Starman: David Bowie- 7 years gone but forever present

7 years ago, on January 10th, 2016 the world lost not only a musical genius but also a national treasure. David Bowie passed away at the age of 69 from liver cancer. The world was thrown into a tailspin. Not even the press could figure out why in the moment. In the last years of Bowie's life, the Thin White Duke kept a private life in New York City. He would release his final album Blackstar on January 8th, just two days before his passing. Right up until the end, David Bowie never stopped creating. From the get-go, Bowie always wanted to push the envelope. No matter what persona fits your preference whether it be the theatrical and poetic craft of Hunky Dory, the glam rock enigma of the legendary  The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, the magic carpet ride that is Aladdin Sane, or the Thin White Duke Berlin era, Bowie was able to blend multiple genres seamlessly. Not only was David Bowie a musical genius, he was also a voice for the voiceless; the outcasts, the dreamers, and people who dared to be different in their lives. He proved that it was okay to be different and to ignore those who think of you otherwise. After  Bowie's passing, I really dived deep into his catalog. I'm glad I took that journey. As mentioned earlier, Bowie had many musical eras. For me, Hunky Dory up until Aladdin Sane is my favorite period. I've been loving the heroes era as of late and really love the experimentation he created but the Hunky Dory-Sane era is what I gravitate toward the most. David Bowie was in pure form and at his full peak during this period in my honest opinion. When you start side one of Hunky Dory you have the coming-of-age anthem "Changes". Then an underrated gem 'Oh! Pretty Things!" is next. The song looks into the outdatedness of the human race with a truce between the arrival of aliens... Far out. Life On Mars? is the standout for its iconic piano and orchestral arrangement. Plus, Rick Wakeman, who would later go on to join progressive rock legends Yes provided piano accompaniment. My favorite track on the album is "Queen Bitch". It's no secret that David Bowie and Lou Reed had a tight friendship. The following year in 1972, Bowie would help Reed produce his second solo album Transformer which would be lauded by critics. "Queen Bitch" oozes Velvet Underground swagger with a lyrical love letter to NYC and a killer Sterling Morrison-inspired guitar riff.  I also love The Rise and Fall of  Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars equally. As far as rhythm sections go, Bowie's Stardust era was the best ever. It's a crime that Mick Ronson doesn't get the recognition he deserves. His guitar work on "Suffragette City', his iconic solo on "Moonage Daydream" and the glam rock swagger rhythm of "Ziggy Stardust" is the stuff of legend. Trevor Bolder (bass) and Woody Woodmansey provide excellent bass and drum work as well. When I visited the Rock in Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, I was able to pick up a fresh copy of Aladdin Sane on vinyl. The album is packed with gems including "Watch That Man', "Panic in Detroit' and "Cracked Actor" which I hold dear to me. Of course, I can't mention Aladdin Sane without acknowledging 'The Jean Jeanie". It's the perfect blend of glam rock and blues. That's all I can say about that song because it's just so perfect. It's hard to believe David Bowie has been gone for 7 years. However, his music, style, and bold way of dealing with cynical people will continue to live on for as long as music will be celebrated and record stores run out of his catalog. 

"We can be heroes, just for one day"

Peace and Love