BLACK DOG & LEVENTHAL PUBLISHERS

★★★★★

In the six years since David Bowie’s death, there’s been no shortage of material celebrating his life, career and legacy. While most of the titles have tended to fall into one of two camps – the exhaustive biographies or the glossy, oversize photobooks, David Bowie: All The Songs shifts the focus solely onto the music, presenting itself as a meticulously researched encyclopedia of all of David Jones’ recorded output from his pre-Bowie recordings of the 60s to his death and beyond.

All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Track fulfils the title’s promise – and then some. Every song – via singles, albums, soundtracks, collaborations – is included, with each entry including the date and location of recording, the musicians used, the producer and engineer, chart positions and background, often featuring quotes from Bowie or his collaborators. Presented in chronological order, the hefty 600-page tome makes it easy for fans to delve into their favourite era, while outtakes, boxsets and live recordings wrap everything up at the book’s conclusion.

The wealth of information presented is only enhanced by hundreds of portraits, live shots and studio pics – with the lack of official artwork the book’s only downside. As an overview of Bowie, Clerc’s tribute is the only book you’re likely to need.

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