a diverse, mature, highly enjoyable set

For a guy who favors David Bowie's glam-rock period the most, it's kinda funny that THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA turns out to be one of my favorite Bowie albums. The music never gets too heavy; still, it's very adventurous without being self-conscious. Most songs are loaded with subtle electronic atmosphere and jazzy textures, yet there's a wide range of styles on this album.



Bowie once again proves himself to be more than just a great singer as he skillfully navigates keyboard, sax and guitar passages. His main music partner and coproducer on BUDDHA Erdal Kizilcay deserves much props as well.



This is certainly one of Bowie's best albums of the 90's, but perhaps it's not too surprizing that it wasn't released in America - it's not terribly commercial for one thing. It does seem to be aimed more toward British sensibilities and I suppose it's quentessentially Brittish in some ways as well. Even so, this American (me) has found a lot to love about it.



The Breakdown:



"The Buddha of Suburbia" - a great "state of my mind" song in which the singer perseveres with an optimistic outlook in the face of a modern world mired in insanity. The music conveys a tentative sort of hope and then swells with anguish courtesy of Bowie's sax. ****1/2



"Sex and the Church" - an odd, quirky rumination on the title subject which Bowie delivers through heavily distorted vocals. It moves along steadily with a roaming but grounded bass line, electronic percussion and various sounds including great jazzy sax from Bowie. *****



"South Horizon" - My favorite track, this one is essentially free-form jazz with hip-hop and techno elements mixed in. For me, it's a revelation and I'd love to hear a whole album like this. Guest pianist Mike Garson tickles the keys to thrilling effect. *****



"The Mysteries" - A deep, murky ambient track, like staring out across the ocean on a foggy morning. On the cusp of something intangibly brilliant. *****



"Bleed Like a Craze, Dad" - A bad-a** bass line, ripping electric guitars, unnerving background noises and more jazz inflections all make for an ominous, infectious and dancable cut. The title is kinda disturbing, yet fitting. Listen carefully and you can hear a dog barking to the beat! *****



"Strangers When We Meet" - Has a dreamy, Roxy Music quality. The song was stuck on the end of OUTSIDE, rather uncomfortably I might add despite its lyrical relevance to that album. It's much more at home here. ***1/2



"Dead Against It" - sounds like a bubbling, runaway electronic excursion through modern life. In contrast, Bowie's singing is subdued and the subject matter (a woman who is dead again, dead against . . . something) remains intriguing yet inscrutable to me. ****



"Untitled No. 1" - is another Roxy Music influenced tune (Roxy Music in turn were no doubt influenced by early Bowie). This track is an extremely sensuous wonderland, perfect for dancing cheek to cheek or a romantic candlelit evening. The lack of a proper title is unfortunate but inconsequential. ****1/2



"Ian Fish, U.K. Heir" - another ambient piece with echos seemingly from a Buddhist Monestary on a distant mountaintop. Features gentle acoustic guitar, among other elements. White noise from a needle on vinyl fills out the background to interesting effect. ****1/2



"Buddha of Suburbia" - one could say this almost identical take on the opening track is pointless and lazy, but I like the way the song provides bookends for the album and brings its theme full circle. This second version also ups the ante with a passionate guitar courtesy of Lenny Kravitz. ****1/2

Not quite what I expected...

Being an avid Bowie fan, I eventually stumbled across numerous reviews on Amazon praising this album for it's musical genius, making me quite excited when I found it for only [$$]. But, to be honest, I just couldn't find it's glory. Don't get me wrong, it's still alright, but there's easily nothing on here that I see as being worthy of the high praise other reviewers have shown. Coming from one of the best artists of the century, it just isn't up to par. The songs and instrumentals featured on here seem to be merely average. That said, there may be something wrong with me. If you're a huge Bowie fan, you might want to add this to your collection, but don't be too depressed if you can't find it. That said, I can't think of any other reason to really buy this unless you've heard it and know you like it.

the buddha of obscurita

If you like Bowie find this and buy it. I don't but I like it anyway.