Remembering Bowie : A Video Playlist
The news of David Bowie’s passing hit me much harder than I expected. It wasn’t quite like when Joe Strummer died and I was inconsolable crying on the bathroom floor but it resonated. I would never say I was/am an expert or a super fan of Bowie, but this didn’t feel like losing a friend like Strummer. This felt like losing a deity. His artistry inspired not just music but our entire culture. He elevated our existence. While I didn’t grown up in his heyday, his influence can be felt throughout when I did grow up. His imagery and melodies have (and still do) galvanized generations to keep pushing, to live in art, and to never stop creating. Although this humble space man has returned home he left an imprint and a genius that will be with us forever.
GOLDEN YEARS
Can’t think a better way to start a playlist than this, because this white guy from Brixton had soul for days! Also…I know you’re all thinking about Heather Ledger right now.
HEROES
Not bad for a song written with Brian Eno. This is actually my favorite song of his and not because of Moulin Rouge, even if Ewan McGregor does sing the hell out of it.
LIFE ON MARS
A beautiful representation of iconic Bowie. It’s so badass a song that it even sounds amazing in Portuguese à la Seu Jorge.
UNDER PRESSURE
Because nobody was influenced by Bowie more than Vanilla Ice.
THE STARS (ARE OUT TONIGHT)
Great rhythm in this song, but this video is here only to prove that Tilda Swinton and Bowie and not in fact the same person.
I’M AFRAID OF AMERICANS
Another team-up with Eno where a rough version appeared on a soundtrack of my favorite movie to hate-watch, Showgirls. Oh and our industrial rock overload Trent Reznor guests as Bowie’s nemesis.
LAZARUS
He couldn’t have said goodbye any better. His brilliance continued right until the end, visually and lyrically. Bowie let us know he was going home in a way only he could.
SPACE ODDITY
Before music videos were even an inkling of a thing Bowie made one! He was so ahead of the game and completely otherworldly. End every playlist with this for the rest of time.