Aladdin Sane
1973
The dichotomy suggested on the cover of Aladdin Sane — an image of Bowie’s face bisected by a lightning bolt — had deep roots in Bowie’s personal life. Indeed, his schizophrenic brother was the inspiration for the album’s title. But Bowie himself felt increasingly divided by the success Ziggy Stardust had brought him, simultaneously indulging in his newfound fame and feeling consumed by his creation. Of course, this all probably escaped the legion of space cadets who followed Bowie/Ziggy’s every move and were soon to be sporting this glam-rock totem on their own mugs.
MICHAEL ANSALDO
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