DAVID BOWIE
Reality (Iso / Columbia)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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All the spins are positive here. Diva Bowie has a new vision, rekindles his relationship with producer Tony Visconti, and even manages to sneak in a couple of interesting covers. But when reality sets in, a dark cloud quickly smothers the hope. Giving Jonathan Richman some exposure sounds like a good idea, until you hear the awkward reworking of "Pablo Picasso." Taking the matter of fact magic of that simple tune and giving it a bombastic orchestral makeover is a real space oddity if not sheer blasphemy. It's ugly it is. All pomp and show, with no direction, no substance, no energy, no fun. Totally destroying one of rock's best moments. Can't say the rest of the record, a rather placid collection of pap pop, makes up for that piece of roadkill. As we've all feared for several years, but were too afraid to admit: the man who fell to earth has become quite the bore. Apparently Bowie was severely affected by the events of 9-11, but the latest bomb lies right here. What's the mandatory pop star retirement age again?

© 2003 - John Sekerka