Bowie's "Space Oddity" was his first big hit, released in 69. The song was inspired by the Stanley Kubrick film "2001 A Space Odyssey". Tony Visconti, who had a history with Bowie hated "Space Oddity" claiming the song "cheesy" and just a gimmick to cash in on the moon landing, so Gus Dudgeon ended up producing the song. In 72, Elton John had a huge hit with "Rocket Man" which Elton openly said that he had ripped off from Bowie's "Space Oddity". Both songs are very similar in subject matter (man going to the moon) and even the music is somewhat similar in mood, tempo and progression. Gus Dudgeon also produced "Rocket Man". Surprise, surprise! Anyway, I always loved both songs, even though I always noticed the bite Elton took out of Bowie's song. Anyone else dig these 2 great cuts?

Both are fantastic! Of course, we cannot forget Peter Schilling's homage to "Space Oddity" entitled "Major Tom", nor can we overlook Bowie's "Ashes To Ashes", which references the character once again.

JediMaster said:

Yes.

minneapolisgenius said:

That's all u have to say?!

"I don't give a fuck if you boo, just as long as you boo in key."

Jimi Hendrix

blackguitaristz said:

Hey, you asked if anyone else dug these two cuts. That's my answer to that.

Bowie just dont do it for me at all. He was all shock and no substance

You gotta back the shock with substance like our man P

minneapolisgenius said:

Oh yeah?! Well, I don't like your answer, so there!

Regan says "Let's Take It To The Stage"

blackguitaristz said:

Love them both, but have a particular affinity for Space Oddity. I was going through my "weird" music phase in the late early 90's when I was in high school (weird given where I lived and my background), and I used to rock this song regularly. I didn't know EJ ripped Rocket Man off specifically from Bowie, but I always remember thinking how similar they were.


S

blackguitaristz said:

Ok, well how about this answer then:

minneapolisgenius said:

Ouch! That's cold Lori.

blackguitaristz said:

Hurts doesn't it?

minneapolisgenius said:

Hurts sooo good baby. Put the hurt on me!

blackguitaristz said:

Now I have to go listen to Otis because of that.

Both songs are great.I have long liked Bowie.I look at him less as a man than some strange creature that creates fantastic songs and I even dig some of his paintings. And Elton is someone who I have appreciated from afar.I have never purchased any of his music.Although,I do want his greatest hits cd. I think he may be underrated because he sings pop music.There is a lot of "art" to what he does.

Bowie's song is so appealing,yet strange to me. It just fits him so. It's outta sight!But,seriously,it gives you an alien feeling.A real isolation tune.And that damned sax that comes from nowhere and makes sure you never forget it. By the way,did he play that part?

I gotta get more Bowie stuff.I haven't heard Low or The Lodger.I gotta get those.

Bernie Taupin, who wrote most of Eltons best lyrics, (Elton writes the music), is a big Ray Bradbury fan. Ray Bradbury is an american sci fi writer. He has an excellant book called 'the illustrated man', a bunch of about 15 short sci fi stories. One of the stories is called 'the rocket'. I will not give away the plot of the story, in case you read the book.
Taupin said that 'the rocket' was the inspiration for 'rocket man'.
Dunno why Elton and Bernie have conflicting stories!
However, both were consuming lots of 'illegal stimulants' in the 70s!!
Whatever the truth love both songs though!!

nikkhendrix said:

Yeah, I've heard that too. Elton has mentioned the Bowie lift on more than one occassion.