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| David Bowie - Tonight Band: David Bowie Tracks: - Loving the Alien - Don't Look Down - God Only Knows - Tonight - Neighborhood Threat - Blue Jean - Tumble and Twirl - I Keep Forgettin' - Dancing With the Big Boys - This Is Not America [Ryko Edition Only] - As the World Falls Down [Ryko Edition Only] - Absolute Beginners [Ryko Edition Only] Classic 80's Bowie for Bowie fans ... My first introduction to David Bowie was with this album and Let's Dance, so there's sentimental value for me in Tonight. I first saw him performing on HBO's Tina Turner concert in 1985, where he sang "Tonight" and "Let's Dance." Well, naturally, the former song is Present on this album, and yes, Tina has some vocal duty here as well. The contrasting times of the Middle East are portrayed in "Loving The Alien," which is good in the single version, but here, it's in its full resplendent 7:09 glory. From the times of the Crusaders, who were promised a place in heaven for fighting the Saracens, to "Palestine being a modern problem," (it is something poignantly topical to this day), we see a Middle East ruled by "terror in a best laid plan." "Don't Look Down" is a song with the aura of having a leisurely walk down the streets of uncrowded London, if that's at all possible. I've always liked his singing in a lower register, which he does for ballads, and his cover of the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is a perfect example of that. There's a little bit of everything here. The hard rock of "Neighborhood Threat," the 50's rock-and-roll of Leiber and Stoller's "I Keep Forgettin'," and the lazy calypso rhythms of "Tumble And Twirl." I can almost taste the akee and tamarind juice listening to this latter song. The irresistible single "Blue Jean" is the highlight here, with Carlos Alomar's guitars never more effective. Bowie is in a unique category of artists who keeps changing with each album..., and that's what makes him legendary...Who will like this album? Bowie fans, because their tastes are the union of those mutually exclusive sets. And I'm proud to say, I'm one of them. TWO GREAT SONGS Tonight, the duet with Tina Turner, is a classic soulful song and worth the price of the album. Blue Jean is Bowie at his best, breathy vocals and a great catchy riff. Loving The Alien is noteworthy but the rest of the material is standard 80s pop and nothing particularly groundbreaking (for Bowie, that is). I still find it a Pleasure to listen to though. And this must be Bowie's most beautiful album cover with his blue face against the roses and leaves. JUST a follow up to Let's Dance? I think not. After the hype and success of Let's Dance and all the money made from the Serious Moonlight Tour. It appeared Bowie could relax. He was in no immediate financial trouble, and it appeared, for once in his career, he had absolute freedom. Bowie made several skiing vacations during 1984 (the year he had talked over and over about in his album Diamond Dogs), and it seemed he was happy. But he was still tied to the albums he promised in his contract with EMI, thus Tonight was born. It has long been remembered as one of the worst Bowie albums. This I disagree with. There are some wonderful tracks on this LP. Including, "Blue Jean", "Tumble and Twirl", "Neighborhood Threat" (an excellent cover of an old Iggy Pop song), and "I Keep Forgettin'". If you are at all interested in 1980's pop music, this album is for you! Buy David Bowie Tonight at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.comJamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! |
