David Bowie: Rainbow Man, 1967-1980

by Jérôme Soligny

Back Cover --
Pendant près d'un quart de siècle, en tant que journaliste musical, Jérôme Soligny a écrit à propos de David Bowie et a régulièrement échangé avec lui. Au printemps 2016, quelques semaines après son décès, il s'est attelé à une tâche aussi originale que conséquente : raconter Bowie, le musicien, ses enregistrements et ses tournées, avec le concours de ceux qui ont participé à l'édification de son oeuvre. En comptant les vedettes du rock qui s'étaient déjà exprimées à son micro au sujet de cet artiste hors-norme - dont il a rassemblé ici les déclarations - c'est près de trois cents personnes (producteurs, instrumentistes, ingénieurs du son, mais aussi designers, photographes, ainsi que des musiciens qui l'ont influencé ou qu'il a influencés...) qui prennent la parole dans Rainbowman. Elles contribuent à brosser un portrait, non pas conforme à l'idée que, depuis des décennies, les médias et le public se font de David Bowie, mais fidèle de l'homme de mots et de musique, du mélomane passé à l'acte que, humblement, il a prétendu être jusqu'à la fin de sa vie.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

568 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

An up to date deep dive into Bowie's golden years, with a stated aim to focus on composition, process and recording techniques that inevitably spreads wider to encompass much more considering the subject. To get new angles on an already extensively covered artist, the author divides his time equally between his own writing and quotes from a myriad group of musicians, engineers and artists whose lives intersected with Bowie's in some way.

The book is chronological so comes to life in parallel with Bowie's career. This also means a slow start, but some points of interest are early on in the nascent stages. Very detailed and mostly succinct despite the page count. Have to say that some of the writing felt a bit clunky, maybe due to some heavy handed translations in parts. Interviews with those "in the room" are insightful though at times could have been better contextualised or trimmed a bit. Strikes a good balance in terms of overall detail for me but won't be enough for gear nerds and too heavy for a casual read. There's also a giant Eno shaped hole in the last half and no summary section so I felt left a bit in space at the end. However I found it a great companion to get under the hood of an unprecedented run of a dozen or so top tier albums. The chapter on the making of Low is particularly fun, could almost imagine it being made it into a black comedy. Also helped me to appreciate albums l'd given little attention to before.

Now I'm off to carry on listening to Lodger on repeat

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious! David Bowie was so underrated as an artist and a cultural icon and I am so glad that this book has been translated! I grew up with Bowie, all GenX did and we were lucky to see him subtly shape how wee see our world and gave u an alternative type of music, pushing all boundaries

I feel as i fI have really learned more about Bowie by reading this book and I am very glad of it. First and formost, it focuses on the music, with intimate knowledg of each note, lyric, song and album. Secondly the persn behind it, the modest unassuming genius

Beautifully written and a must for anyone who enjoys music and music history especially

Thank you to NetGalley for this incredible eARC. The opinions are all my own and the review left voluntarily

[Sharondblk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has loads of original research, lots of original interviews and many pages without pictures, which is not surprising, given this book is more than 700 pages long.

Oddly this book is written in the present tense (in 1969 Bowie is living in...) which I found peculiar. It's full of interviews "with the musicians, producers and friends who knew Bowie best" almost all of whom are men. I don't know if this is a reflection on Bowie and his life or on Soligny. This biography is very, very detailed and gets very technical at times. This is not a volume for the casual fan, but for those who want to take a deep dive into the music of David Bowie.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Keith Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the author was being judicious when he set the book between 1967 and 1980 - this was certainly David Bowie’s peak where every album offered something new and at the forefront of the music scene. Clearly not the case as I see he has done a follow up, which I would be less interested in.

To be honest, this is a book for fans only, it mixes the authors encyclopaedic knowledge of Bowie and his songs with interviews with those who were there. The latter being a bit hit and miss - where some add great insight, others are just filler - more judicious editing could have made this book more impactful and shorter!

As a fan, it was interesting to learn of Bowie’s approach to songwriting and it was a bit of a disappointment to learn how much was down to the musicians he surrounded himself with. None the less, using great musicians and curating the songs - and knowing how this was done - sometimes fairly hands off and others very hands on where a vision came to life.

All in all, I probably like Bowie as a person a little less (he was ruthless in using musicians for a particular purpose and then dropping them) and respect his writing a little less having read the book, but that only makes me appreciate more those he surrounded himself with.

At times the book was heavy going and the footnotes were perhaps a bit over the top, but an illuminating read on an artist I’ve lived with for over 50 years.

As I listen to his music in future I will be a little more knowledgable in how it came about- and give credit where credit is due to those who played.

A worthy and fascinating read, but rather long an indulgent. For me, I think I’ll stick with listening to Bowie’s music in future. You know what they say - @never meet your heroes” and this came a little too close!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful.............David Bowie Rainbowman by Jérôme Soligny was.....Growing up with this brilliant icon in music and acting was just magical, I loved listening to his music, listening to my parents singing out of tune to his songs - giggle! watching his films he starred in over and over again and I still love them today.

David Bowie Rainbowman is the most authoritative work on the creation of Bowie's music ever published and a wonderful read.
Plus, a must read for his fans new and old...........I loved this book especially as its packed with so much information about David Bowie with beautiful illustrations of his albums etc.

A book that keeps on giving!!!!

Big NetGalley and Octopus Publishing US, Monoray for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda M. Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one isn't for me. If you're a fan looking for a book that covers the details of how Bowie's music came to be from a largely music centered angle this is your book. I think I'd have preferred something with a little more grounding in his life and personal relationship to the music than we see here.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thorough examination of David Bowie's musical beginnings, with his very first works leading into a review of his albums from "David Bowie" (1967) to "Scary Monsters" (1980). Each album is discussed with separate looks at the tracks, with a view of how and when the song came into being, its recording, and who participated. The text is so detailed that it includes discussions of chord progressions in the songs and models of synthesizers. This is a work for the Bowie Superfan or a member of the music or music recording industry. Clocking in at over 700 pages, it is merely the first volume of a three-part series. Volume two has been published in France as I write this.

There is an introductory part to the text that gets us rolling on Bowie's musical beginnings, then each chapter is about an album and the time frame surrounding it. This is a book that focuses on the music; there is some background and contemporary anecdotal information for each time period, but ONLY as the author feels it affected Bowie's work. There is some disussion of his film work and painting, as well as his lust for literature, but all of that is impactful upon his music writing and performance. And, included in each chapter, is a long series of interviews with musicians and others involved in recording the albums, and sometimes people who were just around David in that time frame. The interviews range in interest level, but they definitely add a dimension to the story that you normally don't get in books.

I cannot even fathom the amount of work this took to do the interviews, attending concerts, listening to each album track, etc. and THEN pulling it all to gether in a cohesive and coherent book form! This is amazing. It is definitely a magnum opus of work for author Jérôme Soligny. Over many years he interviewed David Bowie on numerous occasions and the authenticity of the knowledge of the artist shines through. Soligny has been described by Bryan Ferry as "one of the great French authorities on contemporary music." Soligny is a musician, journalist, and writer based in Le Havre, France.

I read a pre-publication galley of this work. I normally check all links on ebooks to make sure they are working (ie to and from footnotes) and include that in my rating, but this copy was a little bit rough and the footnotes were not yet linked in the text. I have no doubt that any electronic version of this book will have them up and running.

My husband and I were discussing this book and Bowie's early music. We both agree that "Space Oddity" (1969) was the first Bowie song we heard on the radio in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area (I also listened to WLS Chicago (AM 890) at night on what used to be colloquially called "skipwave"). After that, there was a long pause until "Young Americans" (1975) was being played, and that opened the door for a few other Bowie hits. I do think I heard "1984" (1974) played on the Twin Cities' station U-100 (WYOO FM, Richfield, MN) before that, but it could've been on WLS. At any rate, until "Young Americans" acted as a dambuster, we didn't hear a lot of Bowie in the northern Midwest. Then we heard a lot of the same tracks! That notwithstanding, we both have liked his music for a long time. And it was a bonus that Rick Wakeman played the Mellotron on "Space Oddity" as we are also both fans of YES.

I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to Octopus Publishing-Monoray, Jérôme Soligny, and NetGalley for providing me with a pre-publication galley of this work. My opinions are my own; I received no compensation for reviewing this book.

[Lachlan Finlayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Does the world really need another book on John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, The Beatles, Elvis and in this case, David Bowie ? Really, what more is there to say about the man, his music, his life ? That was my first impression and I’m a big fan of his music from way back.

I was wrong. There is actually quite a lot to say. Much of it is new, or at least new opinions, anecdotes and insights. This is a great book, I loved it. The book covers, in my opinion, his best work up until 1980, and is sure to be enjoyed by those who have loved his music and would like to know a little bit more, or a lot more, about how that music came about.

The book provides comprehensive coverage of his life, music, recording and tours over the period 1967 to 1980. I think this book differs from others on Bowie in that the emphasis is on the music and the musicians, producers, engineers, and others directly involved with albums and tours. Bowie’s private life, relationships and management is also touched on, but to a lesser extent, mostly providing background information and context to the music.

The book, which is generous in length, some 700 pages, is divided into chapters related to each studio album until 1980. Each chapter is divided into two parts, firstly, the narrative, describing the music. Secondly, is a series of interviews with those involved in making the music, as well as those involved in touring, promotion, artwork, management, side-projects and other activities. Very little seems to be missing from Bowie’s most creative and productive years.

The early chapters are less interesting, as Bowie’s music from the 1960s is less memorable, but by the 1970s, once The Spiders come onboard, things get much more interesting. The music of course, but also the touring, record sales, success, fame and everything that comes with it. Post Spiders, the American touring, recording and new musicians are covered in detail. The book ends with a return to Europe and the so-called Berlin-trilogy albums. Live albums are covered at appropriate times between the studio chapters, as are side projects, of which there are many. Low Reed, Mott the Hoople, Lulu and Iggy Pop to name a few.

Occasionally some of the details and anecdotes are hazy, being so far in the past. Occasionally there is too much technical detail from musicians and technicians involved in the recording process. Occasionally those interviewed have a tenuous relationship to Bowie and his music. But these are minor issues. This book is ideal to pick up and read a chapter while listening to a favourite album.

For some, perhaps those new to Bowie and his music, the book may be overwhelming. For some, perhaps the book will be just another Bowie Book. But for many, the dedicated fan or Bowie historian, it will be a very satisfying read, an excellent addition to any music library, adding new information, insights, opinions, recollections and events.

In addition to the Chapters, the book has a comprehensive Index, abundant footnotes and plenty of new images; photographs and other material from the studios, the tours, the events that made the life of David Bowie, something we fondly remember today.

I wish the author and publishers all the very best with this book.

[James Lark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an essential account of Bowie's artistic journey, shrewdly steering clear of the well-trodden aspects of his personal life and instead focusing on giving a thorough study of his work. It dives deeper than most books on the subject and applies a ruthless scrutiny to facts and details, correcting all kinds of assumptions and myths in an attempt to give us the most accurate word to date on the subject, though acknowledging that memories vary and only giving definitive answers where they can be backed up. As such it instantly outflanks most of its competition as a reference book - there's a self-awareness of its importance in the pages of primary sources quoted in full at the end of each chapter, making this a truly invaluable piece of work for anyone curious about Bowie's artistry.

It's also a damn good read. The prose is beautiful - take the prologue, which muses on the evolution of the book through the lens of the moon landings and the personal and wider significance of Major Tom as a symbolic figure, an exquisitely wrought piece of prose that genuinely made me tear up a bit. The descriptions of the music itself are simultaneously informed and inventive, using metaphor to get to the essence of tracks far more successfully than most previous analysis has managed to.

There are a few niggles. Most annoyingly, the biographical detail is all written in the present tense, an artifice that ironically has the effect of making the events feel less immediate. It's not even consistently applied - perhaps it's an issue with the translation, but there are paragraphs that for no reason nip into the past tense before clumsily readopting the house style. Unnecessary, and a constant distraction.

The obsessive objectivity occasionally lets through something that is pure opinion (we're told that Mike Garson will 'never be better' than on Aladdin Sane - fans of Outside may beg to differ) and he doesn't let accuracy get in the way of a good paragraph (in spite of what is implied, Coldplay never asked Bowie to produce them). This is all standard journalistic hyperbole, but it feels at odds with the otherwise meticulous approach. There are also a few genuine inaccuracies, often musical (the 2005 live version of Life On Mars is said to be three whole tones lower than the original, when it was in fact a perfect fourth), which would bother me less if the book wasn't so proudly pedantic itself.

It also seems strange that there is no detail given about the people quoted at the end of each chapter. Many of them are contextualised by the chapters themselves, but other names are thrown out as though we ought to know who they are. A book that takes footnoting to an almost absurd level shouldn't require its readers to have to resort to googling this kind of detail.

It is because this book is of such a high quality that these count as pretty major irritants, some of which could easily be addressed in a second edition - or certainly in the translation of the next volume, which I can only hope will reach us soon.

[Brendan Newport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a biography, but rather a collection of reminiscences of Bowie from those who worked closely with him, as musicians, producers, studio engineers, and even some die-hard fans who followed him around-the-clock and around-the-world.

Consequently, there's little focus on Bowie's lifestyle, his not-quite-all-consuming drug habit in the 1970's (which he had conquered before the 1980s). His relationships, marriages and his movie and stage careers only get a brief mention in the relevant places. If you want all the gory details, there are plenty of other sources for that. Sometimes David Bowie Rainbowman is a bit too reverential, but its author is writing as a fan of Bowie, not a biographer, taking the critical line throughout.

Soligny follows an unusual template; each chapter is a studio album, from David Bowie (1967) to Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980) with reference to the relevant live releases. The chapters begin with a rapid run-through of the albums production, choice of musicians, a breakdown of each track, some insights into the choice of city and studio chosen. Then, interviews with musicians, the producer, key studio staff and others, including those influenced by this-or-that-album. Then Chapter Notes. And these have to be read, as they provide essential insight missing from the man text. It's an easy read, in English, thanks to Clifford Slappers translation.

There are a few missing interviewees. Where, for instance is Wakeman? Where is Tony Kaye (both Yes keyboard players). It would have been useful to get a few late insights from Mick Ronson, whose 'executive officer' duties Bowie I reckon missed. Indeed Bowie on occasions had to resort to booking studio time or securing musicians attendance by phoning them himself; surely a job that should have been entrusted to others.

Throughout, Bowie's wonderful Englishness, his politeness, his respect and charm (other than an unfortunate moment directed at Gary Numan) abounds. Whilst his stage persona might have changed from year-to-year, 'David Jones' remained David Jones, and always encouraged the best from those around him, even if they knew they were due for the 'chop'.

Beyond 1983's Let's Dance release, not covered by this volume, and of course Under Pressure with Queen, Rainbowman covers the years that saw me aware of Bowie. After Under Pressure he pretty much disappeared from my aural & visual senses when it came to new material. The next time I would see him in any production would be playing Nicola Tesla in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Christopher Priest's The Prestige in 2006.

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that I am a big David Bowie fan and that when I was given the opportunity to read this book I was more then thrilled to get my hand on it. The book didn't disappoint me at all and I learn so many things about an entertainer that I admire.
I like that the books premise is to interview the people who work on the albums with David Bowie and it was amazing to learn who played on the albums, who helped design the album cover, costumes but what was more amazing is how involve Bowie was on writing the lyrics and creating the whole atmosphere around an album. I learn about the true stories behind Iggy Pop, Lou Reed and Mick Jagger which were pretty interesting but less flamboyant then what you hear. I love that the book starts from before David Bowie was born to the creation of Scary Monsters Album and it was very detailed and exactly what a fan would want to read about.
The book also delves into the politics of the entertainment world which is pretty egotistical. It talks a little about the films David Bowie played in "The Man who fell to Earth," and a little about the "The Hunger." I learn about all of the musicians that played on the albums and most of them admired Bowie's talent and friendliness. They thought that Bowie was unique and always try the test the boundaries.
The book is easy to read but there is so much materials that it took me awhile to finish the book . It was worth it and you have to make sure you read the footnotes because there is as much information on David Bowie there as in the main part of the book.

I want to Thank Octopus Publishing US, Monoray and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and advance copy of this amazing book about my favorite entertainer, David Bowie.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Bowie Rainbowman: 1967-1980, by Jérôme Soligny, is the first volume of a three-volume work covering Bowie's career in detail and in the words of those most involved in the music itself.

This is not a biography in the usual sense. With the exception of a brief glimpse at his early life, the narrative begins when he begins his musical career. The personal details of his life are limited to things that affect his music and career and, even then, kept to a minimum. Because each work is given a brief introduction by Soligny then turned over to extended quotes from those involved, any speculation about his personal life is largely from those who were there and not those who want to try to play armchair psychologist.

I had heard about the French edition of this set from a friend and am excited to finally read the English version. This volume in particular speaks to me because this is the Bowie I first knew, grew up with, and most cherish. From Space Oddity and Changes through Young Americans to "Heroes," I went from junior high through high school to a reactor operator on subs. Bowie kept me company through it all.

Certainly any Bowie fans will want this (the entire set when available), and any reader who would rather know about how and why the music was made than about who was doing who will love this as well. You do come away feeling like you know him better, though just like every other biographical work about him, not much more than he was willing to share. Which is fine by me. I think each of us has the David Bowie in our mind that we need.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Nigel Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in French this is the first of an extensive overview of Bowie's recording career up to and including Scary Monsters and Super Creeps. The second volume completes his career, but as yet is not available in English.

Soligny sets out the parameters of the book very clearly. It is not overtly biographical, only briefly covering aspects of Bowie's life that give context to the music itself. The book concentrates on studio albums only other than to reference significant live recordings. Each album has an introductory contextual essay, with a second half made up of testimony from key players associated with the music derived from interviews and some other sources.

Some have picked up on the quirks of the translation but this did not impact on my enjoyment of the book, which reads well. It's particularly strong on the misnamed "Berlin Trilogy" of Low, Heroes and Lodger.

As such, and taken as two volumes I would rank this as a key reference book on Bowie's music, to rank alongside Nicholas Pegg's magisterial The Complete David Bowie, and Kevin Cann's Any Day Now-The London Years, which unfortunately at the time of writing appears to be out of print.

If you are a Bowie fan you will love it.

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Bowie Rainbowman (1967-1980) is part 1 of Jerome Soligny's must-read definitive collection of Bowie's work and life. This volume covers releases from the debut self-titled "David Bowie" (1967) to "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" (1980).

The album-titled chapters are extensively researched and accompanied by fascinating quotes from Bowie himself as well as interviews with his close ones and collaborators over the years. The author is clearly both knowledgeable and passionate about this topic, and the care he took to spare no details made this an eye-opening and entertaining read on the music industry at the time. For this reason it gets a bit technical at times, so the style may not work as well for you if you prefer a more story-driven biography.

Musicians, music aficionados and Bowie fans will definitely enjoy this volume!

||✨Disclaimer✨||
I've received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[LeeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's devotion and attention to detail is evident from the first page. I believe this is volume one, with good reason. Not only does the author bring together facts and untold stories, but also this book shares anecdotes from many other voices. All adding up to an elaborate picture of the music of an Era.

Of course, I've been a Bowie fan for years, but I think my first Bowie was Labyrinth (1986). Not surprisingly, that imagery sticks with me while I listen to Bowie's music. And it definitely plays a part in my reading of this book. It was interesting to see the Bowie I never knew!

I look forward to volume two.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in college, a friend drew Bowie and his name in Japanese on my jacket. I was obsessed and so lucky I got to see him in concert.
His albums were so different -- it was almost like they took place in different universes. This book is divided into sections with those periods, with information about Bowie during that time, and with interviews from people who knew him.
He was so focused on making music to his vision, which was unique. He wasn't always recognized for his contributions, because people didn't necessarily know what they had in him. But he was BRILLIANT.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Bowie freak, like me, you've already consumed every biography that has so far been published. This is not another one. Soligny's extraordinary (this is volume 1, of 2, & stretches to 670 pages) reportage concentrates on the recording of albums & their associated tours & features many interviews with those involved, as well as others from the music world who also revered the Dame. So there's very little time devoted to his life before he entered the studio & not much along the way either. Absolutely essential, & I cannot wait for volume 2.

[Erica Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Growing up, I've often heard David Bowie's music on the radio. I loved singing along to them every time. After reading this book, I have a much deeper respect for his music. His writing style was like no other. The interviews describe him as a very generous down-to-earth person. Definitely recommended!

[Rosite Sony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know much about this David Bowie person so I picked up the book to get to know more about him. This read really gets into a peek of who he was, his life. I believe his fans would enjoy this book.

[Paul Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. The careful scholarship and lively writing, coupled with the interview segments, make this a must-read.

Looking forward to Vol 2!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking amazing!

[Mairi Byatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually borrowed this from the library, but loved it so much I bought it!

[Stargazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for Bowie fans. I tried to ignore typos as there weren’t many but things like speech marks in odd places or words without a space between them and spelling heroin with an e were a bit of a surprise and interrupted the flow for me a couple of times. But a very enjoyable read overall.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! This is the book I've always wanted. Eschewing the minute, dramatic biographical approach, it tells about the recording of each album through extensive interviews with the musicians who were there (noticeably absent is Brian Eno, who refused to participate because he doesn't like to "look back." It would be great if he was in it, but there is no lack of information from that period) Each chapter starts with a short biographical sketch to get the reader into the era, then the interviews start, expertly done or collated by the author. I can not speak highly enough about this book. It even made me interested in the pre-"Space Oddity," which is an amazing feat itself!
Originally published in French, there is a second volume that takes us to the end. So far, there's no news of an English edition. I reached out to the author, and he said it really depends on how this volume is received. I want everyone to buy this book and then demand the second volume be translated. However, I am embracing the idea that I may need to learn French.
This book is essential Bowie history, and I strongly believe the entire story needs to be easily available to as many readers as possible.
Great book.

[Sean Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this is the joint best Bowie reference book available, and a perfect companion volume to Nicholas Peggs Complete David Bowie. Not quite the definitive biography, we're still waiting for that, this is more a reference work to the music and its creation. The advantage it has over the Pegg book is the structure, narrative in style and chronological, making it a book you can read from beginning to end, whereas the Complete is much more exhaustive but designed as a pure reference work. Both help to understand the music and the forces that shaped it, and crucially both help even the most ardent Bowie fan to discover new depths and pleasures in the listening.

Certainly my go-to Bowie narrative and I can't wait for volume 2.

[Yves Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lecture un peu aride par moment avec style échevelé. L’angle de la musique est selon moi le meilleur avec les témoignages innombrables des musiciens. J’ai eu le bonheur de découvrir tant d’enregistrements fantastiques! J’écoutais d’abord l’album à quelques reprises, puis lisait le chapitre correspondant, en ordre chronologique. Ce fut un délice et The man who sold the world m’habitera pour toujours. Cadeau de Noel 2021.