I Can't Read
Encyclopedia
"I Can't Read" is a song written by David Bowie
and Reeves Gabrels
for Tin Machine
on their debut album
in 1989.
Bowie recorded a new version of the song in 1997 for the film The Ice Storm
. This version was released as a single in Germany and Scandinavia by Velvel Records in December 1997. In January 1998 it was also released in Australia by Shock Records under exclusive license from Velvel Records. The single stayed in the UK Top 200 for 3 weeks, peaking at #73.
When Bowie performed the song in 1996 he described it as "full of remorse and agony, I expect, it's when jobs go wrong, and home doesn't really feel warm anymore, and you don't need anybody - you don't even pretend you do - and you end up in this kind of state."
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
and Reeves Gabrels
Reeves Gabrels
Reeves Gabrels is an American guitarist, known for virtuosity, versatility, and originality. His compositions and improvisations defy genre and "explore sonic extremes with a great, adaptive intuition for what each song needs most."...
for Tin Machine
Tin Machine
Tin Machine was a hard rock band formed in 1988, famous for being fronted by singer David Bowie. The group recorded two studio albums before dissolving in 1992, when Bowie returned to his solo career...
on their debut album
Tin Machine (album)
Tin Machine is the debut album of Tin Machine originally released by EMI in 1989. The group was the latest venture of David Bowie, inspired by sessions with guitarist Reeves Gabrels...
in 1989.
Bowie recorded a new version of the song in 1997 for the film The Ice Storm
The Ice Storm (film)
The Ice Storm is a 1997 drama film directed by Ang Lee, based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Rick Moody.The film features an ensemble cast of Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood, and Sigourney Weaver...
. This version was released as a single in Germany and Scandinavia by Velvel Records in December 1997. In January 1998 it was also released in Australia by Shock Records under exclusive license from Velvel Records. The single stayed in the UK Top 200 for 3 weeks, peaking at #73.
When Bowie performed the song in 1996 he described it as "full of remorse and agony, I expect, it's when jobs go wrong, and home doesn't really feel warm anymore, and you don't need anybody - you don't even pretend you do - and you end up in this kind of state."
CD: Velvel / ZYX 8757-8 (Germany)
- "I Can't Read" (Short Version) (Bowie, Gabrels) – 4:40
- "I Can't Read" (Long Version) (Bowie, Gabrels) – 5:30
- "This Is Not AmericaThis Is Not America"This Is Not America" is a song from the soundtrack for the film The Falcon and the Snowman.The track is the result of a collaboration between the jazz fusion Pat Metheny Group and rock singer David Bowie who provided the lyrics and vocals....
" (Bowie, Metheny) – 3:48
Live versions
- A live version recorded in 1989 was released on the 12" and CD version of the single "Tin MachineTin Machine (song)"Tin Machine" is the song from which the band Tin Machine took their name, a track from their debut album, also of the same name. It was released as a single in September 1989, as a double A-side with a live cover of Bob Dylan’s “Maggie's Farm”....
" - Another live version recorded during the Tin Machine Tour in 1991 was released on the live album Tin Machine Live: Oy Vey, BabyTin Machine Live: Oy Vey, BabyTin Machine Live: Oy Vey, Baby is a live album by Tin Machine originally released by London Records in 1992. It was to be the group's last release, and was recorded on the 1991–1992 It's My Life Tour. The title, suggested by Hunt Sales, was intended as a play on U2's album Achtung Baby.The album...
in 1992. - An acoustic version of the 1997 single was performed by Bowie and Reeves GabrelsReeves GabrelsReeves Gabrels is an American guitarist, known for virtuosity, versatility, and originality. His compositions and improvisations defy genre and "explore sonic extremes with a great, adaptive intuition for what each song needs most."...
for the radio station WRXT in Canada October 16, 1997.
Cover versions
- Robert Lurie Collective - Loving the Alien: Athens Georgia Salutes David Bowie
- Tim BownessTim BownessTim Bowness is a singer/songwriter primarily known for his work as part of the band No-Man, a long-term project formed in 1987 with Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson.-Music career:...
and Samuel SmilesSamuel Smiles-Early life:Born in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, the son of Samuel Smiles of Haddington and Janet Wilson of Dalkeith, Smiles was one of eleven surviving children. The family were strict Cameronians, though when Smiles grew up he was not one of them...
- Diamond Gods: Interpretations of Bowie (2001)