Vivid costumes, otherworldly characters, and music that defied convention – these are just a few hallmarks of David Bowie’s legendary career. Tracks like “Starman” and “Rebel Rebel” cemented his status as a musical innovator, but his influence extended far beyond catchy tunes.
Bowie’s impact is undeniable. He sold millions of albums, earned a place among rock and roll’s elite, and garnered recognition as one of the greatest artists ever. His talents weren’t confined to the stage, with memorable roles in films like Basquiat and The Prestige.
Though music fans mourned his passing in 2016, Bowie’s legacy continues to resonate. And for those fans, a recent discovery has sparked renewed excitement – an unreleased cover of The Who’s “I Can’t Explain”.
A Rockin’ Cover of a Classic
The Who, like David Bowie, were no strangers to success. They racked up studio albums and hit singles, including iconic tracks like “Happy Jack” and “Pinball Wizard”. One of their most enduring songs, “I Can’t Explain”, apparently resonated deeply with Bowie, who decided to record his own version. This cover recently surfaced online ahead of the June 14th release of Bowie’s box set, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star!
The release has garnered significant attention, with fans flocking to hear Bowie’s take on the classic. Many have commented on the quality of the recording, praising the guitar work at Trident Studios.
One fan even drew a comparison to The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”, highlighting the studio’s signature sound. Another simply offered a heartfelt “Thanks Bowie,” echoing the sentiment of many fans excited to experience this unearthed gem.
Bowie’s Multiple Takes on “I Can’t Explain”
Bowie’s fascination with “I Can’t Explain” wasn’t limited to just one recording. The unearthed version we hear today was actually recorded in 1972, during the sessions for his iconic album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. Interestingly, Bowie revisited the song again a year later, including a different rendition on his covers album, Pin Ups.
This discovery adds another layer to the legend of David Bowie. Guitarist Earl Slick, who encountered Bowie for the first time during these sessions, vividly recalls the experience. Bowie’s flamboyant attire, a mix of baggy pants and Capezio dance shoes, struck Slick as both strange and captivating.
He further described Bowie’s movements as surprisingly graceful for a rock and roll musician, solidifying Bowie’s reputation for breaking convention in every aspect. “It was a weird combo, but very cool, too. And I was especially struck by the way he moved. He was graceful for a rock-and-roll guy. David was definitely the strangest cat I’d ever seen, and I’d been around some off-the-wall characters, even at that point in my career,” the guitarist recalled.