The Man Who Sold the World

The Man Who Sold the World
Name	The Man Who Sold the World
Artist	David Bowie
Released	November 1970
Recorded	April–May 1970
Studio	Trident Studios and Island Studios
Genre	Glam rock, Hard rock
Length	40:37
Label	Mercury Records
Producer	Tony Visconti

The Man Who Sold the World is the third studio album by David Bowie, released in November 1970 by Mercury Records. The album was a significant departure from Bowie's earlier work, such as Space Oddity and The Manish Boys, and marked a new direction in his music, influenced by The Who, The Kinks, and The Rolling Stones. The album's sound was also shaped by Bowie's collaborations with Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Mick Woodmansey, who would later become known as The Spiders from Mars. The album's themes and style were also influenced by Bowie's interests in Friedrich Nietzsche, Aleister Crowley, and H.P. Lovecraft.

Background

The Man Who Sold the World was recorded in April and May 1970 at Trident Studios and Island Studios in London, with Tony Visconti as producer. The album was Bowie's first to feature Mick Ronson on guitar, who would become a key collaborator and influence on Bowie's music. The album's lyrics were also influenced by Bowie's interests in Science fiction, Fantasy, and Occultism, as well as his own personal experiences and relationships, including his marriage to Angie Bowie and his friendships with Lindsay Kemp and William S. Burroughs. The album's sound was also shaped by Bowie's listening to The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, and The MC5.

Composition and recording

The album's composition and recording were marked by a new level of experimentation and creativity for Bowie, who was influenced by The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. The album features a range of musical styles, from the Hard rock of The Supermen to the Folk rock of After All. The album's recording was also notable for its use of Tape loops and other experimental techniques, which were influenced by Karlheinz Stockhausen and John Cage. The album's sound was also shaped by Bowie's collaborations with Ralph Mace, John Cambridge, and Tim Renwick, who played on several tracks.

Release and reception

The Man Who Sold the World was released in November 1970 to generally positive reviews from critics, including Robert Christgau and Rolling Stone. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 26 on the UK Albums Chart and number 105 on the US Billboard 200. The album's release was also marked by a series of live performances, including a tour with The Spiders from Mars and appearances on Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test. The album's reception was also influenced by Bowie's growing reputation as a Glam rock pioneer, alongside T. Rex, Roxy Music, and New York Dolls.

Track listing

The album features the following tracks: The Man Who Sold the World, The Supermen, Momma's Little Gem, All the Madmen, Black Country Rock, After All, Running Gun Blues, Saviour Machine, She Shook Me Cold, and The Man Who Sold the World (reprise). The album's track listing was influenced by Bowie's interests in Concept albums and Rock operas, as well as his own personal experiences and relationships.

Personnel

The album features the following personnel: David Bowie on vocals and guitar, Mick Ronson on guitar, Trevor Bolder on bass, and Mick Woodmansey on drums. The album also features guest appearances by Ralph Mace on keyboards, John Cambridge on drums, and Tim Renwick on guitar. The album's production was handled by Tony Visconti, who would go on to work with Bowie on several other albums, including Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Legacy

The Man Who Sold the World has had a significant influence on Rock music, with artists such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and Marilyn Manson citing the album as an influence. The album's themes and style have also been influential in Glam rock and Gothic rock, with bands such as The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Sisters of Mercy drawing on Bowie's work. The album has also been recognized as a classic of Glam rock and Hard rock, with appearances on lists such as Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and NME's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album's legacy continues to be felt, with Bowie's music remaining popular and influential to this day, alongside other artists such as Elton John, Queen, and Aerosmith.

Category:David Bowie albums