Book Review: Blackstar Theory: the last works of David Bowie by Leah Kardos

Anyone who knows me, knows I like David Bowie, so I was keen to have a look at this. Blackstar Theory is an in-depth look at his last couple of albums. Breakdowns and analysis in a very detailed way. And just about there you lose me.

I don’t need to know he stole a riff from this song or the original idea for something started back in '72. That’s what musicians do. Sometimes the sound is just ahead of its time and people catch up. Sometimes a rework is required. Look at the albums Bowie co-wrote with Iggy Pop - he plundered those later on to great effect.

I have been listening to Bowie through good times and bad. Divorce, moving towns, deaths, and in between I waited for his albums to come out. Gradually the waiting time became longer and longer. Themes became different, but we knew what he was talking about as we too were getting older.

Most musicians would have been happy to slip away and enjoy a normal life especially after heart surgery, but David Bowie was never going to leave you wondering. If you want a detailed view of his last few albums then this is for you. 

Bowie didn’t make me gay, he didn’t make me start a band, but my life was so much more interesting with him in it. And I would like to thank him for that. I did used to wear a white suit with padded shoulders and white shoes, but I only have myself to blame for that.

And they can play “Conversation Piece” 2002 at my funeral and it can be interpreted any way you want.

Posted by Rob Middleton

Catalogue link: Blackstar Theory

29 September 2022

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