David Bowie - Tonight - The Remix Disc - 1984

Although Bowie's follow-up to Let's Dance wasn't that successful, it really wasn't a complete loss.  Trying to find his way, through the New Wave crap that had left his classic style behind, I think he did quite well establishing a new sound to fit the new decade.  I sometimes think of this album as the little brother of Let's Dance, being so similar in style.

Honestly, I remember hearing the Let's Dance songs on the radio, and I remember when Never Let Me Down came out, but I am at a complete loss when it comes to Tonight.  I don't remember hearing any of the songs on the radio, and I don't remember the album coming out.  I only found out about the album in the mid to late 90s while rummaging through 12-inch singles at a used record store and finding the singles from this album.  I never realized how ignorant I was before the internet.

SO, I've decided to hold off on the album, for now, as I want to ensure I have all of the tracks from this time period before I post it.  But, I thought a good mix disc would be fun, and we also have another Dreamtime mix on this one too.  I threw Dancing In the Street on this mix as it was released during this time period, but with much chagrin.  That song (and video) is embarrassing.  I almost feel sorry for the two of them.  It's horribly, uncomfortably bad.

David Bowie - Tonight - The Remix Disc - 1984

David Bowie - Never Let Me Down - 1987

One of Bowie's awesome 80s albums.  He'd ditched his "New Wave" phase of his early 80s music and now joined the likes of Wang Chung, Johnny Hates Jazz and Cutting Crew.  Basic 80s pop.

Now, most people would consider that a bad thing.  But, it's what kept Bowie alive for 45 years in the music scene before he died.  I will admit he didn't break any musical barriers with revolutionary work, but he kept inviting new people to listen to the work he did, and it wasn't crap work at that.

I didn't start listening to Bowie until Tin Machine.  All I knew about him before that was that horrid single he did with Mick Jagger and that embarrassing video that accompanied it.  I enjoyed Tin Machine, and liked Black Tie, White Noise even better.  But, working my way backward, I found that I was very comfortable with Never Let Me Down, as it captured my favorite (and I think the best) part of the 80s.  It was a time of discovery for me, and this music exemplified that.  It reminded me of my Sophomore and Junior years in High School in Chicago, and my discovery of life beyond what my parents taught me.  To coin a cliche, "a coming of age" moment.

All of the singles were perfect 80s hits.  Not that they were so much popular, but, as I said, they were SO 80s.  The album tracks were great, and he was able to do a little more of what made Bowie BOWIE.  And the b-sides were prime examples of Bowie in general.  You could line them up with his 70s material without skipping a beat.

I'm thinking of making an 80s compilation of remixes, and you  can be sure that you'll find at least one of these tracks on it. 

I used the same cover as the album and added the single sleeves for the back, and the Remix Disc, I completely redesigned one of the single sleeves.

I'm pretty sure I got all of the b-sides here, let me know if I missed any.  AND, if anyone knows or has any demos or outtakes from these sessions, I'd love to have them....

David Bowie - Never Let Me Down - 1987

David Bowie - Never Let Me Down - the Remixes - 1987