Cover image for BlackstarWe Have Music!

FDL has a book review blog called FDL Reads, which you can check out here. But FDL also has music and movies and Sarah Baker (your friendly circulation assistant) has reviews Blackstar by David Bowie.

Blackstar by David Bowie

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Rock

Suggested Age: Adult (some language)

Track Listing: Blackstar — ‘Tis a pity she was a whore — Lazarus — Sue (or In a season of crime) — Girl loves me — Dollar days — I can’t give everything away

Run Time: 41 minutes

My Review: This album had a lot going on, much of it unusual, even for Bowie. There is more jazz present than in most of his more popular songs, and it shines in almost every song. The frequent saxophone solos are often melancholy, and the use of flutes lends an air to each song that other instruments wouldn’t capture. It also really showcases how much he’s picked up from other artists over the years, allowing influences to float to the surface. The only song that really missed the mark for me “‘Tis A Pity She Was A Whore.” The lyrics are raunchier, but are nearly covered by the music. To quote Amadeus, “too many notes.” I also found it slightly odd that this is the only time in his career that he swears with any strength or regularity.

This album is Bowie’s farewell letter, and it hits the target. Listening to it in the wake of his death was both hard and cathartic. Listening to it now, it’s hard to remember he’s gone.

Three Words That Describe This Album: Bold, Poignant, Excellent

Give this a try if you like…David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead

Rating: (out of 5)​​ 5/5

Post by Sarah Baker, Circulation Assistant

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.