Search - David Bowie :: Fame 90 (CD5)

I want fame. I wanna be famous.

Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 03/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back when Rykodisc had the David Bowie catalogue, they commissioned a remix of Bowie's old hit "Fame" and released it as a single. That version didn't become a hit, but they did include it on their Changesbowie hits album (it's the version listed as the "Gass Mix" version). There are also four other remixes on this CD single. The first (and most interesting) version features Queen Latifah (years before she became an Academy Award nominee). Latifah raps about how she wants to be famous. Hey, she got her wish! The "House Mix" and "Hip Hop Mix" are both dance club remixes. The "Absolutley Nothing Premeditated/Epic Mix" is indeed an epic. It's 15 minutes long! It's a very strange mix that goes through several different stylistic changes during it's running time. Fans of Bowie may want to get this CD for the different remixes."

More a novelty record than anything worth repeated listens

Said Head | MN, USA | 03/19/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This remix EP is just as bad as all the such singles from Bowie's 80's catalogue, a continuation of shameless commercial marketing. After Tin Machine dropped out, I'll bet a few Bowie fans were fearing he'd be back in his old media-frenzied phase.



Now, I never really liked the song 'Fame' from 'Young Americans', and I believe the only true reason said album, one of Bowie's worst in my opinion, managed to make the commercial notice it did was the exaggerated inclusion of Lennon's minor appearance in the track. While he was visiting Bowie in the studio while Bowie recorded the Beatles cover 'Across the Universe'. Apparently, Lennon came up with the name for the track (one word, not too difficult) and Bowie quickly jotted down some lyrics. In my opinion, the whole song is dull hipster tripe.



Fortunately, the '90 Remix (on hear known more accurately as 'Gass Mix') is better in my opinion than the original, but only due to some more bearable instrumentation. The other tracks, especially the one featuring Queen Latifah, the biggest lack of talent in the musician turned movie star category, are at best boring beat-ridden filler. If Bowie had any more involvement in the project other than just being a pawn I think this would've been much better, but since that just isn't the case I think I'll stay away from this altogether.



I will admit I still like the Gass Mix, and the music video for the song, but other than that I really can't stand this single. Since I do like that one song I think 1 star is fair. But if you really want everything Bowie, like me, your Bowie obsession will sucker your wallet into getting this for you."