A chameleon of the pop world by choice rather than obligation, David Bowie has become as much of a legend in his own time as Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix or Frank Sinatra. The difference is that those other entertainers have passed away and Bowie is still going strong, changing his sounds and images enough times to make even someone like Madonna jealous.
His latest endeavour is entitled Heathen, and it is a continuation of the subdued ambience he charted on 1999's underexposed Hours. His Reznor-influenced adventures into goth terror came across as accomplished on albums like 1995's Outside and on portions of 1997's Earthling, but fans were sensing the Thin White Duke starting to spin further and further away from fundamentals such as melody and sharp lyrics.
Heathen has some dragging moments and uneven tracks in terms of pacing, but it's nevertheless a successful step forward for the 55-year old entertainer. This time around, a few covers pop up along the way, including Neil Young's "I've Been Waiting For You" and, interestingly, a Pixies track called "Cactus". Both are complimentary cuts; acutely accomplished, definitively Bowie.
The best song is the 6-minute long "Slip Away", a distorted but sweeping lullaby that passingly pays respects to The Uncle Floyd Show from TV. Then there are the nostalgic pleas on "Everyone Says 'Hi'", and the insecurities on "Afraid" -- Bowie certainly has the topic of regret down pat. The leadoff track "Sunday" atmospherically builds until it hits its stride, bursting out after he has proclaimed that "Nothing has changed / Everything has changed". The creed could refer to his own career.
In light of that refrain, I've now had the opportunity to see David Bowie in concert, and there's no question that his older material blends exceedingly well with the new stuff. Heathen's songs jumped to life on stage. Even as the twilight of his career draws near, there is still a persuasive fascination of what he'll do next. Heathen shows that regardless of what he tries, the results continue to be, at the very least, greatly anticipated and highly interesting.
