Day 119 | Let’s Spend the Night Together.

While I like the Rolling Stones’ version of this song better, what’s interesting about Bowie’s version is how he completely removes its veneer of subtlety, not that it was a terribly subtle song in the first place. While the Stones sang, “let’s spend some time together” on Ed Sullivan to downplay its meaning, Bowie adds, “let’s make love” in concert (and on the album) to underscore it. The same album makes a direct reference to Mick Jagger in “Drive in Saturday,” and it was around this time when Bowie wrote, “All the Young Dudes,” which also references the Stones. So who influenced David Bowie? Well you can start with the Rolling Stones. Album: Aladdin Sane