Lovely to see this one being discussed. It's a superb album and just not talked about enough, especially when so many second-, third- and millionth-hand biogs love to say Bowie went straight from Ziggy/Glam to white plastic soul boy. Er, not quite. He stopped off at prog central first to do this - and I'm very glad he did. As with (almost) everything he did, Bowie prog is still distinctly and unmistakably Bowie. It was the first Bowie album I bought on vinyl, on its actual release date, for my 13th birthday. I had Aladdin Sane on cassette only for ages, as it had so many 'dirty words' and contained such outright filth, it had to be listened to in private, upstairs, for fear my mother might have a stroke or call an exorcist. Quite possibly, both. I then backtracked to Ziggy and the earlier albums and kept going until the mid-eighties when, like many people, I stepped away for quite a while. But, yes, DD is great and I agree with Tim that Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise) is the best song in this very strong collection. Yes, it is one long song. Breaking things up into bits and using the word 'reprise' is always a dead giveaway that you're in prog territory. Sadly, despite having bought the vinyl on its release, and having frantically yanked it off the shelf for a quick check-up, it is with regret I must advise that mine is not the dog's bollocks. How many were printed? It's not often one envies people who have the bollocks version of something.
Superb album, my #2 favorite of Bowie (after "Station to Station"). He didn't often do concept albums but he this a great job here, not a bad song. His singing here is some of his best on tracks like 'Sweet Thing/Candidate', 'Rock 'N Roll with Me' and '1984'. I have the original Ryko version CD, the bonus tracks are 'Dodo' and the demo version of 'Candidate'.
John. Have only come across your reviews during the last few months, and just wanted to say how much I enjoy them. Don't always agree with your opinions, but on the whole you are pretty spot on. Thanks very much and I look forward to seeing many more of your videos. 😊
Although a very big Bowie fan as a teenager I never bought this album back then. I became familiar with it through 'David Live' which was the first album I ever purchased. I liked the 'Diamond Dogs' tracks on 'David Live' the most. Sweet Thing - Candidate -Sweet Thing (Reprise) takes the cake on that double set. For anyone not familiar with the 1974 live album it is superb. Although not my favorite album of his, Diamond Dogs is in the lower top five.
I too love the David Live experience of the whole Sweet Thing set - would love to see this on a resurrected dvd release , if such a thing exists🙏😍 - I remember hearing ‘Panic in Detroit’ extended version as the b side of a single from the same live set, when still a teenager, and the combination of Bowie’s spectacular live vocals and the meaty grunge of Earl Slick’s guitar 🎸 gave me goosebumps... finally tracked down my own copy on the remastered CD re-release of David Live... only took about thirty years🤣👍🤣 we fans can be a patient lot😂 Love these discussions and all your reviews... great to hear discussed many of my faves... any chance of a Joni Mitchell slot? Keep up the great work 👍
Yep. Ohhh yes. You're dead right, absolutely fantastic to hear it again. Some of his best singing and lyrics as everyone here has noted. His music was becoming more subtle and strangely soulful I can see now. Cheers to you John, loving these reviews.
Weird and wonderful album , one of the seamless best. So full of inspired ideas( that DD cowbell,those changes of pace) that you have to listen to all the way through. Too short!
Guy Peellaert did the cover art for It's Only Rock and Roll (Rolling Stones) as well. He has a book of Rock 'n' Roll art. Some of it is risqué (shocking) but really interesting.
Diamond Dogs better than Aladdin Sane?..you jest sir!.Both albums are terrific , but I prefer Aladdin Sane.As you pointed out, the former is a concept album, with Orwell being the central theme.I actually really like the alternate version of Candidate from the 90s remastered CD, it's a completely different song and I've always wondered why it was ommited from the original release.Great video.😉👍
Interesting review, thanks. I wouldn't say that I have a favourite Bowie album, but the ones I like, and listen to, the most are that tremendous run from Man Who Sold The World to Diamond Dogs. To think that all of that was accomplished in 4 years; Incredible! DD is somewhat underrated I agree. For me the standout on it is We Are The Dead; I'm surprised that Tim didn't latch on to the very 'soul' like nature of that track, in fact a number of the tracks on DD are in that vein; it's clearly a transition album for Bowie in terms of song structure etc.
i’ve been listening to flaming pie archives...but not forked out for anything...worried that my review may be too negative! still frustrated that london town and egg havent got the treatment they deserve!
@@johnheaton5667 February sounds about right. You were leaving the train station via the main entrance. If I'd been more certain at the time I'd have waved hi and thanked you for all your reviews.
Oh by the way John , in the words of Columbo just one more thing ! No knocks about Aladdin sane has said before my fav Bowie album I know you just having a tad of fun more more Bowie.
The more I consider it, the more I like some of the songs on the album (title track, candidate, watd and big brother/chant), but I just don't find the concept that compelling. I think because the idea of a musical based on 1984 is such a lame one, and a lot of the lyrics on the second half are just bad. Rebel Rebel is one of his weakest singles, 1984 isn't very good either, and Rock and Roll With Me is just one of his worst ever, even the name of that track is dull.
