Space Slacker

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David Bowie should think about starting a cover band. It's the only kind of self-transformation he hasn't tried yet, and the only two really good songs on his new album, Heathen (Columbia), are the covers. After 36 years in pop, Bowie still has the patience to build intriguing atmospheres around other people's melodies with synthesizers, guitar and dramatic vocals. And what he comes up with sounds fresh and unearthly. But his own melodies are about as inspired as gags on a David Spade sitcom.

To be fair, Bowie's lyrics are clever, full of dread of the future and longing for escape. On Slip Away, he wistfully croons, "In space it's always 1982," referring to the peak of his popularity. But the music feels like a collection of eerie sound effects in search of a memorable tune to adorn. On the covers, Neil Young's I've Been Waiting for You and Cactus, a song by '80s post-punk band the Pixies, the futuristic soundscapes complement good, straightforward rock songs that provide what the album desperately needs: energy.

Bowie's clothes have always matched his music: when he was an effete balladeer, he favored flowing dresses; when he sang soul, he wore sharp white shirts. Now he dresses for comfort, not spectacle, lounging around in agnes b. suits like a hip hedge-fund manager on casual Friday. His songwriting feels both off the rack and a bit sloppy. He needs to work harder on old-fashioned pop hooks and chords.

Or he could just stick to his new forte, interpreting the work of others. How 'bout it, David? Layla!