The Manish Boys: “I Pity The Fool” (1965)
Mister Jones’ first chameleonic pose as a Mick Jagger soundalike on this Parlophone single wasn’t the last time we’d hear from him.
Mister Jones’ first chameleonic pose as a Mick Jagger soundalike on this Parlophone single wasn’t the last time we’d hear from him.
A new name (Bowie) and a new direction (English mod), one of which stuck around longer than the other.
Before the chameleon there was the elastic man, here in the role of Anthony Newley’s understudy.
Bowie’s failed novelty single became a surprise Top 10 hit six years later, proving that you can go gnome again.
Having struck out as an R&B wannabe, Bowie strikes a new pose as a theatrical actor/singer/songwriter in the style of Anthony Newley.
A re-recorded version with better vocals and musical direction from Dusty Springfield’s arranger, Ivor Raymonde.
The Stylophone’s greatest moment. And Bowie’s too, at the time, though he’d stick around a bit longer.
Marc Bolan and the electric Bob Dylan become the reference points for this Bowie brand reboot.
The hippy-trippy closer on Bowie’s second album gets a new haircut, but no one paid attention.
Bowie takes a left turn toward electric sci-fi with future Spiders Mick Ronson and Mick Woodmansey.
A transitional and frequently sentimental record that features Bowie’s signature tune, “Changes.”
Rolling Stone ranked this as Bowie’s second-greatest song, behind “Heroes.”
Bowie creates and destroys one of the most beloved rock icons of the 20th century in under an hour.
Bowie’s bisexuality takes center stage on this shockingly good single.
Reed joins the ranks of the glammer twins (Bowie, Iggy) on this breakout album. A walk on the wild side, indeed.