David Bowie, "Earthling"
Virgin, released: 1997
I must admit that I was somewhat fond of Bowie's last release, Outside, but I can't say I listen to it much anymore. It was reminiscent of stuff like "Low" but had a certain pretension to it and was maybe trying a little too hard. Not so on the new release, Earthling. Although it must be admitted that the 50-year old Bowie is no longer on the cutting edge of contemporary music, I have to say that Earthling's songs represent the perfect fusion of techno dance rhythms (which I don't like) and industrial agro guitar music (which I don't like). The result is an album I can't stop listening to. It's fantastic. "Battle for Britain (the letter)" mixes great beats with engaging guitar bits, as well as evocative lyrics. This is the case for all of the record. It demands to be played loud, and over and over again, and I think it deserves it. Also great are "Looking for Satellites," "Law (Earthlings on Fire)," and "Dead Man Walking," and "I'm Afraid of Americans" - featuring the refrain "I'm afraid of Americans, I'm afraid of the world". Ditto for me.
[CCL, 2/28/97]