"I'd Rather Be High" (Venetian Mix) - David Bowie [YouTube Official Video]

The premise of the venerable David Bowie's "I'd Rather Be High" is this: The 17-year-old protagonist would rather experience his adolescence than fight a war. Set to psychedelic guitar riffs, the original track tells a somber story through the hazy eyes of a teenager. The Venetian Mix, which appears on Bowie's recently released The Next Day Extra (streaming free here at Zumic), favors a harpsichord over the guitar and adds a slightly more regal air to the track, making it somehow more serious.

The official video for "I'd Rather Be High" takes the anti-war message to the next level. Comprised simply of clips of Bowie and spliced-together WWII-era footage, the sinister notion of war is juxtaposed with dancing and celebration. It's disquieting in the best way. Check it out above.

This video comes just a few weeks after the release of David Bowie's second official video for “Love Is Lost” (James Murphy Remix), which you can watch here at Zumic. For more music, videos, and news, check out David Bowie's Zumic artist page.

Source: David Bowie YouTube channel