In 1995 Outside broke into the album charts. A collaboration with old musical sparring partner Brian Eno, the idea behind the release was that of the mother of all concept albums. The core of the record showcases prose written by Bowie, which tells a loose detective story set in a chaotic future where "Art Crimes" are being investigated by professional snoop Nathan Adler. The intention was to create follow-ups toward 2000, though these plans never came to fruition. Nevertheless, the single The Heart's Filthy Lesson found notoriety via its inclusion on the soundtrack for David Fincher's debut movie Seven. A pop first also occurred when he teamed up with the Pet Shop Boys to remix Hallo Spaceboy. And if that wasn't enough David Lynch used I'm Deranged for the opening to Lost Highway. So while plans to develop the narrative across future albums didn't transpire, what he did get finished formed part of a bigger artistic vision. It demonstrated that, in the run up to his second century of weird and wonderful work, Bowie still had what it took to redefine himself for a global audience.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
