That’s a very thorough and well considered analysis of David’s most recent work. As you likely already know, it was common for Bowie to make many references to death, mortality and immortality for most of his musical career. The Man Who Fell To Earth contains one song ( I can never recall the name) with a tantalysing intro, using Gregorian Chants and a classical Spanish styled guitar riff. Diamond Dogs has the song “We Are The Dead”, plus other related cuts. Ashes to Ashes is a self descriptive meditation on our shared fate.
I think David Bowie spent most of his life learning historic interpretations of the life and death experience as perceived by others. The knowledge first served to make him a better performer, and later a more introspective human being, who knew when to leave the big stage.
I did not like everything Bowie did, absolutely not. Recently, I think it was in 2013 or 2014, Bowie came out with a music video, first one in many years. I think the name was The Next Day.
It may have been that video I saw that appalled me. There was a scene of a beautiful girl who began bleeding from her wrists, and continued to bleed, blood still heavily flowing.
I did not finish watching that video, it disturbed and disgusted me so. I decided I wanted never to see it again.
So I was reminded, that even with a clear creative genius as was Bowie, not all he touched turned to something great and precious for the listener.
Very insightful analysis of a very talented complex man.
I really liked much of his music, especially his 1983 Serious Moonlight tour sons, ie: China girl, Modern Love, Let’s Dance.
He admitted being a tormented soul during his young bisexual drugged phase in the 1970’s.
He admitted admiring Hitler / Nazism, and that he believed Rock n Roll was inspired by satan.
He seemed to settle down from his late thirties and on.
This Rolling Stones article provides further details of how troubled and insane he felt in the 1970’s.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/cover-story-excerpt-david-bowie-20120118
My pastor and grandparents were right about R&R along with many other things...
Thoughtful post. Thanks.
I think Ashes to Ashes was warning about drug addiction. “I want an axe to break the ice I want to come down right now”
Then...”My mother say’s to get things done you better not mess with Major Tom”
From what I’ve read he was so prolific on the past few years we be hearing new recordings of his for years to come.