Major Tom. Starman. Ziggy Stardust. Aladdin Sane. The Thin White Duke. The Man Who Fell to Earth. The Man Who Sold the World. These are but a few iterations and personas of the man born Davy Jones but best known as David Bowie. Over the course of a 40+ year career, he became known as a creative genius, innovator and all-around unique individual who in some ways changed what it means to be human. Late Sunday night that force of nature, an inspiration to millions, left this planet a mere two days after his 69th birthday. According to a brief statement from his family, Bowie passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after an 18 month battle with cancer. Very few people knew he was ill, so the news came as a genuine surprise to just about everyone. It gives his final album Blackstar, released on his birthday, extra depth and meaning. Unlike the rest of us, he knew this was coming and chose to spend his final months recording an excellent collection of songs that meditated on death. Given how many of his other albums and songs reflected on the same topic, nobody really suspected anything was amiss at the time. Now we know that he was saying goodbye, and one of his final acts was in service to fans. That really shows what kind of person Bowie was, creative until the very end.
Over the course of the next few weeks and months, you’ll read, hear and see plenty of tributes to David Bowie from fans, friends and family. I’ve been sharing some classic quotes and photos over on Twitter and Instagram if you’re so inclined to check those out. It’s wonderful to see how far and wide his influence spread, and comforting to witness the outpouring of love by those who truly identified with his unique sensibilities. As many have already said, Bowie showed us it was okay to be your true self no matter your age, race, gender, sexual orientation or general proclivities. Never let anyone or anything stop you from living your truth, as you see it. “Turn to face the strange,” as the chorus of “Changes” goes. So I’m grateful to Bowie for that and a host of other important life lessons learned through his music, acting, fashion and overall presence here on Earth. All of it continues today and into eternity, as people will continue to uncover and embrace his legend. If you’ve not yet explored the world of David Bowie, now’s as good of a time as any to start.
Of course you may also want to check out some brand new music from other artists, and Pick Your Poison has you covered there. Don’t miss downloads from Black Twig, Hardwell, Right Hand Left Hand and They Call Him Zone. In the Soundcloud section after the jump, stream songs from The Arcs, dvsn, Harriet, Little Green Cars, Mavis Staples, Michael Nau, Sonya Kitchell, Timbaland (ft. Aaliyah & Strado) and Wet Ones.
Andy Allo – Hello (Adele cover)
Miami Horror – Cellophane (Loframes Remix)
Right Hand Left Hand – Tarts and Darts
Scary Little Friends – Made Up My Mind
