Imagine, for a moment, that you were talented and fortunate enough to land a gig in a band that shot straight to the top in virtually no time at all. Lauded by critics and your fans, you could do no wrong. Until, that is, your frontman decided it was all over for him and it was time to move on to the next chameleon skin. Such was the fate of The Spiders From Mars, David Bowie's band from that classic time slot. Circa 1975. Bowie morphed into the plastic soul man. Ronson formed an alliance with Mott the Hoople. That left bassist Trevor Bolder and drummer Mick Woodmansey with nothing but the name. Recruiting guitarist Dave Black and vocalist Pete McDonald from Newcastle prog-rockers Kestrel, The Spiders From Mars were back in business. Bowie keyboard genius Mike Garson even added his talented fingers. A bit too late. Attention had started to shift to the emerging punk scene, and the fine recording of jazz-rock infused with a Bad Company spirit was all but overlooked.
I had fondly remembered this lp, and finally added it back to the collection. On a first hurried screening, it seemed my moniker "some things are best left fondly remembered" was apropos here, but a week later and I'm still revisiting. Sometimes similar to Bad Company, but also quite Squeezish and jazzy in spots, it's not a bad disc at all.
footnote - it has ever stuck with me how two of the songs on this set have "interpolated" inserts. First place I ever saw the word used.
My Trusted MOGs
My Trusted MOGs
Nice tunes. I like the interpolation. Thanks for the intro.
My Trusted MOGs
I can't imagine what they could have been if Bowie kept on with the project.
My Trusted MOGs
that's right! it's a small world after all!! btw I just got to see the return of the oud (got chills at the bees part too) . . . and cried. Sob! I love me some Doctor Who!
My Trusted MOGs
I don't wanna spoil the fun, so no more previews. Doesn't Catherine Tate add an astonishingly human emotion to the set? I am incredibly surprised at how much I am enjoying her character. So, I guess it's Tennant's last season. I would say no one could replace him, but that's what I said about Eccleston 3 years ago...