With respect to "concept albums," one of the earliest, if not the first, artist to think of albums as a concept or having a running theme is Frank Sinatra. Besides Sinatra's talents as a singer, I think Bowie must have been aware of the "albums" by Sinatra. Sinatra's work in the Capitol recordings of the 1950s, up to his Reprise recordings in the 60s usually had a theme or mood attached to it. And I enjoyed reading your piece here.
I saw a link for this while scrolling Notes and immediately put on Ziggy Stardust. I should have bought the RSD release on Saturday. I had it in my hands and put it back.
The only bad part about this is that after it, audiences just assumed every rock ‘n roll band absolutely had to have a mythical quality to their presence and presentation.
That's partly what punk was about, rebellion against that, until it became just one more “myth option”.
Bowie cemented his reputation as a singular artist with this album.
Unbelievably amazing
Just watched "Moonage Daydream" for the first time this weekend. It's a trip!
With respect to "concept albums," one of the earliest, if not the first, artist to think of albums as a concept or having a running theme is Frank Sinatra. Besides Sinatra's talents as a singer, I think Bowie must have been aware of the "albums" by Sinatra. Sinatra's work in the Capitol recordings of the 1950s, up to his Reprise recordings in the 60s usually had a theme or mood attached to it. And I enjoyed reading your piece here.
I saw a link for this while scrolling Notes and immediately put on Ziggy Stardust. I should have bought the RSD release on Saturday. I had it in my hands and put it back.
The only bad part about this is that after it, audiences just assumed every rock ‘n roll band absolutely had to have a mythical quality to their presence and presentation.
That's partly what punk was about, rebellion against that, until it became just one more “myth option”.
Love that! Though I've now got Over the Rainbow in my head!!
C90s indeed what a time!