatement.

So so sad.. I'm not given to showing emotion but I shed a tear watching the news tonight. A wizard a true star.

 

[jamesrfisher]

ChangesBowie

Ziggy

Earthling

The Next Day

Blackstar

Feeling very sad, just believed he would be popping up every 5 years with a new album. First time a truly great artist who has played a significant part and was still producing great and different records has passed away when I can really appreciate how he will be missed (was too young when Elvis and Lennon passed away).

First time I was really aware of him was watching TOTP and they played the Ashes to Ashes video, was amazed by it.

 

[Al ears]

ChangesBowie

Ziggy

Earthling

The Next Day

Blackstar

Feeling very sad, just believed he would be popping up every 5 years with a new album. First time a truly great artist who has played a significant part and was still producing great and different records has passed away when I can really appreciate how he will be missed (was too young when Elvis and Lennon passed away).

First time I was really aware of him was watching TOTP and they played the Ashes to Ashes video, was amazed by it.

I am ordering Black Star because the only other Bowie LP that I own is Stage, which quite frankly is bloody brilliant.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

Feeling very sad, just believed he would be popping up every 5 years with a new album. First time a truly great artist who has played a significant part and was still producing great and different records has passed away when I can really appreciate how he will be missed (was too young when Elvis and Lennon passed away).

First time I was really aware of him was watching TOTP and they played the Ashes to Ashes video, was amazed by it.

No doubt, Lennon and Elvis's deaths were massive, but the truth is, Lennon was only 40, yet his last album was incredibly dull and uninspired. As for Elvis, hadn't he been playing greatest hits sets at Las Vegas, and eating himself to death for a number of years before he finally conked out?

Bowie remained vital until the end, but I'm afraid Lennon was living off past glories, and Elvis was just a very sad shadow of his former self.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

I am ordering Black Star because the only other Bowie LP that I own is Stage, which quite frankly is bloody brilliant.

Don't buy the clear vinyl off eBay, it's going for very silly money.

 

[Al ears]

I am ordering Black Star because the only other Bowie LP that I own is Stage, which quite frankly is bloody brilliant.

Don't buy the clear vinyl off eBay, it's going for very silly money.

Not likely to BB, I am a bit what the Jocks call thrifty.

 

[ifor]

... when you have it.

I double confirm there is a download code!!!

... to both. I have ordered.

 

[jamesrfisher]

Feeling very sad, just believed he would be popping up every 5 years with a new album. First time a truly great artist who has played a significant part and was still producing great and different records has passed away when I can really appreciate how he will be missed (was too young when Elvis and Lennon passed away).

First time I was really aware of him was watching TOTP and they played the Ashes to Ashes video, was amazed by it.

No doubt, Lennon and Elvis's deaths were massive, but the truth is, Lennon was only 40, yet his last album was incredibly dull and uninspired. As for Elvis, hadn't he been playing greatest hits sets at Las Vegas, and eating himself to death for a number of years before he finally conked out?

Bowie remained vital until the end, but I'm afraid Lennon was living off past glories, and Elvis was just a very sad shadow of his former self.

I understand that and part of my post did mention the fact he was still making great records and not just following a formula. Mentioned those two as remember them dying but didn't really understand the fuss.

 

[Jim_W]

Well well...all very momentous. I listened to 'Blackstar' on youtube as I said I would but, of course, it was in a state of, I dunno, disorientation and bewilderment as he had died. The release of a new album doesn't indicate the demise of an artist but as soon I listened to 'Blackstar' and 'Lazarus' I realised that that was exactly what it foretold. I think the whole album is both beautiful and macabre: to use your chosen artistic medium to comment on your death, to write your own eulogy and to foresee public reaction is quite mind-blowing. The whole theatre of it all is astonishing; however, if anybody was going to do it, then I guess David Bowie would be among the suspects...no, he would be the prime suspect. The release date too, just a few days before he died, must have been planned and controlled; I don't mean in order to garner maximum sales, although it will achieve this, but in order to heighten the narrative drama of the 'event' of his death. And I mean 'event' in the broadest possible way: the public and the private. Twitter and facebook were firestorms of eulogising and the usual 'look at me I'm upset' tributes which, in themselves, were an important part of the narrative. Shops everywhere had sold out of the 'Blackstar' cd, at least where I live. This was a staged artistic event, the like of which I have never seen. I still find it impossibly clever and ghoulish in equal measure; certainly the videos accompanying the songs are frightening and pretty scary: I don't like horror films.

Ultimately, the music: I think it ranks easily amongst the best stuff he's ever produced: it's beautifully played and the frail vocals only enhance the devastating impact of the lyrics. Dark, yes, of course, but not entirely black: it's remarkable music for the most part which must have been a focus for catharsis for a man knowing the game was up.

I'm not sure I trust my response to this music though because. like everybody else, the media, including social media is informing me re how I should think and feel. No wonder it was affecting your mental state, Charlie; it has already had that impact on me. Remarkable stuff.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Well well...all very momentous. I listened to 'Blackstar' on youtube as I said I would but, of course, it was in a state of, I dunno, disorientation and bewilderment as he had died. The release of a new album doesn't indicate the demise of an artist but as soon I listened to 'Blackstar' and 'Lazarus' I realised that that was exactly what it foretold. I think the whole album is both beautiful and macabre: to use your chosen artistic medium to comment on your death, to write your own eulogy and to foresee public reaction is quite mind-blowing. The whole theatre of it all is astonishing; however, if anybody was going to do it, then I guess David Bowie would be among the suspects...no, he would be the prime suspect. The release date too, just a few days before he died, must have been planned and controlled; I don't mean in order to garner maximum sales, although it will achieve this, but in order to heighten the narrative drama of the 'event' of his death. And I mean 'event' in the broadest possible way: the public and the private. Twitter and facebook were firestorms of eulogising and the usual 'look at me I'm upset' tributes which, in themselves, were an important part of the narrative. Shops everywhere had sold out of the 'Blackstar' cd, at least where I live. This was a staged artistic event, the like of which I have never seen. I still find it impossibly clever and ghoulish in equal measure; certainly the videos accompanying the songs are frightening and pretty scary: I don't like horror films.

Ultimately, the music: I think it ranks easily amongst the best stuff he's ever produced: it's beautifully played and the frail vocals only enhance the devastating impact of the lyrics. Dark, yes, of course, but not entirely black: it's remarkable music for the most part which must have been a focus for catharsis for a man knowing the game was up.

I'm not sure I trust my response to this music though because. like everybody else, the media, including social media is informing me re how I should think and feel. No wonder it was affecting your mental state, Charlie; it has already had that impact on me. Remarkable stuff.

I was going to post something along the lines of:

who knew we were getting a neo-Brechtian self-referencing, jazz-tinged reflection on death, his own . . . but then I read your astonishingly apposite miniature on the album and it's significance. Beautiful writing Jim, and I couldn't agree more. Thanks.

 

[Jim_W]

Well well...all very momentous. I listened to 'Blackstar' on youtube as I said I would but, of course, it was in a state of, I dunno, disorientation and bewilderment as he had died. The release of a new album doesn't indicate the demise of an artist but as soon I listened to 'Blackstar' and 'Lazarus' I realised that that was exactly what it foretold. I think the whole album is both beautiful and macabre: to use your chosen artistic medium to comment on your death, to write your own eulogy and to foresee public reaction is quite mind-blowing. The whole theatre of it all is astonishing; however, if anybody was going to do it, then I guess David Bowie would be among the suspects...no, he would be the prime suspect. The release date too, just a few days before he died, must have been planned and controlled; I don't mean in order to garner maximum sales, although it will achieve this, but in order to heighten the narrative drama of the 'event' of his death. And I mean 'event' in the broadest possible way: the public and the private. Twitter and facebook were firestorms of eulogising and the usual 'look at me I'm upset' tributes which, in themselves, were an important part of the narrative. Shops everywhere had sold out of the 'Blackstar' cd, at least where I live. This was a staged artistic event, the like of which I have never seen. I still find it impossibly clever and ghoulish in equal measure; certainly the videos accompanying the songs are frightening and pretty scary: I don't like horror films.

Ultimately, the music: I think it ranks easily amongst the best stuff he's ever produced: it's beautifully played and the frail vocals only enhance the devastating impact of the lyrics. Dark, yes, of course, but not entirely black: it's remarkable music for the most part which must have been a focus for catharsis for a man knowing the game was up.

I'm not sure I trust my response to this music though because. like everybody else, the media, including social media is informing me re how I should think and feel. No wonder it was affecting your mental state, Charlie; it has already had that impact on me. Remarkable stuff.

I was going to post something along the lines of:

who knew we were getting a neo-Brechtian self-referencing, jazz-tinged reflection on death, his own . . . but then I read your astonishingly apposite miniature on the album and it's significance. Beautiful writing Jim, and I couldn't agree more. Thanks.

Yep...that does it for me too. I avoided the stance/ the attitude towards life, death and stardom because I haven't listened closely enough yet: I'm certain there will be great deal of nuance that will need to be unravelled...or not. He's certainly chuckling darkly amidst the gloom. Very poignant and almost overwhelming really. No. Overwhelming full stop.

 

[stevebrock]

Jim_W

I commend you that is so brilliantly put - it echoes my thoughts precisely but I would of been unable to put it into words.

I listened to the LP fully yesterday - I am going to leave it alone for a few weeks then revisit it.

I have just been going though Scary Monsters Station to Station Heores and Lets Dance etc - all so very different just brilliant muisc well written produced & performed.

I am 48 - yes i vaguely remember Lennons death but this has had a greater impact on me like many others - yesterday is a day I will never forget. - like a lot of people my life had little purpose yesterday to say I am gutted is an understatement - strange though as like many of us have never met the great man !

RIP

 

[Jim_W]

Jim_W

I commend you that is so brilliantly put - it echoes my thoughts precisely but I would of been unable to put it into words.

I listened to the LP fully yesterday - I am going to leave it alone for a few weeks then revisit it.

I have just been going though Scary Monsters Station to Station Heores and Lets Dance etc - all so very different just brilliant muisc well written produced & performed.

I am 48 - yes i vaguely remember Lennons death but this has had a greater impact on me like many others - yesterday is a day I will never forget. - like a lot of people my life had little purpose yesterday to say I am gutted is an understatement - strange though as like many of us have never met the great man !

RIP

Thanks, Steve. I understand exactly the way that you feel and I'm not his bigget fan. I also understand that listening to 'Darkstar' is just too much, especially for a genuine fan. 'Low' is perhaps my favourite album and I'm giving that a long-overdue spin.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Well said Steve.

I never met him either, of course, but we all met his music, and hence some of the man who created it.

As an afterthought, slightly churlish perhaps but with a kernel of reason, I was underwhelmed by Newsnight last night. A televisual go to for all the theatrics and undercurrents of modern political life but such a tame and miscalculated opening obituary to David Bowie. One part of me wishes they'd stick to politics in its purest sense but maybe their "current affairs and culture remit" allows them to testify to Bowie's immense legacy, however perfunctorily it was done.

 

[Jim_W]

Just thinking...will this set a trend as Bowie so often did? Will we get great career-defing and career-concluding albums from Dylan etc? Imagine Keith Richards' very own 'Blackstar'...now that would be fun!

 

[stevebrock]

I am a massive Kate Bush fan - god forbid she leaves this mortal coil before me !

 

[Daz B]

Really can't play any Bowie at the moment it has effected me like that. I own 8 Bowie LPs which I regularly play but I think I will stay away from them for a while. Was not really into his music while growing up even though it was always on the radio or on top of the pops. The first song I can remember of his was the laughing knome, I was probably about 4 years old. I bought a CD of his about 15 years ago which was a complelation of his early hits and when I started buying records again about 8 years ago started buying Bowie yearly vinyl. Took me about 30 years to really apriciate how good his song writing and talent was but so glad that I did. Bowie was so good at adopting a style of music and making it his own. Hopefully it won't be too long that I can put one of his records back on my turntable but at this present moment I just can't do it. I know it sounds stupid but that's the way it is.

 

[The_Lhc]

I started to listen to Bjork's Vulnicura Strings this afternoon, double album, lovely packaging. Only listened to Side A though, maybe I'm not in the mood for it, just felt a little bit dull though, certainly not a patch on the Brodsky String Quartet version of Hyperballad but then her current songs don't really lend themselves to that sort of energy, this is very low key and didn't grab me at all (I like the original album though), so I switched to something I found in a (fabulous) second-hand book shop in Leigh on Sea a few months ago when we were visiting family (only wish we'd got there before ten to 5 as they were closing, I could have spent a LOT of money in there!):

Original 1971 EMI pressing. Only really bought it because I happened to be reading Tolkien's translation of the Story of Kullervo at the time and it seemed like too much of a coincidence to turn it down. It's a little noisy, despite looking immaculate but it's a pretty dramatic listen so you don't notice that most of the time. Two discs, nice boxed set with booklet, very pleased with it.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Blackstar

Bilingual - Pet Shop Boys

Carrie & Lowell - Sufjan Stevens

Katy Lied - Steely Dan

No commentary, just thoughts.

 

[knaithrover]

Scary Monsters - Bowie

My original copy. The teenaged me was bowled over by the entire record but in particular 'Teenage Wildlife' and 'It's No Game'. The grizzled older me still feels the same. It's never been off my play list.

 

[thescarletpronster]

Mogwai – Zidane: A 21st-Century Portrait o.s.t.
Roots Manuva – Bleeds
Dengue Fever – The Deepest Lake