SPACE ODDITY [AKA: DAVID BOWIE, MAN OF WORDS / MAN OF MUSIC]

Released nearly 2 years after his commercial flop, his first self-titled (1967), Space Oddity (a.k.a. also David Bowie) has a harder psychedelic slant, fit for the Summer of Love, but also notably has perfectly timely Progressive Rock leanings. Perhaps most famously, here, featuring Rick WAKEMAN, it also features Herbie FLOWERS (T. REX, SKY) and Terry COX (The PENTANGLE, HUMBLE PIE).

Heading off is one of Bowie's most famous, most recognizable tunes, "Space Oddity" (to me, ironically disliked by Visconti so much he didn't want to produce it?). 'Commencing countdown, engines on / Check ignition and may God's love be with you.' It's simple, and now, yes, very much inspired by the spectacular "2001: A Space Odyssey" by Kubrick, but the countdown to this and the song proper is so epic.

"Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed" is very much hazy and then picks up with heavy unmistakably-Psych- era drums. Ultimately, a hard-boogie pop song. And I hear here the Bob Dylan comparison clearer than I ever could have imagined before.

"Letter to Hermione" is a soft, folksy number.

One that may be more familiar is the very progressive mini-epic "Cygnet Committee". Pretty great composition with beautiful melodies. Heartfelt, but rockin'.

Back in the groove is "Janine". Feels a bit like the KINKS from this era (I'm thinking Village Green Preservation Society or Arthur). It works, but it's nothing super special.

Of a very interesting tone and feel is "An Occasional Dream", with soft percussion and flute and recorder(?). This is matched by the next track, "Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud", a return to his Baroque Pop beginnings. It's very dreamy and regal. A surprise favorite for me.

"God Knows I'm Good" is a light folk rock song. It's definitely a lowlight. "Memory of a Free Festival" alternatively is very ambitious in its psychedelia, but doesn't offer a whole lot else. It does at least only get better as it goes, in my opinion.

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