Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

The Album: David Bowie – The Next Day

April 2, 2013 By Tim Johnstone | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

David Bowie – The Next Day – $14.45

Bowie The Next DayThis was not expected. For David Bowie’s most ardent fans, there had been a growing acceptance of Ziggy Stardust’s decision to move on. A health scare in 2004 brought his last tour to an abrupt end and since then, the once-upon-a Thin White Duke had been laying low. And who were we to deny a man who had helped change the face (or in his case, faces) of Rock and Roll his well deserved time away from the spotlight.

But then something remarkable happened. In January, Bowie’s 66th birthday rolled around, and with it a brand new song (the pensive “Where Are We Now”) and the announcement of his imminent 30th studio album. To say it was a shock would be an understatement. The Next Day is an album recorded in secret over a two year period with longtime collaborator Tony Visconti. In this day and age, that just doesn’t happen.

The music business is just that, a business.  There are long term release schedules with marketing and promotion strategies mapped out months in advance. There are radio promotion campaigns, with “teaser” singles issued months in advance. There are innumerable hands layers deep in corporate communications channels which makes for an endless stream of pre-release chatter and update stories to the press. Bowie and a select group of his core studio musicians, did this themselves and presented his completed project, his vision for the album, at least one visually stunning video and marketing materials to Columbia ready to go. The fact that he was able to keep such secrecy surrounding The Next Day startled an industry that lives on hype.

 

The Next Day is not a passive listening experience. It is a layered, sculpted work, with sonic elements reaching back throughout Bowie’s career. “Drive In Saturday” is resurrected in “How Does The Grass Grow?” His groundbreaking Scary Monsters album inhabits several tracks here, most notably, the blistering title track which launches the record with buzz saw guitars and venom. Even the album art repurposes his iconic Heroes album cover. Make no mistake: this is a rock record, and it is invigorating.

There are several highlights, including the previously mentioned title track and “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)” which is among Bowie’s best single offerings in a generation. “Valentine’s Day” recalls the perfect pop of his Tonight album. “(You Will) Set The World On Fire” and “If You Can See Me” are frenetic and timely; they could stand up to anything on his underappreciated Outside or Hours releases. “I’d Rather Be High” manages to reach back to his first album, updated with a little psychedelica and a dash of the spirit of his good friend John Lennon.

With The Next Day Bowie provides one more opportunity to discover all over again what has made him one of those artists who seamlessly moves among and influences the world of music, film, fashion and art. Let’s hope he decides to return again soon.

Tim Johnstone is a former Virgin Records Label Rep and current award winning Program Director and on-air host at KRVB, which was awarded the FMQB AAA station of the year markets 50+.  He also writes a blog that’s a collection of the absolute best the internet has to offer.   It’s a must read, and you can check it out here.  

Filed Under: Etc. Tagged With: David Bowie, music, The Album, tim johnstone

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More

10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More

Sweaters, Sneakers, & Sunglasses, oh my.

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More

Nice to see some not final sale stuff for a change.

MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Mid Thursday Update: J. Crew has refreshed their final sale section.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • 7 Reasons Why L.L. Bean Boots are Timeless Classics
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Steal and Stock Alert: Spier has new core suits in stock

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.