On its 50th anniversary, let's dissect the icon’s eighth studio album to try to understand what makes it such a work of postmodern rock genius - and what other kinds of storytellers can learn from it
First, this article is blasphemy because every Bowie album is his best and now you have put your soul in danger of damnation, second, you’re spot on I think (and i didn’t notice this before) that it is a conversation with himself about who he is ... I was always impressed with the honesty of Rebel Rebel in which he ironically distances himself from the knee-jerk rebellion that he as a rock star represents and fuels (but also loves). Good appraisal thanks
Glad to see such a sincere review of 'Diamond Dogs'. It's definitely a different album from everything Bowie did in the 70's and I like it as much as 'Low', 'Ziggy Stardust' or 'Scary Monsters' (his last and maybe greatest album in my opinion). But somehow the critics have always been harsh with 'Diamond Dogs'... That's maybe what happens when there are too many masterpieces produced in such a short period of time!
I think you're right, Sébastien. Bowie was revolutionizing himself and music/culture with each album, which was no doubt difficult for some to keep up with. It's as if he dared you to turn on him with each new work.
I'm not saying DIAMOND DOGS is my favorite, but I do think it's a much bigger accomplishment than HUNKY DORY and BLACKSTAR. (I certainly listen to HUNKY DORY more than DD.)
I don't agree but I am here for this kind of discourse. My 13-year-old self played DD to death when it came out, but we all have our favourites - several in my case. But I am going to have to listen to it again now, and I thank you for that.
I didn't say it was my favorite Bowie album, Vincent. It's not even in my Top 3. But I do think it's Bowie's greatest artistic achievement - which is why I think it's his best album. There's a dramatic difference between the two in my mind, a difference largely explained by our individual emotional relationships to the art works.
Definitely not the most listenable, although my second favorite to Hunky Dory. The story is more together than Ziggy, really this is a rock opera and would be a fantastic musical. Timely as well as Orwell mentions seem to be crescendoing and the vibe in big cities is a fit.
For what it's worth, I found DIAMOND DOGS was very challenging for me for a very long time. But once it clicked, I started playing it more than most of his other albums. It's an album that certainly "came to me" with a lot of work. Maybe I love it all the more because of that.
I think of it as the third and final album of his Ziggy trilogy, and using Mike Garson again is typical of his genius in choosing sidemen and collaborators, but I couldn't even say it's Top 5 of his overall output... of course, I'm going to have to go back and listen again. Just to make sure.
Oh god, it’s technically more accomplished than most anything else he’s released, as far as I’m concerned. As a storyteller, it’s his finest work. It’s just very, very, very hard to access - which is why I think it doesn’t get its due. It’s much easier to emotionally connect to, say, ZIGGY or HUNKY DORY.
First, this article is blasphemy because every Bowie album is his best and now you have put your soul in danger of damnation, second, you’re spot on I think (and i didn’t notice this before) that it is a conversation with himself about who he is ... I was always impressed with the honesty of Rebel Rebel in which he ironically distances himself from the knee-jerk rebellion that he as a rock star represents and fuels (but also loves). Good appraisal thanks
Thanks for reading, ET. I'm glad I was able to help you look at the album any differently. And yes, I am damned.
I love this album.
Glad to see such a sincere review of 'Diamond Dogs'. It's definitely a different album from everything Bowie did in the 70's and I like it as much as 'Low', 'Ziggy Stardust' or 'Scary Monsters' (his last and maybe greatest album in my opinion). But somehow the critics have always been harsh with 'Diamond Dogs'... That's maybe what happens when there are too many masterpieces produced in such a short period of time!
I think you're right, Sébastien. Bowie was revolutionizing himself and music/culture with each album, which was no doubt difficult for some to keep up with. It's as if he dared you to turn on him with each new work.
Definitely Hunky Dory for me, although I have a real soft spot for blackstar.
You can’t really go wrong with David.
I'm not saying DIAMOND DOGS is my favorite, but I do think it's a much bigger accomplishment than HUNKY DORY and BLACKSTAR. (I certainly listen to HUNKY DORY more than DD.)
I don't agree but I am here for this kind of discourse. My 13-year-old self played DD to death when it came out, but we all have our favourites - several in my case. But I am going to have to listen to it again now, and I thank you for that.
I didn't say it was my favorite Bowie album, Vincent. It's not even in my Top 3. But I do think it's Bowie's greatest artistic achievement - which is why I think it's his best album. There's a dramatic difference between the two in my mind, a difference largely explained by our individual emotional relationships to the art works.
Definitely not the most listenable, although my second favorite to Hunky Dory. The story is more together than Ziggy, really this is a rock opera and would be a fantastic musical. Timely as well as Orwell mentions seem to be crescendoing and the vibe in big cities is a fit.
For what it's worth, I found DIAMOND DOGS was very challenging for me for a very long time. But once it clicked, I started playing it more than most of his other albums. It's an album that certainly "came to me" with a lot of work. Maybe I love it all the more because of that.
I think of it as the third and final album of his Ziggy trilogy, and using Mike Garson again is typical of his genius in choosing sidemen and collaborators, but I couldn't even say it's Top 5 of his overall output... of course, I'm going to have to go back and listen again. Just to make sure.
Oh god, it’s technically more accomplished than most anything else he’s released, as far as I’m concerned. As a storyteller, it’s his finest work. It’s just very, very, very hard to access - which is why I think it doesn’t get its due. It’s much easier to emotionally connect to, say, ZIGGY or HUNKY DORY.
No.
Good chat.