Reality

With 'Reality', David Bowie has taken a low concept to new heights. The vivid, wildly impressive result is one of the most powerful sets of songs in Bowie's illustrious body of work. 'Reality' was co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, the duo responsible for last year's critically acclaimed, million-selling 'Heathen' as well as such classics as 'Scary Monsters', 'Low' and 'Heroes'. The 11-track album features the highly acclaimed band that performed on last year's Heathen mini tour, including long-time Bowie musicians such as vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey, pianist Mike Garson, drummer Sterling Campbell and guitarists Earl Slick and Gerry Leonard. Visconti added bass, while Bowie played keyboards, guitar and sax.
Bowie wrote and recorded 'Reality' in New York, explaining in his Filter magazine cover feature (July/August 2004): "There's a certain kind of energy that you get here. I really felt the sidewalk. There's a twang when the foot hits the ground. I knew what it sounded like. And that's what I wanted to get onto the vinyl".

Bowie describes the sound of 'Reality' as "built to play live" and, more intriguingly, as being "a bit thrusty". He notes the album is "nothing more complicated than a collection of songs, many written in downtown New York. It covers a small period of writing at the start of 2003. I write continually and, these days, it'sgreat to be able to release things as I write them".