"LOW" is the 1977 and eleventh studio album by the English musician "DAVID BOWIE". This album is the first to feature "Brian Eno" on which he takes care for some of the arrangements and plays synthesizer.
In the realm of musical exploration, there are certain albums that stand as pivotal landmarks, defying convention and reshaping the sonic landscape. One such masterpiece is "Low", the groundbreaking 1977 release by the iconic English musician, David Bowie. This 12" vinyl LP album not only marked Bowie's eleventh studio endeavor but also served as a turning point in his artistic trajectory.
A Collaborative Revolution: Brian Eno's Arrival
"Low" resonates with innovation from the very beginning. It is a pioneering fusion of rock, electronic, and ambient music that defied categorization and laid the foundation for future experimentation. A key element in this sonic evolution was the involvement of Brian Eno, the visionary producer and musician who contributed significantly to the album's arrangements and brought his distinctive touch to the synthesizers.
Eno's impact on "Low" was profound. His influence can be heard in the dreamlike textures, abstract soundscapes, and otherworldly atmospheres that permeate the album. The collaboration between Bowie and Eno introduced a newfound sense of experimentation, resulting in a collection of tracks that pushed artistic boundaries and expanded the possibilities of sound.
Behind the Scenes: Producers, Studios, and Soundscapes
The production of "Low" was a collaborative effort between David Bowie himself and Tony Visconti. Together, they sculpted an album that defied conventions and redefined the parameters of popular music. The record was crafted at Studio Hérouville in France and Hansa Tonstudios in Berlin, which played a crucial role in shaping the album's distinct sonic character.
Mastered at Sterling Sound, the album exhibits a unique blend of precision and spontaneity. The sonic space Bowie and his collaborators created is both ethereal and raw, inviting listeners to embark on a journey through uncharted musical territories.
The Sonic Architects: Musicians and Their Instruments
The musicians who contributed to "Low" played a vital role in bringing Bowie's vision to life. David Bowie's dynamic presence is felt throughout the album as he takes on vocals, guitar, and piano. His multifaceted talents serve as the cornerstone of the record's diverse sonic palette.
Brian Eno's synthesizer wizardry adds a layer of intrigue and experimentation to the album. His mastery of electronic instrumentation is evident in the captivating textures and sonic landscapes he weaves into the fabric of each track.
Ricky Gardner and Carlos Alomar's guitars provide a sense of structure and depth, while George Murray's bass guitar adds a rhythmic foundation that grounds the album's exploratory tendencies. Percussionist Dennis Davis contributes intricate rhythmic patterns, infusing the album with a pulsating energy that propels each composition forward.
"LOW" in Retrospect: A Legacy of Innovation
Upon its release, "Low" was met with a blend of awe and confusion. Its departure from Bowie's previous works was a bold move that challenged listeners and critics alike to rethink their perceptions of music. Over time, the album's significance has become clear, and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable.
"Low" set a precedent for artistic experimentation, paving the way for the electronic and ambient movements that would emerge in the years to come. Its willingness to traverse uncharted sonic territories and defy musical conventions has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Prog Rock, Art Rock
Art rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its ambitious and experimental approach to music, incorporating elements from various genres, such as classical, jazz, avant-garde, and progressive rock. Art rock bands sought to expand the boundaries of popular music by incorporating complex musical structures, unconventional instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics.
Art rock musicians aimed to create music that was intellectually stimulating and artistically expressive. They often embraced a wide range of influences and drew inspiration from diverse sources, including literature, visual arts, and philosophical concepts. By blending different styles and experimenting with musical techniques, art rock bands created a sound that was both sophisticated and innovative.
One of the defining features of art rock is its emphasis on musical complexity and instrumental proficiency. Bands would often employ intricate arrangements, unconventional time signatures, and extended song structures, challenging the traditional verse-chorus format of mainstream rock. This allowed for a more dynamic and expansive musical landscape, giving artists the freedom to explore a wide range of moods and emotions within a single composition.
Lyrically, art rock often tackled unconventional themes and explored philosophical and introspective concepts. The lyrics were often poetic and laden with symbolism, reflecting the influence of literature and poetry on the genre. Art rock songs frequently delved into introspection, existentialism, social commentary, and surreal imagery, offering listeners a deeper and more thought-provoking experience.
Several influential bands and artists have contributed to the development and popularization of art rock. Progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, and King Crimson pushed the boundaries of rock music with their epic compositions, intricate instrumentation, and conceptual albums. David Bowie, with his ever-evolving musical style and theatrical stage presence, incorporated art rock elements into his music, blurring the lines between rock, pop, and avant-garde.
Other notable art rock artists include Roxy Music, with their blend of glamour, artifice, and musical experimentation; The Velvet Underground, who combined avant-garde sensibilities with rock and roll; and Kate Bush, known for her ethereal vocals, poetic lyrics, and eclectic musical arrangements.
The influence of art rock can be seen in subsequent genres and movements, such as post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock. Many contemporary bands continue to draw inspiration from the art rock tradition, incorporating experimental and progressive elements into their music.
Overall, art rock represents a fusion of musical creativity, intellectual exploration, and artistic expression. Its emphasis on innovation, complexity, and lyrical depth has left a lasting impact on the evolution of rock music, expanding its boundaries and inspiring generations of musicians to push the limits of popular music.
RCA Victor – PL 12030
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1977 UK
David Bowie - Producer
Tony Visconti - Producer
The "LOW" album by David Bowie was record at Studio Hérouville and Hansa Tonstudios
Mastered at Sterling Sound
David Bowie - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Brian Eno - Synthesizer
Ricky Gardner - Guitars
Carlos Alomar - Guitars
George Murray - Bass Guitar
Dennis Davis - Percussion
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
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Orange Coloured RCA Victor PL 12030 Record Label Details
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David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a British singer, songwriter, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. With a career that spanned over five decades, Bowie continuously reinvented himself, pushing the boundaries of musical genres and styles.
Bowie was born in 1947, in Brixton, London, England. As a child, he showed an interest in music and began playing the saxophone at a young age. He later learned to play the guitar, piano, and other instruments, and began performing in bands as a teenager.
In 1969, Bowie released his first hit single, "Space Oddity," which tells the story of an astronaut named Major Tom who becomes lost in space. The song became an instant classic and launched Bowie's career as a solo artist. Over the next few years, Bowie released a series of albums that showcased his ability to blend rock, pop, and other musical styles into a unique and innovative sound.
In the mid-1970s, Bowie began to experiment with theatricality and gender ambiguity, adopting the persona of Ziggy Stardust, a flamboyant androgynous rock star. This period of his career, which included the albums "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" and "Aladdin Sane," cemented Bowie's reputation as a visionary artist who was unafraid to take risks and push boundaries.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Bowie continued to innovate, incorporating elements of electronic and dance music into his sound. He collaborated with other artists, including Queen, Tina Turner, and Mick Jagger, and released a string of hit albums and singles, including "Let's Dance," "Modern Love," and "Under Pressure."
In addition to his music, Bowie was also an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as "The Man Who Fell to Earth," "Labyrinth," and "The Prestige." He was also a fashion icon, known for his unique sense of style and his ability to blend different fashion elements into a cohesive whole.
Bowie's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. He inspired generations of musicians and artists with his fearlessness, creativity, and willingness to experiment. He was a true original, and his influence can be seen in everything from fashion to film to music.
Tragically, Bowie passed away in 2016, just two days after his 69th birthday. His death was a shock to the music world and to his legions of fans, who mourned the loss of one of the greatest and most innovative artists of all time.
David Robert Jones was born in Brixton, Lambeth, London, England, United Kingdom on 08/01/1947. He was the second child of Haywood Stenton "John" Jones 21/11/1912 and Margaret Mary "Peggy" Burns 2/10/1913. His only brother was Terence Guy Adair Burns 05/11/1937./p>
When he was 22 years old, his father Haywood Stenton "John" Jones died (5/8/1969). When he was 54 years old, his mother Margaret Mary "Peggy" Burns died (2/4/2001)./p>
He married Iman Mohamed "Iman" Abdulmajid in Lausanne, District de Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. His partner was Lindsay Kemp. His partner was Hermione Farthingale. On 19/3/1970, he married Mary Angela Barnett. He was 23 years old when he married Mary Angela Barnett. He got seperated from Lindsay Kemp in 1968. He got seperated from Hermione Farthingale in 1969. He got divorced from Mary Angela Barnett in Switzerland on 8/2/1980. He had one son with Mary Angela Barnett: Duncan Jones 30/5/1971. He had one daughter with Iman Mohamed "Iman" Abdulmajid: Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones 2000./p>
On 10/1/2016, he died in New York City, New York County, New York, United States when he was 69 years old.