David Bowie: Cracked Actor '74 Celebration

Newest Bowie Find (an Update):

Spotify finally released the “new” Bowie album, "Cracked Actor: Live in Los Angeles '74" which came out months ago in celebration of Record Store Day.  It's a live performance from his Diamond Dogs 1974 concert in Los Angeles.  It's an excellent recording of what is perhaps my favourite Bowie concert.  I highly recommend it.

I love that the title pays homage to the 1975 Alan Yentob documentary "Cracked Actor", which contains some of the only footage of the Diamond Dogs tour.  It's also a must-see work of art which shows Bowie at the height of his cocaine addiction in America.  In the film he appears to be frail and paranoid, but above all is shown to be the consummate performer and musical genius.

In particular, I would like to highlight my favourite song on the album: "John I'm Only Dancing (Again)".

I love that the release of "John I'm Only Dancing (Again)" Live included Bowie's introduction of the band at the beginning. It's playful, yet at the same time, it feels extremely sensual. His cheerful introduction of each of his bandmates turns into an evocative, triumphant declaration, "We did a new song earlier, this is another new song. This is from an album we've just finished - this one's called "John I'm Only Dancing". Immediately after his announcement, his words bleed into a charged rhythm. Although it is worthwhile to note that the playful, sensual energy throughout this soul-inspired remake could also be attributed to the original "John, I'm Only Dancing"'s charged imagery as a bisexual glam rock anthem.

Moreover, this live version of "John I'm Only Dancing (Again)" shifts from that of elegant, sexual decadence to an almost manic, funky spiraling energy. This makes it perfect as the finale piece for the "Diamond Dog" 1974 tour, which started out as a glamourous, innovative showpiece which set the precedent for today's modern tours. Such important features included massive stage and set pieces, Broadway-inspired choreography including backup dancers, elaborate costumes, loose story/thematic elements, and the use of cherry pickers to elevate the performer above their audience.  But unfortunately, due to Bowie's failing health and financial mismanagement, the tour stripped down and rebranded as a "Soul Tour" partway through the tour dates. The "Soul Tour" got rid of many of the elaborate, decadent set pieces and show components, but continued as a tour with a type of groove that just wouldn't stop much like the funky encore.

And indeed, the song ends with Bowie shouting in-between the height of the climactic refrain, "Thank You. Goodnight. We Love You. See ya soon!" before blowing a kiss to the audience, while the back-up singers continue to belt out the dizzying statement, "I'm Only Dancing, Dancing, Dancing,..." However, Bowie's voice is distinctly absent from the end of the song, clearly symbolising how, like he's left the vocal work of the encore piece, he's also already moved on to the next phase of his musical journey.

Finally, the piece officially ends as the presenter announces to the still cheering crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Bowie has left the theatre. Thank you very much." The finality to it, mixed with the still cheering crowd makes the listener feel a distinct sense of loss. The artist may be gone from the stage, but the yearning to follow him past the theatre and into the Unknown is still alive and dancing.