MUSIC MANIAC – JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND

NOW: JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND – DENDROPHILE (2011)

Take me back to the 70’s, JVB. Your new album (not cd) is amazing.  We like old school terms like  albums and your new song “The Golden Age of Hustlers.”  Your covers of Joni Mitchell, Karen Carpenter, and Joan Baez are all so interesting and warm.  I loved your performance at Bowery Ballroom for your launch of these new songs.  It is so refreshing to hear this album of quiet and comforting songs in the age of Gaga and Britney.  It is a nice vibe and performance. I have been recommending this to everyone.  See you at Joe’s Pub, baby!

THEN:   DAVID BOWIE – ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS (1972)

“People stared at the makeup on his face.”  This line, from the song – Lady Stardust.  This is the first track and first line from side two of this classic Bowie album.  I played this over and over and over.  All night long… Without this music, I do not know who I would be today.  It shaped me into the man I am.  This album I found in my older sister’s room and instantly moved it into my room, and onto my record player.  David Bowie became my idol and the posters of his face were splattered on every wall.  I followed his career and waited for the day that he released his new material.  I grew up with all of his “changes.”  I even had a Bowie pen pal! (pre- Internet)  Thank you Ziggy for making it all OK!