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Psychologist Writes 'Ideal' David Bowie Song

Dr. Nick Troop, a psychologist and lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire in England, claims he has written the "ideal" David Bowie song. Though some might argue that the Flight of the Conchords' 'Bowie' is the ideal Thin White Duke song, Troops' 'Team, Meet Girls; Girls, Meet Team' is willing to give it -- and Bowie's entire 26-album catalog -- a run for its money. What it lacks in comedic timing it makes up for in scientific accuracy -- and unwitting hilarity. Troop, who leads "a double life as a musician," according to his university page, informs us that he is a "huge Bowie fan," in case that was unclear.

"It turns out that there are some psychological processes embedded within Bowie lyrics that do correlate with how long his albums have spent in the charts," Dr. Troop explains. Apparently, Bowie's inclusion of social words like "talk," "share" and "joy" led to greater financial success than words pertaining to "motion," such as "travel," words about "touching," such as "hug," and words relating to "death," such as "suicide" and "coughing."

Troop supposes that music buyers simply aren't interested in songs about "death" or "touching," then explains how he came up with the song's lyrics, which include the poignant line, "Share, relax, creating humans XXX." Using a program called Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, Troop generated "pairs" and "triples" of words that might have come from Bowie's own mind, but are so strange they could only have come from a computer's mind.

Troop then puts on his best Bowie voice, straps on an acoustic guitar, and takes it away. What do you think? Would Bowie disown this song?

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jason

This sounds more like Morrissey... The main difference between most of David Bowie's songs and this one is that they don't become mind-numbingly boring after thirty seconds

September 08 2009 at 12:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ricky Lee

I understand where you're coming from w/ Rock & Roll Suicide. Though never suicidal, these lyrics apply to many emotional & psychological issues one may have been dealing with at that time, including simple low self esteem. I absolutely loved that tune, One of my favorites, therefore, I don't necessarily agree with the psychologist's interpretation of Bowie's greatest success. What I think the Doc is doing is taking a neuro-linguistic approach & translating what Bowie may have written into a more simplistic translation. I hope I am being understood with my explanation. For example the word "team" in the lyrics may refer to several nouns that Bowie might use in his writings, yet they all can be translated as the word team. This applies to all lyrics in this song. I agree the music and staging & proper [auses & movements are all very Bowiesque. Regards, Shelley a.k.a Ricky Lee

September 01 2009 at 1:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mel

Rock n' Roll Suicide actually was a very positive song for me. I began listening to it at a very volatile time in my life. I was very suicidal. That song made me feel like I wasn't alone and someone did care. I would venture to say that Mr. Bowie saved my life at the time. I will always love him for that. Dr. Troop is a very good singer but i think he misses the point a little. Bowie connects with his audience through the human condition relating through experience. He makes you feel that your not alone in your suffering. That's my personal opinion.

August 28 2009 at 6:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Mel's comment
Ricky Lee

I understand where you're coming from w/ Rock & Roll Suicide. Though never suicidal, these lyrics apply to many emotional & psychological issues one may have been dealing with at that time, including simple low self esteem. I absolutely loved that tune, One of my favorites, therefore, I don't necessarily agree with the psychologists interpretation of Bowie's greatest success. What I think the Doc is doing is taking a neuro-linguistic approach & translating what Bowie may have written into a more simplistic translation.

September 01 2009 at 12:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
electricphoto

I guess we'll see this rocket up the charts? Yeah OK... good luck on that.

Maybe melody, harmony, beat, sounds, production quality, public persona and marketing have a bit to do with it. Naw - just the words...

Reminds me of those occasional execs who come up with a time tested evaluation of a movie or song to see if it will be a hit. Hasn't worked yet.

Nicks word and subject insights are not to far off... but the art of song goes far deeper than the intellect. Ain't it wonderful?

That's what makes us human - because of the mystery of why certain songs grab us is so untouchable.

When in art (and songwriting is an art form) - ask the question: What do you feel? Does it move you? Does it affect you? Does it touch you? - Than spend the rest of your life wondering why and enjoying good music.

August 28 2009 at 3:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply