David Bowie - "The Calm Before The Storm: Under Review 1969-1971" DVD

Bowie's career has been examined, re-examined, and dissected so many times, I wasn't sure if I'd seen this one yet. But fortunately not, as it's a fine critical look at a particular era in Bowie's early career.

Looking predominantly at "Space Oddity", "The Man Who Sold The World", and "Hunky Dory", this 65-minute documentary includes all the Sexy Intellectual requisites: interviews with former bandmates, journalists, critics, and a wealth of rare footage and photos. Bowie's early career found him exploring a number of different paths, and this trio of albums leading up to the Ziggy Stardust & Berlin days transformed the former David Jones into a stage chameleon who managed to confound both fans and critics throughout his long and storied career. Not intended as a comprehensive bio of the man, "The Calm Before The Storm" is an extended look at a distinctly transformative time in the life of a transformative icon. I enjoyed this one, and any serious Bowie fan should see it. (Sexy Intellectual)

"The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy, & Lou 1971-1973" DVD

This full-length UK documentary examines in detail the early 70's collaborations between modern-day rock legends David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. At the time, all 3 icons were on shaky ground. Bowie was considered a one-hit wonder, and both Reed and Iggy Pop were has-beens, surrounding themselves with drugs and other destructive behaviors. But their meeting in 1971 was a catalyst for some of rock's most iconic and important works.

Bowie, being a devoted fan of Lou Reed's days in the Velvet Underground, ended up producing Reed's successful post-VU solo album "Transformer", spawning radio staples like "Walk On The Wild Side". Likewise, Bowie mixed the proto-punk classic "Raw Power" for Iggy & The Stooges, which, though it failed to make an impact at the time, is now recognized as being one of the earliest "punk" records, and one of rock's most vibrant and unhinged recordings before or since. And beyond these ties, the influences of both Reed and Pop on Bowie himself were the impetus for the creation of Bowie's onstage character, Ziggy Stardust, which propelled him to superstar status. This creative symbiosis between the trio of visionary artists set the stage for the rock of the future, unbeknownst to them.

Including interviews with friends, journalists, and colleagues (and including the outspoken former wife of Bowie himself, Angie Bowie), "The Sacred Triangle" concisely (but thoroughly) ties together the threads between the artists. There are plenty of musical samplings, rare interviews and live footage, and photos to illustrate. I learned a few things, and quite enjoyed this informative program. (Sexy Intellectual via MVD Visual)