What does it sound like?:

A chameleon changes its appearance to blend in with its background. On Blackstar, David Bowie does the exact opposite, changing those around to suit him. As long ago as 2003, he was interviewed by Paul Du Noyer in The Word. He said that his biggest mistakes were when he tried to please an audience. “My work is always stronger when I get very selfish about it.” Blackstar is the sound of the greatest pop star that has ever lived doing exactly as his fragile heart desires.

Blackstar is as full of songs as Hunky Dory, as big a step-change as Young Americans, as enigmatic as Stationtostation and as experimental as Low. Let me reiterate. Blackstar can be discussed in the same breath as Hunky Dory, Young Americans, Stationtostation and Low. More importantly, Blackstar is entirely of itself, inhabiting its own world beyond compare to anything else.

The band are all very experienced, if relatively obscure, jazz musicians. They play ‘rock’ music deliciously with an extraordinary touch. It could well be the best band Bowie has put together. The dynamic Mark Guiliana on drums shines but the real star is Donny McCaslin on saxophone. He … Continue reading David Bowie – Blackstar