But I hope they live forever

We are on the eve of something special. For tomorrow, our leading Patron Saint Mr David Bowie's first album in a decade The Next Day is released to a slavering public.

Heaven only knows how many column inches have been devoted to the former "Thin White Duke"/"Ziggy Stardust"/"Aladdin Sane" since the music world was wrong-footed by the completely unexpected release of Where Are We Now? on his birthday in January. The whole album was streamed on iTunes in advance of its release, which whipped up further frenzy among those who actually have an iPod (I don't).

I, instead, have reserved my excitement and anticipation for the day itself, and I look forward to picking up my copy tomorrow (probably at HMV - to help the poor buggers out). Until then I only have the singles upon which to make a judgement.

Here's the second one from the album (already!) - with a rather fab and unnerving video featuring Tilda Swinton - it's The Stars (Are Out Tonight):

David Bowie - The Stars (Are Out Tonight)

Stars are never sleeping
Dead ones and the living

We live closer to the earth
Never to the heavens
The stars are never far away
Stars are out tonight

They watch us from behind their shades
Brigitte, Jack and Kate and Brad
From behind their tinted window stretch
Gleaming like blackened sunshine

Stars are never sleeping
Dead ones and the living

Waiting for the first move
Satyrs and their child wives
Waiting for the last move
Soaking up our primitive world

Stars are never sleeping
Dead ones and the living

Their jealousy's spilling down
The stars must stick together
We will never be rid of these stars
But I hope they live forever

And they know just what we do
That we toss and turn at night
They're waiting to make their moves
But the stars are out tonight

Here they are upon the stairs
Sexless and not aware
They are the stars, they're dying for you
But I hope they live forever

They burn you with their radiant smiles
Trap you with their beautiful eyes
They're broke and shamed or drunk or scared
But I hope they live forever

Their jealousy's spilling down
The stars must stick together
We will never be rid of these stars
But I hope they live forever

And they know just what we do
That we toss and turn at night
They're waiting to make their moves on us
But the stars are out tonight

The stars are out tonight
The stars are out tonight

http://www.davidbowie.com/the-next-day