David Bowie - Outside in Budapest 2020 LP

Outside in Budapest (2020 LP) is a live album by David Bowie, capturing his performance in Budapest, Hungary, during the Outside tour, which was part of his 1995 album, Outside.

The album represents a unique point in Bowie’s career, as the Outside album marked a return to a more experimental sound. The performances from this period are known for their avant-garde and darkly theatrical style, blending industrial rock, jazz, and electronic influences. Outside in Budapest gives listeners an opportunity to experience Bowie’s incredible stage presence and his innovative approach to live performance during this period.

Album Overview:

• Artist: David Bowie
• Album: Outside in Budapest
• Release Year: 2020 
• Performance Date: 1997 (Recorded during the Earthling tour, promoting Outside and Earthling)
• Label: Parachutr Recording Company
• Genre: Rock, Avant-Garde, Industrial Rock, Experimental Rock

Why It’s Special:

• Bootleg Recording: As a bootleg, the album was not officially sanctioned by Bowie or his estate, but it has been widely circulated due to the compelling nature of the performance. Fans of Bowie’s live shows often consider bootleg albums like this to be treasures due to the raw, unfiltered experience of hearing him perform in different venues and settings.
• Experimental Period: The Outside album (1995) was a return to a more avant-garde, experimental style for Bowie, and this live show captures the energy of that period. Bowie’s performances during the Outside and Earthling tours were characterized by their intensity, electronic influences, and sometimes cryptic stage personas.
• Historical Significance: This live performance in Budapest is notable as part of one of Bowie’s more experimental touring phases. Fans appreciate it for its rawness and the chance to hear live renditions of songs from Outside in a live setting.

Notable Tracks:

1. "The Hearts Filthy Lesson" – The opening track from Outside, this song features a jagged, industrial rock sound, and in the live setting, Bowie’s performance adds an even darker edge to the song's intense rhythm.
2. "Strangers When We Meet" – A standout track from Outside and a crowd favorite, its subdued yet emotionally charged tone is complemented by Bowie’s intimate delivery.
3. "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" – A classic from Bowie’s catalog, this track from his earlier album Scary Monsters was reinterpreted during the Outside tour with an updated, more experimental arrangement.
4. "Hallo Spaceboy" – A song from Earthling, this track features a more electronic, industrial rock sound that would dominate much of the Outside and Earthling periods.
5. "We Prick You" – A key track from Outside, the song is intense and dark, and live performances allowed Bowie to explore its avant-garde nature.
6. "I’m Afraid of Americans" – Another song from Earthling, this track is known for its heavy electronic influence, a stark contrast to some of Bowie’s earlier work. The live version gives a glimpse of how Bowie evolved his stage persona and sound.

Musical Style:

• Avant-Garde Rock: The live shows during the Outside and Earthling tours were experimental, featuring a blend of industrial rock, electronic beats, and dark, ambient elements. Bowie often pushed the boundaries of live performance with atmospheric sounds and interactive, sometimes confrontational stage presence.
• Industrial and Electronic Influences: With the Outside album, Bowie incorporated a more industrial and electronic sound into his music, influenced by artists like Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. The live performance of these tracks often brought out the raw energy of those sounds.
• Dark and Theatrical: Known for his theatricality, Bowie embraced a more avant-garde style during this period, and his live performances were full of dramatic stage movements, intense lighting, and elaborate costumes, all enhancing the immersive experience.

Critical Reception:

While the album is a bootleg and wasn’t officially released, it has been well-received by David Bowie fans for its authenticity and the opportunity it provides to hear Bowie during a particularly experimental phase. The Outside period marked a time of deep creativity for Bowie, and his performances during this time reflect the complex, multilayered aspects of his personality and artistry. Fans and critics alike praise the raw energy and boldness of his live shows during this period.

Vinyl Edition:

The 2020 LP release of Outside in Budapest is likely to be a limited edition, with a focus on the high-quality vinyl presentation. While bootlegs tend to vary in quality, collectors appreciate them for their rarity and the unique insight they provide into Bowie’s live performances. The vinyl release may feature vibrant artwork, including photos or designs inspired by the Outside era, and could be in a standard black pressing or a special color variant.

Why It’s Important:

Outside in Budapest offers a rare glimpse into David Bowie’s Outside era and his live performances from the mid-1990s, a time when he was exploring new musical territory and incorporating electronic and industrial sounds into his music. For collectors and fans, this album is a valuable addition to any Bowie collection, showcasing the boundary-pushing spirit that defined his career.