Video: David Bowie - "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)"

Here we go: things are kicking into overdrive for the release of David Bowie's new record The Next Day, and that includes today's release of the latest single from the record, "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)". The tune, which was released as a video(above) starring Tilda Swinton and directed by Floria Sigismondi, opens with an almost-"Station To Station"-esque instrumental interlude, only to then break down into a rock jam akin to much of Bowie's last big single "New Killer Star".

As with Reality, these rockers tend to kill live, which is what makes it all the more disappointing that Bowie won't be doing more than a show or two in support of his new record. Nonetheless, the track provides a stark contrast to last month's "Where Are We Now", and leaves us with a real question about just how the new record will come together, and whether it will fulfill a hefty spot as the apex of the second half of Bowie's career. A title which currently, in our opinion, continues to be dominated by 2002's Heathen. Either way, we're stoked and ready to digest an album's worth of material.

"The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" is available on iTunes and will see physical release on Record Store Day as a limited edition single.