David Bowie — The Man Who Sold The World
Album: The Man Who Sold The WorldAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 5058
Length: 3:48
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We passed upon the stair
We spoke of was and when
Although I was not there
He said I was his friend
Which came as some surprise
I spoke into his eyes
I thought you died alone
A long, long time ago
Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world
I laughed and shook his hand
And made my way back home
I searched for form and land
For years and years, I roamed
I gazed a gazely stare
And all the millions here
We must have died alone
A long, long time ago
Who knows, not me
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world
Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world
We spoke of was and when
Although I was not there
He said I was his friend
Which came as some surprise
I spoke into his eyes
I thought you died alone
A long, long time ago
Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world
I laughed and shook his hand
And made my way back home
I searched for form and land
For years and years, I roamed
I gazed a gazely stare
And all the millions here
We must have died alone
A long, long time ago
Who knows, not me
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world
Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You're face to face
With the man who sold the world
Comments (462)add comment
Great to hear the original, not the murdered versions from Nirvana or Lulu. Thanks RP!!
Thank you RP! David you are always with me.
I gazed a gazely stare
And all the millions here
We must have died alone
A long, long time ago
I gazed a gazely stare
And all the millions here
We must have died alone
A long, long time ago
bkrans9 wrote:
Too funny!
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Too funny!
ciarataylor wrote:
Actually he came too close, if you ask me. And that's why it's ... well... forgettable
Kurt did not come klose.
Actually he came too close, if you ask me. And that's why it's ... well... forgettable
Great song. It would be cool to hear the Nirvana version once in a while.
bkrans9 wrote:
Har
Seems most folks did not get the sarcasm.
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Har
Seems most folks did not get the sarcasm. treatment_bound wrote:
Yeah, you might turn more than a few heads walking around in this "off the rack" special in 2012, but just imagine pulling it off in 1970!
whereas now, 11 yrs after this comment, this wouldn't seem very head-turning these days.
love him. miss him. an original.
Yeah, you might turn more than a few heads walking around in this "off the rack" special in 2012, but just imagine pulling it off in 1970!
whereas now, 11 yrs after this comment, this wouldn't seem very head-turning these days.
love him. miss him. an original.
lemmoth wrote:
I really believe that David Jones (who killed off Ziggy, the TWDuke, and more) eventually killed David Bowie after his heart attack. And now as he said in his later video, “We have a GOOD life.”
And I don’t begrudge him that at all. Godspeed.
taken too soon
I really believe that David Jones (who killed off Ziggy, the TWDuke, and more) eventually killed David Bowie after his heart attack. And now as he said in his later video, “We have a GOOD life.”
And I don’t begrudge him that at all. Godspeed.
1970…so that would mean I picked this up when I was twelve. Seventh grade. Imagine. And the songwriting, the production, the…different-ness of this album. I only wish something similar could happen to the kids growing up these days.
Never knew Bowie wrote this song. Thank you RP for keeping me enlightened.
pcc wrote:
Ha ha ha. You are either a troll or just plain ignorant.
Yeah
Ha ha ha. You are either a troll or just plain ignorant.
Yeah
sajitjacob wrote:
So true. Not a lot of guys can pull off that look.
How come Bowie could wear a dress and still look so totally bad ass? This guy just oozed attitude. Oh, I made my self sad.
So true. Not a lot of guys can pull off that look.
bkrans9 wrote:
Ha ha ha. You are either a troll or just plain ignorant.
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Ha ha ha. You are either a troll or just plain ignorant.
reguru2112 wrote:
Kurt Cobain said in an interview that he saw Nirvana basically as a Pixie's cover band, especially in the "loud, soft, loud" patterns.
I can hear where the Pixies got a little influence! Good stuff
Kurt Cobain said in an interview that he saw Nirvana basically as a Pixie's cover band, especially in the "loud, soft, loud" patterns.
There should be a "Battle of the Opening Riffs" and this sing in it.
I love this photo... the power of music!
Jayesea wrote:
Yeah, it's extremely difficult to tell at times but I suspect the poster was being sarcastic there.
I agree. Text has a negative bias. Impossible to distinguish sarcasm or satire from an earnestly held opinion in a short comment.
Yeah, it's extremely difficult to tell at times but I suspect the poster was being sarcastic there.
I agree. Text has a negative bias. Impossible to distinguish sarcasm or satire from an earnestly held opinion in a short comment.
jbonomo62 wrote:
Did you bother to check the release date? Or is that too much for you to handle?
Yeah, it's extremely difficult to tell at times but I suspect the poster was being sarcastic there.
Did you bother to check the release date? Or is that too much for you to handle?
Yeah, it's extremely difficult to tell at times but I suspect the poster was being sarcastic there.
bkrans9 wrote:
Did you bother to check the release date? Or is that too much for you to handle?
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Did you bother to check the release date? Or is that too much for you to handle?
bkrans9 wrote:
Either you're trolling or just naive, let us know which one?
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Either you're trolling or just naive, let us know which one?
bkrans9 wrote:
Um
Would you Like me to Google that for you?
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Um
Would you Like me to Google that for you?
ciarataylor wrote:
Согласен. Курт превзошел!
Kurt did not come klose.
Согласен. Курт превзошел!
I can hear where the Pixies got a little influence! Good stuff
bkrans9 wrote:
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
Big deal--this guy just covered that Nirvana tune lick for lick. Where's the creativity in that?
sajitjacob wrote:
It's too hard to be a pop-star... I'm do drop my tears (excuse my english).
How come Bowie could wear a dress and still look so totally bad ass? This guy just oozed attitude. Oh, I made my self sad.
It's too hard to be a pop-star... I'm do drop my tears (excuse my english).
horstman wrote:
And the Lulu one. That was awesome
I think the cover by Nirvana makes the original sound even better (having the two as comparisons). They are both very good, and I love both versions but its the juxtaposition that brings out the highlights of each.
And the Lulu one. That was awesome
PhoenixArtDj wrote:
There's been a music industry machine ever since the radio was invented. There will always be true artists that don't bend to the will of the machine but also rise to the top.
Because Bowie was in the very best sense of the word -an artist. He created what he felt needed to be said without worrying about if it would "sell". I am sure he made the kind of music he wanted and was the kind of person he wanted to be. Thankfully the world was ready to support it.
Sadly, I don't know think the 21st century is able to support that kind of artist with regularity. Welcome to the machine.
Rest in peace dear David Bowie. Thank you for the art you left us.
There's been a music industry machine ever since the radio was invented. There will always be true artists that don't bend to the will of the machine but also rise to the top.
whos on guitar?
mick r?
mick r?
I remember my mother being horrified by Bowie on SNL. I thought he was amazing!
Love the drumming on this...
treatment_bound wrote:
Yeah, you might turn more than a few heads walking around in this "off the rack" special in 2012, but just imagine pulling it off in 1970!
Getting ready to be the Thin White Duchess
Yeah, you might turn more than a few heads walking around in this "off the rack" special in 2012, but just imagine pulling it off in 1970!
Getting ready to be the Thin White Duchess
ciarataylor wrote:
I disagree. Kurt did a good job on HIS version.
Kurt did not come klose.
I disagree. Kurt did a good job on HIS version.
Kurt did not come klose.
He's giving us the finger on the cover, Kudos for that!
Oh yeah...
https://www.dailymotion.com/vi...
https://www.dailymotion.com/vi...
Wow the end of this song reminds me of some of the music from his last album.
A bit errie.
A bit errie.
joanferva wrote:
British musicians are the worst that could happen to a planet full of beings that hated good music
LOL, I had to read that 3 times....British musicians are the worst that could happen to a planet full of beings that hated good music
Because Bowie was in the very best sense of the word -an artist. He created what he felt needed to be said without worrying about if it would "sell". I am sure he made the kind of music he wanted and was the kind of person he wanted to be. Thankfully the world was ready to support it.
Sadly, I don't know think the 21st century is able to support that kind of artist with regularity. Welcome to the machine.
Rest in peace dear David Bowie. Thank you for the art you left us.
sajitjacob wrote:
Sadly, I don't know think the 21st century is able to support that kind of artist with regularity. Welcome to the machine.
Rest in peace dear David Bowie. Thank you for the art you left us.
sajitjacob wrote:
How come Bowie could wear a dress and still look so totally bad ass? This guy just oozed attitude. Oh, I made my self sad.
How come Bowie could wear a dress and still look so totally bad ass? This guy just oozed attitude. Oh, I made my self sad.
Haunting early classic by Bowie. "Outstanding"....9....
markjoiner99462 wrote:
1967? This song wasn't written until 1970; Lulu's version is from 1974.
What about Lulu's 1967 version ?
1967? This song wasn't written until 1970; Lulu's version is from 1974.
Timeless,long live Major Tom’s music ❤️
First class use of the Guiro.
ciarataylor wrote:
Bowie was much too classy ever to think in such a way.
My god he must have gotten sick of people asking him to play his song that Curt Cobain received all the credit for..
Sometimes this fame for which he strived arrives in a very strange package, indeed. How ironic.
And the song? Not really his best anyway. He tossed that poor brain-addled Curt Cobain —a freebie.
Sometimes this fame for which he strived arrives in a very strange package, indeed. How ironic.
And the song? Not really his best anyway. He tossed that poor brain-addled Curt Cobain —a freebie.
Bowie was much too classy ever to think in such a way.
My god he must have gotten sick of people asking him to play his song that Curt Cobain received all the credit for..
Sometimes this fame for which he strived arrives in a very strange package, indeed. How ironic.
And the song? Not really his best anyway. He tossed that poor brain-addled Curt Cobain --a freebie.
Sometimes this fame for which he strived arrives in a very strange package, indeed. How ironic.
And the song? Not really his best anyway. He tossed that poor brain-addled Curt Cobain --a freebie.
Yet another fantastic song by a true artistic Legend.
Every time any David Bowie song is played I feel I should strongly recommend that if you are in New York City area please go to The Brooklyn Museum for the "David Bowie is" exhibition. It is likely the best curated, most informative and personal exhibit that I have ever seen! Even if you are only a casual Bowie fan I think that you will find it very interesting. But do go early in the day as it tends to be pretty busy (this is the last stop for the exhibit which has been on display at various locations since 2013). It took me 3+ hours to get through it all as it is quite large (though admittedly, I do read every card and tend to linger at all the individual displays).
GO SEE IT!
Every time any David Bowie song is played I feel I should strongly recommend that if you are in New York City area please go to The Brooklyn Museum for the "David Bowie is" exhibition. It is likely the best curated, most informative and personal exhibit that I have ever seen! Even if you are only a casual Bowie fan I think that you will find it very interesting. But do go early in the day as it tends to be pretty busy (this is the last stop for the exhibit which has been on display at various locations since 2013). It took me 3+ hours to get through it all as it is quite large (though admittedly, I do read every card and tend to linger at all the individual displays).
GO SEE IT!
Album: The Man Who Sold The World
Released: 1970
48 years ago ~
lmic wrote:
"Bowie bemoaned the fact that when he performed the number himself he would encounter "kids that come up afterwards and say, 'It's cool you're doing a Nirvana song.' And I think, 'Fuck you, you little tosser!'" ~Nicholas Pegg
More cow bell :-)
max_p wrote:
This was the cover I had. Love this whole album.
This was the cover I had. Love this whole album.
I don't need Nirvana when this is still around. No bum notes here.
Bowie and Eno's loungey remix version of this from the 00's was equally awesome.
flyboy wrote:
One of the only songs where I enjoy the original and cover equally.
I liked the Nirvana cover at the time but now I don't care for it
Nirvana's is 23 years old and Bowie's is 47 years old and Bowie's still crackles and buzzes and illuminates,
Cobain's? old and draggy
One of the only songs where I enjoy the original and cover equally.
I liked the Nirvana cover at the time but now I don't care for it
Nirvana's is 23 years old and Bowie's is 47 years old and Bowie's still crackles and buzzes and illuminates,
Cobain's? old and draggy
horstman wrote:
I agree. One of the only songs where I enjoy the original and cover equally.
I think the cover by Nirvana makes the original sound even better (having the two as comparisons). They are both very good, and I love both versions but its the juxtaposition that brings out the highlights of each.
I agree. One of the only songs where I enjoy the original and cover equally.
lmic wrote:
"Bowie bemoaned the fact that when he performed the number himself he would encounter "kids that come up afterwards and say, 'It's cool you're doing a Nirvana song.' And I think, 'Fuck you, you little tosser!'" ~Nicholas Pegg
taken too soon
wowie-zowie moonboys and cotton pickers!!!!!!
Bowie follows Johnny Cash!!!
Bowie follows Johnny Cash!!!
"Bowie bemoaned the fact that when he performed the number himself he would encounter "kids that come up afterwards and say, 'It's cool you're doing a Nirvana song.' And I think, 'Fuck you, you little tosser!'" ~Nicholas Pegg
hayduke2 wrote:
a new cleaned up version was to be released this fall, no doubt in select theaters only
am going to see The Man Who Fell to Earth now (for the thirteenth time), David Bowie was a stellar gift to humanity
a new cleaned up version was to be released this fall, no doubt in select theaters only
might as well drop that Nirvana cover from the playlist
It's like an extremely fine wine 
am going to see The Man Who Fell to Earth now (for the thirteenth time), David Bowie was a stellar gift to humanity
45 years of his music live on forever
and the thousands of artists he inspired to make great art
and the millions of hearts and souls he touched
and the thousands of artists he inspired to make great art
and the millions of hearts and souls he touched
odd,...i am reading this interview with Tony Visconti (producer and bass player on this song) and this song pops up on RP
it's a recent interview about Bowie, good info, link below
https://www.heyreverb.com/blog/2016/04/12/david-bowie-producer-tony-visconti/116007/
it's a recent interview about Bowie, good info, link below
https://www.heyreverb.com/blog/2016/04/12/david-bowie-producer-tony-visconti/116007/
I think the cover by Nirvana makes the original sound even better (having the two as comparisons). They are both very good, and I love both versions but its the juxtaposition that brings out the highlights of each.
fantastic song, wonderful person performing it! 10
Love the early stuff!
a great album
a great album
So admired/admire the artist and the grace with which he handled this transition.
" I thought you died alone
A long, long time ago
Oh no, not me
I never lost control"
" I thought you died alone
A long, long time ago
Oh no, not me
I never lost control"
look up this song on YouTube when he did it on Saturday Night Live,...Bowie being Bowie, unreal, you'll love it
Reading some of the comments, is like reading The Onion. May be now they know who is David Bowie... I know everybody has to die, but for some reason I never thought of David being mortal. It's beyong sadness, the loss of an open mind, true discoverer, adventurer.
Oh well, we have the music, the plays, the writing.
Oh well, we have the music, the plays, the writing.
Brilliantly excellent 
idiot_wind wrote:
Either you are just emerging from under your rock after more than 50 years of seclusion, or you have a twisted and vivid sense of humor.
A good laugh here, whatever !!
Who is this guy?
I think he's trying to copy Arcade Fire! Now that's a band that gets it: provocative playing, hooks, melodies, harmonics, soulful sounds, and being creative and experimental.
They are truly a band for the 21st century...not like this strange guy.
I think he's trying to copy Arcade Fire! Now that's a band that gets it: provocative playing, hooks, melodies, harmonics, soulful sounds, and being creative and experimental.
They are truly a band for the 21st century...not like this strange guy.
Either you are just emerging from under your rock after more than 50 years of seclusion, or you have a twisted and vivid sense of humor.
A good laugh here, whatever !!
bobzane wrote:
Martin Sheen was host - right after Apocalypse Now came out
treatment_bound wrote:
Yeah, you might turn more than a few heads walking around in this "off the rack" special in 2012, but just imagine pulling it off in 1970!
treatment_bound wrote:
Yeah, you might turn more than a few heads walking around in this "off the rack" special in 2012, but just imagine pulling it off in 1970!
Fits right in with the Game of Thrones crowd.
Excellent
Webfoot wrote:
I liked the original Nirvana more than the new one.
oldsaxon wrote:
The Nirvana cover was good in that it might have brought a few young listeners closer to the Bowie original. It wasn't really all that good, in and of itself.
I think it's "good" as much as any grunge can or wants to be.
The Nirvana cover was good in that it might have brought a few young listeners closer to the Bowie original. It wasn't really all that good, in and of itself.
I think it's "good" as much as any grunge can or wants to be.
I liked the original Nirvana more than the new one.
What was I thinking giving this a nine? Halfwit. 10, surely.
Forever ;)
A while back I stumbled over this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYeIqneQKA0
oldsaxon wrote:
The Nirvana cover was good in that it might have brought a few young listeners closer to the Bowie original. It wasn't really all that good, in and of itself.
I think it's "good" as much as any grunge can or wants to be.
The Nirvana cover was good in that it might have brought a few young listeners closer to the Bowie original. It wasn't really all that good, in and of itself.
I think it's "good" as much as any grunge can or wants to be.
Who is this guy?
I think he's trying to copy Arcade Fire! Now that's a band that gets it: provocative playing, hooks, melodies, harmonics, soulful sounds, and being creative and experimental.
They are truly a band for the 21st century...not like this strange guy.
I think he's trying to copy Arcade Fire! Now that's a band that gets it: provocative playing, hooks, melodies, harmonics, soulful sounds, and being creative and experimental.
They are truly a band for the 21st century...not like this strange guy.
Although in historical context this song is genius, I still think Cobain nailed it too. He took the song as his own. Bowie is pure genius.
Oh No, Not Me.....Almost Gregorian at the end...
Oh No, Not Me.....Almost Gregorian at the end...
David Bowie's comb in the background makes it groovy ;)
2020sk wrote:
The Nirvana cover was good in that it might have brought a few young listeners closer to the Bowie original. It wasn't really all that good, in and of itself.
We need both versions, we have done ever since Nirvana did theirs on MTV and we probably always will do. A rare example, I believe, of a cover equalling the original and standing alongside it without detracting from it. Neither is perfect (slightly military trills in the drumming on Bowie's track, slurred - or forgotten - lyrics by Cobain; both minor gripes, negligible, only here for the record) but both stand out on their respective albums, and please don't ask me to choose one over the other - that's like asking me to rank my kids!
The Nirvana cover was good in that it might have brought a few young listeners closer to the Bowie original. It wasn't really all that good, in and of itself.
GTT wrote:
Hammond Model C-3 with the Tonewheel and ancillary Woofer Cabinet
Just noticed, and love, the weird, horror movie keyboard underlying it all!
Hammond Model C-3 with the Tonewheel and ancillary Woofer Cabinet
misterbearbaby wrote:
uhm..really? Google "Bowie" get back to us later.
This is the American classical music, 10..
uhm..really? Google "Bowie" get back to us later.
2020sk wrote:
Amen brother or sister
We need both versions, we have done ever since Nirvana did theirs on MTV and we probably always will do. A rare example, I believe, of a cover equalling the original and standing alongside it without detracting from it. Neither is perfect (slightly military trills in the drumming on Bowie's track, slurred - or forgotten - lyrics by Cobain; both minor gripes, negligible, only here for the record) but both stand out on their respective albums, and please don't ask me to choose one over the other - that's like asking me to rank my kids!
Amen brother or sister
1wolfy wrote:
It was all for nothing...
When I first heard this, I'd ponder the lyrics and drift into deep thought....
It was all for nothing...
GTT wrote:
Just noticed, and love, the weird, horror movie keyboard underlying it all!
Many layers it has, young Jedi.This is the American classical music, 10..
Steely_D wrote:
While I believe this is a great tune and also the definitive version of it, your comparison seems a little awry. I'm not sure if creative output could be compared with something as mundane as laying railroads or driving. Anyhow, there are many cover versions which surpass the originals.
It's one thing to acknowledge that it's a great song and do a cover of it.
But to write this? And make it such a touchstone for music during this period?
Now that's impressive.
So it's a point of interest that Nirvana managed to do their version of it, which is quite good. But it's not in the same ballpark as Bowie.
That's like saying I drove my car from the east coast to the west, so I'm as important as the men that laid the Transcontinental Railroad.
But to write this? And make it such a touchstone for music during this period?
Now that's impressive.
So it's a point of interest that Nirvana managed to do their version of it, which is quite good. But it's not in the same ballpark as Bowie.
That's like saying I drove my car from the east coast to the west, so I'm as important as the men that laid the Transcontinental Railroad.
While I believe this is a great tune and also the definitive version of it, your comparison seems a little awry. I'm not sure if creative output could be compared with something as mundane as laying railroads or driving. Anyhow, there are many cover versions which surpass the originals.
Just noticed, and love, the weird, horror movie keyboard underlying it all!
It's one thing to acknowledge that it's a great song and do a cover of it.
But to write this? And make it such a touchstone for music during this period?
Now that's impressive.
So it's a point of interest that Nirvana managed to do their version of it, which is quite good. But it's not in the same ballpark as Bowie.
That's like saying I drove my car from the east coast to the west, so I'm as important as the men that laid the Transcontinental Railroad.
But to write this? And make it such a touchstone for music during this period?
Now that's impressive.
So it's a point of interest that Nirvana managed to do their version of it, which is quite good. But it's not in the same ballpark as Bowie.
That's like saying I drove my car from the east coast to the west, so I'm as important as the men that laid the Transcontinental Railroad.
When I first heard this, I'd ponder the lyrics and drift into deep thought....
We need both versions, we have done ever since Nirvana did theirs on MTV and we probably always will do. A rare example, I believe, of a cover equalling the original and standing alongside it without detracting from it. Neither is perfect (slightly military trills in the drumming on Bowie's track, slurred - or forgotten - lyrics by Cobain; both minor gripes, negligible, only here for the record) but both stand out on their respective albums, and please don't ask me to choose one over the other - that's like asking me to rank my kids!
I like this version so much more than the Nirvana cover (my first exposure to the song) ... but thanks to Nirvana for bringing this back up from the depths. While on the subject ... I like the original Meat Puppets much better than the Nirvana cover.
enkay wrote:
I agree in general
excepts for 2 songs i know
Hurt : cover by johnny Cash
Your song : cover by billy paul
I'm sure someone (or many someone's) will disagree with me, but I think it's quite often the case that people tend to prefer the version of a song they first become familiar with.
I almost never prefer a cover version of a song if I've known and liked the original first, although I really appreciate it when an artist tries to bring something new to it. Case in point would be Gary Jules doing Mad World.
I'll always prefer Bowie's version because I'd been listening to it for two decades before Nirvana had a go at it, and because Nirvana just turned in a karaoke version of it, in my opinion.
Or, more directly put, their version gets on my tits.
I almost never prefer a cover version of a song if I've known and liked the original first, although I really appreciate it when an artist tries to bring something new to it. Case in point would be Gary Jules doing Mad World.
I'll always prefer Bowie's version because I'd been listening to it for two decades before Nirvana had a go at it, and because Nirvana just turned in a karaoke version of it, in my opinion.
Or, more directly put, their version gets on my tits.
I agree in general
excepts for 2 songs i know
Hurt : cover by johnny Cash
Your song : cover by billy paul
Yes that's true, Mick was a wonderful guitarist. And Bowie a genious.
They made masterpiece, together.
zigzag wrote:
They made masterpiece, together.
zigzag wrote:
The brilliant Mick Ronson.
Miss you....miss you.
...also, love that guiro.
Miss you....miss you.
...also, love that guiro.
This is a great song ruined by the overzealous percussionist. I think Nirvana performed this song better IMHO.
wonderful outro
enkay wrote:
This is why I always say the one who wrote the song or performed it first deserves the ultimate and long-term credit.
I'm sure someone (or many someone's) will disagree with me, but I think it's quite often the case that people tend to prefer the version of a song they first become familiar with.
I almost never prefer a cover version of a song if I've known and liked the original first, although I really appreciate it when an artist tries to bring something new to it. Case in point would be Gary Jules doing Mad World.
I'll always prefer Bowie's version because I'd been listening to it for two decades before Nirvana had a go at it, and because Nirvana just turned in a karaoke version of it, in my opinion.
Or, more directly put, their version gets on my tits.
I almost never prefer a cover version of a song if I've known and liked the original first, although I really appreciate it when an artist tries to bring something new to it. Case in point would be Gary Jules doing Mad World.
I'll always prefer Bowie's version because I'd been listening to it for two decades before Nirvana had a go at it, and because Nirvana just turned in a karaoke version of it, in my opinion.
Or, more directly put, their version gets on my tits.
This is why I always say the one who wrote the song or performed it first deserves the ultimate and long-term credit.
"I gazed a gazely stare"
One of my favourite lines ever!!!!
One of my favourite lines ever!!!!
This entire album was certainly a 'hit' for me, but not the masses. TomSweetwater wrote:
The cover songs on Nirvana Unplugged were the best part of the album, they added an attitude to this song that made it contemporary. I'd like to know how big a hit this was for Bowie at the time.
The brilliant Mick Ronson.
Miss you....miss you.
...also, love that guiro.
Miss you....miss you.
...also, love that guiro.
TomSweetwater wrote:
There were no successful singles off of this album. I think it may have had moderate sales, which increased after "Ziggy Stardust" was released.
The cover songs on Nirvana Unplugged were the best part of the album, they added an attitude to this song that made it contemporary. I'd like to know how big a hit this was for Bowie at the time.
There were no successful singles off of this album. I think it may have had moderate sales, which increased after "Ziggy Stardust" was released.
The cover songs on Nirvana Unplugged were the best part of the album, they added an attitude to this song that made it contemporary. I'd like to know how big a hit this was for Bowie at the time.
First time I heard it was in 74, it was a small hit for Lulu. It took me a while to discover the Bowie single and album. Stil have the album, not the artwork though.
big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:
Yup... amen...
I always think about Nirvana's cover when I hear this... love them both...
Yup... amen...
Never heard this (original?) version, much thanks Radio Paradise for adding Bowie's dimension to this poetic and profound song.Quality of Bowie's voice on this reminds a bit of Jagger's on Heaven.
I like the way Cobain does the ending vocals with his guitar
dwlangham wrote:
Your ear can't be very good then. There's a *huge* amount of difference. Cobain's voice is much rougher, I believe the version that's always played was the live acoustic set Nirvana did? It's ok, except for one terrible bum lead guitar note.
I took that version as a 'hats off' to Bowie and soon got irritated that it was the only version the radio would play for many many years after.
To my ear, and without the benefit of hearing them side-by-side, there's not a nickle's worth of difference between this and the Nirvana cover (the exception being Bowie's choral vocal "ahhhs" near the end). I agree with the fellow listener who thanked Cobain for re-introducing the song.
Your ear can't be very good then. There's a *huge* amount of difference. Cobain's voice is much rougher, I believe the version that's always played was the live acoustic set Nirvana did? It's ok, except for one terrible bum lead guitar note.
I took that version as a 'hats off' to Bowie and soon got irritated that it was the only version the radio would play for many many years after.
So glad the original has made it's "comeback" on stations like RP. Whilst the Nirvana cover was OK, it became the most prevalent version for many years - despite it's rather wobbly out of tune bit part way through :)
I once saw Bowie standing alone outside Columbia Presbaterian Heart Center in New York waiting for his car to pick him up. We stood there fora good 3 minutes not sayong a word. Nobody else recognized him and I swear to god I have never been more gripped by fear since or before. Glad to know his health turned out ok.
So many reasons to love this song: the enigmatic lyrics, the cheesy percussion instrument in the background, the flanged vocals, the fact that it is the original version of a popular re-make ... plus the unforgettable guitar and bass parts. One of my favorite DB songs, and there are many great ones.
AWESOME!
It was just featured in "FRINGE" yesterday.
It was just featured in "FRINGE" yesterday.