The Retirement of the Thin White Duke?

It's been a little over eight years since David Bowie released his last new album, Reality, and seven since he wrapped up the worldwide tour for it. Since then, Bowie's done some acting and concerts but has mostly been quiet, aside from reissues like the excellent Stationtostation set. As the time passes, you have to wonder if Bowie's break from music is turning into full-fledged retirement, a question that seems especially fitting as he turns 65 today.

I have mixed feelings about the prospect that Reality and its predecessor, 2002's Heathen, will end up being Bowie's last. Because both albums were so good, standing up to comparison with some of Bowie's best early work, part of me is eager to hear more. On the other hand, if songs like "Slip Away", "Everyone Says Hi" and especially "Bring Me the Disco King" turn out to be Bowie's final word, it's hard to think of a better way to go out.

Very few rock music icons get to finish at the top of their game artistically. Then again, Bowie always seemed to stand apart from the rest, in part because of his unwillingness to pursue things that bored him. For that reason, the only prediction that seems worth making is that, whatever his next step is, it won't be boring.