I can't help but think if Tin Machine was a band of four unknowns, their debut record would be considered a classic instead of a lemon. The record is flawed, no question. Lyrically, it can be cringemaking at times. But it also has moments of raw power and unmitigated audacity. Tin Machine's 1989 debut is manic and unruly for all the right reasons. It's loud and it's grimy. It's four guys throwing shit against a wall and hoping some of it sticks. And what sticks and what doesn't, depends on where you are standing.
I love this record and I think more people could feel like I do if they dropped the baggage. Even if you hate David Bowie, this resembles nothing in Bowie's catalogue. And if you love Soupy Sales, this doesn't sound like him either. (Too late now, but a Tin Machine cover of "Pachalafaka" might have done the trick.)
5 comments:
What I wouldn't have given to have heard Tin Machine cover "Pachalafaka." Or "The Mouse" for that matter. 😎
I prefer Tin Machine -- both albums -- over most of his other '90s output. Still.
Didn't really like it when their debut album came out. in my head, it's Bowie trying to do grunge before that term became popular. I get it; he was trying to wash himself of Never Let Me Down (incredibly the only time I saw Bowie live was for the Glass Spider tour...another let down). So I guess I respect TM more than I like them.
“Lyrically, it can be cringemaking at times. But it also has moments of raw power and unmitigated audacity.” #gospel Lol!
I bought the CD upon its initial release. I share your review. Years later I read how during the making of The Idiot and Lust for Life, Bowie had marveled at Pop’s ability to create lyrics at the microphone. It was a fun album but, didn’t have staying power for me. Then, the review for the band’s second album was horrendous and I recall zero airplay.
The Sound + Vision tour, reuniting with Nile Rodgers for “ Real Cool World” and Black Tie White Noise - I love both. He kept the guitarist.
A sonic compatriot releases a new song today:
Sugar - “House of Dead Memories”
https://youtu.be/-S72djtUIFk?si=7-Pb-7zlBwojuLwQ
Thanks for all you do, sir! :)
Like wine, everything can get better over time, but seriously...Tin Machine was (another) Bowie "experiment" that paled in contrast to, say, The Power Station, or even something like, dare I say, The Firm.
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