First Time Listening to LIFE ON MARS by David Bowie and Blindly Reviewing it - ANALYSIS + REACTION
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- Опубликовано: 10 янв 2023
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Is this my first time listening to "Life on Mars?" by David Bowie? Yes.
Do I have the balls to review it? Also yes.
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#DavidBowieReaction #LifeOnMars #hunkydory
"Life on Mars?" is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie, first released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory.
"Life on Mars?" is considered by biographers and reviewers as one of Bowie's finest songs, with many describing it as a masterpiece. Praise is also given to Bowie's vocal performance and growth as a songwriter. Several publications have also considered it one of the greatest songs of all time.
Hunky Dory is the fourth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 17 December 1971 through RCA Records. Following the release of his 1970 album, The Man Who Sold the World, Bowie took time off from recording and touring. He settled down to write new songs, composing on piano rather than guitar as on earlier tracks. Following a tour of the United States, Bowie assembled a new backing band consisting of guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Trevor Bolder and drummer Mick Woodmansey, and began to record a new album in mid-1971 at Trident Studios in London. 
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Agree or disagree? What’re your Bowie recommendations? Share your thoughts!
Life on Mars is Bowies revenge on "My way". From the horses mouth.
Station to Station, amazing album!
You should check out AURORA do this song....I prefer her performance on Howard Stern....completely different. Just her vocals backed by keyboards ( sparsely played)
But to really experience her.....Murder 5 4 3,2,1 from the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, or it happened quiet from The Current.
Both are only backed by an accompanying backup vocal( harmony) and an acoustic guitar.
Stay on Hunky Dory, perhaps Quicksand then The Bewlay Brothers.
@@akihito120 I agree, another facett of Bowies amazing catalog. I love that album
No other song sounds like this one. It is unique. A work of genius. And it sounds gorgeous. Taking a small slice of ordinary life and somehow making it into something universal. It is a ten out of ten for me. It doesn't have a weak spot all the way through. If this doesn't get ten, no song should. But then, who rates works of art out of ten?
Bowies lyrics are right up there with the very best.
He can write truly profound poetry or just have fun with storytelling and all the way to writing trite ditties.
Vocally this was superb, it is not always about being pitch perfect but delivering a performance that meets the mood of the song and I feel if you put someone else's vocals to this it wouldn't fit.
You are on Hunky Dory, Give "Oh you pretty things" a try or perhaps his even earlier "The Man who sold the world" if you work your way through an artists work.
Do Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes"...
Hi ! Great review : it's a pleasure to watch detailed reactions on a song, when most "reactioners" tend to just listen to the it and state their feeling (sometimes, infos about their Patreon and "Click, subscribe, ring the bell !" make for half of the video :D !).
As Kevin D said, this is one of Bowie' s early work : his vocal ability developped a lot in his subsequent albums. But you're right in a way : Bowie's forte remains his originality, his power to create - or rather to point out to - another dimension musically. He really was some kind of explorer, taking elements and references from completely different sources (from the margins and avant-gardes to religions, painting, sculpture, architecture, litterature, philosophy, mysticism, history, etc...) and mixing them in a perfectly understandable language for the masses.
As for my suggestions, I'd go with
- "Sweet thing/Candidate/Sweet thing" from Diamond Dogs (74), like many already suggested
- "Aladdin Sane" (73) from the eponym album
- "Station to station" (76), eponym album again
- "Ashes to ashes" (80), from Scary monsters and super creeps
- "The motel", "The voyeur of utter destruction (as beauty)" and "The heart's filthy lessons" (95) from 1.Outside
- And of course "Blackstar" (2016) from his eponym last album (issued 2 days before he died), the one that definitively established his legend.
Keep up the great work !
Very well said. I appreciate the recommendations!
Really enjoyable review though I think you're a little tough in Bowie's vocals lol. If you want to see why he is so beloved as a vocalist and also get your long art song I recommend listening to Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise) from the album Diamond Dogs which came a few years later. (It's all one song, or 'suite' I guess, even though it's divided into three. Make sure you don't have any pauses between songs in your settings because they flow seamlessly into one another. ) This is a deep cut and a huge favorite among Bowie fans.
As for his lyrics, they get slept on a lot because there's always so much going on in a Bowie song, but they're pretty consistently fantastic. ETA: if you're a 70s fan you are going to LOVE the Bowie rabbit hole you are about to find yourself falling into. He was hugely influential for the music of that decade and beyond, though never very commercial save for a period in the 80s.
Very well said!
Agree. Sweet thing suite is brilliant. Bowies voice is character fillled, its him and its damned awesome.
Almost everybody starts with Ziggy Stardust. But, if you liked the piano in this song you’ll love Alladin Sane. The song and the album. Then Diamond Dogs, Thin White Duke,…Germany. Then the commercial success of the 80’s. If you’re inclined to live albums, check out David Live, Tower Theatre, Philadelphia. Recorded in 1975. If you do consider exploring this library/rabbit hole please, enjoy the trip and listen to suggestions.🍻🖖
More Bowie Immediately|
My favorite piece of info about this song is - Bowie has often said it is HIS favorite favorite Bowie song.
I consider myself privileged to have been on this planet at the same time as some of the greatest musicians / vocalists / songwriters ever - D Bowie was just one of those. I am mostly a 'metal-head' but am not so shallow as to ignore other genres. Everything from Mozart to Metallica in my CD / Vinyl Collection and Playlists. Keep 'em coming, fella. Fun fact: Keyboards on this track by the legendary Rick Wakeman.
Absolutely, I feel the same way ,especially about Bowie. ❤
I enjoyed your reaction - nice work. For a little different flavor, try "Station to Station" and fast forward to "BlackStar". I can suggest about 100 more :-)
Stay is one of my favorites; that song is fire. But I would recommend you to first listen to Starman, Moonage Daydream Aladdin Sane or Station to Station.
Most of the Ziggy Stardust album, but Moonage Daydream is definitely a favourite of mine
Consider listening to Quicksand from the same album. Always been one of my favourites.
Thanks for the recommendation!
@@TheMusicKingdom Lyrically it is great along with "Bewlay Brothers" from the same album if lyrics are your thing.
I began with the images album when I was six years old and have been worshiping Bowie ever since, it is strange to miss someone I never actually met, but I do. He has been the sound track to my life.
I appreciate your honesty. You guys are tough!! ♥🎼🎹🎸🎵🥁🎶🎶
I do hope you will react to some more Bee Gees. I so enjoyed the one you reacted to a couple of months ago.
A masterpiece, purely and simply.
I'm a Bowie fan, glad young people like you are discovering he's Universe.
Loved your tech breakdown. To be sure, his voice at this point reflected his "Glam" phase (similar to Marc Bolan's vocals around the same time). The voice gets cleaner in subsequent albums that better show his vocal precision and huge range (at least until smoking took its toll beginning in the last part of the 80s). For keyboards, try the title track from _Aladdin_ _Sane_ and I agree with others who mentioned "Sweet Thing" + "Candidate" + "Sweet Thing Reprise" (+ possibly "Rebel Rebel", as all these songs flowed seamlessly together on vinyl, though this last is a big break in tempo from the other 3) from _Diamond_ _Dogs_
Meant to mention a few others of his songs that better show his vocals: "Lady Grinning Soul", "My Death" (1973 Hammersmith Odeon live version), "Wild Is the Wind", "Cat People" (the original version from the _A_ _New_ _Career_ _in_ _a_ _New_ _Town_ compilation album, not the disco-fied later version).
The lyrics are like a collage of ideas put together. "Look at those cavemen go" was an allusion to the hit song "Alley Oop" ( which was about a comic strip ).
You are more than welcome to present the song in whatever fashion you like because, as far as the music goes, I have Bowie's entire discography and probably about half of his video output. So, just enjoy yourself!!
Please do more Bowie ..you have 5 decades worth to discover.A treasure trove from 70's .
I was lucky enough to of seen Bowie live at Wembley arena.🏴
Bowie is brilliance personified!
Oh David.......................you were sooooooooooooooooo Special......a Music GIANT ! Peace and Love
If you're looking for 'abstract creativity', I'd strongly suggest you react to Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing Reprise...an absolute masterpiece!
10/10 for me buddy this is my favourite song ever, love it
Very nice and detailed reaction thank you for that. The whole story how "life on mars" came to life... there was a french tune called " come d`habitude" for wich Bowie was asked to wrire the english lyrics . He did it. It was called "even a fool learns to love" but it was turned down in favour of Paul Ankas "my way". Bowie kept a few chords of the original tune...
Beautiful song, like a mini opera and so visual. I love his voice so emotional. You might want to check out Rock and Roll Suicide sometime. This was considered his masterpiece.
Definitely one of my favorite Bowie tracks. Moonage Daydream is my favorite Bowie track.
I get experimentation and courage from Bowie--one of my low key GOATs. This is far from one of my favorite tracks but he's stretching himself here and it sounds great. He had the uncanny ability to embrace, create, or deny whatever the mainstream sound is of the day. Lots of deep cuts here to enjoy. One of my not-so deep cuts is "Ashes to Ashes." Not sure if it's a great reaction, but that bass, yo!
Bowie's greatest song composition... hands down! Even Barbra Streisand covered it on her Butterfly album
Try out the full 6 minute version of Heroes...
For my money, bowie was one of the greatest artists of out time. ALL of his albums in the 70s were fantastic….you should dive in and do complete albums. Also…shout out to the late great mick ronson for guitar and brilliant string arrangements….not bad for a first try
Want some tricks?
Explore Bowies time spent with Iggy Pop. Iggy wrote China Girl, Bowie recorded it to raise money for Iggys financial/drug rehab. They collaborated in Germany.
While in Germany, Bowie also recorded "Hero's" in West Berlin cowritten with Brian Eno. Producer Tony Visconti
Brian Eno was with Roxy Music, and later recorded with Robert Fripp from King Crimson as Fripp & Eno.
You spoke of longer, more complicated artistic works. Well, good Sir, you certainly have the right album on hand. The last songs on either side ("Quicksand" and "The Bewlay Brothers") are nothing shy of masterpieces. And should you understand what they say on first listening, that would indicate that you are a well educated person indeed.
I would never consider Life on Mars one of his iconic hits. Barbra Streisand covered it on her 1974 album Butterfly. More like these songs: Space Oddity, Changes, Starman, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Rebel Rebel, Young Americans, Fame, Golden Years etcc. These are just a sampling of his hits from the 70's!
I do, mainly because it's one of his most striking compositions. It stands on its own quite separately from the "Bowie mystique". Sort of like the way "All Along the Watchtower" exists outside of Bob Dylan.
Interesting point you make about it not being something 'radio friendly'. Certainly UK radio stations did (and still do) play a lot of varied kinds of music.
Please try station to station
My way is originally a French song by Claude François:"Comme d'habitude".
I have noticed , unless you are a welded on Zappa fan , he gets little love , I'm the slime , and Been to Kansas city in A minor , two different tracks , both extraordinary, so different , his genius is obvious within these two examples , 126 Albums now , 62 at his time of passing , he is a genre all of his own , ZZZzzzaaaaapppppaaaa
MEGA track yes.....but his next album was on a par with this.....check out "Aladdin Sane!" the album track.....then "Time and Lady Grinning Soul!" totally abstract....
Give the Blackstar album a listen .
Please listen to the lyrics of Bowie´s "Blackstar" - in my opinion his masterpiece in every respect
It will be funny to see your music expert try to count the time signature of Dream Theater - Dance of Eternity 😋
That moment when you realise someones just wasted 18mins and 44secs of your life....
Phil Collins? OMFG
Check out... Scary Monsters!!😊
I think you need to listen to Heroes
Phil Collins?
Yes, . my way is a french song called comme d habitude (claude francois, maybe worth a lesson?), , and yes, as every bowie fan, we know the making of life of mars. but how can you be a 70S fan and not know bowie....and your musician mate(sorry)! sound like you are very american band-oriented... lol. oh maybe an another famous one and if you are a fan of long pink floyd type. space oddity (69), with a bit of chance your mate will give a 8!!!! lol.
oh and for great vocal try golden years, young americans, heroes(all 70s),ashes to ashes sweet things candidate sweet things(masterpiece) oh dear phil collins.....lol and it s all personal opinion for me Houston had a voice,a great one ?hum...what makes Bowie so special it is his diversity musically
Btw, it isn't Lennon, it's Lenin. Thanks for your reaction but nobody can be more influencual than Bowie.
If you listen to more than 3 Bowie records and you don't become his fan, you don't know about music.
I noticed in a few of your reactions you genuinely like and respect MJ, Bee Gees etc ....vocalist who have a higher voice.
Same here...... Jon Anderson from YES, Roger Hodgson from Supertramp, and even Sinead O'Connor.
An Artist who I adore...in my opinion, the best lyricist in the last 20 years or so. Grew up listening to Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen etc. But her vocal ability is just not belting out or reaching that high note....but many songs are based on the gentle or delicate vocal.
I genuinely would like to see a reactor( such as yourself) give an honest opinion on her performances...
Murder 5 4 3,2,1 from the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
It happened quiet...the Current.....
Those for vocals, story, ..your grading.
Then to mess with your Professional Brother...let him figure out the progression....of her performance of All is soft inside...from KEXP. .I'm interested in what instruments are played/ copied by the keyboard/ synth.
I would give you a solid...8.25 so far. But only watched about 7 or 8 of your reactions so far..... about to do your Metallica one. Hope you gave it about a 6.5. , your maiden one was spot on....by both you and your brother. The last part becomes repetitive. Always wished they cut out 8 bars.
Much appreciated!
It's impossible you give similar level this song or any song from Bowie as MetallicA or Iron Maiden songs. Pop music like this has very simple structure, only few musical notes, repetitive base.... basically, the voice is the only instrument. For me, this song has note 3 as much.
Master of Puppets has 10/10.. This is the real situation.
If you only speak about gouts/ taste , of course, you can prefer Bowie, but quality music valuation is different, and Metal music is very superior to pop or even rock music.
So, sorry, but your notes are not serious.
I love these hacks rating a masterpiece, with a 1-10 score…..ugh
On behalf of all hacks, we love you too!
@@TheMusicKingdom RUclipsrs rating genius is always going to slap hard, but we get it, and you did a good job - even if I do disagree with some of your opinions.