David Bowie: Hot Tracks

“The Stunning 6: Rocker Writers on Favorite Bowie Tracks”

By Katy Dang

Rockerzine | January 17, 2016

“David Bowie: Dead at 69.”  The headline hardly seemed real.  How could an artist who had been through so much, be taken down so unexpectedly by something as pedestrian as cancer? When we finally reached the dreaded day Bowie would be taken from us, I thoroughly expected the headline would be something like “David Bowie abducted by aliens, returned to home planet at 69.”   

Needless to say, the death of this multi-faceted Picasso of pop has touched many music fans deeply, so I asked the Rocker staff to share their thoughts and remembrances with you about their favorite Bowie songs.  In the end, we’ve come up with a brief list sure to act as a jumping off point for your own meditations on Bowie’s meaning to you and the world.  – Ed.

 “Rebel, Rebel” – Katy Dang

Watch what happens when the first notes of Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” come on the sound system in any pub worth its salt. Heads will immediately start bobbing. It’s one of those undeniable openings. People nod along, dance along, and sing along to some (if not all) of the words: at least the “Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo doos” and of course, the shouted chorus. The slightly discordant guitar belies the confidant swagger: don’t ever forget that it is hard to be different. This song could be about anyone: it can be about you, or him, or her, or your girlfriends, or your boyfriends, or your lover, or your pal. It’s not didactic: Bowie lets you make it your own.

Hot Tramp; we loved you so.