NO PLAN

The "No Plan" EP was released on what would have been Bowie's 70th birthday. Just 18 minutes worth of music but well worth picking up if you enjoyed the "Blackstar" album. That album was my number one for 2016 so buying this EP was a bit of a no brainer considering the songs here could all have been on "Blackstar" as they all have that same vibe. Of course the opener "Lazarus" is on the studio album.

"Lazarus" is incredible for it's lyrics which could make your hair stand up. Love the droning horns and overall melancholic mood which was there in spades on "Blackstar" and throughout this EP. I mentioned the lyrics and here's a sample... "Look up here, I'm in heaven!" which is significant with him passing just after "Blackstar" was released. love the line later on... "By the time I got to New York, I was living like a king." Such emotion in the lines that follow as well. Some abrasive guitar expressions late.

"No Plan" is the only tune that I'm not big on. It's still a good song though. Heavy drums, keys and sax as laid back vocals join in almost quivering. Vocals stop after 2 1/2 minutes then the sax returns as it plays out to the end.

"Killing a Little Time" is my favourite of the new songs. A surprisingly powerful sound here with impressive drum work from American Jazz drummer Mark Guiliana. It settles back as vocals arrive quickly but the power will come and go. Some emotion in those vocals. What a song!

"When I Met You" opens with drums and atmosphere as the bass and keys join in, then vocals just after a minute. Catchy stuff. Great chorus too. I just want to keep singing "When I met you" over and over just like Bowie does.

Easily 4 stars and a great companion to "Blackstar".