So, you got your red shoes on? Are you dancing to the song they’re playing on the radio? Well, you better be because David Bowie demands it! And you know when David Bowie tells you to jump you say, “IN WHAT SHOES!?”
Your red ones, of course.
Yes, David Bowie is known as an innovator of music and pop culture and was a huge influence on many (as seen in this amazing video ). When you listen to his song “Let’s Dance,” it’s pretty easy to see why. The track gets you into party mode right away with horns and a thumping bass line. Later on, as Bowie begins singing, saxophones are brought in, as well as a delayed guitar, church organs and clicking noises. The guitar melodies and solo heard throughout the song are actually the work of guest guitarist and overall guitar legend, Stevie Ray Vaughan. There’s so much going on in this song but the drum beat and bass line get your ass moving! It’s the perfect song to just dance to so Bowie obviously knew what he was doing when he wrote this commercial hit!
M. Ward covered the song on his 2003 release, “Transfiguration of Vincent.” You may know this guitarist and songwriter as one half of the duo, She & Him. Ward’s version is completely different from Bowie’s, not only because it is drastically slower and played only on an acoustic guitar and a harmonica but because even the vocal melodies are different. Unfortunately, Ward lacks the vocal presence and musical composition to actually get you moving as David Bowie does. This isn’t surprising if you are familiar with Ward’s playing style. His voice is a little rough and scratchy yet he somehow manages to sound silky, which is really pleasant to the ears. The harmonica and acoustic guitar accented by light bells and chimes gives the song a good folky sound, but really … Who’s going to shake their ass to a slow folk song?
The song is a great effort but in no way compares to Bowie’s version. It’s quite different, which is refreshing but in my opinion, I can’t make it work. But why don’t you give them a listen and decide for yourself!
David Bowie – “Let’s Dance”
M. Ward – “Let’s Dance“
First of all, “Let’s Dance” happens to be my favorite Bowie song of all! Awesome choice! (I like the fact that the album version is 7 minutes long). As for the cover, it was alright. I didn’t hate it, but it’s almost like those movies where the title track is played at different tempos according to the main character’s mood. In this case, it would be the sad or mellowed part of the movie. The happy part being the Bowie version. That’s what it seems like to me, anyway.
– The Joser