Another year, another David Bowie album...
I never really understood the critical popularity of the last two DB releases. When the critics hailed "Heathen" as a return to form it left me baffled as I felt many of the songs were a little leaden and, to be frank, dull.
Luckily this isn't the case with "Reality". Getting past the abysmal sleeve design, Bowie is brave to put out a 41-minute album at a time when the kids expect their CDs to be packed to the gills with tunes. However, this short album, for me, is much more memorable than the last few efforts.
The album features the same band as the previous one with guest appearances from the likes of David Torn (on one track). The songs are short and snappy, and on the whole, hooky. While this obviously won't be regarded as a Bowie classic, there's enough here to satisfy the passing fan.
My only criticism is that Bowie needs to do what Bowie does best - surround himself with remarkable musicians. His current band just don't cut it. On some of the tracks you can almost imagine DB saying "I want the guitar to sound like RF" or "Do some Eno synth there" but their playing (or more specifically, their solos) fail to ignite. And this is the problem. While Bowie remains consistant as a lyricist and vocalist, the music is almost becoming a pastiche, a photocopy of previous efforts.
Oh that makes it sound bad. But it isn't...really. Also, pick up the 2-CD edition, because the extra tracks are quite good and should have been on the record...and also get another new version of Rebel Rebel.
On a recent interview, the interviewer commented to Bowie about the frequency of his album releases. In deadpan, Bowie replied that he was currently mixing his next release. Somehow, I don't think he was joking!!!
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