@@geraldinecurran4215 don't know how old you are, but i was 19 when it was first released. i do recall hearing it a few years as later tho. i saw him at the sky dome in toronto around 1989. terrible show. they'd allegedly just fixed the acoustics but they were terrible. i was so far from the stage he looked like an ant. however, i went to the 'david bowie is' exhibition in paris and it was very good. it was april 2015 and he was dying but we didn't know at the time.
Bowie was an artist. Even went to fine art school. Such a great writer and performer. I’ve been listening to this for decades. I enjoyed hearing your reaction
“Tell my wife I love her very much.” “She knows.” Major Tom is saying farewell. There is nothing he can do. Nothing they can do. That’s where it hits me. If I remember correctly, this song is on his Hunky Dory album. Then came Spiders from Mars, and David Bowie’s tours in the U.S. What an amazing show that was. He blew our teenage minds. (New subscriber)
It was on his second album, originally just called David Bowie but after the success of this song, when it was re-released it was renamed Space Oddity. Hunky Dory was his 4th album.
@@littlemouse7066 First album in 67 was called David Bowie. The next album was also called David Bowie on release but renamed Space Oddity. 3rd album was The Man Who, Hunky was 4th and Ziggy wa 5th.
David Bowie was a Pure Genius!! I remember having all his albums in The 70's and on... I feel he's one of the Most Amazing Musicians of our time RIP Legend Bowie 🚀
The song was released way before the Ziggy persona, which first appeared on the album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, but the film was shot by Mick Rock during the Ziggy era.
One of the most talented and innovative musicians of all time. Constantly looking to push the barriers and challenge himself. So many great songs. Try "Heroes", "Rebel, Rebel", "Starman", "Ashes to Ashes", "Ziggy Stardust". A deep rabbit hole.
I am always impressed with this song. There is much of his works that are fantastic. I would recommend "Young Americans". There are so many lyrics in that song. Near the end of the song, he rapid-fire belts out line after line after line. How he was able to remember each of those lines and get them out so clearly and quickly stuns me. I do not think that most singers could manage their voice, breath, memorization, and cadence so well. It's stunning.
Bowie's lifelong themes were alienation and isolation - his brother turned him on to beatnik authors like Jack Kerouac, and then developed schizophrenia and eventually committed suicide - their parents never got over it and became withdrawn - Bowie made art out of the eternal threat of meaninglessness
I was a little kid when this song came out and remember hearing it on the radio but didn't really grasp any of what it was about other than "Major Tom". It wasn't until well into my adulthood that I was able to understand the melancholy and sadness it contained, compounded by the lyrics which are not only sad, they're horrifying when you think about it. The idea of being so utterly and irretrievably lost is difficult to comprehend but this song does a beautiful job of expressing that feeling. Then, I was today years old when I put together that this can be exactly how some people feel during crisis and hopelessness. This brings the song and the story back to earth and becomes so relatable. This deeper connection makes the melancholy and sadness of the song even more poignant, humane, and beautiful because it's not just a story of a man lost in space, it's really a song about humanity and how people can be launched into space and cannot see a way back home. If we listen carefully, this may help us put ourselves in their place and maybe figure out a way to reach them. That's my interpretation. This isn't just a song. It's art.
Wow Bryan, you have encapsulated and verbalized the the feeling of this song better than I ever could. And like you I have only appreciated the deeper meaning now when I am older
You explain brilliantly my almost identical reaction to this song. I loved it when it first came out but didn't really listen to the lyrics. Then a number of years later when I listened and understood, I was stunned and couldn't help but cry over the tragedy of it and picturing Major Y Tom and the horror of what he was going through.. To this day I still chock up when I hear it.
"The Martian" movie also had another Bowie song in it, "Starman". There are so many iconic Bowie songs - Fame, Ashes to Ashes, Rebel Rebel, Golden Years, TVC15, Young Americans, I'm afraid of Americans, Little Drummer Boy, etc etc. "Lazarus" was his last music video made shortly before he died. "Fame" has John Lennon singing background. Bowie can be a very deep rabbit hole.
Interesting you mentioned I'm Afraid of Americans. I liked the song but when I saw him do it live I thought it was the best song I've ever seen live. It's made for arenas.
"The Man Who Fell to Earth" was the movie he did about an alien coming to earth to find a place for him to being his family. Their planet had run out of water.
Bowie had always been my favorite solo artist. Major Tom is a theme that runs through out his career. Next song with Major Tom is “Ashes to Ashes. His first character is Ziggy Stardust an alien rocker. Ps, I’m a new subscriber 🔥🔥🔥
Bowie was my first concert, he was clearly ahead of his time, he was even better live and so animated. I remember at high school his hair colour and style was the big deal and nearly every high school girl got the Bowie hairstyle and colour and plucked eyebrows lol. So he also influenced fashion.
Another rock legend. So happy to see you appreciate the beautiful art we grew up with. In the words of Neil Young "Hey, Hey, My, My, Rock and Roll will never die"
This song is what made me a David Bowie fan way back then. He just kept me listening through the rest of his career. Now I'm an "old grandma" but still love David Bowie. I raised my kids on the old stuff, and now the grandkids!
I was about 16 when this first came out a couple of years before this. Playing in bands, including with my mate Pete Shelley in what would be Buzzcocks. It was a great time to grow up. I’m 69. If I go tomorrow I will challenge anyone to live the fabulous peace and love, mad drug addled youth. I’m so so lucky. We get one chance. I’m more than happy with mine.
Judging by your reaction, you are now going to be a lifelong Bowie fan. Enjoy the journey, my friend. I've loved Bowie since I was a teenager in the late 70s. I was lucky enough to see him live in Rome on his Sound and Vision tour. What an artist. He enthralled everyone there and made them feel he was singing to them. I loved his inventiveness, his wit and sense of humour, his ability to predict or judge what was coming. I miss him being in the world so much. Feels like we've lost an important part of ourselves.
Yes - there was a time in my life when that launch countdown was among the most important th8ngs in my life. All of us down in the basement counting down with this, passing the joints, not realizing those would be among the very best times and memories of our lives. Embrace the little stuff, folks - often they are the times that really count and matter and that you long for once you get old. I would give anything for it to be 1972 again.
I was able to see Bowie during this period. I think I was around 15 -early 70's- and he blew our minds. So unique and always reinventing his style up through his terminal illness and death. Peace to David. One of a kind.
Keep the Bowie coming! He was to the 70s what the Beatles were to the 60s; the best musical innovator. Try Station to station and the heart’s filthy lesson for two other, very different sides to Bowie.
Layers for sure. It's definitely meant to be listened to with fully set up surround sound, or high quality headphones, rather than just a centralized or singular pc speaker setup. The instrumentals and vocals are artistically put on different channels and sometimes merged depending on the effect desired. You often have one voice on one side and the other side with another voice harmonizing so you hear the full harmony but can also focus on each voice, its really well done.
I fell in love with David Bowie after my sister got me into him back in 1981 when i was 12 y/o living just outside London. He has remained my favourite artist to this day. He changed everything. And YES, he was harmonising with himself. Oh, btw, new sub. Going through your videos with enthusiasm.
Two cheers fir Rick Beato, love that guy… I always learn how little I understand music watching him… it’s so fun seeing someone experience something you’ve known for so long, makes the song exciting again to see through your reaction. Thanks for sharing.
Yes... Genius... This official recording of this epic song was released in '69... the famous producer, Gus Dungeon, went on to produce all classic Elton!
This was Bowie's first big hit. He references this song several times during his career. The song Ashes to Ashes in 1980 is also about Major Tom, but this time it's more of a metaphor for drug use. Then, on I Can't Give Everything Away, the final track on his final album, released just days before his death, there is a tiny piece of Space Oddity in the breakdown at the end.
You have no idea what a momentous thing it was for humanity to look back and see those pictures of our little blue ball spinning there in space. It was on everyone's mind.
Hiya Sebs, I am a massive Bowie fan getting my first Bowie album 52years ago for my 10th birthday. Still playing all his music full blast in my car over here in the UK. Your appreciation for this true genius is beautiful to see. I hope that you continue on your Bowie adventure, believe me, you won't be disappointed 😉. Listen to his Young Americans album especially tracks, Win,Right and Can you hear me. This guy will always be missed by most,back catalogue is huge, pretty much all fantastic right up to his sad passing due to cancer. Check out his final album, Black Star,and watch official videos of the title track and Lazarus. Also official video for a track released after his death, No Plan,,one of his most poignant and yet beautiful songs he everwrote and sang. Cheers, Tony
I remember when this first came out in 1969. I was 14 and listened to his different personae, styles of music, iconic songs until he died in 2016. He was a genius.
You should check out the cover of this song from international space station. I can't remember the astronauts name. But the guitar floating away is so cool.
Ahh...great reaction to this brilliant Bowie song! You just got a subscribe. (hey, check out 'Fame' a song he did with John Lennon...great stuff! All Bowies stuff is great)
Yes! At first he is “Sitting in my tin can” and then toward the end, when there is a problem he is “Floating ‘round my tin can” “far above the moon” (instead of “earth”). Great writing!
Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Let's Dance, Absolute Beginners -- a hugely influential guy and you are only beginning to scratch the surface of what David Bowie is all about.
There's no expiry date on quality. Bowie was an innovator for decades, a master of so many musical and artistic styles. Pretty much a once in a lifetime talent.
It's impossible to over-state the huge impact this had in the UK. Can you imagine - 16 years old and stuff like this was happening all the time! Great days.
I love this song; we watched the moon landing on TVs in my 6th grade class. In 1969 I was 11 years old. I fact about David Bowie, his eyes were 2 different colors, I believe on was blue and the other was brown. It's a very sad song, but it can happen, years later, when I heard it again, my first thought was to the Challenger.
Love this song, and also David Bowie. He made so many classic songs... Changes and the lesser known Fashion are some of my favourites. Thanks so much for this reaction video ☺
You’re absolutely right ,I was in a band called Fargo(uk) in the seventies and we would change keys ,play with the tempo, etc , a song nowadays seems to go start and finish on the same level. Love your reviews.cheers.
We are talking about a God of music here. Bowie comes from my old manor in London,Brixton,so of course we’re all proud of him. Check out his album Ziggy Stardust,prepare to be wowed,then Young Americans,then Hunky Dory and it’s like 3 different,brilliant artists. His diversity is astonishing and he masters any genre.
There's roughly 10 years between Space Oddity and Ashes to Ashes, 15 years between A2A and HS, 20 years between HS and Blackstar. I guess we get a follow-up in 2040. (And no, I wouldn't put it past a man who dies on a Sunday, and on the album he releases at the same time, sings "Where the fuck did Monday go?")
Your understanding of the song was absolutely spot on to watch as you went through the journey of the astronaut. Gonna watch some more of your videos, Thank you.
Your `heard of this song before' reaction reminds me of when I convinced my old guitarists from one of my bands to come and see Bowie with me (my 2nd time) and he like agreed just because of Bowie's `legendary' status, though he wasn't a `fan' and, in his own words, ``didn't know the songs''. My friend spent THE ENTIRE concert (with maybe two exceptions) going "Oh! I know this one!" haha Bowie is surprisingly everywhere
The Star Man will never die. Mr. Bowie was amazingly before his time. The connotations he hit with timing of the music being played, he kept doing it. Listen to his last album. Lazarus and Blackstar. They are so incredibly composed. Much love if yall got through this. ❤
David Jones (Bowie -as The Monkees, had Davy Jones) was born in Brixton, region of south London. Brixton has become a very diverse Caribbean/Asian neighborhood. His accent, unlike what you said, or guessed, “didn’t change” - Bowie sang with several vocal inflections and octave range. David would emphasize is London voice, sing more neutral, croon, change range mid-tune. Like is visual image and character he portrayed…who he “was”…how he sounded. A chameleon. His duet with Queen, and Freddie M’ on “Under Pressure” - duel of two incredible vocalists! The story of Major Tom continues in “ashes to ashes”. (See that video!!!) Last, David was a multi-instrumentalist, too. He could play guitar, piano, and saxophone.
So recently episodes and performances from a 70's tv show called The Midnight Special have been released on You Tube. It was a show featuring current bands. Bowie appeared several times. They are high quality and worth checking out.
55 years young.... Glad you liked it. It's ambitious and it truly paid off. I'd stick Bowie up there with Stevie W, Joni, Bob Dylan and Prince in the genius solo tier. I'm exactly the right age to instantly have got him and enjoyed the glorious ride of 70's into early 80s records he made. I distinctly remember the anticipation, the buzz around him releasing Low when I was 17; it was equal and equivalent to Songs In The Key Of Life coming out. Records were precious and valuable at that time; investments even. Queuing up to spend money on unheard records is properly enthusiastic..
David Bowie loved & was interested in all types of music, a great example is the haunting jazz ballad This is Not America with Pat Methany. It’s pure magic & nothing has ever shown the full range of his voice better. I love only Bowie from Ziggy Stardust to his final album. There’s a reason he was able to sustain his career. Each change is organic built around his interest in different sounds & styles. The Thin White Dude even played an alien in The Man Who Fell to Earth, typecasting at its best.
This was recorded in 1969 and released before the Apollo 11 launch. The video for it was done in 1972. This has to do with David Bowie being signed by RCA Records the year before. RCA bought Bowie's contract with Mercury Records and with it, the two albums the artist released with them; which RCA then re-released. This promo was done to help promote the RCA's release of the album Space Oddity.
I grew up on this music but I have never seen this particular video. The two styles of music, the interruptions as you say, is because he is singing as both Major Tom and as Ground Control and having a conversation. Bowie was a musical genius.
Love this song. Especially the live versions with Mick Ronson. I was a 14 when this came out and I was really into NASA and the space flights. It was perfect.
I didn't really appreciate Bowie until the 80s with "Let's Dance" & "Modern Love". "Changes" & "Golden Years" are also excellent along with "Fame". From music to fashion, Bowie was iconic. He was the first to bring androgyny into the mainstream.
I knew David Bowie died but i don’t ever remember how i felt about his death. I just found out he died the same day as my husband very unexpectedly passed away. He was only 42.
I first heard this song on a transister radio whilst on holiday in 1972. It made me wiser. Watching your reaction, Seb, was like a time-shift. Thank you.
I remember living when TV mainly had westerns on. SciFi was rare. Songs about being in space ... who would do that. Those one man capsules were like a tin can. Beautiful. I don't know which came 1st, this song or Elton John's Rocket man. If you want more Bowie, I'd suggest you look up the Christmas video he did with Bing Crosby which I think neither were thrilled about doing. Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth. Beautiful. Also, I wonder if you ever have heard "Holding Back the Years" by Simply Red. It is a gem!
To me it also discusses a person looking at humanity from outside. "Space" seeing it for what it is. And "planet earth is blue and theres nothing I can do." The helpless desire to be better than our human desires we're driven towards.
The amazing economy of words to convey both a story and emotions is unprecedented. "And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear" conveys the materialistic nature of society and how shallow it is to care about that while he's on this historic journey. "Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do" the recognition of the inherent flaws in society and the hopelessness of being powerless to change it. "Hear am I floating in my tin can" the insignificance of our planet in the vastness of outer space. "And I think my spaceship knows the way to go" the decision to abandon Earth's failings and explore new frontiers, new hopes, a better life. The transformation of the music styles convey the changing of his understanding
A LOT of what struck you as genius and interesting in this song is carried on in his Ziggy Stardust album. The layering, innovation, harmonizing with himself, lyrical depth, and, of course, Mick Ronson’s epic guitar solos. SO is a gorgeous album, but Ziggy was his breakout album and for good reason.
The song originally came out in 1969 right before the first moon landing. Bowie was a marketing genius. He got huge airplay around the world.
I have the 1969 single, I miss having physical copies music and movies.
he showed his marketing genius when his last album was released two days before he died
released twice, first time it was a sleeper. Bowie believed in the song so re-released and as they say, the rest is history
@@geraldinecurran4215 don't know how old you are, but i was 19 when it was first released. i do recall hearing it a few years as later tho. i saw him at the sky dome in toronto around 1989. terrible show. they'd allegedly just fixed the acoustics but they were terrible. i was so far from the stage he looked like an ant. however, i went to the 'david bowie is' exhibition in paris and it was very good. it was april 2015 and he was dying but we didn't know at the time.
Bowie was an artist. Even went to fine art school. Such a great writer and performer. I’ve been listening to this for decades. I enjoyed hearing your reaction
“Tell my wife I love her very much.” “She knows.” Major Tom is saying farewell. There is nothing he can do. Nothing they can do. That’s where it hits me. If I remember correctly, this song is on his Hunky Dory album. Then came Spiders from Mars, and David Bowie’s tours in the U.S. What an amazing show that was. He blew our teenage minds. (New subscriber)
It was on his second album, originally just called David Bowie but after the success of this song, when it was re-released it was renamed Space Oddity. Hunky Dory was his 4th album.
@@DudeSilad Thanks so much for clearing that up. I wasn’t at all sure; I just knew it preceded Ziggy Stardust.
It was in his first album from 1969 not Hunky Dory which is from 1971.
@@DudeSilad It was his first album the second was The man who sold the world the third was Hunky Dory and the fourth was Ziggy Stardust.
@@littlemouse7066 First album in 67 was called David Bowie. The next album was also called David Bowie on release but renamed Space Oddity. 3rd album was The Man Who, Hunky was 4th and Ziggy wa 5th.
David Bowie was a Pure Genius!!
I remember having all his albums in
The 70's and on... I feel he's one of the
Most Amazing Musicians of our time
RIP Legend Bowie 🚀
Two other Bowie masterpieces are "Changes" and his roll in the movie "Labyrinth" with a young Jennifer Connelly.
I love this song so much! This is when he was Ziggy Stardust.
The song was released way before the Ziggy persona, which first appeared on the album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, but the film was shot by Mick Rock during the Ziggy era.
'Ashes to ashes, fun to funky,
we know Major Tom's a junkie
I’m a huge David Bowie fan. He was a huge influence on my musical tastes. Such a genius.
One of the most talented and innovative musicians of all time. Constantly looking to push the barriers and challenge himself. So many great songs. Try "Heroes", "Rebel, Rebel", "Starman", "Ashes to Ashes", "Ziggy Stardust". A deep rabbit hole.
I am always impressed with this song. There is much of his works that are fantastic. I would recommend "Young Americans". There are so many lyrics in that song. Near the end of the song, he rapid-fire belts out line after line after line. How he was able to remember each of those lines and get them out so clearly and quickly stuns me. I do not think that most singers could manage their voice, breath, memorization, and cadence so well. It's stunning.
Bowie's lifelong themes were alienation and isolation - his brother turned him on to beatnik authors like Jack Kerouac, and then developed schizophrenia and eventually committed suicide - their parents never got over it and became withdrawn - Bowie made art out of the eternal threat of meaninglessness
"Take your broken heart - turn it into Art" - Carrie Fisher
You're hearing, the emotions of the original author. No one singing it after, will express it with such deep meaning.
I was a little kid when this song came out and remember hearing it on the radio but didn't really grasp any of what it was about other than "Major Tom". It wasn't until well into my adulthood that I was able to understand the melancholy and sadness it contained, compounded by the lyrics which are not only sad, they're horrifying when you think about it. The idea of being so utterly and irretrievably lost is difficult to comprehend but this song does a beautiful job of expressing that feeling. Then, I was today years old when I put together that this can be exactly how some people feel during crisis and hopelessness. This brings the song and the story back to earth and becomes so relatable. This deeper connection makes the melancholy and sadness of the song even more poignant, humane, and beautiful because it's not just a story of a man lost in space, it's really a song about humanity and how people can be launched into space and cannot see a way back home. If we listen carefully, this may help us put ourselves in their place and maybe figure out a way to reach them. That's my interpretation.
This isn't just a song. It's art.
Love your interpretation, Bryan.
Wow Bryan, you have encapsulated and verbalized the the feeling of this song better than I ever could. And like you I have only appreciated the deeper meaning now when I am older
You explain brilliantly my almost identical reaction to this song. I loved it when it first came out but didn't really listen to the lyrics. Then a number of years later when I listened and understood, I was stunned and couldn't help but cry over the tragedy of it and picturing Major Y
Tom and the horror of what he was going through.. To this day I still chock up when I hear it.
"The Martian" movie also had another Bowie song in it, "Starman". There are so many iconic Bowie songs - Fame, Ashes to Ashes, Rebel Rebel, Golden Years, TVC15, Young Americans, I'm afraid of Americans, Little Drummer Boy, etc etc. "Lazarus" was his last music video made shortly before he died. "Fame" has John Lennon singing background. Bowie can be a very deep rabbit hole.
some really funky, so cool stuff.
Interesting you mentioned I'm Afraid of Americans. I liked the song but when I saw him do it live I thought it was the best song I've ever seen live. It's made for arenas.
"The Man Who Fell to Earth" was the movie he did about an alien coming to earth to find a place for him to being his family. Their planet had run out of water.
Now check out 'Ashes to Ashes'......major Tom's journey continues !!!! ....and just do Every David Bowie song !!!!!1
Bowie had always been my favorite solo artist. Major Tom is a theme that runs through out his career. Next song with Major Tom is “Ashes to Ashes. His first character is Ziggy Stardust an alien rocker. Ps, I’m a new subscriber 🔥🔥🔥
These songs told stories...the music empathized the story. David was fantastic. Always changing. And, what a voice!
Bowie was my first concert, he was clearly ahead of his time, he was even better live and so animated. I remember at high school his hair colour and style was the big deal and nearly every high school girl got the Bowie hairstyle and colour and plucked eyebrows lol. So he also influenced fashion.
Another rock legend. So happy to see you appreciate the beautiful art we grew up with. In the words of Neil Young "Hey, Hey, My, My, Rock and Roll will never die"
This song is what made me a David Bowie fan way back then. He just kept me listening through the rest of his career. Now I'm an "old grandma" but still love David Bowie. I raised my kids on the old stuff, and now the grandkids!
This is probably my favorite Bowie song and no matter how many times I listen to it I get chills throughout it numerous times.
This made me so sad as a kid..i really worried about and felt so bad for Major Tom!💞✌️
Love your reaction ! I hope you listen to this whole album- Bowie is a musical genius; so innovative .
I was about 16 when this first came out a couple of years before this. Playing in bands, including with my mate Pete Shelley in what would be Buzzcocks. It was a great time to grow up. I’m 69. If I go tomorrow I will challenge anyone to live the fabulous peace and love, mad drug addled youth. I’m so so lucky. We get one chance. I’m more than happy with mine.
Hey! I remember The Buzzcocks! From Boston, right? ♡
Judging by your reaction, you are now going to be a lifelong Bowie fan. Enjoy the journey, my friend.
I've loved Bowie since I was a teenager in the late 70s. I was lucky enough to see him live in Rome on his Sound and Vision tour. What an artist. He enthralled everyone there and made them feel he was singing to them.
I loved his inventiveness, his wit and sense of humour, his ability to predict or judge what was coming.
I miss him being in the world so much. Feels like we've lost an important part of ourselves.
Yes - there was a time in my life when that launch countdown was among the most important th8ngs in my life. All of us down in the basement counting down with this, passing the joints, not realizing those would be among the very best times and memories of our lives.
Embrace the little stuff, folks - often they are the times that really count and matter and that you long for once you get old.
I would give anything for it to be 1972 again.
Yes, you are describing the feelings perfectly!!! And to think he was only 22!
I was able to see Bowie during this period. I think I was around 15 -early
70's- and he blew our minds. So unique and always reinventing his style up through his terminal illness and death. Peace to David. One of a kind.
I miss him❤
Mick Ronson..guitar player annd major player in early years..RIP
Keep the Bowie coming! He was to the 70s what the Beatles were to the 60s; the best musical innovator. Try Station to station and the heart’s filthy lesson for two other, very different sides to Bowie.
Bowie is amazing, The world got a lot bluer when he passed. I can't listen to his goodbye without crying like a child.
70'S IS A GOLD MINE FOR IMMORTAL MUSIC
Or more broadly 1965-1985, and especially UK music of the time such as Beatles, Rolling Stones, Queen etc.
A beautiful classic. Bowie was amazing.
Spot on!! Film: The Man Who Fell to E
Earth. David Bowie.
The genius that was David Bowie. His music will live forevermore
Such a massive catalogue to go through. Bowie has been my favourite since I was 10 years old so I’m here for it 😊
Layers for sure. It's definitely meant to be listened to with fully set up surround sound, or high quality headphones, rather than just a centralized or singular pc speaker setup. The instrumentals and vocals are artistically put on different channels and sometimes merged depending on the effect desired. You often have one voice on one side and the other side with another voice harmonizing so you hear the full harmony but can also focus on each voice, its really well done.
Subbed for more Bowie! I first discovered him about 5 years ago and fall more in love with his music every day. His discography is worth the dive! :)
He is a legend!
He, his voice and songs were absolutely special. Bowie was a genius and one of the best musicians we ever had.
David was fascinated with space. I hope he touched the stars when he passed.
I fell in love with David Bowie after my sister got me into him back in 1981 when i was 12 y/o living just outside London.
He has remained my favourite artist to this day. He changed everything.
And YES, he was harmonising with himself.
Oh, btw, new sub. Going through your videos with enthusiasm.
In ”Ashes to ashes” Bowie sings ”We know major Tom’s a junkie”, which is fun.
I heard this song as a kid and it scared me. It wasn't until Bowie passed did I revisit it and discovered how beautiful it is.
Two cheers fir Rick Beato, love that guy… I always learn how little I understand music watching him… it’s so fun seeing someone experience something you’ve known for so long, makes the song exciting again to see through your reaction. Thanks for sharing.
Yes... Genius... This official recording of this epic song was released in '69... the famous producer, Gus Dungeon, went on to produce all classic Elton!
This was Bowie's first big hit. He references this song several times during his career. The song Ashes to Ashes in 1980 is also about Major Tom, but this time it's more of a metaphor for drug use. Then, on I Can't Give Everything Away, the final track on his final album, released just days before his death, there is a tiny piece of Space Oddity in the breakdown at the end.
Also in the video for Blackstar you see a reference too.
@@kevinchester0533 I love that video.
You can’t go wrong with Bowie. He was a genius! It’s fabulous watching you discover him.
You have no idea what a momentous thing it was for humanity to look back and see those pictures of our little blue ball spinning there in space. It was on everyone's mind.
This was before the moon landing. He watched the movie 2001, a space odyssey and wrote it from that.
Bowie was one of the very greatest!
Hiya Sebs, I am a massive Bowie fan getting my first Bowie album 52years ago for my 10th birthday. Still playing all his music full blast in my car over here in the UK. Your appreciation for this true genius is beautiful to see. I hope that you continue on your Bowie adventure, believe me, you won't be disappointed 😉. Listen to his Young Americans album especially tracks, Win,Right and Can you hear me. This guy will always be missed by most,back catalogue is huge, pretty much all fantastic right up to his sad passing due to cancer. Check out his final album, Black Star,and watch official videos of the title track and Lazarus. Also official video for a track released after his death, No Plan,,one of his most poignant and yet beautiful songs he everwrote and sang. Cheers, Tony
I remember when this first came out in 1969. I was 14 and listened to his different personae, styles of music, iconic songs until he died in 2016. He was a genius.
You should check out the cover of this song from international space station. I can't remember the astronauts name. But the guitar floating away is so cool.
Chris Hadfield was the astronaut.
I love the whole album Hunky Dory. Each song a totally different vibe. Love Oh You Pretty Things, talk about key changes!
Bowie was an original, his music constantly evolved. Check out Young Americans, Fame, Ziggy Stardust, and Heroes for just a few of his songs.
Ahh...great reaction to this brilliant Bowie song! You just got a subscribe. (hey, check out 'Fame' a song he did with John Lennon...great stuff! All Bowies stuff is great)
Great reaction. And great that you're checking out Rick Beato!
Yes! At first he is “Sitting in my tin can” and then toward the end, when there is a problem he is “Floating ‘round my tin can” “far above the moon” (instead of “earth”). Great writing!
Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Let's Dance, Absolute Beginners -- a hugely influential guy and you are only beginning to scratch the surface of what David Bowie is all about.
There's no expiry date on quality. Bowie was an innovator for decades, a master of so many musical and artistic styles. Pretty much a once in a lifetime talent.
It’s a metaphor for the disorientation of becoming famous. Himself shooting to stardom and feeling remote from the reality of normal life.
This was being played on the radio when I was 13. It was just normal music of that time. I grew up in a beautiful musical era.
It's impossible to over-state the huge impact this had in the UK. Can you imagine - 16 years old and stuff like this was happening all the time! Great days.
So glad you found him, Check out more of his old videos. I grew up on them - amazing!
Seb love your enthusiastic and appreciative reactions to music from the past you truly are an old soul kudose🎉👍
I love this song; we watched the moon landing on TVs in my 6th grade class. In 1969 I was 11 years old. I fact about David Bowie, his eyes were 2 different colors, I believe on was blue and the other was brown. It's a very sad song, but it can happen, years later, when I heard it again, my first thought was to the Challenger.
Brooklyn duo "cant help falling in love" beautiful cover, my daughter walked down the isle to this cover. ❤
Love this song, and also David Bowie. He made so many classic songs... Changes and the lesser known Fashion are some of my favourites. Thanks so much for this reaction video ☺
You’re absolutely right ,I was in a band called Fargo(uk) in the seventies and we would change keys ,play with the tempo, etc , a song nowadays seems to go start and finish on the same level. Love your reviews.cheers.
We are talking about a God of music here.
Bowie comes from my old manor in London,Brixton,so of course we’re all proud of him.
Check out his album Ziggy Stardust,prepare to be wowed,then Young Americans,then Hunky Dory and it’s like 3 different,brilliant artists.
His diversity is astonishing and he masters any genre.
I'm old and music of this calibre was the soundtrack of my youth.
Major Tom was a character that Bowie would revisit in three other songs:
Ashes To Ashes (1980)
Hallo Spaceboy (1995)
and Blackstar (2015).
There's roughly 10 years between Space Oddity and Ashes to Ashes, 15 years between A2A and HS, 20 years between HS and Blackstar. I guess we get a follow-up in 2040. (And no, I wouldn't put it past a man who dies on a Sunday, and on the album he releases at the same time, sings "Where the fuck did Monday go?")
Spot on Richard, the guy was a genius
Welcome to the Bowie journey - my voyage started around 78….⚡️⚡️ still going 😊
I got to see Bowie in concert....it was when his song, "Fame", came out !
Your understanding of the song was absolutely spot on to watch as you went through the journey of the astronaut. Gonna watch some more of your videos, Thank you.
David Bowie. A genius. A masterpiece. One of my teen idols. R.I.P.
I absolutely love your channel!! Thank you for being uplifting and positive! We so need this now in these trying times in our wonderful country❤
That permanently blown left pupil gets me every time.
Your `heard of this song before' reaction reminds me of when I convinced my old guitarists from one of my bands to come and see Bowie with me (my 2nd time) and he like agreed just because of Bowie's `legendary' status, though he wasn't a `fan' and, in his own words, ``didn't know the songs''. My friend spent THE ENTIRE concert (with maybe two exceptions) going "Oh! I know this one!" haha Bowie is surprisingly everywhere
The Star Man will never die. Mr. Bowie was amazingly before his time. The connotations he hit with timing of the music being played, he kept doing it. Listen to his last album. Lazarus and Blackstar. They are so incredibly composed. Much love if yall got through this. ❤
I Can't Give Everything Away. Tears.
David Jones (Bowie -as The Monkees, had Davy Jones) was born in Brixton, region of south London.
Brixton has become a very diverse Caribbean/Asian neighborhood. His accent, unlike what you said, or guessed, “didn’t change” - Bowie sang with several vocal inflections and octave range. David would emphasize is London voice, sing more neutral, croon, change range mid-tune. Like is visual image and character he portrayed…who he “was”…how he sounded. A chameleon.
His duet with Queen, and Freddie M’ on “Under Pressure” - duel of two incredible vocalists!
The story of Major Tom continues in “ashes to ashes”. (See that video!!!)
Last, David was a multi-instrumentalist, too. He could play guitar, piano, and saxophone.
So recently episodes and performances from a 70's tv show called The Midnight Special have been released on You Tube. It was a show featuring current bands. Bowie appeared several times. They are high quality and worth checking out.
55 years young.... Glad you liked it. It's ambitious and it truly paid off. I'd stick Bowie up there with Stevie W, Joni, Bob Dylan and Prince in the genius solo tier. I'm exactly the right age to instantly have got him and enjoyed the glorious ride of 70's into early 80s records he made. I distinctly remember the anticipation, the buzz around him releasing Low when I was 17; it was equal and equivalent to Songs In The Key Of Life coming out. Records were precious and valuable at that time; investments even. Queuing up to spend money on unheard records is properly enthusiastic..
I miss him being in our world. 😪
I’m glad you were touched by it. Lesser known Bowie song I’d recommend is The Motel.
David Bowie loved & was interested in all types of music, a great example is the haunting jazz ballad This is Not America with Pat Methany. It’s pure magic & nothing has ever shown the full range of his voice better. I love only Bowie from Ziggy Stardust to his final album. There’s a reason he was able to sustain his career. Each change is organic built around his interest in different sounds & styles. The Thin White Dude even played an alien in The Man Who Fell to Earth, typecasting at its best.
This was recorded in 1969 and released before the Apollo 11 launch. The video for it was done in 1972. This has to do with David Bowie being signed by RCA Records the year before. RCA bought Bowie's contract with Mercury Records and with it, the two albums the artist released with them; which RCA then re-released. This promo was done to help promote the RCA's release of the album Space Oddity.
I grew up on this music but I have never seen this particular video. The two styles of music, the interruptions as you say, is because he is singing as both Major Tom and as Ground Control and having a conversation. Bowie was a musical genius.
Love this song. Especially the live versions with Mick Ronson. I was a 14 when this came out and I was really into NASA and the space flights. It was perfect.
Station to Station from Bowie,you’ll be surprised to hear a absolutely awesome brilliant different sound.
I didn't really appreciate Bowie until the 80s with "Let's Dance" & "Modern Love". "Changes" & "Golden Years" are also excellent along with "Fame". From music to fashion, Bowie was iconic. He was the first to bring androgyny into the mainstream.
I agree. So many layers and so many interpretations. Every time I hear this I think of more.
I knew David Bowie died but i don’t ever remember how i felt about his death. I just found out he died the same day as my husband very unexpectedly passed away. He was only 42.
So sorry for your loss.
@@iwasfloyd Thank you, i really appreciate your comment 🌺
Condolences
@@AP-gb3eh Thank You.
Diana may your husband rest in Heavenly Peace and I wish you comfort and peace during this sad time. 🙏🏼💝
My favorite karaoke song. It's wonderfully easy to pull off. It's been a very big part of my life's soundtrack for a very long time now.
It was great seeing your reaction to hearing this song and how this song's construction is masterful.
I first heard this song on a transister radio whilst on holiday in 1972. It made me wiser. Watching your reaction, Seb, was like a time-shift. Thank you.
as a 13 year old it was mind blowing, and these days with better sound systems these songs give even more.
I remember living when TV mainly had westerns on. SciFi was rare. Songs about being in space ... who would do that. Those one man capsules were like a tin can. Beautiful. I don't know which came 1st, this song or Elton John's Rocket man. If you want more Bowie, I'd suggest you look up the Christmas video he did with Bing Crosby which I think neither were thrilled about doing. Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth. Beautiful. Also, I wonder if you ever have heard "Holding Back the Years" by Simply Red. It is a gem!
To me it also discusses a person looking at humanity from outside. "Space" seeing it for what it is. And "planet earth is blue and theres nothing I can do." The helpless desire to be better than our human desires we're driven towards.
The amazing economy of words to convey both a story and emotions is unprecedented. "And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear" conveys the materialistic nature of society and how shallow it is to care about that while he's on this historic journey. "Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do" the recognition of the inherent flaws in society and the hopelessness of being powerless to change it. "Hear am I floating in my tin can" the insignificance of our planet in the vastness of outer space. "And I think my spaceship knows the way to go" the decision to abandon Earth's failings and explore new frontiers, new hopes, a better life. The transformation of the music styles convey the changing of his understanding
A LOT of what struck you as genius and interesting in this song is carried on in his Ziggy Stardust album. The layering, innovation, harmonizing with himself, lyrical depth, and, of course, Mick Ronson’s epic guitar solos.
SO is a gorgeous album, but Ziggy was his breakout album and for good reason.