|
In Bertolt Brecht's Baal |
|---|---|
Short five-track soundtrack EP of Brecht songs, a real
departure. Originally available as a UK 7" EP with gatefold,
photos, woodcuts and liner notes, or as a US 12" EP with
nothing. Not yet available on CD. This marks Bowie's last
recording with producer Tony Visconti, whose name is
synonymous with Bowie's best work.
Baal is the story of a worldly hedonist
who ventures into the country bent on
pure (or impure) sensory absorption,
Like the character Baal, whose mother had just died, Brecht's
mother died as he was writing this play. This may be the source
of its themes of transience and mortality, of the paradox of
embracing the world while remaining detached from it.
Consider the lyrics of Remembering Marie A., which Brecht
wrote on the train to Berlin. Brecht originally titled this
Sentimental Song no. 1004:
Highlights: Remembering Marie A. and
The Dirty Song, a hilarious salty little 39
second ditty. High drama here, will likely
appeal to those who like David's
readings of My Death or Amsterdam.
Nurture my pig
Gonna Baal
enthusiastic indulgence as a remedy
against inevitable loss. Baal's philosophy,
as defined by John Willett in the liner
notes: "never mind viciousness,
disease and death; naked or drunk
you embrace our world because you
know the endless sky is above you."
Shorthand is, he's a son of a bitch.
I only know I kissed it on that day.
As for the kiss I'd long ago forgot it,
but for the cloud that floated in the sky.
Bertolt Brecht
| In Bertolt Brecht's Baal | |
|---|---|
|
Baal's Hymn Remembering Marie A. |
Ballad Of The Adventurers |
LinksCopyright © 1996-2005, Philip Drenth. All rights reserved.