DAVID BOWIE

David Robert Jones was thirteen years old while he got his first instrument : a saxophone. At fifteen, he will play at a Christmas ball with a band called "George & The Dragons". After a fight with his bandmate Georges Underwood, he will have serious problems with one of his eye which will never been solved. He will have to live with one green eye and a blue one. At this time, he had no clue how much this detail will have an influence on his later image.

In 1963 (while he was sixteen), he was working in the centre of London and often went to the Marquee club to listen to the Stones or the Yardbirds and couldn't wait to get a band. He sung as a solo artist for a few months and formed a couple of bands which will have a very short life ("The Buzz", "David Jones & The King Bees"). A single will be recorded with the latter in 1964 but with absolutely no commercial success.

A couple of bands later, a new single was released with "The Manish Boys" with the same results.In the late 65, a TV programme is underway in the US. "The Monkees" were born. Their singer's name is Davy Jones. To avoid confusion, our David will change from name. He thought of David.Bowie.

1965 ends as it had started: a complete disaster and no recognition at all. But, he met someone very important for his later career. His new manager Ken Pitt. He was the one whom had him signed a contract at Deram in the late 66 (Marc Bolan and Cat Stevens were already signed artists there). So while Cat was releasing a huge success ("Matthew &Son"), David was releasing "Rubber Band". A complete and deserved flop.

In the midst of the psychedelic revolution, David remained totally resistant to it and was sticking to a more folkish approach. His debut album is a collection of naïve songs with a very thin skeleton.

It is difficult to mention the worst one. Maybe "Uncle Arthur", or "Rubber Band".Highlights are non existent but I guess that "Love You Till Tuesday" is the more decent one. The lyrics of "We Are Hungry Men" are also interesting. It features a politician who wants to fight against the over-population imposing "infertility". But the crowd doesn't pay attention and say: "We are hungry men. We don't give a damn for what you're saying, We're here to eat you".

The closing number shows some good dose of humour. "Please Mr. Gravedigger" is a theatric piece of music in which David is more acting than singing.

His debut album was well received amongst some critics but is another commercial failure. David is rather desperate and decided to spend some time learning more about Buddhism. He already wrote a song about it ("Silly Boy Blue"). Another interesting song thanks to the lyrics.

If it weren't for his later career, no one would talk about this album which is not good at all. Only early days fans and completionists can be interested by this "document". If you are not amongst them, just pass your way for better things to come.

Share this DAVID BOWIE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ZowieZiggy
• Report this review (#175003)
• 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 David Bowie page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DAVID BOWIE related discussions