STATION TO STATION

The trial with De Fries came to an end a few weeks before the release of this album, which was again quickly written, recorded and released. Still the same creative frenzy.

The influence of the funky sounds is still very much present but it is combined with great rock mood. Carlos can fully show his great skills on the electric guitar and the combination with Slick is of course fabulous. In some sort, it is precursory of the "Berlin" trilogy. Some even including "Station To Station" instead of "Lodger".

The opening and title track is the longest official Bowie studio song. It clocks at just over ten minutes of a fantastic voyage into rock and funky sounds. The guitar duo is extraordinary and reminds the days of "Width Of A Circle". It will also open the "White Light Tour" which I was lucky enough to have seen during his first visit in Belgium (76, FN). Tony Kaye (ex-Yes) will hold the keys during this tour.

David is introducing his last character: the Thin White Duke. "The return of the Thin White Duke throwing darts in lovers' eyes. The return of the Thin White Duke, making sure white stains".

The second and repetitive part is absolutely gigantic. Such a catchy and long ending! "It's not the side- effects of the cocaine. I'm thinking that it must be love It's too late to be grateful. It's too late to be late again. It's too late to be hateful".

The hit single "Golden Years" is just a prolongation of the "Young Americans" experience and therefore has never pleased my old ears. I usually press next.

"Word On A Wing" is some sort of philosophical statement, a kind of prayer. The wonderful piano reminds us the "Hunky Dory" days. It is a wonderful rock ballad in which David put a lot of emotion. A positive and full of respect prayer to the all-mighty. Another highlight.

B-side of the album might sound lighter but it amazingly rock during "TVC 15" (is rock really dead David?) and it features a solid funk-rock piece of music: Stay. What a contrast with the syrupy arrangements of his previous album. There is a formidable and long guitar break during the second part. The rhythmic is particularly well crafted as well. Georges Murray on bass is sublime. Another highlight IMHHO.

What to say about the cover for "Wild Is The Wind"?

That it is my favourite of the album (on par with the title track actually)? Probably.

That it is one of David's best vocal performance? Probably.

I was listening this one in some sort of loop at the time. Having to stand up each six minutes to listen to it again, and again and again.Till exhaustion. Another highlight.

The remastered CD version holds two very good live versions of "Word On A Wing" as well as "Stay" which features an even better dual guitar solo. Fabulous.

This album is the best chart entry for Bowie in the US (Nr. 3) while it reached the fifth spot in the UK.

Did I say masterpiece?

Share this DAVID BOWIE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ZowieZiggy
• Report this review (#174862)
• Buy DAVID BOWIE music online with PA partners
• Show all DAVID BOWIE MP3/Stream
• Go to DAVID BOWIE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Station to Station page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DAVID BOWIE related discussions