Song: Yassassin
Album: Lodger (1979)
Personnel: David Bowie (vocals, background vocals, synthesizer), Dennis Davis (drums, background vocals), George Murray (bass, background vocals), Carlos Alomar (rhythm guitar, background vocals), Tony Visconti (lead guitar, background vocals), Simon House (violin, background vocals)
What I love about this track: The juxtaposition of Middle Eastern harmonics and modalities with reggae is oddly charming.
Trivia: The song’s title is derived from a Turkish verb, yaşasın, which translates as “may s/he live a long life.”
Why I chose this video: Frankly, I thought it might be fun to provide you all with the lyrics for a change.
Sharon E. Cathcart 