Strange that Peter Frampton is billed as the lead guitarist on NLMD when he actually only plays on four cuts, 'Beat On Your Drum', 'Zeroes', 'Glass Spider' and '87 & Cry'. Sid McGinnis, courtesy of CBS Orchestra, plays lead guitar on just as many, if not more, songs from the period; 'Day-In Day-Out', 'Time Will Crawl', 'Bang Bang', the single b-side 'Girls' and the omitted 'Too Dizzy'. 'New York's In Love' has Bowie himself handling the guitar (and I would assume that this is also the case on the single b-side 'Julie'), while 'Never Let Me Down' and especially 'Shining Star' is fronted by Carlos Alomar. Frampton's comes alive (sic!) on 'Glass Spider', but I actually prefer McGinnis' quirky, yet muscular riffing on the five or so tracks that he appears on. Does anyone know how come McGinnis was approached for these sessions?
And, by the way, isn't there a Garson-esque feel to the piano parts on 'Girls'?
This message has been edited by NatTate on Jul 6, 2009 9:27 PM This message has been edited by NatTate on Jul 6, 2009 7:48 PM
I have to agree vehemently I prefer McGinnis' great solos and riffs on this album to Frampton's. Frampton is a fine singer/songwriter, but just not a guy who can blast out a stunning two measure solo. See Earl Slick or McGinnis or Ronson for that.
I think Frampton got main credit because he is a name artist and Bowie did that out of courtesy and respect, not to mention the added sales it might garner.
I don't know how or why McGinnis was approached but that is a great question.
