(1971) David Bowie - "The Man Who Sold The World"
Musicians
David Bowie: vocals, guitar
Mick Ronson: guitar
Tony Visconti: bass
Mick Woodmansey: drums
Ralph mace: synth
Fast forward 2 years after the release of "Space Oddity". David Bowie drops the folk singing style for the time being to bring us one of the best albums he has ever released. The album "The Man Who Sold The World" is a hard hitting, dark, sadistic whirlwind of rock that isn't to be missed by any Bowie or Rock and Roll Fan. Released in 1971, this album is considered to some as being one of the first Hard Rock/Metal esque albums released by any well known artist.
The Width Of A Circle - 9/10
The album starts off with some rocking, yet soft guitar riffs...Only to be met by some excellent hard rock riffs and singing. This song, like most off this album provide lyrics that are cryptic, sadistic, and full of delightful symbolisms. Longest track on the LP (8:05) provides a rock opera feel as the song changes throughout the course of its existance. Much like an overture (perhaps the Who's Tommy?) would. Great opening to a new side of Bowie.
All The Madmen - 10/10
This song flows right from the first track. We start off with a slow, melodic yet haunting intro, with some more delightful Bowie pan flute (yet this time less annoying). This song breaks from the slow intro and smashes right into a dark hard rocking riff about insanity. Reminds me allot of a Black Sabbath Song but more heartfelt. Best part of this song is the insane middle section with overtracked political dialogue. A true rock and roll gem.
Black Country Rock - 10/10
My favorite song off this album. This song consists of one verse and one chorus repeated. This song has everything you could want from a rock song. Awesome drumming by Mick Woodmansey, and some kick *** guitar from Mick Ronson. Song starts off with a funny little clean guitar intro, but blasts into one of the most catchy Bowie songs I've ever heard. Bowie sings this song with all of his heart, and you can tell. One of the best Bowie Songs. Check it out.
After All - 7.5/10
Creepiest song on this LP. A very haunting song about god knows what, almost sounds like a cult song. Children chanting "Oh By Jingo" scares the crap out of me sometimes. Very interesting song, and oddly enough, feels very belonging to this album.
Running Gun Blues - 9/10
Bowie gone mad. This song is about Vietnam. Its message still holds up today. A very rocking song about the guilt off killing a man on the battle field. The chorus:
I slash them cold, I kill them dead
I broke the gooks, I cracked their heads
I'll bomb them out from under the beds
But now I've got the running gun blues
is rather controversial, but hey, thats Bowie. This song is a delight if you like a cool 'Rocker On The Run' style song
Saviour Machine - 7/10
Bowie's most political song on the album. Sounds like he's ranting about the government manipulating our minds. Sounds about right for an early 70's rock song. Has some nice guitar soloing and some interesting synth effects. Decent song.
She Shook Me Cold - 8.5/10
The most violent sounding song from this LP. This song is about the nightlife. The discovering of the sex seen. This song sounds allot like a Black Sabbath song. Its Dirty, raw and very powerful. Again, the guitar is very good.
The Man Who Sold The World - 10/10
In 1971, this song wasn't as popular as it is today. Thanks to a certain band you might know (Nirvana), who played this song live for the MTV Unplugged concert, this song has gained a new generation of Bowie fans. It was this song that made me go hunt for old Bowie albums in the first place. A very sad song about god only knows. I believe it has something to do with burning out/selling out to "The Man". A very 60's message that lives on strong today (Even though the Nirvana cover is more well recieved than this one. I believe its due to the fact that this song really relates to the life and death of Kurt Cobain as a celebrity). Probably one of the most well written songs by David Bowie. The Music is catchy, the chorus is known by many. The intro is probably one of the most recognizable intro's to the average rock fan.
The Supermen - 8.5/10
A great closer to an amazing album. A hard rocking song about the giants and gods and the people who hold the power. I especially like the drumming on this song (sounds like a tribe march). Good guitar yet again, very nice solo.
Reviewers Picks
All The Madmen
Black Country Rock
Running Gun Blues
The Man Who Sold The World
Overall Rating - 9/10
This is definately an essential bowie album. A little hard rock, a little psychadelic banter. This album is very powerful, and its easy to see how this paved the way for the Glam/ Arena Rocking Bowie years to come in the early-mid seventies.
I recommend this album to any true rock fan.
