At the beginning of this week I bought "Blackstar", because I wanted to listen to all the new Bowie's songs in addition to the ones released before the album (Blackstar and Lazarus).
I was also very glad when, yesterday, I read that all the proceeds of this new album will be invested in research against cancer. It's a generous gesture which makes "Blackstar" even more special than it already is.
Going back to the album, I think that it's not easy to express our feelings and it's even harder to feel the approaching end, knowing that nothing can be done to change the situation. We are powerless sometimes, but in this case, Bowie manages to keep everything under control.
In some songs, you can read between the lines the truth that once only few people knew and that became clear on the 10th of January for the rest of the world.
Why did Bowie decide to arrange a brand new album? Why did he put his last effort in such a hard work?
The main reason is love. The love for music and that magic connection between himself and music, the love for those who have always supported him, his family and his fans.
As I have already said in a previous post, he felt the changes of the world during the years and he changed with them. He created a story and "Blackstar" is the epilogue of this magnific story that is his life.
These are the words of his producer, Tony Visconti: <<He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life — a work of art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.>>
We can't separate Bowie from music, because it's like killing a part of his soul. He has chosen music to describe his pain, but never running into self-pity. "A work of art", full of pathos and emotion.
The first time I listened to "I can't give everything", the last song of "Blackstar", I was surprised by the dialogue between Bowie and the main instruments (sax, electric guitar and flute), but also by the constant bass on the background.
The voice of the singer seems a whisper which becomes stronger in the chorus ("I can't give everything, I can't give everything away"). The music, which has never abandoned him, supports him even in this last fight.
Bowie have left a message, that we can hear clearly:
<<Seeing more and feeling less
Saying no but meaning yes
This is all I ever meant
That’s the message that I sent>>
Saying no but meaning yes
This is all I ever meant
That’s the message that I sent>>
The last words are spoken, the strings fade away and the end comes.
Bye for now
Yours, Silvia
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