How does an artist rewrite the rules of convention after they had already done so? Aladdin Sane is the answer, following the massive success of his breakthrough art-rock album, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, David Bowie changed the shape of his sound as a true rock and roll star. Still keeping the glam, Bowie left his audience and critics mixed with Aladdin Sane. Released in 1973 it was a record about the death of his alter ego Ziggy Stardust, the title a pun off the phrase "A Lad Insane," Bowie would say the album was about his infatuation and disgust for America after hitting the road in '72 to support Ziggy Stardust. Though it may have been a commercial success by peaking at #17 on the Billboard charts, Aladdin Sane is the record about a man on the break of his own fame. Boasting the single "Jean Genie," it would become a radio staple of the Thin White Duke's for decades to come. Bowie displayed the duality of fame and fortune, mixed with his drug addiction and sexuality, Bowie pushed the envelope once more on this overlooked gem of music. Aladdin Sane still remains one of the most creative and perplexing albums ever recorded.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Underated Classic-David Bowie "Aladdin Sane"
How does an artist rewrite the rules of convention after they had already done so? Aladdin Sane is the answer, following the massive success of his breakthrough art-rock album, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, David Bowie changed the shape of his sound as a true rock and roll star. Still keeping the glam, Bowie left his audience and critics mixed with Aladdin Sane. Released in 1973 it was a record about the death of his alter ego Ziggy Stardust, the title a pun off the phrase "A Lad Insane," Bowie would say the album was about his infatuation and disgust for America after hitting the road in '72 to support Ziggy Stardust. Though it may have been a commercial success by peaking at #17 on the Billboard charts, Aladdin Sane is the record about a man on the break of his own fame. Boasting the single "Jean Genie," it would become a radio staple of the Thin White Duke's for decades to come. Bowie displayed the duality of fame and fortune, mixed with his drug addiction and sexuality, Bowie pushed the envelope once more on this overlooked gem of music. Aladdin Sane still remains one of the most creative and perplexing albums ever recorded.