Illinois Entertainer December 2017 | Page 48

Continued from page 28 revealing Bowie’s thoughts on circum- stances that led to Low and Heroes. 1978’s Lodger includes key track “Boys Keep Swinging.” The album saw the core band of guitarist Carlos Alomar, bassist George Murray and drummer Dennis Davis expanded to include Utopia keyboardist Roger Powell and maverick guitarist Adrian Belew. Veteran Bowie producer Tony Visconti is the constant presence throughout the period encapsulated by New Career. His liner notes explain the sonic limitations of the poorly-equipped mixing studio that resulted in the original Lodger. Now, the album’s original “punk rock” mix is presented side-by-side with a fresh mix completed this year. Visconti describes Bowie’s joy at hearing the first five mixes following a gap in work on his final album Blackstar. Visconti explains that the new mix wasn’t meant as historical revision, but instead presents the album decades years later as originally intended. 1978 live album Stage is similarly present- ed twice. The original 17-track version is accompanied by a 2017 version, now expanded beyond a 2005 hi-definition reis- sue to include “The Jean Genie” and “Suffragette City.” The box’s final studio album is 1980’s Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), Bowie’s last project with Visconti until 2002’s Heathen. Bowie’s process was less experimental and more intentional for this album, resulting in a solid commercial success with popular favorites including the title track (again featuring Robert Fripp’s bizarre guitar). “Ashes to Ashes” brought listeners up to speed with Major Tom of “Space Oddity,” now hapless and drug-addled. “Fashion” skewered style and politics, bringing the argument to the dance floor. “Teenage Wildlife” took aim at the New Wave sound and its posturing protagonists. New Career’s 11th disc is Re:Call 3, collecting radio singles, and alternate versions. Non-album cuts include instrumental Scary Monsters b-side “Crystal Japan” and the collaborative smash “Under Pressure” with Queen. The 1982 EP recorded for Bertolt Brecht’s play Baal is also included on CD for the first time. – Jeff Elbel 9 e n o D t I t Ge Right! ions, E X tens olor, ,C Keratin course f o and ts! Haircu Been Rockstyle d Lately? Gi Kendra Puleo Rockstyled 749 Dundee Road - Wheeling IL Kirsten Walch Rockstyled ft Certific ates available! us on (847) 808-STYL Rockstyles.com 48 illinoisentertainer.com december 2017