Beyond the Hits: Unearthing David Bowie’s Curated Legacy in iSELECT: BOWIE
The enduring allure of David Bowie’s music transcends the well-trodden paths of his chart-topping anthems. While compilations like Changesbowie cemented his status as a pop icon for generations, a deeper dive into his discography reveals a universe of overlooked gems, subtle masterpieces, and daring sonic experiments. In 2008, a unique compilation, iSELECT: BOWIE, offered an unprecedented glimpse into the artist’s personal sonic landscape, curated directly by the Starman himself.
This collection, initially released to readers of the UK’s Mail on Sunday and later made available as a CD and digital download, stands apart from the seemingly endless stream of Bowie retrospectives. In a landscape where compilation albums often feel like marketing exercises, iSELECT: BOWIE distinguishes itself by the authenticity of its selection, a testament to Bowie’s own discerning taste and intimate relationship with his extensive body of work. As noted by critics, the tracklist possesses a distinct personal touch, suggesting an artist actively engaging with his legacy rather than passively endorsing a commercially driven package.
The Genesis of a Personal Playlist
The proliferation of David Bowie compilation albums had, by the late 2000s, become a familiar phenomenon. Mike Schiller, writing for PopMatters in 2008, voiced a common sentiment, lamenting the sheer volume of these releases, some of which, he argued, lacked a discernible purpose. This context makes the announcement of yet another Bowie compilation, iSELECT: BOWIE, initially met with a degree of weariness. However, the crucial distinction of this particular release lay in its very conception: the tracklist was personally chosen by David Bowie himself.
This direct involvement fundamentally altered the perception of the compilation. It wasn’t merely a collection of hits; it was a curated journey through the songs that resonated most deeply with the artist at that particular moment. The selection process, as described by those close to the project, was not the work of a manager or publicist, but a genuine reflection of Bowie’s artistic sensibilities. This gave iSELECT: BOWIE an immediate credibility and an intrinsic value for fans seeking a more intimate connection with his musical evolution.
A Tracklist Unveiled: Bowie’s Own Narrative
The 12-track lineup of iSELECT: BOWIE offers a compelling narrative, eschewing the predictable greatest hits for a more introspective and adventurous selection. The inclusion of "Life on Mars?" from Hunky Dory is unsurprising, as Bowie himself cited it as his favorite song from his own catalog. However, this familiarity serves as a gateway to deeper explorations.
The compilation boldly ventures into the more complex and thematically rich territories of Bowie’s work. The epic, eight-and-a-half-minute suite "Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise)" from Diamond Dogs is a prime example, showcasing his willingness to embrace extended, multi-part compositions. Similarly, "The Bewlay Brothers" from Hunky Dory demonstrates an appreciation for the more enigmatic and experimental aspects of his early work.
Beyond these ambitious pieces, iSELECT: BOWIE highlights tracks that might have been overlooked by more commercially focused compilations. "Win" from Young Americans represents a different facet of his musical exploration, while "Lady Grinning Soul" from Aladdin Sane offers a more intimate and soulful moment. The inclusion of "Some Are," a track that was exclusive to this compilation, further underscores its unique nature and Bowie’s desire to present something new alongside his established favorites.
Beyond the Singles Chart: Unconventional Choices
A striking characteristic of iSELECT: BOWIE is its deliberate departure from the conventional single releases. With the notable exceptions of "Life on Mars?" and the less frequently collected "Loving the Alien" and "Time Will Crawl," none of the chosen tracks were ever released as standalone singles. This decision speaks volumes about Bowie’s artistic priorities, emphasizing album tracks and deeper cuts over immediate commercial appeal.
Furthermore, the absence of songs from two of his most critically acclaimed albums, Low and “Heroes”, is noteworthy. While "Some Are" was later included as a bonus track on the 1991 reissue of Low, its presence on iSELECT: BOWIE as an exclusive track suggests a deliberate choice to highlight a specific sonic element rather than represent the entirety of those seminal albums. The inclusion of two tracks from Lodger, often considered the most challenging of his Berlin Trilogy, further reinforces the compilation’s commitment to exploring less accessible, yet artistically significant, material.
Even the sole representation from the iconic Ziggy Stardust album is not the titular track, but rather a selection that deviates from the expected. This deliberate re-prioritization of his own vast catalog is a testament to Bowie’s complex and evolving relationship with his own artistic output.
The Artist’s Voice: Inspirations and Reflections
The true magic of iSELECT: BOWIE lies in the context provided by Bowie himself. In the accompanying press release, he offered insights into his inspirations and the recording processes behind the chosen songs. These annotations transform the compilation from a mere playlist into a personal memoir, revealing the artist’s intimate connection to his creations.
For instance, his commentary on "Teenage Wildlife" from Scary Monsters is particularly illuminating. Bowie playfully recounts his intention to emulate Ronnie Spector, stating, "Ersatz just for one day." He expresses enduring affection for the song, even going so far as to say he would trade two copies of "Modern Love" for it. This candid remark underscores the personal value he placed on these less commercial, yet artistically satisfying, pieces.
This approach to selecting and presenting his music allowed Bowie to "experience his own music in a way no one else could." iSELECT: BOWIE provides a rare opportunity for listeners to step behind the curtain and witness his catalog through his own eyes, offering a glimpse into how he remembered and perceived his own remarkable body of work.
Supporting Data and Critical Reception
The critical reception of iSELECT: BOWIE was largely positive, with many acknowledging its unique value proposition. While some might have initially approached it with skepticism, the personal nature of the curation and the intriguing tracklist quickly won over reviewers and fans alike. The inclusion of a live version of "Hang On To Yourself" from the Santa Monica ’72 performance, for example, demonstrated a preference for raw energy and historical significance over studio perfection, a choice that only David Bowie would likely make.
Allmusic’s Jason Lymangrover noted that Bowie "casually penned his inspirations for the songs and the recording processes behind them," further solidifying the compilation’s status as more than just a standard retrospective. This detailed annotation provided listeners with a deeper understanding of the creative forces at play, enriching the listening experience considerably.
The compilation’s structure, focusing on a curated selection rather than an exhaustive overview, allowed for a more focused exploration of Bowie’s artistic journey. The YouTube playlist featuring his picks further enhanced this accessibility, allowing listeners to directly engage with the music as he intended.
Implications for Understanding Bowie’s Legacy
The existence and curation of iSELECT: BOWIE have significant implications for how we understand David Bowie’s legacy. It challenges the common tendency to solely define an artist by their most commercially successful works. Instead, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the breadth and depth of their artistic vision, including the more experimental, personal, and perhaps less immediately accessible pieces.
This compilation serves as a powerful reminder that an artist’s relationship with their own work is complex and can evolve over time. Bowie’s choices in iSELECT: BOWIE reveal a mature artist who, after decades in the spotlight, was still actively engaging with his past, re-evaluating his own creations, and choosing to highlight the songs that held particular personal or artistic significance for him.
In an era saturated with reissues and compilations, iSELECT: BOWIE stands as a beacon of authenticity. It’s a testament to the enduring power of an artist’s personal perspective, offering a curated journey through a remarkable career, beyond the familiar, into the heart of David Bowie’s own musical universe. It encourages listeners to move beyond the easy answers of the greatest hits and to embrace the adventurous spirit that defined his extraordinary life and work.
This article was originally published in 2019 and has been updated to reflect its enduring relevance.
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- David Bowie Sings Impressions of Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits & More In Studio Outtakes (1985)
Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC.
