120. Ben Blacker on David Bowie 'Aladdin Sane'

In the days following our mutual heroes passing, TV (Puss in Boots, Supernatural), stage (Thrilling Adventure Hour) and comic book (Thunderbolts) writer (as well as the host the Writers Panel podcast) Ben Blacker joined me over coffee and bagels in Los Angeles to talk about the legacy and evolution of David Bowie, through one of his best albums, 1973′s ‘Aladdin Sane’.

How did Ben overcome a distaste for ‘classic rock’ to fall hard for Bowie in the early 90s? How does your understanding of Bowie’s songs change as you mature? How did he incorporate the history of pop music into his tunes? What was a normal day at home like for him? Why was he more sincere than Bob Dylan? and how do you process grief for public figures you loved but never actually knew?

My Favorite Album is a podcast unpacking the great works of pop music. Each episode features a different songwriter or musician discussing their favorite album of all time - their history with it, the making of the album, individual songs and the album’s influence on their own music.

Jeremy Dylan is a filmmaker, journalist and photographer from Sydney, Australia who has worked in the music industry since 2007. He directed the the feature music documentary Jim Lauderdale: The King of Broken Hearts (out now!) and the feature film Benjamin Sniddlegrass and the Cauldron of Penguins, in addition to many commercials and music videos.

If you’ve got any feedback or suggestions, drop us a line at myfavoritealbumpodcast@gmail.com.