Leah Kardos on “Blackstar”

This is another of Leah Kardos’ excellent analyses of Bowie’s later works. She is reading from her book, which I am in the process of reading. Hers is the most complex and musically literate analysis of Bowie I have yet encountered, and she demonstrates her full set of skills here, on one of Bowie’s most complex songs.

I continue to think of the entire “Blackstar” album as a masterpiece. Bowie made some strong music in his late period “late period” is a concept Kardos explores in her book), but “Blackstar” is on another level, and the song of the same name is probably the standout piece from the album.

Interestingly, Kardos seems to under-emphasize the possibility that Bowie is singing about his own death. Unless I missed it, she doesn’t even mention the lines, “Something happened on the day he died, spirt rose a meter then stepped aside; somebody else took his place, and bravely cried; (I’m a Blackstar, I’m a Blackstar).” To me, that’s the crux of the song. I interpreted Bowie as paving the way for his own death and telegraphing his inheritance to someone who takes his place, while he transforms into whatever it is he means by a Blackstar. Kardos does explore different possible meanings of “black star,” and doesn’t shy away from the obvious connection between “black star” and Bowie’s previous uses of the word, “star.”

To me, there’s a direct link, especially from Bowie’s 1972 song, “Star,” in which the narrator expresses a determination to “play the part” and become “a rock and roll star.” The song appears on the same album as, “Starman” and “Ziggy Stardust,” where “star” is used in other contexts (Bowie plays with the different meanings directly again, more than 40 years later in, “The Stars Are Out Tonight.” Anyway, Bowie set out to be a star, became the Star Man, had Stardust as part of his identity. In death, he would retain his star-like quality, but as a black star. And then it would be someone else’s turn (same old thing, in brand new drag).

Kardos goes down avenues that would have never occurred to me. I’m posting these because they are fascinating. If you found yourself on this blog, I’m guessing you’ll think the same.