The 500 - #279 - Aladdin Sane - David Bowie

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone Magazine's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

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Album: #279

Album Title: Aladdin Sane

Artist: David Bowie

Genre: Rock, Glam Rock

Recorded: Trident Studios, London U.K., RCA Studio, New York, U.S.A.

Released: April, 1973

My age at release: 7, My guest blogger was not yet born

How familiar was I with it before this week: Quite

Is it on the 2020 list? No

Song I am putting on my Spotify Playlist: Time

For the third year, a student in my Grade 7 class has volunteered to pick an album from The 500 list and share their thoughts. This year it is Arrow. Initially, they wanted to write about Some Girls, the 14th release from The Rolling Stones, which appears at position #270. However, the lyrics on the title track gave me pause. As we looked over titles, I spotted Aladdin Sane by David Bowie at position #279. Knowing that Arrow is as passionate about artistic make-up application as they are about music, it seemed the perfect choice. Happily, they accepted my suggestion and a few months ago they began their listening and writing journey. Interestingly, they selected the song Time for my Spotify 500 Playlist. It contains some provocative lyrics. However, Arrow is a terrifically mature student and you will read their deep understanding of the song when they break it down below. Enjoy.

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Hi, my name is Arrow. I am a student in Mr. Hodgkinson's Grade 7 class at Sir Arthur Currie P.S. in London, Ontario. I have selected David Bowie’s sixth studio record, Aladdin Sane, to write about as a guest blogger.

The first time I heard the title Aladdin Sane I was genuinely intrigued to listen to the album. Initially, it made me think about the movie Aladdin, but I knew I must be way off. Shortly after I started my research I learned what it was actually based on.

I found that the album was written while David Bowie was travelling the United States on his Ziggy Stardust tour. Some songs were written as Bowie sailed back to the U.K. He had travelled by boat because he did not like flying. Consequently, a lot of the songs were inspired by his impressions of America in the early ‘70s.

The album title, and title track Aladdin Sane (1913 - 1938 - 197?), was also informed by a book he was reading at the time called Vile Bodies. The book, written by Evelyn Waugh, satirizes the uncontrolled and frenetic (yet empty) lives of the “Bright Young Things” – a name given to the rich, young people in London, England, who threw lavish parties following World War I.

The title is also a pun as it can be sounded out as A-Lad-Insane. It was, in part, inspired by Bowie's half-brother, Terry, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I’m trying to learn as much as I can about mental health and think that the more I know, the more compassionate I will become. Bowie’s choice was a tribute to his brother and a way of bringing attention to mental health and his diagnosis.

David (left) and his half-brother Terry (1960s)

When I first saw the album cover I thought Bowie was going against what society believed in and its expectations of him as a performer. It also shows how he wanted to stand out and didn’t care what anyone thought. I really appreciate this, as I like to be different from what society expects of me. Through my research, I have learned that this album art is now considered one of the most recognizable and celebrated record covers of all time.

The song Time really spoke to me. In his lyrics, Bowie reminds the listener that we can’t stop the passage of time and that we have to make the most of it without dwelling on things. I sometimes find it hard not to over-think events in my life. I can also get stuck thinking of things that can be negative or unhelpful.

You'll freeze and catch a cold
'Cause you've left your coat behind
Take your time
Breaking up is hard

But keeping dark is hateful

In this verse, Bowie seems to be reminding us to make the most of time and that even though making changes in your life may be difficult, it is much better than remaining in a negative situation.

While I was researching, I learned my mom and sister were also fans of David Bowie. So, I decided to interview both of them in order to get the views of people older than me.

Mom Interview

When did you first hear David Bowie?

I first heard David Bowie songs when my older brother was listening to him. When I was younger I found his songs too loud for me. Or maybe I just didn’t understand the music yet. When I got older I grew to enjoy his music and loved a lot of the meaning in the words he sang. Maybe I was just better able to understand his lyrics and music in my older years.

What is your favourite song and why?

My favourite song has to be Under Pressure, which was a fantastic collaboration of the band Queen and Bowie. This song has been covered by some of the best musicians. Even though this song was released in 1981, Queen still performs it and keeps it alive in the world of rock and roll.

Note: Both of the original singers, Bowie and Queen vocalist Freddie Mercury, have passed away. The new Queen singer, Adam Lambert, sings the Freddie part and Queen drummer, Roger Taylor, sings the Bowie part.

After listening to the Aladdin Sane album, what is the best thing about it?

I loved the old-school rock of this album. There are so few artists that can create the feeling or vibe of David Bowie. The piano and guitar were exceptional, as I have found with all of Bowie’s music.

Sister Interview

When did you first hear of David Bowie?

Though I now know him as a well-renowned artist, I originally heard him on the song Under Pressure, a collaboration with him and the band Queen. I think I’ve always had a knowledge of his talent and popularity, but I was exposed a lot more to Queen and their music and didn't actually find myself listening to much Bowie.

What is your favourite song and why?

Under Pressure is most definitely the song I listen to most, both because of my early exposure and the fact that I am a big fan of Queen. From Bowie's solo work, the song Lady Grinning Soul is probably my favourite. I love the musicality of it, with the gentle piano parts overtop of the steady rhythm section and the way it builds up into the bridge and final chorus. It is an all-encompassing experience. I also just love the general feeling of the song. (Fame is another good one. I love the funk).

After listening to the Aladdin Sane album, what is the best thing about it?

I love this album. My favourite thing about it is that though it has the cohesive feeling of an album, each song is uniquely its own, musically and lyrically. As mentioned before, I absolutely love the use of piano in popular music, and I feel like the unison of that with an older rock feel is really something unique to Bowie.

In conclusion, David Bowie stood out because of his music and identity. Some called him the “Lord of Rock” and “The Greatest Rockstar of All Time'' and that he created masterpieces. I agree, David Bowie is amazing.