Lazarus [Original Cast Recording] [LP]

One of the final works of pop icon David Bowie prior to his passing in 2016, Lazarus is an off-Broadway musical production inspired by author Walter Tevis' 1963 sci-fi novel, The Man Who Fell to Earth. Having famously starred as the book's alien protagonist, Thomas Newman, in director Nicolas Roeg's 1977 film version, Bowie revisited the material, imagining a sequel to the book. Here, we find Newman (played by Dexter actor Michael C. Hall) still on Earth, possessed by the events of the original story. Produced by the show's musical director, Henry Hey, the studio recording of Lazarus showcases the original cast, including vocals from Hall, Sophia Anne Caruso, Cristin Milioti, Michael Esper, and Charlie Pollock. Along with the newly penned title track, Lazarus primarily consists of songs drawn from Bowie's career, including reworkings of "Life on Mars?," "Changes," "Heroes," and others. Also included are tracks culled from Bowie's final studio album, 2016's Tony Visconti-co-produced Blackstar, including "No Plan," "Killing a Little Time," and "When I Met You." ~ Matt Collar