LODGER (EMI) In the late '70s David Bowie disappeared to Berlin where he collaborated with Brian Eno on these three highly influential albums which almost single-handedly inspired the early '80s wave of electro-pop synthesizer music. They were-quite deliberately-his least commercial albums (and ironically, their low sales cost him the renewal of his RCA Records contract) but almost 15 years on, the critical acclaim they received at the time still seems justified. Low (1977), with its poppy tunes, remains the most accessible. The more complex Heroes (1977 too) now sounds a trifle self-indulgent and the less than sophisticated use of William Burroughs's cut-up technique on some Lodger (1979) lyrics rather dated-but musically all three albums remain a crucial part of rock history. Bonus tracks include a few mix and unreleased recordings of Some Are and All Saints (Low), Abdulmajid (Heroes) and I Pray Ole (Lodger).
Q Rating: ****

"Lodger" represents the final album of the David Bowie/Brian Eno trilogy that began with "Low" and "Heroes." Bowie's style here incorporates just about every style he's experimented with including a few straight-forward narratives, some songs made up of what seems like chants, and some mainstream rock tunes. Overall, the tone of the album is less foreboding than his more recent musical excursions into progressive realms. In some ways this represents a departure for Bowie, and in other ways a continuation of previous recordings. Most tunes were penned by Bowie and Eno with musical support consisting of bass, guitars, piano, synthesizer and strings used on a few cuts. Best cuts: "D.J.," "African Night Flight," "Boys Keep Swinging," "Fantastic Voyage." Dealers: Bowie has a large following.