Bowie's Afraid Of Americans

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 6:28 am

I heard this song at a Bowie concert a couple of years ago. I was blown away.

It appears to be a recent song. It seems Bowie is concerned. Does this song affect you in any way?

What is your reaction?

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:51 am

"I'm Afraid of Americans" is song and single by David Bowie from the 1997 album Earthling. The song, co-written by Bowie and Brian Eno, originally appeared as a rough mix on the soundtrack to the film Showgirls and was subsequently remade for Earthling.

Bowie describes the feelings behind the song:

It's not as truly hostile about Americans as say "Born in the U.S.A.": it's merely sardonic. I was traveling in Java when the first McDonald's went up: it was like, "for f**k's sake." The invasion by any homogenized culture is so depressing, the erection of another Disney World in, say, Umbria, Italy, more so. It strangles the indigenous culture and narrows expression of life. (Earthling press release)

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:55 am

Good work, Dad.

I was just clicking back in with the date as well.

I'm surprised I hadn't heard it before.

He's got 3 songs with "America" in the title. Kind of surprising for a Brit.

I'm Afraid of Americans

This Is Not America

Young Americans

there may be more.

It's a great song, imo, just took me by surprise.

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:16 pm

koan;515473 wrote: Good work, Dad.

I was just clicking back in with the date as well.

I'm surprised I hadn't heard it before.

He's got 3 songs with "America" in the title. Kind of surprising for a Brit.

I'm Afraid of Americans

This Is Not America

Young Americans

there may be more.

It's a great song, imo, just took me by surprise.
Two of my faves

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:22 pm

Another one that blew me away at the concert:

Under Pressure with his bass player singing Freddie Mercury's part

Thanks for reminding me Uncle K

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 3:27 pm

That's Gail Ann Dorsey. She's been around for awhile as a session player.

As a bassist myself, I was glad to see Gail finally get out of the studio and on to the stage with Bowie. She did some tours with Roxy Music and others but Bowie big break for her.

But what do I know.

It's not like I'm a Bowie fan or something.

And yes. This is not America is great.

dubs · Post by **dubs** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 4:55 pm

Fantastic! I saw Bowie 32 years ago, at Birmingham Odeon when he did the Ziggy tour..:guitarist

DesignerGal · Post by **DesignerGal** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:19 pm

Maybe its just a song?

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:58 pm

DesignerGal;515758 wrote: Maybe its just a song?

Umm Yea?:-2

DesignerGal · Post by **DesignerGal** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:46 pm

JacksDad;515794 wrote: Umm Yea?:-2

I mean maybe its juts a song and has no hidden meaning? DUH!

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:46 pm

David Bowie turned 60 a couple of days ago.

Young Americans is used to startling effect in Lars Von Trier's Dogville.

Von Trier was accused of anti-American sentiment because of it, but in actuality, Von Trier is anti-everybody. He's an utter misanthrope.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:27 pm

DesignerGal;515919 wrote: I mean maybe its juts a song and has no hidden meaning? DUH!

Yes. That's already been established.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:37 pm

DesignerGal;515919 wrote: I mean maybe its juts a song and has no hidden meaning? DUH!

The meaning is most definitely not hidden. DUH. :rolleyes:

The question was what do you think? Obviously nothing.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:46 pm

DesignerGal;515758 wrote: Maybe its just a song?

Dont you think songs are inspired by something ? Seems fairly obvious a songwriter would have original thoughts that might require some background or history with the subject at hand.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:58 pm

For our next item, we shall shred "Alcohol" from The Kinks album "Everybody's In Showbiz"

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:44 pm

JacksDad;515970 wrote: For our next item, we shall shred "Alcohol" from The Kinks album "Everybody's In Showbiz"

Sure. That rat bastard Ray Davies couldnt pull his head out of his ass if it was on fire.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:17 pm

Nomad;515990 wrote: Sure. That rat bastard Ray Davies couldnt pull his head out of his ass if it was on fire.

:yh_rotfl