The Deram Anthology 1966-1968

While many British musicians who immersed themselves in the mid-to-late ‘60s mod subculture were content to play derivative R&B or the more artful “freakbeat” style of pre-psychedelic guitar-pop, David Bowie was already doing his own thing with more originality as evidenced by this outstanding compilation. Boasting a hearty 27 tracks, The Deram Anthology (1966 – 1968) gathers Bowie’s recordings for Deram Records, including his eponymous debut album. The musical equivalent of a lace doily, “Rubber Band” hardly sets the tone, but at least this dainty dollop of baroque-pop provides insight as to what Spinal Tap was lampooning with “Cups and Cakes.” Another novel tune of note is the Anthony Newley-inspired ditty, “The Laughing Gnome” replete with Bowie’s sped-up vocals portraying the gnome. Musical skeletons aside, “The London Boys” gives insight to Bowie’s then developing talents as a ballad writer while the Kinks-esque “Love You Till Tuesday” better hints at the great tunesmith Bowie would become. The similarly foretelling “When I Live My Dream” is a sophisticated piece of orchestral pop.