Off to hunt a late lunch, have fun datamining!
― Carlos Pollomar (WmC), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:16 (twelve years ago) link
Those that love Word on a Wing really love it.
― kraudive, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:16 (twelve years ago) link
I just want to post this lovely picture http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/3079898529_063e8028bb.jpg
― Laura Lucy Lynn (La Lechera), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:18 (twelve years ago) link
― kraudive, Thursday, March 8, 2012 8:16 PM (2 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
This is very true for me!
― The Jupiter 8 (Turrican), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:22 (twelve years ago) link
My favourite Bowie pic - always see this when I hear Kooks:http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg60z2ab5i1qc7qvfo1_400.jpg
My lists
TracksStation To StationSound And VisionAshes to AshesBe My WifeLife On Mars?KooksYoung AmericansThe Jean GenieTeenage WildlifeDiamond DogsAlways Crashing In The Same CarMoonage DaydreamEveryone Says HiI Have Not Been To Oxford TownLetter To HermioneLittle WonderDead Against ItBreaking GlassBring Me The Disco KingMaid Of Bond Street
AlbumsStation To StationLowHunky DoryThe Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars1. Outside
― Stevie T, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:24 (twelve years ago) link
xp re WoaW - My #1. I think I said - er, exclaimed - a few days ago as much. I was disappointed it was so low, but it's nice to see that stat.
― kraudive, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:26 (twelve years ago) link
my ballot:
1. David Bowie & Mick Jagger - "Dancing In The Street"
― Big Mr. Guess U.S.A. Champion (crüt), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:31 (twelve years ago) link
my mans
― HalfNelson (some dude), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:35 (twelve years ago) link
i'm genuinely regretful that i didn't include it on my ballot in between "Magic Dance" and "Little Drummer Boy"
Here's my ballot;
WinFive YearsGolden YearsSound and VisionStation To StationJaninePanic In Detroit ('73)Drive In SaturdayTVC 15Watch That ManWhat In The WorldYoung AmericansBlack Country RockA New Career In A New TownLife On Mars?Rebel RebelMove OnOh! You Pretty ThingsThe Bewlay BrothersRepetition
― kornrulez6969, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:38 (twelve years ago) link
nice, korn--i'm into janine slipped in there!
― Iago Galdston, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:38 (twelve years ago) link
This would have been my ballot but i left it too late to enter it,ah well next time.Of course by then it wiil be completely different.
Top 20 songs 1 Alternative Candidate 2 Conversation Piece 3 T.M.W.S.T.W 4 An Occasional Dream 5 Queen Bitch 6 Starman7 Teenage Wildlife8 Fantastic Voyage9 Drive In Saturday10 Ashes To Ashes11 TVC1512 Silly Boy Blue13 Be My Wife14 There Is A Happy Land15 Letter To Hermonine16 Loving The Alien17 Lady Grinning Soul18 Black Country Rock19 V-2 Schneider20 Win
Top 5 albums
1 Diamond Dogs2 Ziggy Stardust3 Aladdinsane4 Hunky Dory5 T.M.W.S.T.W
― gazelleonstage, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:42 (twelve years ago) link
The crazy thing is you could strike these 60 songs from Bowie's catalogue and still have an enviable supply of gold, "Width of a circle", "Hang onto yourself", "Watch that man", "The supermen", "China girl", etc. etc.
― an elk hunt (Ówen P.), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, whoever said these songs were all winners was pretty OTM.
― The Jupiter 8 (Turrican), Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:54 (twelve years ago) link
whoa... no China Girl. didnt even notice til just now
― billstevejim, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:54 (twelve years ago) link
iggy's version is superior
― sarahell, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:54 (twelve years ago) link
i love both!
― billstevejim, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:55 (twelve years ago) link
"Width of a Circle" almost made it onto my ballot
― grandavis, Thursday, 8 March 2012 20:58 (twelve years ago) link
Stevie T, that is a fantastic pic: "Bowie's wearing a great jacket - oh, hang on..."
― willem, Thursday, 8 March 2012 21:06 (twelve years ago) link
Yes! In it's own way, it's a perfect song.
― kornrulez6969, Thursday, 8 March 2012 21:09 (twelve years ago) link
If I could do it again I would rank my Lodger picks higher
Golden YearsHoly HolyAshes to AshesYoung AmericansStation to StationStarmanBoys Keep SwinginTVC15WinLife on MarsLook Back in AngerMoonage DaydreamSpeed of LifeIt's No Game (part 1)Red SailsWhat in the WorldRepetitionBeauty and the BeastThe Man Who Sold the WorldFame
― top 100 comedy facepalms of all time (loves laboured breathing), Thursday, 8 March 2012 21:32 (twelve years ago) link
fameyoung americansmodern lovechangesashes to ashesstation to stationalways crashing in the same cargolden yearsdrive in saturdaymoonage daydreama new career in a new townsound and visiontvcunder pressurethe jean genielady grinning soulsubterraneanswatch that manthe man who sold the worldwin
― riding on a cloud (blank), Thursday, 8 March 2012 21:42 (twelve years ago) link
This has been a great exercise and over the last few days I've been listening to things I haven't heard in years or never before and so I'm not going to post my ballot cos I'd change 75% of it now. Anyway, Be My Wife was my #1.
I think the highest-placed song that I didn't vote for at all was Sound & Vision (fatigue!) and my highest-placed tune that didn't make the top 60 was Jump They Say.
What a life.
― Michael Jones, Thursday, 8 March 2012 21:44 (twelve years ago) link
A couple of final questions/impressions, now that I'm jammed full of chicken curry and don't want to gnaw my own arm off:
• Why the hell did "Life on Mars" win? Did the TV show(s) give it a higher profile than it would have had otherwise? I like the song well enough, but from my vantage point (late 40s/US/rural) it was invisible until 10 days ago. Did it do better among voters east of the Atlantic compared to the US?
• The post-1983 shutout in the top 60 is regrettable. There is a lot of really good material from the last 29(!) years. Ultimately I'd characterize the top 60 as a whole 60% Strength of 70s Catalog/40% LOL Nostalgia. Maybe that's too harsh?
― Carlos Pollomar (WmC), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:03 (twelve years ago) link
In answer to the second question, I think that Bowie's 70's catalogue is a) so strong and b) so varied, that even if he hadn't have had that sucky period in the early 80's the percentages would have been about the same.
― c'est ne pas un car wash (snoball), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:09 (twelve years ago) link
Although now I've got to disagree that I don't think it's 40% LOL Nostalgia - more like 10%. The older stuff is dope, no feelings of nostalgia needed.
― c'est ne pas un car wash (snoball), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:11 (twelve years ago) link
The Life Aquatic might have something to do w it.
― Emperor Cos Dashit (Adam Bruneau), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:12 (twelve years ago) link
Meaningful Bill Murray smoking a J
My mostly singles heavy ballot (been appreciating the albums a lot more, no small thanks to this poll, but the radio friendly stuff has been burnt into my brain since childhood, not sure it will ever be surpassed):
Station to StationSound and VisionAshes to AshesLife on MarsFive YearsSpace OddityThe Man Who Sold the WorldHeroesChangesOh You Pretty ThingsStarmanLook Back in AngerZiggy StardustRebel RebelYoung AmericansChina GirlLet's DanceSuffragette CityFameUnder Pressure
Albums:
Station to StationHunky DoryLowZiggy StardustLet's Dance
― ledge, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:13 (twelve years ago) link
I'm mid-40s/US/urban and iI didn't hesitate for a second putting Life on Mars? as my favorite: a) epic and cinematic b) incredible arrangement and Rick Wakeman's piano c) the generosity of spirit--no glacial distancing here--it's kind of a love letter to his fans ultimately
― Iago Galdston, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:14 (twelve years ago) link
I would have said, as a UK radio listener from the late 70s on, that Life on Mars has always been high profile over here.
― ledge, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:16 (twelve years ago) link
The US TV show was cancelled after less than a season, so I can't imagine it made much of an impact in terms of vast numbers of people suddenly becoming aware of the song. I didn't hear it myself until 1991, and while it's definitely a standout on Hunky Dory, it didn't knock me out as much as about 5 other songs on that record.
― we can be gyros just for one day (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:22 (twelve years ago) link
It's on here, that's pretty high profile, right?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-SingStar-Legends-Solus-PS2/dp/B000HKBAUC
If my flatmates weren't in I'd go and bust out a version right now.
― ledge, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:24 (twelve years ago) link
Life On Mars has always really annoyed me and now I'm going to have to go away and figure out why. Have seemingly known that song since I was aware of pop music so yes, what ledge said about its high profile over here.
― Feebs K-Tel (NickB), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:27 (twelve years ago) link
IIRC, "Life On Mars?" has popped up in some other movies and trailers (besides Zissou, in which tbh I thought it was used poorly). Hunky Dory's stock has risen in recent years and I think to many it's THE SONG on the album.
― Mike Love Costume Jewelry on Etsy (C. Grisso/McCain), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:30 (twelve years ago) link
I should recognize my own hypocrisy here and note that there's nothing on my ballot newer than "Ashes to Ashes".
xps -- ah, I haven't seen The Life Aquatic yet, so that solves a bit of the mystery for me.
― Carlos Pollomar (WmC), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:34 (twelve years ago) link
I think its singularity counts for a lot--the other major songs on HD have counterparts elsewhere (or on the same album!)
― Iago Galdston, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:35 (twelve years ago) link
my picks:
1. What In The World2. Life On Mars?3. Rock 'n' Roll Suicide 4. Sound and Vision5. Cat People (Soundtrack)6. Oh! You Pretty Things7. Changes8. "Heroes"9. Let's Dance10. Under Pressure11. Ashes To Ashes12. Rebel Rebel13. Ziggy Stardust14. Starman15. Dancing In The Street16. Always Crashing In The Same Car17. Fashion18. Golden Years19. The Man Who Sold The World20. Space Oddity
lol at my only non-placing pick.
I had Life On Mars? as my no.1 initially, I bumped up "What In The World" cos I figured it needed the points more (and I do really love it).
Thanks a million for doing this WmC, really looking forward to checking out the many songs here I'm not familiar with.
― Volvo Twilight (p-dog), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:36 (twelve years ago) link
and yes, Hunky Dory has risen to be the fan favorite in recent years, friendlier than Station to Station
― Iago Galdston, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:37 (twelve years ago) link
― we can be gyros just for one day (Tarfumes The Escape Goat),
solid gold screen name btw
― Carlos Pollomar (WmC), Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:44 (twelve years ago) link
Albums
"Heroes"Ziggy StardustHunky DoryStation to StationLowAladdin SaneDiamond DogsScary MonstersLodgerYoung Americans
Space OddityThe Man who Sold the World
Songs
"Heroes"Station to StationSweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (reprise)Life on MarsJoe the LionTimeAlways Crashing in the Same CarTeenage WildlifeZiggy StardustAladdin SaneSpace OddityBlackoutRed SailsFameAshes to AshesLady Grinning SoulOh You Pretty ThingsLady StardustWidth of a CircleWarszawa
― Mother, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:44 (twelve years ago) link
For me (a nigh 40 year old), "Life On Mars?" jumped out as the standout when I first heard Hunky Dory in '91. Over the years, it's only grown in my estimation.
Life Aquatic can suck it. Almost ruined Bowie for me.
― EZ Snappin, Thursday, 8 March 2012 23:52 (twelve years ago) link
I've never seen Life Aquatic or whatever tv show WmC referred to in his initial post about Life on Mars -- I just think it's a really good song. TBH I am not really aware of what critical brouhaha surrounds any of Bowie's stuff, I just like the songs I like. And those are the songs I voted for. My opinion is not important in the greater scheme of things, nor is the greater scheme of things really that important to my opinion about these songs.
― Laura Lucy Lynn (La Lechera), Friday, 9 March 2012 00:01 (twelve years ago) link
I did it this way:
Songs01 Rock 'n' Roll Suicide02 Look Back In Anger03 "Heroes"04 Five Years05 Moonage Daydream06 Life on Mars07 Oh! You Pretty Things08 Changes09 John, I'm Only Dancing10 Rebel Rebel11 Drive In Saturday12 Golden Years13 Be My Wife14 Panic In Detroit15 The Jean Genie16 Sound and Vision17 Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)18 D.J.19 What in the World20 Aladdin Sane
Albums01 Lodger02 Low03 "Heroes"04 Aladdin Sane05 The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars
Genuinely pained over omitting "Win." Nearly included "Neuköln." Flip-flopped over #1 & #2 placings. Overall satisfied. The Dinah Shore clip is awesome and the crap quality kind of suits it.
― Kent Burt, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:11 (twelve years ago) link
My Ballot
Letter To HermioneMoonage DaydreamSound and VisionRebel RebelAshes To AshesLife On Mars?John, I'm Only DancingStarmanZiggy StardustDrive In SaturdayChangesFameLet's DanceSpace OddityBuddha Of SuburbiaStayLady StardustQueen BitchHeroesJean Genie
― Moka, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:33 (twelve years ago) link
Really was expecting Letter to Hermione to place at least in the lower ranks but you don't really care about music, do ya?
Moonage Daydream and Sound and Vision on the top 10 is good enough for me. Life on Mars? at number one is sort of a perfect encapsulation on Bowie's career.
― Moka, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:35 (twelve years ago) link
My ballot which was sent too late to qualify:
Life On Mars? Sound and Vision "Heroes" Win Oh! You Pretty Things TVC 15 Thru' These Architects Eyes Station To Station Beauty and The Beast Breaking Glass Boys Keep Swinging Fashion Modern Love African Night Flight Man Who Sold The World Changes Drive In Saturday Golden Years Scary Monsters Aladdin Sane
Agree that it's a shame nothing after Let's Dance qualified. Great job, WmC!
― Naive Teen Idol, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:38 (twelve years ago) link
I just want to post this lovely picture
― Laura Lucy Lynn (La Lechera)
That's Hermione btw.
― Moka, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:40 (twelve years ago) link
i am taking note of who voted D.J. and who did not >:[
― horseshoe, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:41 (twelve years ago) link
http://robotmantheblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/david_bowie_diaper.jpg
― Moka, Friday, 9 March 2012 00:42 (twelve years ago) link