Presented and produced by Arsalan Mohammad
Music by Leah Kardos
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Presented and produced by Arsalan Mohammad
Music by Leah Kardos
When Q journalist David Quantick flew to New York in 1999 to meet Bowie ahead of the release of 'Hours…' he found King Gnome in chipper form, sprightly, funny and eager to discuss almost everything other than his new album. Maybe that was because (in my opinion) it's far from being one of his best. I think it's dull and ininspiring. Not Quantick. Listen and marvel as my guest fights his corner with grace and insight, countering my rather lumpen repeated assaults on the record. He cleverly admits its shortcomings while stubbornly extolling its virtues. Can I sustain my position in the face of such eloquence? I must apologise to you, as I had a terrible cold when I recorded this, so had to subsequently dub some questions on afterwards, for clarity, instead of the snivelling sneezing mess that originally ended up on tape. So there will be a few minor glitches, echoes and weird edits. But I hope they don't distract you from this half an hours or so [arf!] of Bowie chat.
In this episode, we delve into the magisterial 1977 epic "Heroes" in a very entertaining chat with former Ash guitarist and composer Charlotte Hatherley. Along the way, Charlotte and I ponder Frippertronics, try to fathom the mystique and romance that the "Heroes" album holds for us, pick apart the songs, ponder Bowie's sexiness, indulge in world-class pedantry and hear about the time Bowie forgot Charlotte's name.
Join me and The Complete David Bowie author Nicholas Pegg for a lengthy ramble around 1969's 'Space Oddity' and discover why this 'debut' was in fact, probably the most raw, personal and heartfelt Bowie album ever made. From breakups to breakdowns, disillusionment, bitterness and resignation, rock, folk, country and space jams - a relative flop on release (apart from the hit title track) this remains an extraordinary breakout album from an extraordinary fellow.