So, tell us about your user name..............

[joethelion]

Hi All :-)

"Heroes", Side A, Track 2 - db, et al '77.

My handle tips the hat to the incomparable genius, talent and vision of the Bowie/Eno/Fripp axis ... and to the brilliantly skillful Visconti.

I've long used it; however, I've latterly noticed quite a few others do too. There seems to be a jtl fraternity, including a band. Googling turns up very interesting stuff. I'd be delighted to hear from all able to afford greater insight. I recall db's comments in one of the Bio's shed much more light - but I've long forgotten which/what ...

From what I've researched currently, however, there's no greater consideration on-line than Chris O'leary's "Pushing Ahead of the Dame" ... the best fan blog I've ever encountered ... by a very long mile. IMO some of his writing's as great as his subject.

It's a most remarkable work for posterity ... an astonishingly perceptive, exceptionally well-informed, truly enlightening, sophisticated, thoroughly enjoyable read and comprehensive mine of information and analysis. Check it out ... even if you're not a db fan.

The track itself is viewed in the context of the so-called 'Berlin Trilogy' (which never was, literally) and O'Leary's account further opened my mind to the wonderful creative processes of such extraordinary geniuses.

http://bowiesongs.wordpress.com/category/heroes-1977/

IMO JTL is one of db's greatest songs and performances, affording a magnificent overture to the title track; now widely acknowledged the greatest all-time db/eno et al achievement. "Heroes", Side A, is my all-time fave vinyl HiFi experience, very closely followed by "Scary Monsters", Side 2, which kicks off with the heart-rending "Teenage Wildlife" in which IMO Fripp makes his most inspired contribution ever. These works also showcase the pinnacle of analogue recording and production.

Probably my favourite stroke of production genius is the JTL interlude:

"And you can buy God,
It's Monday."

For years I've failed to get anywhere near reproducing the effect of those near-spoken words being projected from nowhere, with such stunning emotive impact.

I'd be interested in threads founded in such as this if there's any interest out there.

Cheers,
jtl.

PS: It also tips the hat to the great Carlos Alomar who's duelling with Fripp on JTL doubles the sound and the art :-)