David Bowie [Picture Disc]

It's a strange beast, dating to back to 1967 and originally issued on the Deram label. Written entirely by Bowie himself (which is perhaps unusual for the era), it was a commercial flop, probably not helped by being released on the same day as The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Over 40 years on, is it worth more attention? Well yes. But it’s certainly an acquired taste. Back in the 60s, Bowie was trapped between being a rock star and an all-round entertainer, which means this album has a nasty habit of jumping between 60s pop and something more akin to music hall and at times. Even nursery rhymes. Whimsical you could say, quirky you could also argue. Some might even say annoying. Not that I’d personally go so far. I quite enjoy this one. — Modculture