It’s David Bowie… but not quite as you know him. When you hear the name, the image of sparkling skin tight suits, elaborate make-up and progressive, experimental pop rock springs to mind. And maybe the riding of a tiger into a lightening storm. He conjured some strange images does Bowie. But less know him for his acting abilities – unless you count his appearance as the Goblin King in Labyrinth (which you absolutely should). With that in mind, this is a Bowie LP with a difference.
This is a classical music album containing Bowie’s spoken word narration of Sergei Prokofiev‘s 1936 composition Peter and the Wolf, featuring the Philadelphia orchestra. Bowie undertook the project as a gift to his then seven-year-old-son, Duncan. Who is now 43 years old, for reference. This unusual escapade was lapped up by fans and critics alike, and lauded by fans of both theatre, classical music and Bowie himself. And it’s truly a feast. Emotionally engaging, rich in composure, and with Bowie’s delightfully benevolent character and charm, it’s a strange but wonderful thing that hasn’t aged a bit.
Why do you need this LP?
It’s an undeniably excellent intertwining of both sonic and theatrical excellence – a way of welcoming David Bowie as you’ve never heard him before into your collection, and perfect cosy winter night listening. If you want drama, passion, violence and depth, this might not be the most obvious answer, but it may well be the right one.