Talkin' 'Bout My G-Generation - Chapter 1

PetSounds Welcome to my blog! My introduction was approved and can be found by visiting my profile page, but didn't show up under "Newest Posts", so I'll review its content here.

There are many advantages to growing up in the 21st century. Times are (relatively) peaceful, and technology is incredible. Unfortunately, there are also a handful of disadvantages, including popular music.

Most users of TheTopTens, including me, are Millenials--members of the generation born generally between 1995 and 2005. As someone born right in the middle of that range (2000), I feel qualified to speak for my generation. Please note that I'm from North America, specifically Canada, and certain music's popularity might be different in Europe.

I'm writing for people from my generation who are in the same situation as I was about a year ago:

You've completely given up on mainstream music.
You've explored the work of some famous classic rock bands--The Beatles, Queen, Nirvana, et cetera.
You're ready for the next step in your musical evolution.
You're not quite sure where to go.

Every week or two, I'll feature five songs and one album by a band or artist I consider underappreciated by the 21st century's youth. As Roger Daltrey famously sang fifty years ago, I'm not trying to cause some big sensation. Just talking about my generation.

Despite being one of the 1970s' most popular musicians, David Bowie is incredibly underrated among millenials. His first commercial success came in 1969, with "Space Oddity", a single telling the story of Major Tom, an astronaut. Released nine days before the Apollo 11 moon landings, its timing was perfect, and it reached #5 on the British charts. Bowie's 1972 concept album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, further explored the space theme, detailing the life of an alien rock star who attempts to save the planet from imminent destruction. Ziggy Stardust was an incredible success, and it propelled him to the forefront of the glam rock movement. However, he didn't stay there for long. In 1975, following a string of commercial and critical successes, David completely reinvented his sound and image with Young Americans, a soul record. Since, he's dabbled in industrial, experimental, minimalist, electronic, and many other genres as well as collaborated with artists such as John Lennon, Mick Jagger, and Pat Metheny. This kaleidoscopic discography not only earned him a reputation as a chameleon, but also ensured his art never grew stale.

The first of today's samples is "Space Oddity", Bowie's 1969 breakthrough single. This condenses the plot of a three hour sci-fi film into five minutes.

Here's my favourite: "Changes", the lead single from 1971's Hunky Dory. David plays saxophone on this track.

How about some Philly soul? "Young Americans" is the title track of his 1975 album.

1977's "Heroes" was inspired by the Berlin Wall. I'd love to hear a cover by Moby or another current electronic artist.

"Under Pressure" is a 1981 collaboration with one of TheTopTens' favourite bands: Queen.

What album could I choose beside 1972's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars? It's a great sci-fi concept, nearly flawless, and a hell of a lot of fun.

Enjoy!

Comments

I wouldn't leave out some of my Bowie favourites. Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Absolute Beginners, etc. An excellent selection nonetheless. - PositronWildhawk (2/21/2015)

Those are deserving songs. It especially pained me to leave out "Life On Mars? ", but I felt one Hunky Dory track was enough. - PetSounds (2/21/2015)

I heard of Bowie before. Fun fact, he was on Antlantis Squarepantis. - MusicalPony (3/1/2015)

Ziggy Stardust For The Win - BeatlesFan1964 (5/14/2015)

#RIPDAVIDBOWIE - bobbythebrony (1/17/2016)

NO LIFE ON MARS ARGHHH - PhenomentalOne (3/28/2019)