David Bowie 'My Way' vs. 'Life on Mars?'

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"Life on Mars?" is a song by the Vajrayana Buddhist British musician David Bowie, first released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory.

Conceived as a parody of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" [which was more directly mocked by Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols], "Life on Mars?" was recorded on 6 August 1971 at Trident Studios in London, and was co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott.

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The track features piano by the keyboardist Rick Wakeman and a string arrangement by the guitarist Mick Ronson. "Life on Mars?" is primarily a glam rock ballad, with elements of cabaret and art rock. The lyrics are about a girl who goes to a cinema to escape reality and include surreal images that reflect optimism and the effects of Hollywood.

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In June 1973, at the height of Bowie's fame as Ziggy Stardust, RCA Records issued "Life on Mars?" as a single in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number three. To promote the single, Mick Rock filmed a video that shows Bowie in make-up and a turquoise suit singing the song against a white backdrop.

Bowie frequently performed "Life on Mars?" during his concerts, and the track has appeared on numerous compilation albums. Commentators generally consider "Life on Mars?" to be one of Bowie's finest songs and one of the greatest songs of all time. More: Life on Mars? (Wiki feature)