The list, which features albums by minimalist legend Steve Reich, psychedelic enigmas The Fugs and more, was originally given to Vanity Fair
A list of David Bowie’s vinyl favourites has been revealed. The list, originally compiled for Vanity Fair in 2003 and features obscurities, classics and more from Bowie’s 2,500 strong vinyl collection. According to a preface to the list his selection process seems to have been a mixture of random selection and obscurity spotting. It makes for an interesting insight into his musical mind and, in typically Bowie fashion, comes replete with a touch of tongue-in-cheek wit. Read the preface and the list, which features Little Richard, Robert Wyatt, The Velvet Underground and more below.
“There is really no way to do a list of my favourite albums with any rationality. I do only have about 2,500 vinyls. I’ll look through the albums and pull together a list of those I have re-bought or am in the process of re-buying on CD. I have little time, and there are just too many to sort through. So, I’ll keep pulling stuff out blindly, and if it’s too obvious (Sgt. Pepper, Nirvana) I’ll put it back again till I find something more interesting. No rules then. I’ll just make ’em up as I go along,” he added. “If you can possibly get your hands on any of these, I guarantee you evenings of listening pleasure, and you will encourage a new high-minded circle of friends, although one or two choices will lead some of your old pals to think you completely barmy. So, without chronology, genre, or reason, herewith, in no particular order, 25 albums that could change your reputation.”
The Last Poets — The Last Poets
Shipbuilding — Robert Wyatt
The Fabulous Little Richard — Little Richard
Music for 18 Musicians — Steve Reich
The Velvet Underground & Nico — The Velvet Underground
Tupelo Blues — John Lee Hooker
Blues, Rags and Hollers — Koerner, Ray and Glover
The Apollo Theatre Presents: In Person! The James Brown Show — James Brown
Forces of Victory — Linton Kwesi Johnson
The Red Flower of Tachai Blossoms Everywhere: Music Played on National Instruments — Various Artists
Banana Moon — Daevid Allen
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris — Cast Album
The Electrosoniks: Electronic Music — Tom Dissevelt
The 5000 Spirits of the Layers of the Onion — The Incredible String Band
Ten Songs by Tucker Zimmerman — Tucker Zimmerman
Four Last Songs (Strauss) — Gundula Janowitz
The Ascension — Glenn Branca
The Madcap Laughs — Syd Barrett
Black Angels — George Crumb
Funky Kingston — Toots & The Maytals
Delusion of the Fury — Harry Partch
Oh Yeah — Charles Mingus
Le Sacre du Printemps — Igor Stravinsky
The Fugs — The Fugs
The Glory of the Human Voice — Florence Foster Jenkins