David Bowie - Like Some Cat From Japan (2021)

THE CLASSIC 1978 TOKYO BROADCAST RECORDING David Bowie s move to West Berlin in late 1976 was the biggest and most important change during the man s career. Interest in the burgeoning German music scene, as well as his on-going drug addiction, prompted him to move there to clean up and revitalise his career. He was often now seen riding a bicycle between his apartment on Hauptstraße in Schöneberg and Hansa Tonstudio, the recording studio he used, located near the Berlin Wall. While working with Brian Eno and sharing an apartment with Iggy Pop, he began to focus on minimalist, ambient music for the first of three albums, co-produced with Tony Visconti, that became known as his Berlin Trilogy. During the same period, Iggy Pop, with Bowie as a co-writer and musician, completed his solo album. Enamoured with the burgeoning artistic scene in the city, by 78 Bowie had brought out Low and Heroes, while also having served as producer and de facto musical director for Iggy Pop. The emergence of Krautrock had had a profound effect on Bowie, leading him to take a more abstract and experimental approach to his craft. The result was ultimately successful, with Low and Heroes being hailed as two of his greatest albums. Having by now kicked the drug habit that had plagued him during the years predating his move east, Bowie embarked on the mammoth Isolar II Tour, playing 78 shows across four continents over the course of the year. With a rejuvenated Bowie at the helm, these concerts were considered some of the best he had ever performed. The tour concluded at Japan s NHK Hall on 12th December, which was the subject of a live broadcast transmitted across many parts of the world. Featuring an eclectic mix of cuts from Heroes, Low, Station To Station and Ziggy Stardust, this dynamic show is now available on this CD for all fans to finally enjoy.